2026 NBA Mock Draft: Four Contenders for the No. 1 Pick

With the 2025 draft class, including top prospects like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and VJ Edgecombe, making their way to the NBA, attention now shifts to the 2026 draft class.

Scouts have been evaluating these players for quite some time, with the initial mock draft published in February. There`s considerable anticipation surrounding the top of the 2026 class, with some league sources suggesting that the potential top five players possess historical star power. Athletes such as Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Nate Ament are viewed as potential cornerstones for NBA franchises.

Over the past few years, the development of the top prospects has been observed, and generally, there is a solid understanding of the players at the very top of the class. For instance, the June 2024 projection for the 2025 draft accurately identified four of the top five picks and six of the first eight, reflecting a historical trend of early accuracy for the elite prospects.

The significant number of college and international prospects from the 2025 class who chose not to enter the draft or withdrew before the deadline – potentially up to two dozen players from the top 100 big board – has created unusual depth in the early first and second-round projections for the 2026 draft.

However, teams still have much to discover about the rest of the lottery and first round. The current high school senior class entering college is not considered exceptionally deep, and the 2007-born international player group eligible for the NBA draft for the first time also doesn`t stand out as particularly thrilling yet.

Each year, lesser-known players invariably emerge during the college season, much like Cedric Coward, Nique Clifford, Walter Clayton Jr., or Danny Wolf did in the recent draft cycle.

This unpredictable element is what makes draft projections so captivating. The exact timing and location of a player`s emergence remain unknown, keeping NBA scouts constantly engaged.

Who is Ranked No. 1 for 2026 and Why?

There are four strong contenders for the No. 1 overall pick: Peterson, Dybantsa, Boozer, and Ament. However, most NBA teams believe it would be challenging, though not impossible, for someone to displace Peterson and Dybantsa from the top two spots without a significant surprise.

These four, among others, were extensively evaluated at events like the Chipotle Nationals, Nike Hoop Summit, and McDonald’s All-American games in April, as well as the USA Basketball under-19 training camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in June.

Peterson solidified his position at No. 1 following an exceptional final season of high school basketball at Prolific Prep in Napa, California. He proved incredibly difficult to defend in the open court, demonstrating an ability to change speeds out of the pick-and-roll, execute deep pull-up 3-pointers, and finish explosively around the basket.

He has also shown noticeable improvement as both a passer and defender. Kansas coach Bill Self is expected to entrust the 6-foot-6 Peterson with leadership of the offense, providing him with an ideal platform to cement his status at the top of the draft board within the highly competitive Big 12 conference.

Dybantsa, previously considered a near certainty for the No. 1 spot before a somewhat underwhelming high school senior season, delivered a stunning performance at the USA Basketball U19 training camp a few weeks prior. Appearing more focused on creating opportunities for others than seen in some time, Dybantsa was a devastating force in transition and displayed the ability to lock down players from point guards to power forwards with a rare combination of physical strength and intensity for an 18-year-old.

He scored effortlessly and made numerous high-level reads in the pick-and-roll, including pocket passes and lobs, illustrating significant progress in his decision-making and selflessness.

This refined version of Dybantsa appears almost guaranteed to emerge as a strong candidate for the No. 1 pick. A similar showing at the upcoming FIBA U19 World Cup and as a freshman at BYU could prompt a reassessment of the projected order, also depending on Peterson’s performance.

Boozer also remains a viable candidate for the top pick, particularly after his standout performance at the Nike Hoop Summit in April. He spearheaded USA Basketball to a tough overtime victory against the World Team with 22 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists, anchoring the team`s defense and showcasing his exceptional basketball IQ. However, some NBA executives express reservations, noting that Boozer may be an early physical bloomer who lacks elite explosiveness and occasionally relies too heavily on bully-ball tactics inside.

To silence these critics, he will need to consistently make shots and demonstrate versatility in passing and defense. Expectations are for him to have a Cooper Flagg-like impact season at Duke that will surprise those who doubt him.

Ament is a more recent addition to the No. 1 pick discussion and arguably the furthest from realizing his full potential, partly due to his current weight of 186 pounds. Nevertheless, ultra-talented 6-foot-11 wing players possessing his fluidity, shooting touch, defensive versatility, and scoring ability are frequently identified as franchise-level prospects.

Following the McDonald’s All-American Game in April, numerous NBA executives commented on Ament`s perceived All-Star potential. After joining practice at Tennessee on June 17, Ament appears to be gaining weight and is expected to play a featured role in the SEC. This presents him with every opportunity to build his case as a potential surprise No. 1 pick.

Top Returning Prospects to Watch

Although the majority of the early projected first-round picks are incoming freshmen or international players, 11 of the top 30 are returning to the NCAA. Most of these players participated in the predraft process this spring before deciding to stay in college. Here are some of the notable returning players NBA teams are closely evaluating:

Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky

Quaintance was just 17 throughout his freshman season at Arizona State and was therefore ineligible for this year’s draft. NBA teams monitored him closely, attracted by his excellent physical attributes and flashes of talent as a dunker and interior finisher. Considering he could have still been a junior in high school, his impressive shot-blocking numbers (2.6 per game) were particularly noteworthy.

While Quaintance is still quite unrefined from a skill standpoint, especially his jump shot, and needs significant development in overall technique and court awareness, his exceptional youth for his college level affords him the benefit of the doubt. NBA scouts will be eager to see if he can elevate his game after transferring to Kentucky. He will have a prominent role there to try and solidify himself as a lottery-level talent, but he requires considerable refinement before he is NBA-ready.

His recovery timeline following ACL surgery in March will be a key factor to observe.

Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan

Lendeborg had a breakout season at UAB last year and is transferring to Michigan, where he anticipates a significant role and a lucrative NIL deal after considering the 2025 draft. He showed positive flashes at the combine but not enough to secure a guaranteed first-round spot. Michigan has lost substantial frontcourt production with Danny Wolf (No. 27 pick) and Vladislav Goldin going pro, creating an opportunity for Lendeborg to significantly boost his draft stock.

A late bloomer with a blend of offensive skills, defensive playmaking, and impressive length, Lendeborg is expected to be a key contributor for Michigan.

Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa

Stirtz had begun trending upward with NBA scouts in a significant way in March, performing well in the NCAA tournament and generating first-round buzz. Given the momentum he had built, his decision to completely forgo the predraft process this spring was unexpected.

Instead, Stirtz will follow Ben McCollum, his former coach at Drake (and Division II Northwest Missouri State before that), to Iowa. He will take over leadership of the offense there, providing a major platform to further prove himself in the Big Ten conference. He is a highly skilled playmaker and is expected to be among the top guards in college basketball.

Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke

Evans was a five-star recruit who didn`t fully establish himself at Duke last season, playing a limited role on a strong team before deciding to return. A perimeter sharpshooter with a slender physique, Evans will likely have more scoring opportunities on a reshaped Blue Devils roster, allowing NBA teams a clearer look at his capabilities.

His limitations in decision-making and defense restricted his consistent playing time last season. Evans must improve in these areas to secure his position as a first-round prospect a year from now. While his shotmaking ability is a legitimate NBA asset, he will need to work to convince scouts.

Tahaad Pettiford, PG, Auburn

Pettiford impressed on the initial day of the NBA combine. Although his performance wasn`t enough to guarantee the first-round status he desired, he reminded scouts of his potential upon returning to Auburn. He should have greater freedom to operate next season, as the Tigers have lost significant backcourt minutes.

Pettiford`s scoring ability and explosiveness provide him a chance to succeed as an undersized guard, but NBA teams are looking for him to expand his playmaking and improve defensively. At 6-1 and 175 pounds, he projects primarily as a spark plug off the bench. However, if Pettiford can redefine the conversation about his upside, he could potentially land in the first round.

Top 10 Picks in the 2026 NBA Mock Draft

The projected 2026 top-10 order is based on various factors, including betting odds and internal projections.

1. 
   1. Washington Wizards: Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, 6-6, Age: 18.4
   Freshman, Kansas

   Peterson stood out as the premier high school player last season, showcasing a coveted blend of size, length, explosiveness, and skill in creating his own shot. He is also a capable passer with strong defensive instincts and exceptional scoring talent.

   Under Coach Self, Peterson is expected to be the centerpiece of the Kansas offense, which is designed to highlight his dynamic abilities. This provides him with every opportunity to solidify his position as the top prospect in next year`s draft.

2. 
   2. Utah Jazz: A.J. Dybantsa, SG/SF, 6-9, Age: 18.4
   Freshman, BYU

   Dybantsa has consistently produced across various platforms, though his performance last season at Utah Prep was somewhat inconsistent. He showed significant improvement at the USA Basketball U19 World Cup in June, demonstrating greater efficiency and dominating both ends of the court. Every NBA team seeks players like Dybantsa – a 6-9 wing who can score from anywhere, pass effectively on the move, and defend multiple positions.

   Having already enrolled at BYU, he will be given leadership of the offense and the chance to prove he deserves consideration for the No. 1 pick. This process may begin this upcoming week at the FIBA U19 World Cup.

3. 
   3. Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Boozer, PF, 6-9, Age: 17.9
   Freshman, Duke

   Boozer is one of the most remarkably productive high school players observed, possessing a winning track record unmatched by recent prospects. He exhibits an elite understanding of the game and is capable of handling the ball, passing, shooting, and defending across positions.

   He plays with relentless intensity, excels at rebounding, and takes pride in overpowering opponents in the paint. His external shooting has also significantly improved over the past year. Boozer`s freshman year production could rival Cooper Flagg`s, potentially positioning him as a legitimate candidate for national Player of the Year honors, even amidst questions from some NBA executives regarding his long-term ceiling.

4. 
   4. Charlotte Hornets: Nate Ament, SF, 6-11, Age: 18.5
   Freshman, Tennessee

   Ament, a late bloomer, has undergone significant growth over the past year, adding mass to his 6-11 frame. He is an exceptional shooter, has refined his passing and defensive capabilities, and his ability to create his own shot almost at will suggests he may possess the highest potential of anyone in this class.

   He will be a primary focus at Tennessee, allowing NBA teams to evaluate whether he can develop into a consistently efficient, impactful player within the challenging SEC conference.

5. 
   5. Sacramento Kings: Mikel Brown Jr., PG, 6-4, Age: 18.8
   Committed to Louisville

   Growing from 5-10 to 6-4 during his high school career, Brown has demonstrated dynamic scoring instincts and talent as a ball handler, passer, and outside shooter. At 176 pounds, he can be inconsistent as a finisher, defender, and decision-maker.

   However, his ability to cope with the physical demands of college basketball on both offense and defense will be crucial to his productivity as a freshman at Louisville.

6. 
   6. Memphis Grizzlies (via Phoenix): Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, 6-10, Age: 17.9
   Sophomore, Kentucky

   Younger than several highly-rated rising high school seniors, Quaintance had a highly effective freshman season at Arizona State, ranking among the nation`s best shot blockers. He possesses a well-built frame, large hands, and a 7-foot-5 wingspan, making him exceptionally mobile.

   NBA teams will closely monitor his recovery from ACL surgery in March, which might necessitate a slower start upon joining Kentucky.

7. 
   7. Chicago Bulls: Karim Lopez, SF/PF, 6-9, Age: 18.2
   New Zealand Breakers (NBL)

   Lopez had an outstanding season with the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL Next Star program, showing significant progress in his outside shooting. At 6-9, he combines guard skills with the physicality and motor required to defend bigger players.

   Scouts are eager to witness his continued development in his second NBL season, where he is likely to take on an expanded role.

8. 
   8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans): Caleb Wilson, PF, 6-9, Age: 18.9
   Freshman, North Carolina

   Standing at 6-9, Wilson possesses an excellent build, length, and developing two-way versatility that could mature into a highly intriguing profile long-term. He is adept at securing defensive rebounds and initiating fast breaks with his passing.

   Wilson`s intensity level and outside shooting require refinement, but he possesses inherent physical traits that cannot be taught and is loaded with long-term potential.

9. 
   9. Memphis Grizzlies: Dame Sarr, SG/SF, 19.0
   Freshman, Duke

   Sarr follows the path of highly touted international prospects like Kasparas Jakucionis and Egor Demin, leaving the Spanish development system to pursue college basketball at a revamped Duke program. The 6-8 wing is a versatile defender who has shown promising glimpses as a perimeter shooter, passer, and shot creator in the EuroLeague and ACB over the past year.

   However, he is still raw in several aspects of his game, including decision-making.

   

10. 
    10. Miami Heat: Dash Daniels, SG, 6-6, Age: 17.5
    Melbourne United (NBL)

    Daniels is likely to be the youngest prospect eligible for the 2026 draft, turning 18 in mid-December. This makes it challenging to predict how he will handle the demanding nature of Australia`s NBL next season. He shares many of the same strengths and weaknesses as his brother Dyson (a guard for the Hawks) but is physically bigger, stronger, and longer at the same age, which benefits his NBA projection.

    Similar to his brother, he is an excellent defender and is still developing as a ball handler, shooter, and scorer. However, he possesses a strong feel for the game and plays with good pace and unselfishness. Based on his performances in the NBL1 league with the Sandringham Sabres this summer, he appears to be making strides with his shooting.

Remaining 2026 Big Board