2026 NBA Mock Draft: Full Two-Round Projections & Rising Stars to Watch.
Updated: December 24, 2025The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most talented classes in years. College freshmen are dominating headlines, international prospects are rising fast, and a deep group of guards and versatile bigs could give teams multiple franchise-changing options.
This mock uses projected lottery order based on current NBA standings, factoring in major traded picks like Atlanta owning New Orleans' first-rounder and OKC holding several valuable selections.
The top of the draft features intense debate: Darryn Peterson's scoring explosion, AJ Dybantsa's athletic dominance, and Cameron Boozer's all-around polish have scouts split on who deserves No. 1. Add in Caleb Wilson and the returning Jayden Quaintance, and the top five could produce multiple All-Stars.
First Round
Washington Wizards – Darryn Peterson (SG, Kansas, Freshman, 6'6", 205 lbs)
A dynamic shot-creator with rare fluidity, Peterson draws Anthony Edwards comparisons for his ability to score from all three levels. Recent games showed his pull-up jumper and drives, though a lingering hamstring issue has teams monitoring his durability closely.
Indiana Pacers – AJ Dybantsa (SF, BYU, Freshman, 6'9")
Physically overwhelming with elite power and bounce, Dybantsa is posting big numbers against weaker competition. His mid-range game and free-throw drawing ability stand out, earning Jaylen Brown comps. Three-point volume is the main development area.
Sacramento Kings – Cameron Boozer (PF, Duke, Freshman, 6'9", 250 lbs)
The most skilled big in the class, Boozer excels with face-ups, passing, and perimeter shooting. He's faced the toughest schedules and thrived, leading some scouts to rank him No. 1 overall. Paolo Banchero-like versatility with high basketball IQ.
Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans) – Caleb Wilson (PF, North Carolina, Freshman, 6'10", 215 lbs)
Leads the nation in dunks with relentless energy and quick leaps. His improving perimeter touch and playmaking vision add scoring layers. Defensive upside could push him into the top tier.
Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers) – Jayden Quaintance (PF, Kentucky, Freshman, 6'10", 255 lbs)
Back strong from an ACL injury, Quaintance's debut featured blocks, boards, and physical dominance. Bam Adebayo comp for his rim protection, strength, and growing offensive touch.
Brooklyn Nets – Kingston Flemings (PG, Houston, Freshman, 6'4", 190 lbs)
Ultra-polished with decisive reads, pull-up shooting, and off-ball comfort. Elite efficiency numbers make him a safe, high-floor lead guard.
Charlotte Hornets – Koa Peat (PF, Arizona, Freshman, 6'8", 235 lbs)
Dominant interior scorer using post moves and rolls. Reliable finisher, though limited range and handle cap his ceiling for some teams.
Utah Jazz – Labaron Philon Jr. (PG, Alabama, Sophomore, 6'4", 185 lbs)
Creative handler with Euro-steps, left-hand finishes, and consistent three-point shooting this season.
Milwaukee Bucks – Mikel Brown Jr. (PG, Louisville, Freshman, 6'5", 180 lbs)
Confident scorer with flair and quickness. Streaky jumper but capable of taking over games.
Dallas Mavericks – Darius Acuff Jr. (PG/SG, Arkansas, Freshman, 6'3", 190 lbs)
Tough driver with reliable floater and improved playmaking. Size concerns fading.
Portland Trail Blazers – Thomas Haugh (SF/PF, Florida, Senior, 6'9")
Easy-fit wing with size, shooting, and athleticism.
Memphis Grizzlies – Karim Lopez (PF, New Zealand Breakers, 18 yo, Mexico)
Physical forward with ball-handling and improving perimeter game.
Chicago Bulls – Nate Ament (SF, Tennessee, Freshman, 6'10")
High-upside wing with guard skills, but struggling with strength and efficiency.
San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta) – Hannes Steinbach (C, Washington, Sophomore, Germany)
Skilled 7-footer with touch, passing, and rebounding.
Golden State Warriors – Cameron Carr (SG, Baylor, Junior)
Explosive off-ball scorer with deep range.
Atlanta Hawks (via Cleveland) – Braylon Mullins (SG, UConn, Freshman)
Tough shot-maker off screens.
Miami Heat – Tounde Yessoufou (SG/SF, Baylor, Sophomore)
Strong, athletic wing with motor and emerging jumper.
Memphis Grizzlies (via Phoenix) – Keaton Wagler (SG, Illinois, Freshman)
Smooth shooter and improviser rising fast.
Toronto Raptors – Christian Anderson (PG, Texas Tech, Sophomore)
Crafty scorer with playmaking bursts.
Charlotte Hornets (via Orlando) – Yaxel Lendeborg (PF, Michigan, Senior)
Versatile forward with shooting and assists.
21–30 Highlights: Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston), Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State playmaker), Aday Mara (skilled Spanish big), Brayden Burries (confident Arizona scorer), Neoklis Avdalas (diverse shot-maker), Bennett Stirtz (smart guard), Henri Veesaar (reliable post scorer), Patrick Ngongba II (physical center), Dash Daniels (Australian defender), Zuby Ejiofor (athletic finisher).
Second Round Highlights
- New York Knicks (via Wizards) – Isaiah Evans (Duke) – Movement shooter.
- Memphis (via Pacers) – Ryan Conwell (Louisville) – 40%+ three-point specialist.
- Boston (via Pelicans) – Braden Smith (Purdue) – Elite pick-and-roll operator.
- Sacramento Kings – Meleek Thomas (Arkansas) – Scoring combo guard.
- LA Clippers – Sergio de Larrea (Valencia, Spain) – Smooth shooter and passer.
- Brooklyn Nets – Juke Harris (Wake Forest) – Transition and shooting threat.
- Sacramento (via Hornets) – Flory Bidunga (Kansas, Congo) – Athletic rim-runner.
- San Antonio (via Jazz) – Alex Karaban (UConn) – Winning shooter.
- OKC (via Mavericks) – Paul McNeil (NC State) – Deep-range specialist.
- Boston (via Bucks) – JT Toppin (Texas Tech) – Dominant interior double-double machine.
Why This Class is Special
Deep talent at guard and forward positions, multiple potential No. 1 options, and international flavor make 2026 a draft teams are already positioning for. Health, consistency in big games, and shooting development will decide final rankings. Expect plenty of movement as conference play and March Madness unfold.
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