It’s been a while since we did a mock draft. Nearly three years, in fact. However, considering 2024’s garbage draft and 2025’s pretty normal group, we come to the 2026 draft, which looks to be one of the best and most exciting in years. As we stand right now, there is no consensus number one pick, which usually means that a class is going to be awful, looking at 2013 and 2024.
However, the phenomenon of not having a consensus number one pick is usually because there aren’t any standouts. This year, there are multiple incredible, generational standouts to choose from. There are three unbelievable standouts to choose from, all of whom are touted to become superstars.
The 2026 Draft is looking, overall, to become one of the most unique and memorable classes ever. Not only with the talent, but with the picks. The defending champions, the best team in the league, and likely back-to-back champions will pick higher than the second-worst team in the league by record. We also have five, arguably six, franchises having terrible seasons in an effort to get one of these stars. So let’s learn these stars, the teams looking to win them, and my projected lottery in this 2026 Draft Class.
#1: Washington: Darryn Peterson
Year: Freshman
School: Kansas
Height: 6’5”
Position: Combo G
Archetype: Two-way threat with clutch genes and astronomic upside
In an absolutely loaded draft class, Darryn Peterson is the pick of the litter in my opinion. While the two behind him are elite prospects, there feels like there’s something different about Peterson. He’s a combo guard who, in my opinion, has the highest upside of anyone in this draft and one of the highest upsides coming into the league of the last decade, perhaps only behind Victor Wembanyama in 2023.
Not only is Peterson an elite shooter with the best jumpshot in the draft, but he’s also one of its best defenders. He also seems to have an elite mentality already, coming up big in the clutch moments in high school, netting game winners, and outscoring AJ Dybantsa in a matchup between the two in high school. In an 85-81 victory, Dybantsa would score 49, and Peterson would put up 61. In high school, not just some middle school game where the competition is 5’6” future cubicle workers.
Whoever gets Peterson is getting themselves a star, there’s no question about it. The Kansas guard has gotten comparisons to Kobe and MJ, and may have similar upside. While this draft has no face right now, I’m calling that Peterson becomes it.
#2: Atlanta (via NO): AJ Dybantsa
Year: Freshman
School: BYU
Height: 6’9”
Position: SF
Archetype: Best scorer in the country, elite work ethic, and potential
As good as Peterson is, Dybantsa could be better. The forward is the best overall scorer in the draft and one of the best scorers we’ve seen in recent years. While Dybantsa relied more on his long-range shot in high school, he’s developed a killer midrange and drive to the basket that makes him an absolutely elite three-way shooter.
Scouts have developed a bad habit across the last few drafts of comparing any forward over 6’8” with a shot to Kevin Durant, but if anyone deserves those comparisons, it’s AJ. Not only that, but the forward also has an aspect to him that must lead to success in the league – his second-to-none work ethic. During pre-season before his first year with BYU, the college had to give him days off because he was working his body so hard, and his father had to take him on vacation for a few days to stop him from going to the gym anyway. If he can keep this work ethic during his time in the league, there isn’t much that’ll be able to stop him.
You may be wondering why Atlanta, of all teams, gets him at two, despite fighting for a play-in spot in the East. Well, this pick used to belong to the New Orleans Pelicans, but they gave it up unprotected to Atlanta last June to move up ten spots because they just had to draft Derik Queen. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good prospect, but he’s no AJ. This could come back to haunt the already-unlucky Pels.
#3: Sacramento: Cam Boozer
Year: Freshman
School: Duke
Height: 6’9”
Position: PF
Archetype: Transcendent forward, elite playmaker, also has ridiculous upside
The last of the transcendent trio, Boozer would be a consensus number one pick in most drafts, but falls to three just because of how good the top two are. If Peterson’s the shooter, and AJ’s the scorer, Boozer’s the creator. Watching a highlight reel of the forward, you’d be mistaken for thinking you’re watching Nikola Jokic, with no-look passes to the perimeter and under the basket galore.
Boozer is also having one of the best seasons from a freshman in NCAA history, averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists a night on 58% efficiency, and up to nearly 70% true shooting on most nights. His stats are better than some of Duke’s best freshman stars, including Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero.
While Sacramento is known for being a talent void, Cam, the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, may join a list of Chris Webber, Boogie Cousins, and De’Aaron Fox as the only Kings draft picks to come good in recent memory. In my estimation, he could be better than all of them.
Now, while I’ve put the top three based on how I rate them, know that any of these three could go first or second, and any of them are deserving of it.
#4: Indiana: Caleb Wilson
Year: Freshman
School: North Carolina
Height: 6’9”
Position: PF
Archetype: Raw talent, great size, good upside
Caleb Wilson, credit to him, is a very good prospect out of North Carolina. The four is slightly lanky at just 205 pounds, but still uses his size well. Wilson has a strong offensive game and can shoot and space the floor well for a guy his size. However, he still needs to find that one thing that makes him stand out and develop his game to be polished at the top level.
For Indiana, this draft will be critical to their franchise’s future, even more so than it is for other franchises. As Tyrese Haliburton returns in 2026/27, adding one of these megatalents could shape the team to become a juggernaut in an Eastern Conference in an identity crisis. Indiana NEEDS top three.
#5: Brooklyn: Kingston Flemings
Year: Freshman
School: Houston
Height: 6’4”
Position: PG
Archetype: Great playmaker, nightmare for defenders
While there may be better players in this draft than Flemings, there may not be many more entertaining ones. Flemings is a great scorer and playmaker with a bag of tricks that may make him a nightmare for defenders. The Houston guard seems an awkward fit on the Nets, who already have ball handlers Cam Thomas and Michael “The possession ends here” Porter Jr, but he could be great for a backup line or to complement Porter Jr. after Cam Thomas leaves.
#6: Utah: Mikel Brown Jr.
Year: Freshman
School: Louisville
Height: 6’5”
Position: PG
Archetype: Long-range shooter with a bag
Another guard, Brown’s game is score-first, pass if you have to. But Utah might need someone like that. The Louisville guard is also very flashy, and with a high upside, he could be a really fun player to watch. We still need to see more of him, however, as Brown has just returned from a long-term back injury.
#7: Memphis: Jayden Quaintance
Year: Sophomore
School: Kentucky
Height: 6’10”
Position: C
Archetype: Defensive juggernaut, limited offensively, low ceiling-high floor
Let’s say this off rip – Jayden Quaintance isn’t going to be a superstar. Not only is he a year older than everyone in this draft, but he’s coming off an ACL tear and recently had knee inflammation. Follow that up with an offensive game described by SB Nation as pedestrian, and you have what seems to be a horrible basketball player. Why is he seventh?
His defensive output is second-to-none among centers in this draft, and he’s an elite rebounder. If his knees stay intact, he’s going to be a good surrounding piece to whoever he plays for. He’s a low-floor piece, and you know what you’re getting with him. Solid, raw big man depth.
#8: Milwaukee: Koa Peat
Year: Freshman
School: Arizona
Height: 6’7”
Position: SF/PF
Archetype: Physical accessory player, high-floor surrounding piece
A phenom all the way from middle school, Peat has been one of the most hyped players from this class for years, but the hype has died down significantly recently. Peat has transformed his game into a physically dominant one, finishing through contact, hard defending, and setting tough screens.
Writing this on January 29th, we have no idea what the future holds in Milwaukee. In a week’s time, we have no clue if Giannis will be on the team, and if not, we have no clue what players Milwaukee gets back. A player like Koa Peat could be great for a Bucks rebuild and start to introduce a bare-knuckle, hardworking identity for a new team.
#9: Dallas: Hannes Steinbach
Year: Freshman
School: Washington
Height: 6’11”
Position: PF/C
Archetype: Board monster, raw talent
The best rebounding prospect in the class, most likely, Steinbach is a very good rotational big man who will be utilized very well in the right setup. He has a few big holes in his game, which will be exploited and prevent him from becoming a big talent, but he’s a solid depth piece.
#10: Charlotte: Labaron Philon
Year: Sophomore
School: Alabama
Height: 6’3”
Position: PG
Archetype: Small, shifty guard, good playmaker
Despite his small size, Philon makes the most of his game. His floater game is nasty, he’s a great playmaker, and just looks great in most roles. Potentially a new route for Charlotte after Lamelo Ball.
#11: Thunder (via LAC): Yaxel Lendeborg
Year: Senior (Year 6)
School: Michigan
Height: 6’10”
Position: PF
Archetype: All round NBA-ready shooter
A power forward who entered college the same year as Cade Cunningham, Lendeborg is one of the most NBA-ready prospects in this class. You’d hope so, though, as he’ll be 24 at the time of his NBA debut. He’s a very good shooter for his size, and I can see the Thunder taking him here to get a win-now player. Thanks, Steve Ballmer.
#12: Portland: Nate Ament
Year: Freshman
School: Tennessee
Height: 6’9”
Position: SF/PF
Archetype: Good shot, needs to find another level
Ament came into the college season as a top-5 pick, but his stock has fallen dramatically. He’s struggled against top-level college opposition, which doesn’t bode well for his NBA career. Maybe Portland takes a chance on Ament as Lillard comes back from injury in 2026.
#13: Chicago: Aday Mara
Year: Junior
School: Michigan
Height: 7’3”
Position: C
Archetype: Ginormous rim protector, board getter
It’s obvious to see the appeal of taking Mara here for Chicago. A very Edey-like pick, Mara is an elite rim protector and board getter, for reasons that don’t need rocket science to figure out. He can also provide great outlet passes after getting the ball, a rare attribute for someone his size. It’s worth taking a shot at this giant.
#14: Spurs (via ATL): Darius Acuff
Year: Freshman
School: Arkansas
Height: 6’3”
Position: PG
Archetype: Good John Calipari guard, high upside raw shooter
One of the strongest players in his position, Acuff can be a battering ram in drives to the rim. He’s a solid three-way scorer and is coached by John Calipari at Arkansas, who has nurtured some great guards over the years, such as Shai, Devin Booker, DeAaron Fox, and Jamal Murray. Unlike some others before him, Acuff has high upside if utilised properly.
That’s all for my first NBA Mock Draft of 2026. Perhaps I’ll do another one closer to the draft, but for now, focus on NBA basketball; the season is finally getting good. I’ll see you next time.