The NBA Draft is still months away, but that does not mean we cannot start projecting how things might unfold. This class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent memory, featuring a generational top trio backed by several high-upside prospects. Evaluations will continue evolving as conference play ramps up, but for now, here is a way-too-early look at the 2026 NBA Mock Draft.
Order is based on the December 8 Tankathon odds.
1. Atlanta (via NOP) – Darryn Peterson | Guard | Kansas
No matter what happens with Trae Young’s future, Peterson is too special to pass on. He is an elite shotmaker with rare poise, body control, and scoring versatility. His tight handle and playmaking upside make him the best guard prospect since Cade Cunningham. Peterson’s floor is a day one impact starter with legitimate superstar upside.
2. Washington – AJ Dybantsa | Wing | BYU
Dybantsa offers the highest ceiling in the class. He is a top-shelf scorer whose fluidity and shot creation evoke shades of Tracy McGrady and Kevin Durant. Defensive consistency and midrange reliance are areas to monitor, but Washington needs a lead scorer, and Dybantsa fits that role immediately.
3. Indiana – Cameron Boozer | Forward | Duke
Any athleticism concerns vanished quickly. Boozer’s IQ, decisiveness, and polished skill set have translated seamlessly to the college level. He currently ranks among national leaders in box plus/minus, which is completely on brand for the most accomplished prep player in years. He would slot perfectly into Indiana’s fast-paced, efficient system.
4. Oklahoma City (via LAC) – Caleb Wilson | Forward | UNC
Wilson has clearly separated himself as the top prospect outside of the elite trio. He is a violent downhill attacker with advanced handle, strong finishing, and all the tools to become a versatile defender. If the shooting continues trending upward, he could end up one of the best two-way forwards from this class. OKC does not need more talent, but adding Wilson extends their championship window further.
5. Sacramento – Mikel Brown Jr. | Guard | Louisville
Sacramento has several needs, but none more pressing than point guard. Brown is a special offensive talent who plays like a 6’5” version of Trae Young. He is the best three point shooter in the class, and even if his percentages lag, the shotmaking indicators are elite. If he improves at the rim, he has future All Star potential.
6. Brooklyn – Nate Ament | Wing | Tennessee
Brooklyn made a record five first round selections last year but still lacks a true franchise cornerstone. Ament remains raw physically, but his smooth handle and diverse scoring arsenal evoke shades of Paul George. He must grow stronger and sharpen his defensive impact, but the long term upside is enticing.
7. Charlotte – Kingston Flemings | Guard | Houston
The biggest riser of the draft cycle, Flemings has been wildly productive for Houston. His lightning quick first step makes him arguably the fastest player in the country. He is an efficient three level scorer, dangerous in the midrange, and a strong defender. Continued playmaking growth could push him even higher.
8. Utah – Koa Peat | Forward | Arizona
Peat began the season hot and has settled into a complementary role, but the skill remains evident. He is a strong post scorer who uses power and agility to create advantages. His handle and defensive versatility are advanced for his age. The swing skill is his perimeter shooting, which scouts continue to monitor.
9. Dallas – Braylon Mullins | Guard | UConn
Dallas might consider a point guard, but with Kyrie still performing at a high level, Mullins makes more sense. He is a day one shooting weapon who plays at full tilt on every possession. His off ball movement and defensive playmaking give him a path to early rotation minutes.
10. Portland – LaBaron Philon | Guard | Alabama
Portland needs long term backcourt clarity. Philon is a slippery ball handler with excellent paint touch, a strong midrange game, and real growth as a three point shooter. His playmaking fits alongside Deni Avdija. Defensively, his instincts help him overcome a lean frame.
11. Chicago – Jayden Quaintance | Forward/Center | Kentucky
Quaintance has not yet debuted this season, but last season showed a special defensive talent. He projects as a versatile paint anchor with enough mobility to guard in space. The offensive development remains the concern, as his finishing and shooting are inconsistent.
12. Milwaukee – Cameron Carr | Guard | Baylor
Carr has been one of the early revelations of the college season. His scorching 55% three point shooting is not sustainable but does highlight his elite shotmaking upside. He has also improved as a slasher and midrange scorer. Defensive lapses are the main area needing refinement.
13. Memphis – Darius Acuff | Guard | Arkansas
Even if Ja Morant stays long term, Memphis needs another high upside guard. Acuff is a creative scorer with outstanding touch, especially in the paint and with floaters. He is a confident three level threat and a strong secondary playmaker. His defense remains a work in progress.
14. Atlanta (via SAN) – Karim Lopez | Wing | New Zealand Breakers
Lopez brings power and physicality to the perimeter. He is extremely strong for a wing and finishes through contact with ease. His defensive switchability fits Atlanta’s roster construction. The concern is his somewhat rigid movement, which may limit his upside as a creator.
15. Golden State – Hannes Steinbach | Center | Washington
Golden State needs a long term answer at center. Steinbach is a polished interior scorer with excellent footwork and feel. Defensively, he uses size and timing well despite limited vertical pop. He is one of the smartest big men in the class.
16. Atlanta (via CLE) – Chris Cenac Jr. | Center | Houston
A swing pick for Atlanta. Cenac has enticing upside as a floor spacing, rim finishing big who can play in modern systems. He has grown significantly as a rebounder. The primary questions are his defensive reliability and shot creation limitations.
17. Memphis (via PHX) – Neoklis Avdalas | Wing | Virginia Tech
Avdalas dazzled with a 33 point debut but has cooled off. His appeal lies in his point forward skill set with strong passing and ball handling instincts. Finishing remains a concern due to limited burst and strength. Defensive upside is capped by average athleticism.
18. Oklahoma City (via PHI) – Tounde Yessoufou | Wing | Baylor
Yessoufou fits the Thunder mold perfectly. He is an explosive athlete with a motor that never dips. His defensive physicality stands out immediately. Offensively, he works best off the ball and needs time to develop as a creator.
19. Miami – Thomas Haugh | Forward | Florida
Haugh has taken a real leap this year, especially as a perimeter shooter. He still brings the same defensive energy and downhill scoring that made him intriguing. Continued growth in creation ability will determine his ceiling.
20. Charlotte (via ORL) – Dash Daniels | Guard | Melbourne United
Dash shares his brother Dyson’s defensive mindset but brings more scoring versatility. He can get to his spots from all three levels and should fit well as a complementary guard.
21. Toronto – Bennett Stirtz | Guard | Iowa
Stirtz has climbed from anonymity to legitimate prospect status. He is a high IQ guard with excellent shooting touch and the ability to play either backcourt role. Athletic and defensive limitations remain concerns.
22. Boston – Meleek Thomas | Guard | Arkansas
Thomas is one of the purest scorers in the class, with deep range and a complete shotmaking bag. Teams want to see more development as a passer and defender, but the scoring talent is undeniable.
23. Minnesota – Cayden Boozer | Guard | Duke
Not the prospect his brother Cameron is, but Cayden is a steady guard who understands how to run an offense. He lacks high end shot creation but offers strong playmaking, positional strength, and defensive reliability.
24. Cleveland (via SAN) – Yaxel Lendeborg | Forward | Michigan
Lendeborg is an older prospect but one of the most productive. He is a powerful point forward with great interior scoring and transition ability. The question is how much long term upside remains.
25. New York – Isaiah Evans | Wing | Duke
Evans projects as a classic three and D wing. He offers shooting, length, and enough off ball scoring punch to contribute in a limited role early.
26. Oklahoma City (via HOU) – Brayden Burries | Guard | Arizona
If OKC has a weakness, it is shooting depth. Burries is a confident, mechanically sound shooter whose percentages undersell his skill. Improved defense will determine his role.
27. Los Angeles Lakers – Patrick Ngongba II | Center | Duke
Ngongba is an excellent play finisher with strong defensive fundamentals. His ceiling is capped, but his floor is higher than most bigs in this range. He fits well next to an on ball star.
28. Denver – Dame Sarr | Wing | Duke
Sarr is an efficient shooter with defensive polish forged by years of European competition. Next to Nikola Jokic, he can thrive as a cutter, spacer, and opportunistic scorer.
29. Detroit – Matt Able | Wing | NC State
Able is a smart perimeter scorer who can catch fire from deep. His finishing has been a concern but has shown improvement this season. Versatile wing depth is exactly what Detroit needs.
30. Washington (via OKC) – Christian Anderson | Guard | Texas Tech
Washington closes the first round by adding a poised, high feel playmaker who excels in pick and roll. Anderson can run offense immediately and create for himself when needed.