2026 NBA Draft: First-Round Projections Highlight Top Prospects and Team Targets
A new mock draft outlines likely first-round selections for the 2026 NBA Draft, naming players such as AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson and noting the teams expected to choose them.
With the 2026 NBA Draft approaching, a mock draft compiled from league sources, combine data and input from sports-science firm P3 projects the likely order of first-round picks. The Washington Wizards are projected to select BYU wing AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner, who told USA TODAY Sports he feels confident about his draft position. The Utah Jazz are expected to consider Duke forward Cameron Boozer, the ACC Player of the Year, while the Memphis Grizzlies could take Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, a highly regarded scorer despite recent injury concerns. Chicago’s new executive vice president of basketball operations, Bryson Graham, is linked to a potential selection of North Carolina big man Caleb Wilson, noted for his size and athleticism. The Los Angeles Clippers may target Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, who described playing with a “chip on his shoulder.” Brooklyn is projected to look at Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., who said he has been cleared medically after a recent injury. Other first-round candidates include Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. for the Sacramento Kings, Houston guard Kingston Flemings for the Atlanta Hawks, Arizona guard Brayden Burries for the Dallas Mavericks, Tennessee forward Nate Ament for the Milwaukee Bucks, and international forward Karim López for the Golden State Warriors. The mock also lists second-round prospects and the teams likely to select them, based on recent workouts and scouting reports.
