2026 NBA Mock Draft 1.0
Let's have some fun with a quick NBA mock draft. We're at the point where we have a good feel for where most teams will pick on draft night. Here's an in-depth piece explaining every made selection:
Introduction
I’m not going to sit here and waste your time with a consensus-heavy mock draft. Instead, I want to make things interesting and combine what teams need with how I processed and evaluated the prospects so far this season.
In my philosophy I’m using a healthy combination of focusing more on long-term potential with underclassmen, with ready-now tools fitting them into archetypes that NBA teams need, whereas I focus on production and plug-and-play type of roles with upperclassmen, where long-term potential is less important.
The common denominator is that I put a lot of value in physical tools and prospects already mastering most of their athleticism. That’s essential if we want to see them play minutes early in their career, and not enter the league with high exepctations while then spending a majority of their time in the G League.
An important note: I don’t value consensus. If I haven’t evaluated a player, I will not rank nor take them into account in my mock drafts.
Another important note: I wrote close to 300 articles so far, and have in-depth scouting reports for almost all selections. Feel free to read those as well.
Draft Order
The draft order is determined on the regular season standings as of 7 January 2026. There’s no need to run a Tankathon sim, as I want to avoid unlikely scenarios.
Mock Draft — First Round
1 — Indiana Pacers
AJ Dybantsa (#3, BYU): Freshman, 6’9”
The Pacers basically redshirted their main guy in Tyrese Haliburton That’s a fantastic decision, as they can continue to load up their depth chart by using this season to assess which complementary pieces will fit the title-contending Pacers in the long run. This will potentially extend the number of years they can aim for the NBA title.
It’s clear that this team needs another option that can take pressure away from Siakam and Haliburton. Looking at the value of initiating wing/forwards, we’ll see them use that as their main difference to add another dynamic that other teams will have trouble with stopping. Siakam is one of the best forwards in the league, and Dybantsa can continue to grow and go for a championship as a rookie.
2 — Atlanta Hawks, via NOP
Darryn Peterson (#22, Kansas): Freshman, 6’5”
After the Trae Young trade to Washington, it’s imminent that we’ll see Atlanta trying to draft their new commander in chief. Jalen Johnson is this team’s point forward, the role that fits him best. However, overall this team doesn’t have the best defensive performances, adding more value to what Peterson can become for the Hawks.
As, potentially, a generational prospect, he’ll be one of the league’s few two-way guards. That’s what will turn Atlanta into a contender within a few years. That gives them the league’s best defending guard tandem, with Dyson Daniels complementing Peterson very well on that end. Overall, Peterson is a true shooting guard, which won’t create any overlap with the personnel Atlanta already has on their roster. Consider it a scenario where Dwyane Wade and LeBron James fit perfectly alongside each other. I see a similar outcome for Peterson and Johnson.
3 — Washington Wizards
TRADE - Washington sends #4 and future picks to Kings for #3
Cameron Boozer (#12, Duke): Freshman, 6’9”
Looking at the many defensive standouts the Wizards have on their roster, with Alex Sarr being the main option, we’ll see them value adding a top option to their depth chart. It’s Trae Young’s team, but with Boozer in the frontcourt, they’ll get one of the best offensive players the draft has seen in the last few years.
We see him make a difference for Duke in any given game this season. In my previous evaluations, I’ve put worries in a lack of defensive potential while I don’t see a true 1A option in Boozer. Getting Young via the draft makes it easier for them to make the decision to focus on their frontcourt. Looking at the stage of their rebuild, Boozer’s physicality should lead to them immediately adding more wins to their resume, where Washington can try to be a playoff team next year.
4 — Sacramento Kings
TRADE - Kings send #3 to Washington for #4 and future picks
Caleb Wilson (#8, North Carolina): Freshman, 6’10”
I’ve been thinking about rewarding Wilson’s excellent season by putting him in the top 3. I’m not entirely there, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Sacramento wants to continue to focus on adding complementary pieces surrounding Domantas Sabonis, who is still their main option. Wilson can then grow and be the team-leading forward in their rebuild. I can see him growing into one of the league’s best defenders. This will lead them being comfortable trading back and accumulating more assets.
The main issue I have with Wilson not being a A+ prospect now is the lack of touch and handling physicality at the rim. That’s forcing him to dunk everything, which looks a lot more pleasing than it has substance. The highlights overshadow the cons in his profile, where Wilson will still need quality reps on a rebuilding team to grow in his role. Therefore, Sacramento makes the most sense, to where I can see them make a trade with the Wizards to eventually trade back
5 — Brooklyn Nets
Hannes Steinbach (#6, Washington): Freshman, 6’11”
I’ve been following Steinbach’s development for over two seasons now. He’s a continious difference-maker from a young age. Fundamentally the best forward in this class. No doubt. The footwork is beyond his year, and his fluid hips and mobility put him in a potential All-Star caliber mold. With consistent touch while comfortable finishing over both shoulders, Steinbach is growing as a continious advantage creator. He’ll beat you with craft, and when that’s the case it’s near unstoppable when a close-to seven-footer is doing it.
He’s transitioned very well to the American style of play, showing some concern in him facing stronger and bigger athletes. That’s the adjustment he’ll continue to make in the Big Ten this year. Overall, the high feel for the game opens up a lot of opportunities with what Coach Fernández is doing in Brooklyn. He’s a prospect you’ll pay a premium for, and that’s what the Nets are doing at #5.
6 — Utah Jazz
Kingston Flemings (#4, Houston): Freshman, 6’4”
Keyonte George plays and looks like the team-leading guy that Utah will build around in the next few years. However, one of the issues that we see is that on the defensive end, he’s still growing and for the Jazz to succeed, they have to address that need by putting a potentially two-way player at the point.
That’s Flemings’ role to take. Tremendous defender who plays like an automatic paint touch. He’s the best one-guard in this class, and in terms of fit, Utah and Coach Hardy make the most sense. They can help him elevate his game, with the consistency of his jumper being the main area of focus. Overall, he’s a team-completing player as Utah has many intriuging long-term pieces on their roster while they seek to complete their puzzle and make a move for the playoffs next season.
7 — Charlotte Hornets
Jayden Quaintance (#21, Kentucky): Sophomore, 6’11”
It’s clear as day that Charlotte will build around Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. With LaMelo Ball on the roster and a lack of true depth at the five, they should swing for the fences and takes one of the best overall defenders in this year’s class in Kentucky-standout Jayden Quaintance.
He’s been putting up historic numbers in the Big 12 as a seventeen-year-old, while there’s no real intel out there on how severe the injury damage has been after he missed close to a year with an ACL injury. In terms of overall talent, Quaintance is a top five caliber player in this draft, but he might fall a few spots because of a historically bad combination of injury history and big men.
8 — Oklahoma City Thunder, via LAC
Koa Peat (#10, Arizona): Freshman, 6’8”
Role versatility is the name of the game. That’s where Koa Peat is one of the better prospects in this class. Granted. He’s undersized to play the five full time, but that’s the role I see for him at the next level. He’s physically more than ready to make a difference, playing the angles well with his crisp footwork and body control. Great hips.
There’s no clear role for him, which makes it more interesting for creative coaches to make the most of his potential. That’s where OKC can take a gamble on him, with their glaring need at the five to make things work cap-wise with Hartenstein’s contract putting them under pressure.
9 — Dallas Mavericks
Labaron Philon (#0, Alabama): Sophomore, 6’4”
Philon was one of the most impressive freshman guards I evaluated last year. My main concern was that he didn’t show enough as a true one-guard. That was because Mark Sears was still their leading guy, and this made Philon betting on himself and returning to school while being a consensus first-rounder a great decision. He’s fantastic so far this season.
The creativity, tight handles but also much-improved execution of his passing reads are very promising. Dallas needs a natural scorer and paint touch at the one, and even with Irving back, Philon brings a scalable role with proven sample size at a SEC-contending program at Alabama. That makes him a surefire top ten pick on my personal board as well. The Mavericks get their long-term solution at the point guard spot.
10 — Memphis Grizzlies
Yaxel Lendeborg (#23, Michigan): Senior, 6’9”
The Grizzlies continue to find success in drafting upperclassmen. Vince Williams, Jr., Jaylen Wells, and now we see Cedric Coward playing a long-term starter for them. Regardless of their depth in the frontcourt in Santi Aldama and Jaren Jackson, Jr., I expect them to add size and role versatility to the roster. Lendeborg is the most NBA-ready player in the draft, and despite Memphis not giving signs of being a playoff team, they have to maximize the window they have with Jackson, Jr., but also Morant despite him being a non-factor for them for quite a while.
Instead of drafting a guard, I expect them to maximize the players that are making a difference now, including Cam Spencer alongside Wells and Williams, Jr. with the possibility to find cheaper solutions in the second round and in undrafted free agency. This team won’t benefit from tanking, and has no choice than to make slow adjustments in acquiring future capital. They took a first step with the Bane trade, but Memphis should not rush it or seek shortcuts and focus on adding winning players instead.
11 — Milwaukee Bucks
Braylon Mullins (#24, UConn): Freshman, 6’6”
Mullins was the best shooter on last year’s high school circuit. Hands down. Despite being a year older for his class, he continues to show that he can thrive in a traditional wing and guard-defending role with heavy shooting duties. We see him embrace his role at Connecticut, with the chance to be a creator for others as well. Great ball mover, his passing will be one of the parts that’ll develop quickly in the league. On top of that, defensively his team defense stands out.
I’m not worried about the injury history in his case. Looking at what Milwaukee needs, I can’t see a scenario where Rollins won’t keep his role. Improving their shooting depth and add more quality to their rotations between the two and the three should be the main focus. Mullins fits perfectly in that role, with enough opportunity to expand his role in the next few years.
12 — San Antonio Spurs, via ATL
Tounde Yessoufou (#24, Baylor): Freshman, 6’5”
Mental and physical toughness. Whenever I see Yessoufou play, the common denominator is the high level of hustle, being vocal on the floor and playing incredibly physical with his consistent and high-running motor. The jumper is the make-or-break in his profile, but even if that doesn’t develop, the defensive potential and play-finishing and mismatch-hunting inside the lane will keep him in the NBA.
Normally we see prospects with a certain skillset, but Yessoufou is more of a clean blueprint with excellent physical tools. He needs to develop and might need more time to adapt to his role. That’s where the Spurs can add him to the mix on their already solid backcourt depth. He’s growing as a passer and playmaker, but the touch doesn’t look consistent nor feasible to translate in the early years. Regardless, the readiness of his body with the high untapped potential keeps him in the lottery for me.
13 — Portland Trail Blazers
Darius Acuff, Jr. (#5, Arkansas): Freshman, 6’3”
We don’t know what the Trail Blazers will do with Scoot Henderson. In hindsight, it wasn’t the best selection for them. He has had many injuries throughout the two years and considering their quality players on other positions, it’s best to roll the dice on another point guard.
Coach Calipari’s track record is undeniable. Looking at Portland, they miss a traditional high-feel and tight-handles scoring guard that’ll take over as a primary playmaker when needed. That’s Acuff, Jr. in a nutshell. Among his peers, the floater and overall midrange game is the true differentiator. Pressuring the rim and making the best decisions in tight pockets is what I see Acuff, Jr. do for a living at the next level. His season at Arkansas speaks volumes to how much better he can still become. That’s the bet Portland makes at #13.
14 — Chicago Bulls
Patrick Ngongba (#21, Duke): Sophomore, 6’11”
Looking at the Bulls, adding a top-tier utility forward should be on their to-do list. They have a bright future with the personnel they already have on the roster. Buzelis is the real deal and he has shown why they need to build around them, while they are content with what Giddey is providing as well. Therefore, it’s not a necessity to swing for the fences with high potential, but take a safe pick that can complement the top guys already.
Ngongba, Jr. processes the game very well. The physical tools and athleticism alongside the clear role should make him a much-wanted commodity on draft night. You don’t draft him to be a productive and deciding player, but you’re getting one of the best to complement the current top guys. That’s his role at Duke, and the game is slowing down for him. The instincts and positioning show the flashes, where his feel for the game needs to improve via more live game reps. I expect him to continue to grow into his body and develop further to transform to a full-time NBA five in Chicago.
15 — Golden State Warriors — XXX
Cameron Carr (#43, Baylor): Sophomore, 6’5”
After trading Thompson while sticking to Curry and Green as their long-term pieces, Golden State has to address their shooting depth in this draft class. Carr doesn’t have a tight handle or good offensive creativity, but he’s proving that he’s one of the best shooters in college, playing with a high motor and a positive New York-styled ‘F-you’ attitude. He’s tough, vocal and forces his will to the defense. He’ll be physical and wear defenders down.
His close to elite first step, good athleticism and top shooting skill makes him fit into the role he’ll have in the NBA. He won’t be asked to do much with the ball, but his downhill drives as a slasher and volume shooting puts him in a much-wanted position in the draft. Not a classic lottery pick, but in terms of the role and him proving to be elite in that role makes it feasible he’ll be selected high in the draft. Anyways, Golden State has a quality starter at #15.
16 — Miami Heat
Neoklis Avdalas (#17, Virginia Tech): Freshman, 6’9”
Avdalas is a lock for my top 10, regardless of how his performance fell off in the last month. Great athlete and a creative and natural ball handler and initiator at 6-foot-9. He’s a guard, that’s his role and he hasn’t been given that role in his entire life until he committed to Virginia Tech. They knew what they brought in, and he’s still getting used to getting much more freedom to operate with.
Looking at how Coach Spoelstra made the Nikola Jovic pick a success, I can see them work their magic again with Avdalas. He makes too much sense for Miami with how they seek to maximize their ball handlers while running lots of inverted pick-and-rolls. That’s where I see Avdalas shine in the NBA. He’s getting much stronger and I can see him continuing to bulk up, as his game is entirely built on craft, where the athletic tools are the bonus teams are getting.
17 — Memphis Grizzlies, via ORL
Mikel Brown, Jr. (#0, Louisville): Freshman, 6’5”
One of the advantages of the Desmond Bane trade is that Memphis can afford to take a bet to improve its guard rotation. It’s no priority, but their team was essentially built to let Ja Morant be the full version of himself and use his hyper athleticism to get as much paint touches as possible. Brown, Jr. is similar on that end. Not the same athlete, but the craft, handles and continious ways to pressure the rim, draw fouls and finish with good touch around the rim puts him in a good position to find an NBA franchise where he can play in a similar way.
His three-point shot is not consistent. But that’s to be taken with a grain of salt, as his role at Louisville forces him to play more as a off-the-dribble shooter, where he’ll have fewer on-ball opportunities in the NBA. That’s how his stationary shooting will increase in volume. Overall, Brown, Jr. convinced me that his game will translate on the offensive end, with him being a leading guard being a bonus factor. Defensively is where I had, and keep having my doubts about how much his game can improve. Regardless, Memphis gets a consensus lottery pick in the middle of the first round.
18 — Atlanta Hawks, via CLE — XXX
Sergio De Larrea (#5, Valencia): 2005, 6’5”
After the blockbuster Trae Young trade, the Hawks will address their need at the guard spot. They get the most fundamentally gifted ball handler in the draft. Despite some inconsistent performances this year, De Larrea is still one of the best NBA prospects in Europe. He’s been scratching the surface for years, with a vital role for Valencia that’s been a factor in Spanish and international ball during each of his seasons there.
On top of that, he’s been shooting lights out, putting up over 40% as a teenager in back-to-back seasons. He’ll space the floor and execute passing reads at a high clip. With Jalen Johnson being the main man in Atlanta, they can lessen the pressure on him with more playmaking on the roster while De Larrea has proven better than everyone else that the complementary role fits him best.
19 — Oklahoma City Thunder, via PHI
Aday Mara (#15, Michigan): Junior, 7’3”
This is OKC making another bet to give them more body at their five rotation. Hartenstein is a key rotational piece for them, but the contract makes it difficult to retain him. That’s where Mara comes into play. He fits seamlessly in that role as a rebounder, ball-mover and rim deterrant. We don’t need high potential from every prospect. He’s proving at Michigan while he’s one of the vital pieces that makes the guys around him more comfortable with their roles. That’s what Oklahoma City needs on their depth chart to extend their window of winning, while they can potentially afford to get rid of the expensive contract in the aforementioned Hartenstein.
20 — Charlotte Hornets, via PHX
Dame Sarr (#7, Duke): Freshman, 6’8”
It’s clear that Hornets have their main guys for the future in Miller, Knueppel while they can potentially still keep Ball. That’s why it’s their main task to focus on improving the margins and adding more role versatility to their roster. Sarr’s a gifted athlete with a track record that speaks for itself. After showing out at the end of the 2024-25 season, the rumors were that he might enter last year’s draft before he committed to Duke eventually.
The Blue Devils had their main guys already committed, and with Evans returning as well, Sarr would fill in a complementary role by default. That’s his game for the next level as well, whereas the complete defense package he offers on the wings is the main sell, there’s still untapped potential to grow his offense and scale his role up in the future. Charlotte gets a lottery-level player at #20, where they can afford to slowly develop him in the first two years.
21 — Toronto Raptors
Karim López (#1, New Zealand Breakers): 2007, 6’8”
Toronto is the biggest relevation in the Eastern Conference. No one saw their start to the season coming on a tough schedule. This makes them a no-brainer to finish the season in the top 6 and enter the playoffs. Therefore, adding players with pro experience and lots of untapped potential should be the focus.
Their rotation is already solid, so more cooks in the kitchen would not benefitting them much. López didn’t take the expected offensive leap so far this season. That’s mostly because he’s stuck in a certain role in the NBL. This is not a negative. He’s above-average as a shooter, but it’s betting on the long-term potential for the most part. Overall, in terms of talent and potential, I have a lottery grade on López, but in terms of a good team fit and opportunity, Toronto should have the best scenario ready for him.
22 — New York Knicks
Morez Johnson Jr. (#21, Michigan): Sophomore, 6’9”
Johnson’s the best energy five in the entire draft class. His motor, physical tools and speed make it clear that he’ll thrive in a similar setting at the next level. On top of that, he’s developed his touch tremendously while he’s actively growing as a passer and playmaker.
Defensively, the lack of size doesn’t worry me as the strength, length and verticality compensate for more than enough. The Knicks need more frontcourt depth, where they show a trend of maintaining the personnel they have on the wings, while McBride and Kolek will likely grow in their guard roles.
23 — Minnesota Timberwolves
Henri Veesaar (#13, North Carolina): Junior, 7’0”
Unlike other true seven-footers, the complete offensive package of Veesaar will intrigue many NBA teams. For the Wolves it’s simple. Gobert is one of the best defenders in NBA history and to sustain their offensive rating for when he sits, they’ll get the tough and top-rebounding Veesaar to play and fill spot minutes.
He’s a traditional screen-and-roll five with great touch around the basket. The extra is that his passing will lessen pressure on the perimeter as he can create inside and out. This will benefit the players around him, as that’s what Minnesota is missing on their depth chart. On top of that, the production is real. Minnesota wants to compete and adding Veesaar to their rotation will improve them as a team.
24 — Boston Celtics
Zuby Ejiofor (#24, St. John’s (NY)): Senior, 6’9”
This is the year we’ll see Boston address their continious need at the five. Looking at how they kept finding ways to creatively fill that gap in—with the necessary luck that Al Horford looks like he can continue to play until he’s 50 years—the level of touch, passing vision and elite strength makes this an easy pick for the Celtics.
Ejiofor is essential for everything the Johnnies do, and playing multiple years for Pitino brings the needed fundamentals to succeed in the NBA. Ejiofor has a consistent motor, plays with intense physicality and has the footwork and touch to be effective even when he’s facing stronger opponents in the NBA. His jumper developed and that helps him fit the four, or even five-out style of play Boston priorities in maximizing their three-point attempts per game. It’s time that they lock a long-term five on a rookie-scaled deal instead of finding creative solutions to fill that gap.
25 — Denver Nuggets
Bennett Stirtz (#14, Iowa): Senior, 6’4”
The Nuggets have no other option than stacking complementary pieces to maximize the window they have with the greatest forward of all time. Therefore, going for a high-feel, experienced and consistent leading guard is the best move for them. Stirtz is a true maestro. Good handles, surprisingly creative and his crisp footwork and space creation makes him a lethal offensive engine.
That type of game will translate to what Denver has in store for him. He’s a quality starter in the back end of the first round. Stirtz has put up some fantastic performances while Iowa is and has been a top 25 ranked team as of late. That alligns with the production mattering for juniors and seniors. I don’t think Stirtz will grow into a top guard in the NBA, but he’ll be a consistently good one for years to come.
26 — Phoenix Suns, via OKC and HOU — XXX
TRADE - OKC sends #26 to Phoenix for future picks
Christian Anderson (#4, Texas Tech): Sophomore, 6’3”
I can’t and won’t believe Oklahoma City will take three players in the first round. That’s simply too much, and that’s why they should punt at #26 and trade for future assets. Phoenix on the other hand can use another top creative guard in their backcourt. Despite me being lottery-pick high on Anderson, Jr. for a long time now, he continued to fall in this mock draft exercise.
Regardless, his game is built for the NBA. There might be overlap on a team that has Booker, and Jalen Green as two dominant ball handlers, but that’s where the comfort of slowly growing into a role will be there for Anderson, Jr.
Eventually, Phoenix has a lot to figure out in terms of how they have their cap space distributed on the roster. That’s where the invested time and reps in Anderson, Jr. will pay out, as he’ll immediately step in and replace someone like Green. Looking at the number of picks OKC has, Phoenix should have a good opportunity to buy themselves into the late first round as well.
27 — Los Angeles Lakers
Thomas Haugh (#10, Florida): Junior, 6’9”
Fit over flash. Haugh keeps exceeding his own performances, showing a complete package of self-creation, high quality finishes at the rim while he’s comfortably extending his range to three. Good rebounder and understands and plays the angles very well on both ends. That’s giving the Lakers a lot to work with, as he’ll continue to add more offensive options to their roster.
With the Lakers’ winning record and having two absolute NBA greats in the starting lineup, Haugh can benefit from playing on a contender early while continuing to take a leap slowly in the first years of his career. The Lakers often find a good opportunity later in drafts, and this year it’s in the form of the defending champion from Florida.
28 — Cleveland Cavaliers
JT Toppin (#15, Texas Tech): Junior, 6’9”
Looking at Cleveland, I come more to the conclusion that Evan Mobley isn’t the offensive standout—a leap that many expected him to take in previous years. Therefore, adding more scoring prowess and depth to their frontcourt should be the focus during this offseason.
They get a true All-American and one of the best forwards in college ball in JT Toppin, who’ll play an immediate role in the rotation. He’s one of the best buy-low prospect in the draft, as he’ll have an immediate impact while being on a rookie-scaled deal. That gives Cleveland a chance to extend their window of attempting to aim for a title.
29 — Detroit Pistons
Milan Momcilovic (#22, Iowa St.): Junior, 6’8”
Shooting depth. That’s what Detroit needs, and especially in lineups where we have a top defender in Ausar Thompson, they can afford to put a specalist next to him that’ll help the Pistons with their spacing. He’s an exceptional shooter both in efficiency and versatility.
Tremendous off the catch, while he’s comfortable running off screens and playing the one or two-dribble game. Great mechanics, high-arcing clean release. Momcilovic can grow into one of the league’s better shooters. The other side of the coin is that Iowa State’s defensive system hides many of his flaws on the defensive side of the ball. But that’s where teams get a discount in the draft, because the shooting gravity and versatility is worth much more than a late first-rounder.
30 — Washington Wizards, via OKC
Dailyn Swain (#3, Texas): Sophomore, 6’8”
The Wizards have a trend of taking high-caliber defenders in the draft under their new front office. That’s the emphasis with this pick. Dailyn Swain has been one of the best wing defenders in college for multiple seasons now. However, at Xavier, the offensive returns have been shaky at best. That’s changing now he’s followed his coach to Texas and he’s playing with more freedom, showing production that matters and leading to wins. Role versatility on the wings on top of defensive readiness is important. Swain gives Washington an immediate rotational piece at a cheaper rookie-scaled deal.
Summary
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Thank-you for doing this. I am curious why you put Steinbach at 5 when you attached a November 2024 profile which was not overly positive. Has he really gone from 6’8” to 6’11”? Is his weight up? I have heard he has very large hands. Is that true? And finally, any chance he lasts until the Raptors picked somewhere between 18 and 22????
I’m old enough to remember a time when Nate Ament was a sure fire lottery pick. Boy has he disappointed