NBA mock draft 2026: Lottery sim delivers 2 stunning winners, punishes tankers
The 2026 NBA Draft lottery was all the time going to have half the league sitting on pins and needles. This has been thought of a stacked draft class for years as high prospects A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Darryn Peterson tore up the highschool ranks. The group on the high seems even stronger now with breakouts from Caleb Wilson and Kingston Flemings, and the commerce deadline made the stakes of the lottery even larger.
There are 10 groups attempting to tank for higher lottery odds to finish this season. The Utah Jazz are resting their greatest gamers within the fourth quarter to attempt to lose video games, the Washington Wizards received’t even play wholesome gamers, and groups just like the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks really feel like they’re pivoting to a rebuild after years of doing their greatest to compete. The commerce deadline put much more stress on the lottery. The Los Angeles Clippers can now choose as excessive as No. 5 general after buying and selling Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers will likely be praying their choose lands within the top-4 to allow them to hold it.
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There’s large motion from our earlier 2026 NBA mock draft, which featured a deeper dive into the person prospects. Our final mock was extra based mostly off my private board, however now that I’ve shared my board, let’s change the thought course of for this mock and attempt to guess what NBA groups would truly do in every spot. I did one spin of the lottery order by way of Tankathon for this mock draft, and the outcomes have been stunning. Let’s dive in.
1. Atlanta Hawks (by way of Pelicans) – A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU
I’ve Cameron Boozer at No. 1 and Dybantsa at No. 3 on my large board, however the NBA possible received’t see it the identical manner. Whereas I’ve issues about Dybantsa’s defensive instincts and restricted three-point quantity, there’s little question he’s nonetheless a monster scoring prospect with a ridiculous mix of size, energy, explosion, and suppleness. He can put stress on the rim at will as a driver, and he’s proven superior contact in shut by making 76 % of his pictures on the rim. Dybantsa additionally already has a refined back-to-the-basket sport that ought to work properly in excessive leverage conditions, and he’s a succesful ground spacer by hitting 37.2 % of his threes, totally on open catch-and-shoots. Dybantsa has some issues to scrub up like several younger participant, however he’s going to attain like loopy with good effectivity within the NBA for a very long time. He’s a cleaner match subsequent to Jalen Johnson than Boozer, and his physique of labor this season has been extra spectacular than Peterson, who has been slowed down by accidents.
2. Milwaukee Bucks – Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
Milwaukee was the large winner of our lottery simulation, and it is a league-changing end result. Out of the blue, Giannis Antetokounmpo would have a vibrant future with the Bucks as they land a guard with All-NBA upside in Peterson. The Kansas freshman has underwhelmed expectations as he’s battled a hamstring pressure and cramping points, however he’s been placing up large scoring numbers (43.5 factors per 100 possessions on 62 % true capturing). We nonetheless haven’t seen the most effective of Peterson but with the Jayhawks, however his shot-making has already been phenomenal and his rim stress and defensive playmaking must be loads higher when he’s 100% bodily.
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3. Brooklyn Nets – Cameron Boozer, F, Duke
The Nets really want to land a top-4 choose as a result of they owe swap rights to the Houston Rockets in 2027. Boozer is the most effective prospect on this class in my eyes for his offensive versatility and lengthy observe document of impacting profitable. Boozer is an superior shooter, driver, and playmaker for his measurement at 6’9, 250 kilos. He’s not probably the most explosive or fluid athlete, however he makes up for it with energy, excellent really feel for the sport, and a always rising talent stage. He’s been the best of the ‘large three’ prospects this yr whereas additionally being the youngest, turning 19 years previous shortly after draft day. It’s simple to take Boozer’s greatness without any consideration as a result of he’s been so regular for therefore lengthy, however he’s going to be a franchise cornerstone for no matter group selects him, no matter draft slot.
4. Chicago Bulls – Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina
The Bulls have been the opposite large winner of our lottery simulation, shifting up from the No. 10 slot to money in on a 13.9 % probability to land a top-4 choose. This can be a nice draft to land the No. 4 choose in with two of Wilson, Boozer, and Houston level guard Kingston Flemings possible obtainable. Wilson might push Dybantsa out of the No. 3 spot on my private board quickly along with his continuous motor and two-way upside as a 6’10 ahead. The Tar Heels freshman is a buzzsaw defender who can choose up 94-feet, present secondary-rim safety, and get into the passing lanes. He doesn’t have a dependable three-point stroke but, however he’s nonetheless an impactful offensive participant by dunking every thing as a finisher, gaining further possessions on the glass, hitting robust mid-range pictures, and including worth as a passer. Wilson feels extra like a star function participant than a conventional star, however he’d be a improbable addition to Chicago’s rebuild and would lastly give the fanbase some actual hope.
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5. Sacramento Kings – Kingston Flemings, G, Houston
It’s going to be notably essential to complete with the worst general document for the tanking groups this yr as a result of it means you’re assured a top-5 choose. Whereas it’s a bummer for Sacramento to fall this far, no less than they nonetheless land an superior level guard prospect in Flemings who can substitute a whole lot of what they misplaced by buying and selling De’Aaron Fox. Flemings has a depraved mixture of burst, change-of-direction, and the power to stomp on the brakes as a driver. He’s a extremely good playmaker and mid-range shooter, and he ought to enhance his free throw charge and three-point quantity in time. He’s the uncommon lead guard prospect who must be a plus defensively. Getting a prospect of Flemings’ caliber on the No. 5 choose is one cause why that is such a powerful draft.
6. Los Angeles Clippers (by way of Pacers) – Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville
The Pacers fell out of the top-4 on this lottery simulation, and meaning their choose goes to the Clippers for the Ivica Zubac commerce on the deadline. I tweeted that Brown was due for some constructive regression to the imply as a shooter a pair weeks in the past, after which he went out and made 10-of-16 threes in a win over NC State earlier this week. His mixture of pull-up capturing, better-than-expected rim attacking, and strong playmaking with good positional measurement at 6’5 separates him from the opposite prospects on this vary in my eyes, and if he stays on fireplace to finish the yr, possibly he can push Flemings for the No. 5 spot on my board. Sure, the Clippers simply acquired a extremely good 26-year-old level guard in Darius Garland, however they will’t afford to draft for match with a choose this excessive. Brown seems like the most effective prospect on the board by a large margin.
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7. Washington Wizards – Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
Wagler has been the largest riser of the draft class, going from the No. 150 general recruit to a attainable top-10 choose. His off-the-dribble capturing is probably the most attractive a part of the bundle, however he’s additionally proven a powerful skill to create off the bounce with out an help. Wagler has not dunked the ball this season, and is fairly clearly restricted when it comes to his athletic explosion, and it impacts him on the defensive finish, too. On the identical time, if he retains capturing and scoring like this, will probably be exhausting for the league to move on him within the top-10. I’m fascinated to see if he can preserve his momentum via the top of the season for a stacked Illinois group gifted sufficient to make a Last 4 run.
8. Utah Jazz – Nate Ament, F, Tennessee
Ament is killing it currently after a gradual begin, averaging 25.4 factors and 7 rebounds over his final 5 video games on 50 % capturing from three and 45.2 % capturing on twos. I’m nonetheless fearful that he settles an excessive amount of, and struggles to get to and end on the rim. Including extra energy and refining his dribble, move, and shoot talent set ought to enhance that over time. The instruments that made him a top-5 recruit getting into the yr are nonetheless there as a 6’10 wing, and I’d wager on it being too tempting to move up for groups on this vary.
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9. Dallas Mavericks – Hannes Steinbach, F/C, Washington
Steinbach is an elite rebounder with a specialty on the offensive glass, he’s an environment friendly scorer, and he catches every thing thrown at him. It seems like Steinbach has a variety, however the added enhance on hitting the offensive glass across the league ought to in the end profit him. He could be a pleasant lob goal for Cooper Flagg because the rookie star continues to enhance his pick-and-roll playmaking, and he’d additionally assist get Flagg further possessions with tip-outs and putbacks on the glass. His three-point shot is a piece in progress and opinions on his protection are everywhere in the map, however Steinbach has some particular presents as he continues to develop in different areas.
10. Memphis Grizzlies – Jayden Quaintance, C/F, Kentucky
It certain looks as if Quaintance returned too early from his torn ACL suffered late final season at Arizona State. He didn’t seem like the identical participant in his 4 video games again earlier than shutting it down, and that makes him within the top-10 a brilliant dangerous wager. Nonetheless, I’ve been excessive on Quaintance’s future courting again to his highschool days, and I don’t wish to maintain these 4 video games towards him after such a critical damage. When he was at Arizona State as a 17-year-old final yr, Quaintance seemed like an elite defensive large man prospect. The Grizzlies look like the kind of franchise which may take an opportunity on him regardless of already having Zach Edey entrenched at heart.
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11. Charlotte Hornets – Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan
Lendeborg will likely be 24 years previous when his rookie yr begins, however he ought to nonetheless have attraction within the lottery with each the instruments and talent set to be a contemporary NBA ahead. At 6’9, 235 kilos with a 7’4 wingspan, Lendeborg has proven he can defend everywhere in the ground, crush the glass, and stroke three-pointers throughout his winding school profession. His growth observe has been uncommon as a result of he didn’t begin enjoying organized basketball till he was 15 years previous, so his age shouldn’t be held towards him an excessive amount of. He seems like the proper frontcourt connector to complete off Charlotte’s younger core.
12. San Antonio Spurs (by way of Hawks) – Patrick Ngongba, C, Duke
I often give the Spurs a shooter on this spot, and within the feedback their followers all the time begin complaining after they see “guard” subsequent to their title. Wonderful! San Antonio will get one among my favourite prospects in Patrick Ngongba on this model, a 6’11 large man with immaculate crowning glory, slick passing skill, and confirmed paint safety instincts. Ngongba would have extra attraction if he was a dominant rebounder, however I nonetheless assume he’s price a lottery choose.
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13. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (by way of Clippers) – Brayden Burries, G, Arizona
After a gradual begin, Burries has been wanting just like the five-star combo guard Arizona was promised on the recruiting path, averaging 21.6 factors, 5.8 rebounds, and three assists on 64.3 eFG% over his final 5 video games. Burries is actually previous for a freshman (he’ll be 21 in Sept.), however his skill to behave as a secondary handler with three-level scoring skill will likely be intriguing after the top-10. He’s one of many greatest risers on this class for the reason that begin of the season, and he is smart for an OKC group that might nonetheless use extra long-term capturing and scoring punch.
14. Portland Path Blazers – Braylon Mullins, G, UConn
Portland is No. 29 in three-point share this season, and Mullins can instantly assist out in that space. The 6’6 UConn freshman is perhaps the most effective off-ball shooter within the class with a fast and pure stroke from deep, and an honest sufficient mixture of body and athleticism to have some influence in different areas. I want he might do extra off the bounce, however at this level it seems like we haven’t seen the most effective model of him but after an early season ankle damage after which a concussion. There’s nonetheless time with March Insanity approaching.
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15. Miami Warmth – Koa Peat, F, Arizona
Peat can’t shoot from the skin in any respect, however he’s instantly been a profitable function participant on an elite veteran group from the second he stepped on campus. His highly effective body, playmaking, and play-finishing is an attractive combo if his shot can develop sufficient to not fully kill a group’s spacing.
16. Golden State Warriors – Cameron Carr, G, Baylor
Carr’s 7’2 wingspan and 41 % three-point stroke will earn him loads of followers in NBA entrance places of work. He’s painfully skinny proper now and I’m not offered on his skill to assault off the dribble or his protection, however his manufacturing has been excellent, and it’s very exhausting to search out wing shooters with such a size.
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17. Memphis Grizzlies – Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa
Stirtz is a pick-and-roll grasp who performs at his personal tempo. He can shoot it off the dribble, rating with artful finishes across the rim, and throw each move within the halfcourt based mostly on the protection he’s seeing. His protection will likely be picked aside within the predraft course of, however he checks a whole lot of packing containers for a lead guard. He seems like a Grizzlies sort of prospect to me.
18. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder – Chris Cenac Jr., C/F, Houston
Cenac is a possible stretch 5 as a 6’10 large man with a 7’4 wingspan with gentle contact from deep. He slides his ft properly defensively on the perimeter, however nonetheless must work on his instincts and really feel for the sport on each ends of the ground. He’s been approaching sturdy in convention play, and the truth that he dedicated to play for a notoriously hard-charging coach in Kelvin Sampson looks as if a very good sign about his make-up to me.
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19. Charlotte Hornets (by way of Suns) – Darius Acuff, G, Arkansas
Acuff has been some of the productive guards in school basketball this yr as he’s continued to place up large numbers towards high competitors. I’m a bit fearful about his defensive projection and shot choice, however his manufacturing this yr could be exhausting to disregard if he slips this far. Would the Hornets nonetheless take one other guard after buying and selling for Coby White (an impending free agent, to be truthful) on the deadline? I feel so, given White’s skill to play off the ball.
20. Toronto Raptors – Aday Mara, C, Michigan
The Raptors desperately want a middle of the long run with Jakob Poeltl being slowed down by a again damage. Mara is an effective wager on this vary as a 7’3 heart who can contest pictures in drop protection and throw some wonderful outlet passes to kickstart the break.
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21. Detroit Pistons (by way of Wolves) – Tyler Tanner, G, Vanderbilt
The Pistons obtained this choose with a sneaky-good commerce deadline deal that earned them swap rights with the Wolves. Detroit might go in a whole lot of completely different instructions right here, however I like the thought of including a lightning-quick level guard in Tanner who has been one of many nation’s greatest gamers in his sophomore season. Tanner is extraordinarily small (he’s generously listed at 6-foot, 175 kilos by Vandy), however he’s tremendous athletic, a lot improved as a shooter, and performs far more bodily than somebody his measurement ought to. The Pistons have the defensive personnel to assist insulate him, and he might do loads to assist unclog their offense.
22. Los Angeles Lakers – Morez Johnson, F, Michigan
Johnson can shield the paint defensively, rating effectively inside, and is simply beginning to flesh out his three-point stroke. He would add some a lot wanted physicality to the Lakers entrance court docket, and he has the size and energy to make up for being a tad brief at 6’9.
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23. Atlanta Hawks (by way of Cavs) – Thomas Haugh, F, Florida
Haugh must be a profitable function participant within the league along with his mixture of protection, ground spacing, and above-the-rim ending. Don’t wish to take my phrase for it? Right here’s what Dan Hurley stated:
24. Denver Nuggets – Dailyn Swain, F, Texas
Swain is among the high sleepers on this class. The Texas junior has a terrific body and spectacular athleticism for a wing, and he ought to be capable of defend and rebound within the league from day one. He’s proven far more consolation attacking off the dribble this yr, and his three-point shot will get a tad higher each season even when it stays a weak point. He’s going to be a steal for whoever drafts him, and he’d be a terrific slot in Denver.
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25. New York Knicks – Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
There’s so many good guards on this draft class that a few them with an opportunity to go within the lottery are sure to fall a little bit additional than they need to. I like Philon’s drive-and-kick skill, lethal floater, and improved outdoors capturing, however he’s simply actually small for an NBA guard with out Tanner’s defensive manufacturing. He would love enjoying like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges behind him … if these guys are nonetheless on the Knicks subsequent season.
26. Philadelphia 76ers – Karim Lopez, F, New Zealand Breakers
The Sixers acquired this choose from the Pelicans within the Jared McCain commerce, which largely felt like a cost-cutting transfer for Philly, so that they higher make this choice rely. Philly has been trying to find a contemporary 4 for years, and it seems like Lopez matches the invoice. He has a terrific body as a powerful 6’9 ahead who can assault downhill, end on the rim, and get to the foul line. He could go 10 spots larger than this.
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27. Boston Celtics – Tounde Yessoufou, G, Baylor
Yessoufou was a five-star freshman who initiatives as a point-of-attack defender on the subsequent stage. His offense hasn’t all the time been fairly throughout his freshman yr, however he’s approaching sturdy currently. It seems like he must be a extremely good shooter to make it work within the NBA given his lack of dealing with and playmaking. I’m not offered on the shot but, however he might get an appropriate stage ultimately given his defensive skills.
28. Cleveland Cavaliers – Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
Jefferson is among the greatest gamers in school basketball, and he’s proven he has function participant potential at the same time as a star throughout his senior season at Iowa State. He has a very good body for an NBA ahead, and his passing, rebounding, and protection ought to all play on the subsequent stage.
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29. Minnesota Timberwolves – Alijah Arenas, G, USC
Arenas is getting a late begin to his freshman season after being concerned in a terrifying automobile accident, however he’s actually beginning to play properly as he will get his ft moist as a freshman at USC. The son of Gilbert Arenas simply appears to get anyplace he needs off the dribble with spectacular measurement and shot-making for a guard. He could possibly be a lottery choose in 2027 if he returns to high school and shines for a full season, however there’s nonetheless an opportunity he comes out this yr.
30. Dallas Mavericks – Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas
Thomas is a strolling bucket with velocity, shiftiness, and spectacular capturing off the dribble or on spot-ups. He feels primed to be a extremely good bench scorer for a very long time, and that’s a terrific worth with the final choose within the first spherical, which the Mavericks acquired from the Wizards within the Anthony Davis commerce.
