NEW YORK – The NBA will welcome its most anticipated draft class in the last 15 years on Tuesday, with one-and-done talent and depth throughout the first round. There’s a lot of draft smoke going around and the Washington Wizards haven’t given any hints as to what they’re going to do with the No. 1 pick.
This time last year, everyone knew the Dallas Mavericks were selecting Cooper Flagg, while this year the conversation includes AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and even Cameron Boozer, who has entered the mix as an option for the first pick. All three players were top prospects coming out of high school. Dybantsa led the nation in scoring during his one year at BYU and Boozer was named the Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year. Peterson dealt with cramping issues and a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined throughout the season but there were glimpses of how impactful he can be at the NBA level. In one half against Dybantsa and BYU, he was the best prospect on the court, scoring 18 points in 20 minutes and doing a bit of everything.
The Clippers have options at No. 5, and what will Milwaukee do with their pick at 10 amid rumors of trying to move Giannis Antetokounmpo? Charlotte and Oklahoma City have multiple first-round picks and could be looking to trade up to target a certain player inside the top 10. There could be draft chaos on Tuesday, or it could end up just going as the set draft order. Either way, this draft class is special and there’s a lot of talent about to hit the league.
Here’s a look at the first and second round and how things could end up in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23 and 24.
AJ Dybantsa
BYU Cougars
6'9" / 196
Forward
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, 6-foot-9 freshman guard, BYU
Dybantsa has been everywhere during the pre-draft process. He was in Boston for his older sister’s graduation from Boston College, then Dybantsa and his father, Ace, flew to Paris for the French Open and continued training sessions with Zack Gonzales (the same trainer who went through the pre-draft process with Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Denim last year). Dybantsa then flew back to the states and was the player correspondent for the NBA during Game 3 and Game 4 of the NBA Finals in New York City. It wasn’t until last weekend when he finally flew to both Washington D.C. and Salt Lake City to meet with the Wizards and Jazz. He didn’t workout for either team but had great meetings with both organizations. Whether Dybantsa goes No. 1 and stays in Washington or the Jazz trade up to get him, Dybantsa’s name is projected to be the first off the board.
Darryn Peterson
Kansas Jayhawks
6'6" / 205
Guard
19
2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, 6-foot-6 freshman guard, Kansas
Dybantsa might be Utah’s No.1 choice, but if the BYU wing is off the board, Danny and Austin Ainge have no problem taking a player that cancelled or refused to come in for a workout. They did it last year with Ace Bailey, and if Peterson is the next-best available player on the board, there will be no hesitation in drafting the elite guard out of Kansas. Peterson reportedly cancelled his workout with the Jazz after a strong meeting with Washington, leading those within his camp to believe that it will be Peterson going No. 1, not Dybantsa. Peterson might prefer to call himself a point guard, but the reality is, he’s just as deadly off-ball when he’s coming off screens and cutting. No other player in this draft class can get the ball off quicker for a shot, and his scoring instincts are elite. Dybantsa might be favored to go No. 1, but it wouldn’t be shocking if Peterson was the first name off the board.
Cameron Boozer
Duke Blue Devils
6'9" / 234
Forward
18
3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, 6-foot-9 freshman forward, Duke
Boozer has won at every single level during his young career. He won four straight Florida state championships, three straight Nike Peach Jam titles (which had never been done before), two gold medals with Team USA and a Chipotle National Championship. Boozer was named Gatorade National Player of the Year twice, once as a sophomore and then again as a senior in high school. In college, he was named the ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year and the ACC Tournament MVP. If a player like Boozer is still available on the board at No. 3, the Grizzlies will take him with no hesitation and it wouldn’t be shocking if he’s at play with the Jazz at No. 2. During the pre-draft process, Boozer visited and met with all four teams at the top of the draft.
Caleb Wilson
North Carolina Tar Heels
6'10" / 215
Forward
19
4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, 6-foot-10 freshman forward, North Carolina
Wilson didn’t workout for anyone inside the top four but met with all four of the top teams during the pre-draft process. He’s fully recovered from his broken right thumb injury he suffered in February and looked stronger while going through testing at the NBA Draft combine. Wilson’s upside might be higher than Boozer’s, and it would not be shocking at all if the Grizzlies took him at No. 3. But if he’s there at No. 4 for the Bulls, he’ll be a tremendous addition to build around.
Mikel Brown Jr.
Louisville Cardinals
6' 5" / 190
Guard
20
5. LA Clippers: Mikel Brown Jr., 6-foot-5 freshman guard, Louisville
Brown has worked out for teams inside the top five (including the Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls and most recently the Clippers) and was great at the combine and his individual pro day. Prior to the college season, Brown was a projected top-five pick and he fell during the season due to his lingering back injury. Prior to shutting things down at Louisville, Brown had 45 points against NC State and put on a scoring clinic, both on and off the ball. The Clippers have options with their pick, but Brown reportedly had a great workout with the Clippers and he will be an option, along with Keaton Wagler, at five.
Darius Acuff Jr.
Arkansas Razorbacks
6'3" / 190
Guard
19
6. Brooklyn Nets: Darius Acuff Jr., 6-foot-3 freshman guard, Arkansas
Acuff is still the best player available at No. 6 and the Nets can gamble with a potential superstar that emulates the same characteristics as Trae Young and Russell Westbrook. Acuff has traveled and worked out for the Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings, while the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks came to see him work out. Acuff was the best point guard in college basketball and led Arkansas to the SEC championship. His defense is an area of concern, but it’s offset by what he does with the ball in his hands. Acuff proved he can coexist alongside other ball-dominant guards like he did at Arkansas with Meleek Thomas and DJ Wagner.
Keaton Wagler
Illinois Fighting Illini
6' 6" / 180
Guard
19
7. Sacramento Kings: Keaton Wagler, 6-foot-6 freshman guard, Illinois
Wagler had a fantastic season at Illinois and showed his potential as a combo guard who can get off tough shots and score at will. He went from an unranked high school prospect and surged to a top-10 pick in this year’s draft in how efficient he was during his one year at Illinois. He has the length advantage out of any of the lead guards in the lottery, but his untapped potential and question marks with his verticality and foot speed might make him fall to the back half of the lottery.
Kingston Flemings
Houston Cougars
6' 4" / 190
19
Guard
8. Atlanta Hawks: Kingston Flemings, 6-foot-4 freshman guard, Houston
With two picks in the first round, the Hawks have the flexibility to draft one of the elite guards in the lottery and target a big with the 23rd pick. Flemings worked out for the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers and met with the Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks ahead of the draft, and sources say he’s looked great in workouts. Flemings is the most polished two-way guard of the group and his added toughness from playing one year at Houston for Kelvin Sampson will help match the physicality of the NBA.
Brayden Burries
Arizona Wildcats
6'4" / 205
Guard
20
9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, 6-foot-4 freshman guard, Arizona
There’s no way the Bucks don’t target a point guard with the 10th pick in the draft, especially with how talented the guards are in the lottery. Questions loom about where Giannis Antetokounmpo will be next season, but the reality is, Milwaukee needs a franchise point guard and this is the draft to do it. If Burries is still on the board, they’ll take him in a heartbeat — or any combination of Wagler, Flemings or Philon.
Nate Ament
Tennessee Volunteers
6'10" / 207
Forward
19
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament, 6-foot-10 freshman forward, Tennessee
It’s clear the Bucks are trying to move Antetokounmpo, and this pick will be up for grabs. If Ament is still on the board, the Bucks have options. If they want to take a swing on an upside talent, Ament fits that description. He still needs some time to develop prior to being fully ready for NBA physicality, but with his size and shot selection on the wing, he’s a fantastic pick this late in the lottery.
Karim López
New Zealand Breakers (NBL)
6'9" / 225
Forward
19
11. Golden State Warriors: Karim López, 6-foot-8 wing, NZ Breakers (Australia’s NBL)
Not a lot of fans know much about Lopez after he elected to play two seasons in Australia’s NBL, but if the Warriors are looking to add some length and shooting on the perimeter, Lopez is a great target at No. 11. Originally from Sonora, Mexico, Lopez moved to Spain at 14 to join the youth academy Joventut Badalona. He joined the NZ Breakers in New Zealand as part of NBL’s Next Stars program and set the single-season scoring record for draft-eligible prospects, netting 358 points.
Aday Mara
Michigan Wolverines
7' 3" / 255
Center
21
12. Oklahoma City: Aday Mara, 7-foot-3 junior center, Michigan
Sam Presti knows how valuable this pick is and could use it in trade talks with other teams that are targeting Mara as their future franchise center. Mara moved well during agility testing at the combine and showcased his improved outside shooting recently in a pre-draft workout video.
Labaron Philon Jr.
Alabama Crimson Tide
6'4" / 185
Guard
20
13. Miami Heat: Labaron Philon Jr., 6-foot-4 sophomore guard, Alabama
Philon elected to return for his sophomore season to improve his draft stock and it helped. He proved he can play both on and off the ball and be effective as a lead guard. Philon was one of the toughest guards and scorers in the SEC and the Heat desperately need a lead guard.
Yaxel Lendeborg
Michigan Wolverines
6' 9" / 240
Forward
23
14. Charlotte Hornets: Yaxel Lendeborg, 6-foot-10 senior forward, Michigan
Lendeborg measured well and shot the ball consistently during drills at the combine and was very comfortable going through the pre-draft process for a second time. It’s obvious he plays well with different lineups, and at times the Wolverines had three forwards on the court at once. Lendeborg averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season at Michigan.
Post-Lottery
Cameron Carr
Baylor Bears
6' 5" / 175
Guard
21
15. Chicago Bulls: Cameron Carr, 6-foot-5 junior guard, Baylor
Similarly to Mara, Carr transferred from Tennessee to Baylor and it made all the difference in the world. His dad, Chris, played six seasons in the NBA and was selected 56th overall in the 1995 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. Cameron Carr averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game and he’s one of the draft’s most explosive athletes at the rim, arguably having the dunk of the year against Arizona State. If the Bulls select forward Wilson with pick No. 4, adding a guard with great positional size at 15 is a step in the right direction and a huge win in this draft.
Christian Anderson
Texas Tech Red Raiders
6'3" / 178
Guard
20
16. Memphis Grizzlies: Christian Anderson, 6-foot-2 sophomore guard, Texas Tech
Anderson received a green room invitation and many around the league believe his draft stock is higher than people expect. Anderson is a tough lead guard who plays bigger than his listed 6-foot-2 frame, and he is an excellent facilitator. He was fourth in the country in assists, averaging 7.4 per game, and shot 41.5 percent from behind the arc. If the Grizzlies are looking to move on from Ja Morant at some point, Anderson might be their point guard of the future.
Morez Johnson Jr.
Michigan Wolverines
6'9" / 250
Forward
20
17. Oklahoma City Thunder: Morez Johnson Jr., 6-foot-9 sophomore forward, Michigan
The Thunder only have one roster spot and it’s doubtful they’ll keep all three of their picks in this draft. Johnson won a gold medal with Team USA at the FIBA U19 World Cup and was the connector in the frontcourt for Michigan’s title run. He’s a plug-and-play guy that is an excellent passer and makes the right read on offense and in spacing.
Hannes Steinbach
Washington Huskies
6'11" / 220
Forward
20
18. Charlotte Hornets: Hannes Steinbach, 6-foot-10 freshman forward, Washington
Steinbach measured a solid 6-foot-10 without shoes and 7-foot-2.25 wingspan, making him an almost 7-footer in shoes. Charlotte is a buzzy team that’s rumored to be looking to trade up, so this pick could be going elsewhere, but the value of Steinbach in the top 20 is going to be intriguing for any team looking to move up and add some size in the post. If Charlotte does keep this pick, Steinbach next to Lendeborg in the frontcourt is a dream. Lendeborg, being older, can come in right away and remove added pressure for Steinbach to develop at his pace during his rookie season.
Bennett Stirtz
Iowa Hawkeyes
6'4" / 190
Guard
22
19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz, 6-foot-4 senior guard, Iowa
Stirtz averaged 18.3 points and 3.5 assists in postseason play, but the most impressive statline was playing 40 minutes and averaging 0.8 turnovers in four tough NCAA Tournament games. Stirtz is consistent and there’s nothing super flashy about his game, but he runs the offense well and has good size at 6-foot-4.
Allen Graves
Santa Clara Broncos
6' 9" / 225
Forward
19
20. San Antonio Spurs: Allen Graves, 6-foot-9 freshman forward, Santa Clara
Graves is one of the buzziest names going into the draft because he has excellent positional size and shot 41.5 percent from behind the arc on three attempts per game. Receiving an invite to the green room essentially made Graves a first-round lock; his draft range is anywhere from 15-25.
Isaiah Evans
Duke Blue Devils
6'6" / 180
Guard
20
21. Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Evans, 6-foot-6 sophomore wing, Duke
Evans is a high-volume shooter from three-point range and really improved his shot selection and confidence during his sophomore season at Duke. Evans shot his way into the Elite Eight after matching St. John’s excellent shooting night, finishing with 25 points and going 4 for 8 from behind the arc.
Dailyn Swain
Texas Longhorns
6' 8" / 220
Forward
20
22. Philadelphia 76ers: Dailyn Swain, 6-foot-8 junior wing, Texas
Swain’s passing and defensive versatility stand out immediately as a small forward. He logged 21 assists in four NCAA Tournament games against tough teams, and although his three-point shot needs some improving, his scoring instincts are there and his long ball is something he can develop at the next level.
Chris Cenac Jr.
Houston Cougars
6'11" / 240
Center
19
23. Atlanta Hawks: Chris Cenac Jr., 6-foot-11 freshman center, Houston
If the Hawks prioritize a guard in the lottery, picking up Cenac with this pick would be a huge first-round win. The freshman center didn’t make the U19 USA Basketball team and it motivated him to really work on his body and foot speed. There is no better program than Houston in conditioning and footwork around the rim, and Cenac entered the season visibly stronger, in shape and with better touch around the rim.
Zuby Ejiofor
St. John's Red Storm
6'9" / 245
Forward
22
24. New York Knicks: Zuby Ejiofor, 6-foot-9 senior forward, St. John’s
The Knicks have options with this pick and can take a swing on a plug-and-play big that can offset some minutes for Mitchell Robinson. The defending NBA champions have everything clicking in the backcourt and may look to add some rim protection and athleticism on the block. Ejiofor averaged 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists his senior season at St. John’s.
Ebuka Okorie
Stanford Cardinal
6' 2" / 185
Guard
19
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Ebuka Okorie, 6-foot-2 freshman guard, Stanford
What Okorie did during his one season at Stanford was incredible. He shattered the school’s freshman scoring record (previously held by Brooklyn Nets wing Ziaire Williams) and became the first Cardinal player in 24 years to score 40 points in a single game when he finished with 40 in a win over Georgia Tech in February. He also set an ACC freshman record with eight games of at least 30 points and finished eighth in the country in scoring, averaging 23.2 points per game.
Joshua Jefferson
Iowa State Cyclones
6'9" / 240
Forward
22
26. Denver Nuggets: Joshua Jefferson, 6-foot-9 senior forward, Iowa State
Jefferson has great size as a stretch-four and moves very well off the ball and in space. He averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game and was instrumental in Iowa State’s defensive success with the way he guarded the switch and help side.
Koa Peat
Arizona Wildcats
6'8" / 235
Forward
19
27. Boston Celtics: Koa Peat, 6-foot-8 freshman forward, Arizona
Peat’s jump shot is concerning and many around the league expected him to return to school for an additional year of development amongst his peers. The flexibility that the Celtics have to bring him in and fix his jumper, coupled with his size and basketball IQ, makes him a great pick late in the first round. Peat did not receive a green room invitation, but he’s recently worked out for the Celtics, 76ers, Pistons and Nuggets.
Sergio de Larrea
Valencia Basket (EuroLeague)
6'6" / 204
Guard
20
28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Sergio de Larrea, 6-foot-6 guard, Spain (Valencia)
The Timberwolves staff is very plugged in with international players and Tim Connelly has had previous success in finding undervalued European talent. De Larrea is only 20 years old, has great positional size and averaged 10 points and 3.5 assists for Valencia this last season.
Meleek Thomas
Arkansas Razorbacks
6'5" / 185
Guard
19
29. Cleveland Cavaliers: Meleek Thomas, 6-foot-5 freshman guard, Arkansas
Thomas was excellent in the NCAA Tournament, playing alongside Acuff and complementing him well. He’s a high-volume shooter from behind the arc and made 41.6 percent on four attempts per game. Thomas was consistent during the NCAA Tournament and averaged 19 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 steals in three games, showing NBA scouts his potential as a two-way threat.
Jayden Quaintance
Kentucky Wildcats
6'10" / 255
Forward
18
30. Dallas Mavericks: Jayden Quaintance, 6-foot-10 sophomore center, Kentucky
Quaintance didn’t have the year he hoped at Kentucky after tearing his ACL during his freshman season at Arizona State. The staff took their time in allowing him to return to the court and there were glimpses of what he could project to be as a future NBA center. The official medical report that teams received of Quaintance’s knee appears to be worse than teams expected, causing him to fall to the back end of the first round or to the second round. Dallas has the room to be patient with his recovery, whether that means an additional surgery or another year to recover.
Second Round
31. New York Knicks: Henri Veesaar, 7-foot-1 junior center, North Carolina
32. Memphis Grizzlies: Baba Miller, 6-foot-11 senior wing, Cincinnati
33. Brooklyn Nets: Tarris Reed, 6-foot-10 senior center, UConn
34. Sacramento Kings: Richie Saunders, 6-foot-5 senior guard, BYU
35. San Antonio Spurs: Trevon Brazile, 6-foot-10 senior forward, Arkansas
36. Los Angeles Clippers: Alex Karaban, 6-foot-8 senior wing, UConn
37. Oklahoma City Thunder: Izaiyah Nelson, 6-foot-9 senior forward, South Florida
38. Chicago Bulls: Jack Kayil, 6-foot-5 freshman guard, Gonzaga
39. Houston Rockets: Aaron Nkrumah, 6-foot-6 senior guard, Tennessee State
40. Boston Celtics: Jaden Bradley, 6-foot-3 senior guard, Arizona
41. Miami Heat: Otega Oweh, 6-foot-6 senior guard, Kentucky
42. San Antonio Spurs: Ryan Conwell, 6-foot-3 senior guard, Louisville
43. Brooklyn Nets: Felix Okpara, 6-foot-10 center, Tennessee
44. San Antonio Spurs: Emanuel Sharp, 6-foot-3 senior guard, Houston
45. Sacramento Kings: Tobi Lawal, 6-foot-8 forward, Virginia Tech
46. Orlando Magic: Dillon Mitchell, 6-foot-7 senior wing, St. John’s
47. Phoenix Suns: Nick Martinelli, 6-foot-8 senior wing, Northwestern
48. Dallas Mavericks: Milos Uzan, 6-foot-4 senior guard, Houston
49. Denver Nuggets: Keyshawn Hall, 6-foot-7 senior wing, Auburn
50. Toronto Raptors: Braden Smith, 6-foot-1 senior guard, Purdue
51. Washington Wizards: Jaron Pierre, 6-foot-6 senior guard, SMU
52. Los Angeles Clippers: Rafael Castro, 6-foot-11 senior center, George Washington
53. Houston Rockets: Ugonna Onyenso, 7-foot-1 senior center, Virginia
54. Golden State Warriors: Ja’Kobi Gillespie, 6-foot-1 senior guard, Tennessee
55. New York Knicks: Bruce Thornton, 6-foot-2 senior guard, Ohio State
56. Chicago Bulls: Bryce Hopkins, 6-foot-7 senior guard, St. John’s
57. Atlanta Hawks: Maliq Brown, 6-foot-9 forward, Duke
58. New Orleans Pelicans: Tre White, 6-foot-7 senior guard, Kansas
59. Minnesota Timberwolves: Nick Boyd, 6-foot-3 senior guard, Wisconsin
60. Washington Wizards: Mark Mitchell, 6-foot-9 senior forward, Missouri\
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