The 2026 NBA Draft class looks even stronger than its 2025 predecessor, headlined by two tank-worthy franchise talents in AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, each of whom could be the No. 1 pick in other drafts. This class offers impressive depth, positional versatility, and a wide range of high-upside prospects with NBA-ready skillsets. The strength and depth of this draft will be shaped by NIL and player decisions late in the first round. Without further ado, here is the first edition of the 2026 Extended Mock Draft.
1. 1. Utah Jazz – AJ Dybantsa 6’9”, 210, SF, BYU Fr.
Arguably the most electrifying prospect in the draft, Dybantsa boasts elite physical tools and a devastating pull-up and isolation scoring game, while still only beginning to tap into his vast potential. He attacks downhill with power and balance, rises up for emphatic finishes, and defends with intensity. His jumper continues to improve, and his ability to generate offense in isolation is rare for a player his age. A Boston-area native, Dybantsa has long held the No. 1 spot in his class but is now being seriously challenged by Darryn Peterson for top prospect status. He also thrives in transition, rebounds well, and brings a competitive edge that fuels his two-way impact. With shades of Tracy McGrady in his scoring instincts and frame, Dybantsa has the upside to become a perennial All-Star.
2. Washington Wizards – Darryn Peterson 6’5”, 195, PG/SG, Kansas Fr.
Peterson showcases explosive athleticism combined with a versatile overall skillset that blends vision, physicality, and adept shot-making. He creates offense with poise, defends multiple positions, and competes with confidence. While at times brash, Peterson’s unique ability to facilitate for others adds another layer beyond scoring. He checks many boxes with primary ball handling skills, positional size, IQ, and a strong frame, and his 8’7″ standing reach is exceptional for a wing, much less a combo guard. He has the versatility to play either backcourt spot and impact both ends of the floor. An accomplished two-way leader and a potential franchise talent, he dazzled NBA scouts at the 2024 Treviso Eurocamp competing favorably against professional European prospects.
3. Charlotte Hornets – Cameron Boozer 6’9”, 235, PF, Duke Fr.
A polished big with great feel, Boozer scores with skill, touch, and strength. He’s an elite rebounder and outlet passer who thrives in pick-and-pop or face-up actions. Solid as a rock, Boozer doesn’t blow you away with explosiveness but imposes his will through nonstop effort, physicality, and disciplined fundamentals. He’s added range to his jumper, becoming a consistent perimeter threat who can punish switches and stretch defenses. With his mature approach and well-rounded game, Boozer is comparable to Al Horford and stands out as one of the safest bets in the class, despite not having the ceiling of some of the other top prospects.
4. New Orleans Pelicans – Alijah Arenas 6’6”, 195, SG, USC Fr.
The son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, Alijah is a dynamic scoring guard with an explosive first step and deep shooting range. He can score from all three levels and has developed into a more versatile offensive weapon with improved strength and off-ball movement. While still evolving as a playmaker, his instincts, confidence, and athleticism immediately stand out. Arenas reportedly made a full recovery after a Tesla truck accident and was back on the court just weeks later. He brings plenty of talent and skill, but the key will be maintaining consistency and focus. Word is that USC is ready to let him rock out from day one.
5. Philadelphia 76ers – Chris Cenac 7’0”, 230, PF, Houston Fr.
Cenac blends size, mobility, and skill at an elite level for a modern big. He runs the floor well, finishes with soft touch, and blocks shots with timing and vertical pop. Physically, he’s very similar to Miami’s Kel’el Ware, but he’s flashed some Chris Bosh-like face-up ability after spending much of the past year insisting on playing point forward. Old school coaches might cringe at that decision, but it helped develop his handle, feel, and perimeter footwork. Still raw, but the tools are undeniable and the upside is real if the polish continues to come.
6. Brooklyn Nets – Nate Ament 6’9”, 195, PF/SF, Tennessee Fr.
Ament is a sweet-shooting stretch four with freakish fluidity, a huge wingspan, and standout athleticism for his size. He covers ground quickly on both ends, excels in transition, and uses his length to disrupt passing lanes. He has a clean shooting stroke and good touch, with shades of Austin Daye and Chris Bosh in his high release and smooth face-up game. While his jumper is a strength, he struggles at times to create off the dribble from the perimeter due to limited burst, which makes it harder to attack closeouts or generate offense in isolation. To reach his ceiling, he’ll need to continue adding strength so he can operate more effectively near the basket, hold his own in physical matchups, and expand his range beyond the arc. If he embraces contact and rounds out his offensive skill set, Ament’s combination of tools, length, and shooting ability makes him one of the most intriguing long-term bets in the class.
7. Toronto Raptors – [Player: Tyran Stokes] 6’7”, 245, PF/SF, Undecided Jr.
Stokes is a physically dominant wing with a pro-ready frame, high motor, and fierce competitive drive. He overwhelms defenders with his strength and attacks the rim with aggression, thriving on contact and hustle plays. Over the past two years, his body has transformed significantly. He is now leaner, more explosive, and better conditioned, which has unlocked more of his athletic potential. His skill set continues to evolve, with noticeable strides as a passer and mid-range scorer, though his perimeter shot remains a work in progress. Stokes brings a combination of power, explosiveness, and mental toughness that consistently stands out on the floor. While he has yet to announce his college or pro path and has not reclassified into the 2025 class, this projection is speculative. There is a real possibility he stays in high school another year. Even so, he is already among the most physically ready and competitive wings in the draft conversation.
8. Phoenix Suns – Caleb Wilson 6’9”, 205, PF, North Carolina Fr.
A smooth lefty forward who creates mismatches with his handle, vision, and perimeter skill. Wilson scores off the bounce, passes well for his size, and has the length and mobility to switch defensively. His game fits the modern four archetype perfectly, but he still needs to get stronger and show more consistency on both ends. Jermaine O’Neal is the prototype in terms of frame and fluidity, but Wilson must develop greater toughness and focus to reach that level. A true talent with major upside, but he has a long ways to go to cement a position this high. Will he be a breakout star at UNC? Freshmen haven’t fared as well in the current era, so the pressure is on.
9. San Antonio Spurs – Isaiah Evans 6’6”, 175, SG/SF, Duke So.
Evans is a long, wiry scorer with a natural shooting stroke and microwave scoring ability. He moves well without the ball, hits tough jumpers, and brings upside as a rangy defender. A pure shooter with a long frame, Evans was considered a potential early entry candidate and likely would have found a spot in the mid to late first round. Instead, he bet on himself, returning to Duke to finish what he started. A wise decision given his ability to earn NIL money and build his body. Strength will unlock more athleticism and help him hold up defensively. The Brandon Ingram comparisons are natural. He even resembles him physically, but Evans isn’t quite as long, though he may shoot it better. If the body comes around, he has clear NBA scoring wing potential.
10. Portland Trail Blazers – Boogie Fland 6’3”, 175, PG/SG, Florida So.
Fland is a confident shot-maker and fiery competitor who plays bigger than his size. He gets downhill with craft, pulls up from deep, and defends with quick feet. Can play on or off the ball. He brings classic Boogie Down Bronx swagger and an elite handle that allows him to break down defenders and create space with ease. Though streaky at times, his scoring mentality and toughness will translate to the next level. Fland went through the draft process and got a feel for what teams want to see him improve. An untimely injury last year followed by a gradual comeback hurt his draft stock, but he’ll get a fresh start at Florida. He should be one of the nation’s top returning players and prospects.
11. Miami Heat – Mikel Brown 6’3”, 170, PG, Louisville Fr.
Brown is a shifty, quick-twitch guard with impressive court vision and shot-making touch. He excels in ball screens, keeps defenses off balance, and shoots off the bounce with confidence. Though slight, his feel for the game and ability to control pace are major assets for a lead guard. Known primarily for his shooting, Brown turned heads with a highlight-reel dunk on a defender at the USA Basketball U19 trials in Colorado Springs, showing he’s more athletic than advertised. He also proved at the Portland Nike Hoop Summit that he has the goods to run a team. Despite being a bit undersized for today’s NBA, his skill level and poise make him an intriguing long-term prospect.
12. Dallas Mavericks – Labaron Philon 6’4”, 175, PG, Alabama So.
Philon plays with pace, poise, and craft. He sees the floor well, gets to his spots, and finishes tough layups through contact. His perimeter shot is improving, and he defends with intensity. A modern point guard with balance and an advanced feel for the game. Feedback from scouts during the pre-draft process highlighted just how elite he is on the defensive end, where his instincts, lateral quickness, and commitment stand out. With great positional size and maturity, he leapfrogged Tahaad Pettiford here, despite not being the same level college performer. Look for a real jump in production and efficiency in his sophomore season at Alabama.
13. Chicago Bulls – Dash Daniels 6’5”, 200, PG/SG, Australia Fr.
Daniels is a versatile backcourt playmaker with great size and instincts. He passes with creativity, sees over defenders, and plays at his own pace. A solid shooter and capable defender, he thrives in pick-and-roll sets and has the tools to become a modern jumbo guard with lead responsibilities. A little smaller but more skilled than his older brother Dyson, Dash shows many of the same defensive calling-card traits while offering more polished offensive ability at the same stage. He continues to improve steadily and impressed scouts at Basketball Without Borders in San Francisco, where his composure and all-around game stood out.
14. Sacramento Kings – Ian Jackson 6’5”, 180, SG, St. John’s So.
Jackson is an explosive two-way wing with real bounce, lateral quickness, and defensive upside. He plays with intensity, attacks the rim with authority, and flashes as both a slasher and catch-and-shoot threat. Jackson opted to return to school following lukewarm draft feedback, but he’s been a player we’ve been high on for a while. He remains a streaky scorer, but when given the opportunity, he delivered an impressive stretch of games that showcased his natural scoring instincts. With more touches and a larger role in his sophomore year, he should shine. His blend of athleticism and shot-making is reminiscent of former top-10 pick and UNC alum Coby White of the Bulls.
15. Atlanta Hawks – Miles Byrd 6’6”, 180, SG, San Diego State Jr.
Byrd is a late bloomer who has emerged as a smart, two-way shooting guard. He moves well off the ball, makes quick decisions, and has the size and skill set to become a capable stopper. His frame still needs filling out, but the skill level, floor spacing, and shooting versatility make him a strong fit for modern NBA offenses. Despite a modest season at SDSU, Byrd used a very impressive showing at the NBA Draft Combine to turn heads and position himself well heading into the 2025–26 season. An elite shooter with clean mechanics and deep range, his ability to slide between guard spots and facilitate for others with good vision makes him especially intriguing for modern NBA rotations. Strength and consistency will be the key as he looks to take the next step to being a standout at the college level and capable of carrying a college team.
16. Orlando Magic – Tounde Yessoufou 6’6”, 210, SF, Baylor Fr.
Yessoufou is a physically imposing wing with an explosive first step and elite defensive instincts. He plays through contact, rebounds aggressively, and brings relentless energy on every possession. His perimeter shot is improving, showing more confidence and rhythm in catch-and-shoot situations, which adds to his growing offensive toolkit. The all-time scoring leader in California high school basketball history, Yessoufou is also extremely skilled and plays with the maturity of a much older player. He showcased an advancing pull-up game and impressive poise at the Nike Hoop Summit, standing out for the World Select Team. If the jumper continues to progress, his ceiling is much higher than most give him credit for.
17. Detroit Pistons – Jayden Quaintance 6’9”, 230, PF, Kentucky So.
A long, mobile big with elite shot-blocking timing and defensive upside, Quaintance is light on his feet, defends in space, and alters everything at the rim. He runs the floor hard, finishes through contact, and brings physicality on both ends. His offensive game is still developing, but the flashes are promising. Due to his age, he was not draft eligible despite spending a season at Arizona State. How he bounces back from a knee injury will be key, but he has a chance to go 10 spots higher in 2026 if he shows the same high school talent is still progressing. The shooting form is a bit unorthodox, but he’s tough, skilled, and has real long-term potential. He makes you ponder the question of how Ben Wallace would fare in today’s NBA, as an undersized rim protector with elite instincts and toughness who just finds a way to make winning plays.
18. Golden State Warriors – Karim Lopez 6’8”, 210, PF/SF, Mexico Fr.
A long, athletic forward with upside on both ends, Lopez plays with motor, attacks closeouts, and uses his length to finish and defend. He’s still developing his handle and jumper but flashes wing shot-maker potential with intriguing mechanics and touch. Lopez has shown top 10 pick potential in the past but looked a little timid and didn’t stand out in Treviso against a group that wasn’t particularly overwhelming. The physical tools are real, and the shooting potential is there, but consistency and toughness need to improve. If he puts it all together, he has the talent to rise well above this slot this year.
19. Memphis Grizzlies – Kam Williams 6’8”, 205, SF, Kentucky So.
Williams is a smooth, skilled wing with excellent shooting mechanics and positional size. He thrives spotting up and has added polish off the dribble, showing flashes as a confident shot-maker. A Tulane transfer now at Kentucky, Williams isn’t a high-level playmaker yet, but his blend of size, poise, and scoring touch gives him a real chance to grow into a starting-caliber wing. He still needs to iron out his shooting motion for greater consistency, but the makings are there. He cuts well, finishes athletic put-backs, and uses a 7-foot wingspan to score efficiently around the rim. He also blocked 1 shot per game as a freshman and shot 41% from three, a strong foundation to build on.
20. Milwaukee Bucks – Tahaad Pettiford 6’1”, 170, PG, Auburn So.
A blur with the ball, Pettiford thrives pushing tempo and creating off the dribble. He’s a confident scorer and fiery leader, capable of breaking down defenses and finishing at the rim. Fearless in his approach, he went through the draft process to get valuable feedback and returned with clear goals. Undersized, so top-20 might be a stretch, but his speed, aggression, and mentality give him real sparkplug upside. Shot selection and size remain concerns, but look for him to take college hoops by storm as a sophomore with improved decision-making and relentless energy.
21. Minnesota Timberwolves – Solo Ball 6’4”, 190, SG, UConn Jr.
A long, athletic guard with clear NBA physical tools, Ball has the potential to impact on both ends with his length and skill set. He’s a disciplined defender who understands rotations, stays engaged, and competes with effort on that end. A good ball mover and capable shooter, he plays within the flow of the offense. Ball has the tools to blow up as a junior, especially if he continues to grow as a combo guard. He’s an explosive athlete with quickness, vertical pop, and the ability to cover ground fast. The NCAA Tournament was a pressure cooker, and he faded some in the moment, but he’ll look to rebound from that learning experience. Lottery isn’t out of the question, but there’s a wide range of outcomes depending on his growth as a scorer and facilitator.
22. Los Angeles Lakers – Meleek Thomas 6’4”, 180, PG/SG, Arkansas Fr.
Thomas is a dynamic athlete with burst and bounce. He attacks the rim fearlessly and shows promise as a pull-up shooter. Learning to read the floor and make consistent decisions is still a work in progress, but the natural tools and aggression make him an upside swing. Thomas has some Jordan Hawkins to his game with his movement shooting, wiry frame, and ability to rise into shots off the dribble. He also handles well and creates separation with a herky-jerky style that keeps defenders off balance. With his confident shot-making and scoring instincts, he should be an instant-impact guy at Arkansas.
23. Indiana Pacers – JT Toppin 6’8”, 225, PF/C, Texas Tech Jr.
Toppin is a rugged interior presence who brings toughness, rebounding, and defensive switchability. He finishes around the rim, plays through contact, and protects the paint, even if he’s not a traditional shot-blocker. While his perimeter skill set remains limited, he’s carved out a role through sheer hustle, energy, and physicality. Toppin figures to have a monster junior year, with added responsibility and opportunity on both ends. He still has work to do refining his shot and expanding his offensive game, but his motor and determination are very intriguing. Look for a new and improved Toppin to take another leap next season.
24. Denver Nuggets – Yaxel Lendeborg 6’10”, 235, PF/C, Michigan Sr.
Lendeborg is a rebounding machine and productive interior finisher who brings energy, toughness, and a nose for the ball on both ends. He’s not a floor spacer, but thrives in short-roll actions, baseline cuts, and second-chance opportunities thanks to his physicality and effort. After initially testing the waters, Lendeborg made the decision to return to college for NIL opportunities and now enters the season as one of the older first round prospects. He has very intriguing physical tools, including a 7’4″ wingspan and soft touch around the basket out to midrange. The talent is there for him to rise into the lottery, but his consistency and motor will need to hold up over a full Big Ten season.
25. Los Angeles Clippers – Miikka Muurinen 6’11”, 220, C, Finland Jr.
A skilled, mobile big with a high ceiling, Muurinen brings fluidity, face-up ability, and soft touch from distance. He projects as a perimeter-oriented center with real offensive upside thanks to his length, coordination, and shooting potential. He still needs to bulk up and get more comfortable with physical play, especially on the interior. The tools are undeniable, but the focus and maturity need to improve considerably for him to move up draft boards. If he locks in mentally and embraces the grind, Muurinen has the talent to rise much higher.
26. New York Knicks – Karter Knox 6’6”, 215, SF, Arkansas So.
Knox is a shot-hunting wing with NBA tools. He’s streaky but explosive when hot, with the confidence to take tough looks and the physicality to create space. He can get tunnel vision at times, but he has a scorer’s mindset and isn’t afraid of big moments. Not unlike former Arkansas early second rounder Adou Thiero, Knox brings some of the same length and freak athleticism but with a more advanced perimeter skill set, particularly as a shooter. If he sharpens his shot selection and improves defensively, he has clear rotation-level scoring upside and potential to climb into the first-round mix.
27. Houston Rockets – Darren Harris 6’6”, 205, SG/SF, Duke So.
Harris is a lights-out shooter with clean mechanics, deep range, and terrific off-ball movement. He moves like a seasoned pro, reads screens well, and rarely forces shots, making him an ideal floor spacer. While not the most athletic wing, his shooting is pure and elite, among the best in college basketball. He should have a real chance to fill into a prominent scoring role as a sophomore at Duke. The key question is whether his athleticism and speed can hold up defensively and allow him to consistently create separation at the next level.
28. Boston Celtics – Thomas Haugh 6’9”, 210, SF, Florida Jr.
A high-motor forward who contributes on defense, moves well laterally, and plays within himself. He’s a cutter, rebounder, and versatile defender with good length and nice fluidity. While not featured heavily as a scorer last season, he’s a good shooter when given the opportunity and could emerge as more of a go-to option this year. Haugh was a very clutch performer in the NCAA Tournament and showed mental toughness in big moments. He’ll turn 22 on July 7, which may give some teams pause, but if he builds off his sophomore jump, he has a strong chance to rise into the mid first-round conversation.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers – Joson Sanon 6’5”, 195, SG, St. John’s So.
Sanon is a creative scorer with the tools to get his own shot. He’s quick, confident, and unafraid of the moment, capable of hitting tough jumpers and scoring in bunches. He’s an elite shooter with a very fast release and natural mechanics, making him a constant threat from deep. While a bit undersized for a two guard, he has deceptive length that helps him hold his own defensively. Turnovers and shot selection still need refinement, but the offensive talent is clear. If he sharpens his decision-making, Sanon has the makings of a high-level scoring guard.
30. Oklahoma City Thunder – Tyler Harris 6’8”, 190, SF, Washington Jr.
Harris is a switchable, long wing with clear 3-and-D potential. He hits open threes with improved range and consistency, plays with effort, and can guard multiple positions effectively. A low-usage role player with a plug-and-play feel, Harris showed real strides entering his junior year. A talented wing with excellent length, his path forward comes down to gaining strength and maintaining consistent production. If he continues developing, Harris has first-round talent and the versatility teams covet in modern NBA wings.
