We’re a number of weeks into school basketball season, and pleasure across the 2026 draft has continued to construct, with a bunch of star freshmen headlining the category and taking rapidly to the subsequent stage. Now is an effective time to roll out our first mock draft of the season.
NBA executives have benefitted from a handy November schedule that has included numerous significant prospect matchups, together with the Champions Basic (Nov. 18) and subsequent week’s Gamers Period championship in Las Vegas, which incorporates 18 groups and extra prospect-laden matchups. This continues to be seen as one of many stronger drafts in latest reminiscence, with high-level gamers on the prime of the board, in addition to growing depth within the first spherical.
With the understanding that a lot of it will change all the way in which till June, the mock serves to venture what issues would appear to be if NBA groups drafted right now. These projections usually are not a rating of the highest prospects — for that, seek the advice of ESPN’s Prime 100. They’re knowledgeable by ongoing conversations with NBA executives and scouts, in addition to my very own analysis course of from time spent on the street at video games and watching movie.
The draft order was formulated utilizing ESPN’s BPI rankings as of Nov. 14.
Extra NBA draft protection:
10 school groups with most NBA prospects
Prime 100 rankings of the 2026 prospects | Extra
Spherical 1 picks
Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 21.5 factors, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists in two video games
Peterson missed Kansas’s previous couple of video games due to a hamstring subject and was described by head coach Invoice Self as out for the “instant future,” which places his standing doubtful for a marquee matchup Tuesday in opposition to Cameron Boozer and Duke. Whereas not formally dominated out as of Tuesday morning, that recreation stood as a significant alternative to point out why he has been centered by NBA executives within the No. 1 choose dialogue. Peterson’s dynamic three-level scoring, spectacular bodily instruments, defensive tenacity and aggressive intangibles place him among the many most full and impactful freshman guards in latest reminiscence. It is price noting that NBA evaluators have been underwhelmed by the Jayhawks’ supporting forged to date, and Kansas will seemingly go so far as Peterson can carry it. There’s room for debate across the No. 1 spot because the season unfolds, however Peterson would doubtless be the selection if the draft occurred right now. The prospect of an prolonged absence, nevertheless, would depart the door open for Dybantsa and Boozer to achieve floor.
The Nets badly want a participant to anchor their workforce transferring ahead; they’ve taken 5 first-round swings within the 2025 draft and are nonetheless determining how everybody suits long run. Peterson would tackle their lack of star energy after which some.
AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 20.3 factors, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 4 video games
Dybantsa took heart stage Saturday in Boston, with a big NBA contingent in attendance for BYU-UConn. He confirmed his tantalizing scoring upside within the second half, after struggling to influence the primary, pointing to a few of the issues round his consistency and tendencies, but additionally serving as a reminder of his appreciable expertise. General, he has been environment friendly. He attracts fouls continuously and has made an effort to play workforce basketball, however he’s nonetheless studying to learn the move of the sport and when to be aggressive. Dybantsa’s spectacular physicality provides him top-notch upside as a wing scorer who must also add worth defensively, however he might want to present enchancment to maximise his possibilities of going No. 1.
The Wizards are amongst a number of groups with rather a lot using on the 2026 lottery — they’ve gotten optimistic returns from 2024 draftees Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George however stay in quest of a younger star they’ll construct their offense round. Dybantsa would deliver a downhill component that the roster lacks.
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AJ Dybantsa throws down putback slam
AJ Dybantsa throws down putback slam
Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 22.5 factors, 10.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists in 4 video games
Whereas a quiet debut in opposition to Texas underscored a few of scouts’ issues round Boozer’s athleticism, he’ll have an enormous platform Tuesday in opposition to Kansas, with a majority of the NBA’s decision-makers anticipated to attend. He is a elegant all-around participant who contributes to successful past purely scoring, which ought to assist mitigate the truth that he is not as vertically explosive. His excellent monitor report will earn him some good thing about the doubt as he settles in to school, and his prolific manufacturing will maintain him within the dialog with Peterson and Dybantsa atop the draft.
Utah is off to a greater begin than anticipated however nonetheless falls within the backside three in ESPN’s BPI win projections and not too long ago misplaced Walker Kessler for the season due to damage. If the Jazz’s choose falls exterior the highest eight, it might be conveyed to Oklahoma Metropolis, creating a further incentive for the Jazz to remain unhealthy for one more season. Boozer would match properly as an offensive centerpiece alongside Ace Bailey.
Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 20 factors, 8.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists in 4 video games
Ament has been productive in opposition to lower-level opponents to start the season and will likely be below the microscope subsequent week in Las Vegas, with all 30 NBA groups anticipated to ship decision-makers to the prospect-laden Gamers Period Championship. Ament continues to be studying to leverage his 6-foot-10, 207-pound body as a scorer, however it has been encouraging to see him assault downhill and draw fouls. Scouts will likely be keen to judge him in opposition to higher competitors, however his body and ability set portend glorious upside as he positive aspects expertise.
The Pacers’ devastating run of unhealthy damage luck spilled into the common season — Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin and Aaron Nesmith have been among the many notable gamers injured. Indiana’s determination to reacquire its personal 2026 first-round choose again within the spring now appears to be like significantly shrewd, giving the franchise a safety blanket and a pathway right into a proficient draft lottery. After a 1-13 begin, it would make sense for the Pacers to lean in to the dropping, with eyes on bouncing again subsequent season with a wholesome Tyrese Haliburton.
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Nate Ament throws down massive flush vs. North Florida Ospreys
Nate Ament throws down massive flush vs. North Florida Ospreys
Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 20 factors, 9.5 rebounds, 3 assists in 4 video games
Wilson appears to be like to have made a tangible bounce since arriving in school, impressing NBA groups with a newfound aggressive gear that is translating into big-time manufacturing. His vitality and influence within the paint defensively and on the glass have made an enormous distinction, coupled with a powerful really feel and passing potential. The primary problem transferring ahead will likely be projecting his bounce shot, as he hasn’t taken many 3s and has been inconsistent from the foul line (68.8%). It is unlikely he may be an offensive focus within the NBA with out main development in that space, however some scouts consider there’s a chance for Wilson to vault into the higher echelon of this class if he can maintain this stage of play.
Atlanta seems set to profit from its determination to commerce out of the 2025 draft lottery to acquire this choose from New Orleans, because the 2-12 Pelicans proceed to backslide and appear more likely to convey vital odds. This choice will likely be a luxurious for the Hawks, it doesn’t matter what.
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 19.3 factors, 2.5 rebounds, 6.8 assists in 4 video games
A 29-point explosion in a rivalry recreation in opposition to Kentucky signaled Brown’s correct arrival on the faculty stage and underscored the thrill surrounding his NBA potential and trajectory. His potential to shoot from deep (36% from 3) off the dribble and catch, in addition to make performs for teammates, provides him glorious upside, plus persevering with to get downhill and to the foul line with extra aggression will assist his case. It is a cheap guess proper now that he’ll be the primary guard off the board after Darryn Peterson, and the place Brown finally falls among the many prime picks would possibly depend upon the place the point-guard-needy groups find yourself deciding on.
This has been a difficult begin to the season, to say the least, for the 3-11 Kings, who management their very own choose and would possibly want to contemplate pivoting from an ageing core group on costly contracts. The variety of high-level abilities on this lottery makes {that a} extra palatable proposition, and the Kings’ want for a youthful playmaker ought to make Brown a transparent consideration.
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Mikel Brown Jr. sinks deep 3-pointer
Mikel Brown Jr. makes a deep 3-pointer for Louisville.
Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 10.8 factors, 9 rebounds, 0.5 assists in 4 video games
Cenac has been regular to start out the faculty season and seems to have purchased in to his function at Houston, making a distinction on the glass and flashing consolation along with his jumper. Along with his minutes trying strong, there’s loads of room for him to construct on that, significantly on the offensive finish, the place he faces an adjustment taking part in on the within in opposition to older and stronger school bigs. He is nonetheless a methods from reaching his ceiling, however he has a very good toolbox for a contemporary, cellular, rim-protecting stretch 5, an archetype that is not prevalent on this class.
The Hornets have gotten robust early returns from their rookies, together with Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner, however it stays to be seen whether or not they’re able to make a real push for a play-in spot. Cenac’s size and mobility might be additive to their entrance courtroom long run.
Koa Peat, PF/C, Arizona
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 16.3 factors, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists in 4 video games
Peat has left a powerful impression along with his early play and firmed up a spot within the lottery dialogue, along with his physicality and inside influence proving vital for Arizona. His lack of capturing vary and the truth that he is undersized (6-8) for a 4 are seen as limiting components, however it’s simple to understand his well-defined identification as a participant. If Peat can develop a 3-point shot, it is arduous to not see him discovering utility within the NBA, however which may finally be one thing he’ll have to point out in exercises. Persevering with to drive successful as a rebounder, play finisher and bodily defender ought to maintain him entrance of thoughts as a mid-to-late lottery candidate, though his ability set may be extra team-specific than others.
The Mavericks’ dismissal of common supervisor Nico Harrison would possibly sign a turning of the web page, as Dallas reorients the franchise round Cooper Flagg. There is a window for the 4-11 Mavs to pivot additional into the lottery in quest of one other younger star to pair with him.
Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
Sophomore
2024-25 stats: 9.4 factors, 7.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Quaintance stays sidelined as he completes the ultimate levels of rehab for a torn ACL. His manufacturing as a 17-year-old freshman at Arizona State final season made him a prospect of significant curiosity, and the hope is he’ll be again by January. Optimistically, he initiatives as a vertical spacer and lob risk who also can anchor a workforce defensively, however he is not a very good exterior shooter nor tremendous expert for a 5-man, doubtless creating some limitations on how he may be used on offense. NBA groups are desperate to see him retake the ground to get a greater really feel for his readiness and upside.
The Grizzlies are at the moment slated to choose twice within the lottery, holding their very own first-round choose and sure Phoenix’s as nicely. As Memphis considers an extended time horizon after buying and selling Desmond Bane, touchdown a few swings in a top quality draft will likely be crucial.
Dame Sarr, SG/SF, Duke
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 9.8 factors, 3.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists in 4 video games
Scouts regard Sarr as Duke’s second-best prospect, along with his 6-8 body, defensive upside and growing offensive recreation as a fringe connector giving him a path to changing into a precious NBA participant. He is additionally beginning to reply questions on his capturing, having made 7 of 14 from 3 to start the season and looking out comfy catching and capturing. Whereas he is not closely featured as a scorer, a lot of his worth will come from filling within the gaps.
A sluggish begin for the Clippers has positioned the defending champion Thunder to doubtlessly choose within the lottery, giving them one other alternative so as to add prime expertise to an already loaded roster. That is the primary of three first-round alternatives they maintain.
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Dame Sarr will get the steal and slam for Duke
Dame Sarr comes up with a steal and rocks the rim with a jam for Duke vs. Indiana State.
11. Memphis Grizzlies (by way of Phoenix)
Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers (New Zealand)
Lopez has been productive in his second season in Australia, making 40% of his 3s, displaying progress offensively and chipping in as a rebounder. There are some holes in his profile: He hasn’t gotten to the free throw line a lot, and scouts have expressed concern about his athleticism and protection. Lopez could finally venture greatest as a stretch-four relatively than a wing. His potential to deal with, be a playmaker and knock down open photographs at 6-8 will maintain him in conversations on this a part of the draft.
The Grizzlies can have the higher of Phoenix’s and Orlando’s first-round picks, with the Magic forward of the Suns primarily based on ESPN’s BPI projections.
Neoklis Avdalas, SG/SF, Virginia Tech
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 16.3 factors, 3.5 rebounds, 6 assists in 4 video games
Avdalas’ 33-point breakout on the street in opposition to Windfall put the NBA on discover, as he deftly navigated ball screens, knocked down 5 3s and showcased his upside as a 6-8 playmaking wing. Whereas he is not particularly quick or adept at beating defenders one-on-one — an element that creates some skepticism in his projection — NBA groups are at all times in quest of massive playmakers, and Avdalas has begun to show that in an outsized function. Persevering with to make photographs from lengthy vary and set up his worth with out the ball will likely be key. He suits the blueprint from a dimension and ability perspective, and can have an opportunity to go excessive within the draft if he can assuage these issues.
Portland sits in the midst of the pack within the West and can convey its choice to Chicago if the Blazers make the playoffs and the choose falls between 15 and 30.
Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn
Freshman
Mullins stays out with an ankle damage however is on monitor to return within the coming weeks, and NBA groups will likely be desperate to assess him in a school setting. His glorious 3-point capturing, each off motion and off the bounce, provides him a calling-card ability, plus he is a tricky competitor with positional dimension who can chip in defensively. UConn has traditionally performed nicely that includes its shooters below Dan Hurley and can want him to make an influence, positioning him for a possible one-and-done season if issues go easily.
The Bulls personal their choose in 2026 and returned to the center of the pack after a sizzling begin to the season — the wholesome return of Coby White and Josh Giddey will supply a greater sense of which route Chicago is headed with respect to the draft.
Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 19.8 factors, 3.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists in 4 video games
Acuff is off to a strong begin at Arkansas, placing up environment friendly numbers and capturing it nicely from lengthy vary by way of 4 video games. His burst and knack for making performs have been on show, and his power and tempo assist compensate for his smaller dimension. Guard-needy groups will likely be trying carefully at him within the coming weeks, with a Thanksgiving matchup in opposition to Duke and a head-to-head recreation in opposition to Mikel Brown Jr. and Louisville providing actual exams.
The Bucks will obtain the more serious of their very own choose and New Orleans’ and have a evident want for long-term backcourt assist for the time being — whereas it is early, their choose might be an attention-grabbing touchdown spot for any of the guards on this vary.
Thomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida
Junior
2025-26 stats: 19 factors, 8.3 rebounds, 3 assists in 4 video games
Many across the NBA anticipated Haugh would get away this season — he has wasted no time establishing himself as probably the greatest gamers in school basketball. Though he’ll flip 23 earlier than his rookie season within the NBA, Haugh appears to be like like an apparent plug-and-play possibility who will assist any workforce along with his ball motion, defensive effort and flexibility. Groups with playoff aspirations will likely be trying arduous at him beginning on this a part of the draft.
Amid some hypothesis that they might take a nosedive within the standings, the Celtics have been frisky within the absence of Jayson Tatum. Including an NBA-ready participant with this choose must be one strategy they think about.
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Thomas Haugh drains trey vs. Miami Hurricanes
Thomas Haugh buries 3-pointer in opposition to Miami Hurricanes
Labaron Philon Jr., PG, Alabama
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 19.3 factors, 3.3 rebounds, 6 assists in three video games
Philon has opened the season in good kind, notably scoring 25 factors in Alabama’s street win over St. John’s and flashing improved potential as a shotmaker. He is stepping right into a focal playmaking function this season and has a pleasant alternative to separate himself from the opposite level guards on this a part of the draft. Exhibiting he can shoulder the load effectively as Alabama navigates a tricky nonconference schedule will assist.
The Raptors management their very own choose, however are working to return to the playoffs for the primary time since 2022, doubtless slating them to pick someplace on this vary.
17. Charlotte Hornets (by way of Orlando)
Tounde Yessoufou, SG/SF, Baylor
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 16.3 factors, 5 rebounds, 1.7 assists in three video games
With a strong 6-5, 210-pound body and high-performing motor, Yessoufou has attention-grabbing upside, in addition to some developmental threat as scouts work to venture his offense. He can energy downhill and to the foul line, however has struggled capturing from 3 (3-for-15 to start out the season) and faces questions on his playmaking and really feel for transferring the ball. If his capturing improves, Yessoufou might be a high-value play-finisher and disruptive defender on the very least. How his effectivity bears out over the course of the season would be the greatest think about how excessive he is chosen.
Charlotte will obtain the least favorable of Washington’s (if 1-8), Phoenix’s, Orlando’s and Memphis’ picks, which on this case is the Magic’s.
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan
Senior
2025-26 stats: 11.7 factors, 6.3 rebounds, 3 assists in three video games
Lendeborg’s age (23) places a damper on his perceived upside, however his all-around recreation and bodily instruments must be adequate to land him within the first spherical, the place groups on the lookout for plug-and-play frontcourt assistance will think about him. He stays a streaky exterior shooter, however his potential to deal with and move provides him further perimeter performance for a much bigger ahead at 6-9, 240.
Michigan has been coping with the difficult job of taking part in three bigs collectively for stretches, hoping Lendeborg’s potential to mix lineups will allow them to get their greatest gamers on the ground collectively. He isn’t at all times aggressive as a scorer, however he ought to have utility in a complementary NBA context and be interesting to groups like Golden State which might be in win-now mode.
Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 17.3 factors, 3.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists in 4 video games
Though he entered school with much less fanfare than a few of his classmates, Flemings has been probably the greatest freshmen out of the gate, taking part in a key function for No. 1-ranked Houston and showcasing NBA-caliber pace, imaginative and prescient and explosiveness. He aced his first main take a look at, spurring the Cougars to a win in opposition to a tricky Auburn protection on Sunday with 22 factors. He has been exceptionally environment friendly on this small pattern, making 79% of two-point makes an attempt by way of 4 video games, and places quite a lot of stress on defenses along with his tempo downhill regardless of being slender. He ought to proceed to emerge because the season goes on whereas sharing a backcourt with Milos Uzan.
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
Senior
2025-26 stats: 21.3 factors, 3 rebounds, 5.3 assists in three video games
It is no shock that Stirtz is off to a very good begin as Iowa navigates a mushy early schedule, as an knowledgeable ball-screen navigator and older prospect who stays one of many prime gamers in school basketball. He has proved himself as a guard who can dictate recreation move and make good selections whereas shouldering main utilization. He’ll be extra carefully scrutinized in opposition to higher competitors, as scouts work to venture him bodily and defensively in the long run. As a 22-year-old senior, groups will scrutinize his developmental upside relative to the opposite guards on this class, however there will likely be some plug-and-play enchantment for groups needing extra instant assist.
Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 14.3 factors, 12.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists in 4 video games
Among the many most efficient bigs in school basketball early on, Steinbach has been glorious on the glass and a stabilizing power for Washington. He definitely appears to be like the half as a long-term NBA participant, with a very good understanding of his function up entrance, above-average mobility for his dimension, and functionality as a passer taking part in out of brief rolls. He’s beginning to separate himself from most of the different bigs projected exterior the lottery and has room to rise primarily based on his sheer manufacturing.
The Spurs maintain the suitable to swap their very own first with Atlanta’s on this draft, however on this situation, they maintain onto their very own.
Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 13 factors, 3.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists in 4 video games
Evans has been streaky to start out the season, however he appears to be like the half as a high-level perimeter shooter who must be poised for a sophomore leap. Duke will want him to attain rather a lot, and his potential to knock down photographs off motion and area the ground makes him a powerful match with Cameron Boozer, in principle. NBA groups nonetheless have questions on his defensive influence, shot choice and talent to get downhill, however there is a practical probability Evans’ capturing helps him carve out a task.
23. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (by way of Philadelphia)
Sprint Daniels, PG/SG, Melbourne United (Australia)
Daniels continues to play a helpful supporting function for 11-2 Melbourne United, primarily providing sturdy defensive minutes. The truth that he has carved out minutes at 17 years outdated is spectacular, however he is additionally not attending to stretch himself offensively in a approach that will considerably bolster his standing but. Because the youngest prospect on our Prime 100, Daniels will not essentially have to remain within the 2026 draft — he might finally profit from delaying and getting into in a thinner 2027 class, relying on the suggestions he will get. The Thunder will obtain this choose from Philadelphia, until it lands within the prime 4.
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 12 factors, 10.3 rebounds, 3 assists in three video games
Mara landed in a extra optimum scenario after transferring from UCLA to Michigan and has regarded the half as a future NBA participant, along with his sheer dimension and terrific passing imaginative and prescient making him a singular offensive risk. Whereas he is not quick or vertically explosive, he is sufficiently cellular to play in drop protection and will not less than add some defensive worth as a deterrent across the basket. He is more likely to see all varieties of coverages and double-teams transferring ahead, however Mara brings much more to the desk than your typical 7-footer and has reminded groups what made him attention-grabbing earlier in his profession.
The Cavs maintain the flexibility to swap their first with the more serious of San Antonio’s and Atlanta’s firsts.
9:56
Michigan Wolverines vs. TCU Horned Frogs: Recreation Highlights
Michigan Wolverines vs. TCU Horned Frogs: Recreation Highlights
Zuby Ejiofor, PF/C, St. John’s
Senior
2025-26 stats: 18.3 factors, 7 rebounds, 3.3 assists in three video games
Ejiofor has impressed along with his all-out effort and flashes of bettering ability, along with his passing potential making him extra dynamic than most undersized (6-9) vitality bigs on this mould. He additionally hit a pair of 3s in a breakout recreation in opposition to Alabama, and persevering with to show some contact from vary could be useful in solidifying a first-round case. He seems in for an All-America kind of marketing campaign, and if issues go that route, playoff groups looking for instant frontcourt assist could think about him on the finish of the primary spherical.
Miles Byrd, SG/SF, San Diego State
Junior
2025-26 stats: 8.5 factors, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists in two video games
Byrd is likely one of the extra apt perimeter defenders within the class and will have role-player enchantment to successful groups in quest of depth. San Diego State has performed solely two video games to date, however it can draw robust competitors subsequent week in Las Vegas and provides Byrd a helpful proving floor. Scouts hope to see him make strides offensively, significantly as a shooter, and he ought to have alternatives to develop as a playmaker, as nicely.
27. Atlanta Hawks (by way of Cleveland)
Meleek Thomas, PG/SG, Arkansas
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 17.8 factors, 6.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists in 4 video games
Thomas has displayed some development as a decision-maker and passer, but additionally struggled with effectivity as he adjusts to school basketball. His toughness, positional dimension, productiveness and scoring instincts give him attention-grabbing upside as he continues to attempt to show he is greater than purely a scorer. Arkansas is relying closely on him to generate offense, however he’ll should be extra constant and sharpen his shot choice to strengthen his one-and-done case.
The Hawks will obtain the more serious of their very own first/San Antonio’s first and the Cavaliers’ first.
28. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (by way of Houston)
Alex Condon, C, Florida
Junior
2025-26 stats: 16.5 factors, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists in 4 video games
Whereas Condon may be divisive for scouts attributable to issues about his offensive output, mobility, passing flashes and defensive mentality give him instruments to work with as a possible glue man on the NBA stage. After taking part in a significant function in Florida’s 2025 title run, he’ll draw longer appears to be like this time round. He picked up basketball late and there is some untapped upside right here if he can add a dependable jumper and polish his abilities additional. Condon has been rather more productive out of the gate as a scorer, pointing the arrow in the suitable route for the time being.
The Thunder can have the 2 most favorable of their very own, Houston’s (if 5-30) and the Clippers’ firsts.
Joseph Tugler, PF/C, Houston
Junior
2025-26 stats: 8.5 factors, 5 rebounds, 1.5 assists in 4 video games
Tugler is a defensive ace with elite size who cleans up errors and wins further possessions on the inside in a approach that ought to translate into some stage of NBA utility. He is additionally a restricted offensive participant, which makes his match extra team-specific and makes him a bit divisive for scouts. He’ll take advantage of sense as a plug-and-play specialist on a playoff workforce with a particular imaginative and prescient for how you can use him. The thought of him in Denver as a defender off the bench is entertaining to consider.
30. Washington Wizards (by way of Oklahoma Metropolis)
Dwayne Aristode, SF, Arizona
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 6.3 factors, 1.5 rebounds, 1 help in 4 video games
Aristode had NBA groups closely intrigued along with his spectacular body (6-8, 220) and 3-and-D potential getting into the season. It is arduous to get carried away contemplating the context, as his taking part in time has been up and down, logging lower than 10 minutes in Arizona’s greatest video games in opposition to Florida and UCLA, however he confirmed off his capturing with six 3s in opposition to Northern Arizona. After lacking his senior 12 months of highschool with a foot damage, Aristode is clearly nonetheless getting on top of things, however might want to get a greater foothold from a minutes perspective to make a one-and-done case. If he can carve out a task like Carter Bryant did final season, there is a pathway into the draft as a developmental participant.
The Wizards maintain the least favorable of the Clippers’, Rockets’ and Thunder’s firsts.
Spherical 2 picks
31. Brooklyn Nets: Sergio de Larrea, PG/SG, Valencia (Spain)
32. New York Knicks (by way of Washington): Patrick Ngongba, C, Duke, Sophomore
33. San Antonio Spurs (by way of Utah): Nikolas Khamenia, SF/PF, Duke, Freshman
34. Memphis Grizzlies (by way of Indiana): Cameron Carr, SG/SF, Baylor, Sophomore
35. Boston Celtics (by way of New Orleans): Braden Smith, PG, Purdue, Senior
36. Sacramento Kings: JT Toppin, PF/C, Texas Tech, Senior
37. Sacramento Kings (by way of Charlotte): Karter Knox, SG/SF, Arkansas, Sophomore
38. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (by way of Dallas): Alex Karaban, SF/PF, UConn, Senior
39. LA Clippers (by way of Memphis): Tahaad Pettiford, PG, Auburn, Sophomore
40. Brooklyn Nets (by way of LA Clippers): Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina, Junior
41. Washington Wizards (by way of Phoenix): Magoon Gwath, C, San Diego State, Sophomore
42. San Antonio Spurs (by way of Portland): Paul McNeil Jr., SG, NC State, Sophomore
43. Houston Rockets (by way of Chicago): Tomislav Ivisic, C, Illinois, Junior
44. Boston Celtics (by way of Milwaukee): Darrion Williams, SF, NC State, Senior
45. Atlanta Hawks (by way of Boston): Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona, Freshman
46. Toronto Raptors: Wesley Yates III, SG, Washington, Sophomore
47. Orlando Magic: Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona, Junior
48. Charlotte Hornets (by way of Golden State): Milos Uzan, PG, Houston, Senior
49. San Antonio Spurs (by way of Miami): Andrej Stojakovic, SG/SF, Illinois, Junior
50. Washington Wizards (by way of Minnesota): Mouhamed Sylla, C, Georgia Tech, Freshman
51. Minnesota Timberwolves (by way of San Antonio): Adam Atamna, SG, ASVEL (France)
52. New York Knicks (by way of Detroit): Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas, Junior
53. Phoenix Suns (by way of Philadelphia): Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan, Sophomore
54. Brooklyn Nets (by way of Atlanta): Moustapha Thiam, C, Cincinnati, Sophomore
55. Toronto Raptors (by way of Los Angeles): Michael Ruzic, PF/C, Joventut (Spain)
56. New York Knicks: Boogie Fland, PG, Florida, Sophomore
57. Cleveland Cavaliers: Richie Saunders, SG/SF, BYU, Senior
58. Houston Rockets: Nolan Winter, PF/C, Wisconsin, Junior
59. Minnesota Timberwolves (by way of Denver): Solo Ball, SG, UConn, Junior
60. Washington Wizards (by way of Oklahoma Metropolis): Tucker DeVries, SG/SF, Indiana, Senior
