Whether or not you have adopted this 2026 NBA draft class all season or are simply tuning in for March Insanity, it bears repeating: That is shaping as much as be an exceptionally proficient draft class.
Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson have been the headliners. However a terrific group of guard prospects — Kingston Flemings, Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr. and Mikel Brown Jr. — add vital depth to the mid-lottery.
Throughout the NBA, conversations round tanking and the league’s efforts to fight it proceed — and the power of this draft has definitely performed a task within the unusually excessive variety of groups at present tumbling down the standings. There stays a broad expectation that many high quality prospects will return to school subsequent season, primarily amongst gamers not entrenched within the first spherical, as NIL funds shift monetary incentives. This mock serves to venture what the draft would possibly appear to be if NBA groups chosen as we speak. These projections should not a rating of the highest prospects — for that, seek the advice of ESPN’s high 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 highway at video games and watching movie.
With convention tournaments getting underway and a prospect-heavy NCAA event one week out, listed here are our newest projections looking forward to the 2026 draft.
The draft order was formulated utilizing ESPN’s BPI projections as of March 8.
Extra NBA draft protection:
High 100 rankings of the 2026 prospects | Extra
Spherical 1 picks
Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 19.9 factors, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists in 20 video games
A lot has been mentioned about Peterson and his candidacy for No. 1 over the course of a tumultuous season. His points with cramping and inconsistent play have heightened the perceived danger round taking him first, however he stays essentially the most gifted offensive participant within the draft. NBA groups have various ranges of concern however will not have full data round his long-term well being or different intangibles till later within the course of.
The battle for No. 1 is shut sufficient between Peterson and AJ Dybantsa to the purpose the place league sources broadly view this as a matter of which group finally makes the decide. Cameron Boozer’s dominant season has additionally stored him within the debate.
It is vital to bear in mind how strongly many evaluators felt about Peterson coming into the season, significantly scouts who noticed him play in highschool. Though his position at Kansas has largely moved him off the ball, there stays optimism round his playmaking and skill to function as a lead ball handler. It is exhausting to see Peterson falling out of the highest three, and he appeared a lot more healthy over the weekend towards Kansas State. A giant postseason run might assist him change the narrative round his season.
Sacramento, looking for a brand new face of the franchise, has fairly a bit driving on this lottery. With 5 rotation gamers at present injured, they really feel like a protected guess for top-three odds.
0:22
Darryn Peterson drops within the clean bucket
Darryn Peterson drops within the clean bucket
AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 24.7 factors, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists in 31 video games
An enormous NBA contingent was current on the Large 12 event in Kansas Metropolis on Tuesday to see Dybantsa and BYU tackle Kansas State, with decision-makers from nearly all of lottery groups in attendance. Dybantsa did his half, scoring 40 factors almost each which method on 15-of-21 capturing, in a 105-91 Cougars win. He’ll have one other massive stage Wednesday night time towards West Virginia, with Houston awaiting if he can engineer one other win.
The Large 12’s Freshman of the 12 months has performed his half to make the No. 1 race attention-grabbing, at present main the NCAA in scoring whereas additionally exhibiting progress as a decision-maker. He was taking part in his finest basketball of the season earlier than teammate Richie Saunders tore his ACL on Feb. 14, an harm that despatched BYU on a late-season backslide. In what has develop into an actual debate for the No. 1 decide, some across the NBA have come to view Dybantsa as a safer choice than Peterson. He is not as gifted a ball handler or shooter however may need extra untapped upside from a bodily and talent perspective, in addition to on the defensive finish.
The Wizards preserve this decide (in any other case owed to the New York Knicks) if it falls inside the highest eight. Trae Younger made his debut final week and Anthony Davis’ return stays unclear, however this could possibly be Washington’s final dip into the excessive lottery for some time.
Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 22.7 factors, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists in 31 video games
Boozer, the ACC Participant and Rookie of the 12 months, has made a loud argument for himself as one of the best participant in school basketball and would supply glorious worth if he falls to No. 3.
He is having a traditionally productive season working because the fulcrum of a Duke group with title aspirations. He excels in almost each offensive space. However his common explosiveness, coupled with slower defensive floor protection, has raised questions on his ceiling.
Some scouts wonder if he could be one of the best participant on a championship-level NBA group, or whether or not he is optimally forged as a secondary star.
Indiana’s deadline commerce for Ivica Zubac raises the stakes round subsequent season and this choice, as they will convey it to the LA Clippers if it falls within the 5-9 vary. Including Boozer to the combination with a wholesome Tyrese Haliburton might kick-start the Pacers on one other playoff push.
3:39
The Boozer twins: Making their very own legacy
Rece Davis sits down with fraternal twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer to learn how they’re forging their very own paths at Duke.
Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 19.8 factors, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists in 24 video games
Wilson opted to have surgical procedure after breaking his thumb final week in follow, ending his season and depriving him of a possibility to play within the NCAA event.
A primary-team All-ACC choice, he has performed sufficient to take a seat safely among the many high picks even with out taking the court docket once more, showcasing his means to play above the rim and two-way upside at energy ahead. Evaluators are curious how far more he can develop his 3-point capturing (25.9%) and ball expertise, however Wilson performs exceptionally exhausting, having compiled 11 double-doubles and setting himself aside as an elite prospect. NBA groups have penciled him in as a top-four choice.
Brooklyn has constructed patiently, holding onto Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton on the commerce deadline and will likely be hoping so as to add star energy to the youngest roster within the NBA, irrespective of the place this decide falls.
0:58
How far can UNC go with out Caleb Wilson?
Jay Williams and Jay Bilas talk about UNC’s possibilities to make a deep run within the NCAA event with out Caleb Wilson.
Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 16.5 factors, 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists in 31 video games
With a powerful tier of backcourt gamers penciled in by the center of the lottery, and entrance workplaces valuing all of them in another way, there’s actual floor to realize for these gamers over the subsequent couple of weeks.
Flemings is essentially the most explosive guard within the draft, along with his downhill fashion and budding playmaking means holding him excessive on group boards. Evaluators share some concern about his capturing mechanics, however he has achieved outcomes (84% on the line, 37.6% from 3) and has been on an upward trajectory along with his jumper over the previous yr.
Houston will finally go so far as the first-team All-Large 12 choice can carry it in March, starting Thursday within the convention event.
The Jazz want this decide to land within the high eight, or will in any other case convey it to Oklahoma Metropolis. Utah beefed up its frontcourt with Jaren Jackson Jr. on the commerce deadline and is a group that must be wanting exhausting at guard choices forward of a pivot towards playoff rivalry subsequent season.
Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 17.9 factors, 4.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists in 31 video games
Wagler’s surprising rise from off-the-radar recruit to Large Ten Freshman of the 12 months has given him an opportunity to be the second guard off the board. His positional dimension — 6-foot-6 — 3-point capturing (41%) and impeccable playmaking give him developmental upside.
Persevering with to realize power to higher navigate within the paint and changing into a greater defender are long-term keys as effectively. He’s the least dynamic athlete of the guards on this group, however the blueprint is there for him to develop into an NBA backcourt fixture.
Atlanta will likely be looking for a long-term level guard after transferring on from Trae Younger, and might tackle that on this draft, even when its decide would not land within the high 4.
Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 22.2 factors, 3.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists in 30 video games
Acuff was named SEC Participant of the 12 months after a stellar season that solidified him as a lottery decide. His means to navigate tight areas on the court docket, create his personal offense and discover teammates has been a significant separator.
NBA groups have considerations about his protection, however it’s exhausting to disclaim Acuff’s means to fabricate factors. There’s variance of opinion on how he stacks up long run towards his friends, however Acuff is essentially the most NBA-ready of the 4 guards.
Dallas is one other potential level guard touchdown spot, with Kyrie Irving now 33 and the Mavs constructing across the rising Cooper Flagg. Discovering a long-term starter on the place could be a coup for his or her future.
2:05
Darius Acuff Jr. explains No. 20 Arkansas’ dedication to avenge loss
Acuff Jr. discusses the mindset within the win over Texas as they bounced again from a ugly loss to Florida, describing the electrical offense and chemistry between the Razorbacks.
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 18.2 factors, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists in 21 video games
Brown was formally dominated out for the ACC event Tuesday as he continues to take care of again points which have plagued him for a lot of the season. An NCAA event return hasn’t been dominated out, however this has develop into a state of affairs NBA groups need to be taught extra about when he completes his medical take a look at on the mix in Might.
Though he is capturing simply 41% from the sphere this season, scouts really feel snug along with his historical past and that his dynamic perimeter shot-creation (34% from 3) stays a powerful attribute. The ups and downs of his season have not helped his draft profile, although. However he fared higher after getting back from harm in February. Brown nonetheless initiatives someplace inside the highest 10, with evaluators remaining bullish on his upside as a tall (6-5) backcourt playmaker.
Memphis traded Jaren Jackson Jr. on the deadline because it continues to retool largely by the draft. The Grizzlies must be in best-available mode, with Ja Morant’s long-term future unsure.
Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 17.4 factors, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists in 29 video games
Ament injured his proper leg towards Alabama on Feb. 28 and hasn’t performed since, however he returned to basketball actions this week. His standing is unclear going into Tennessee’s SEC event sport on Thursday.
He turned his season round in convention play after a sluggish begin, averaging 19 factors in 16 league video games and reminding groups why he was so extremely rated coming into the season. He has at instances left evaluators wanting extra, however checks useful dimension and talent packing containers that ought to make him a long-term NBA fixture. Whether or not Ament can take a star leap hinges on the evolution of his shot-creation expertise.
The Bulls cleared out their roster on the commerce deadline and must be in a best-available mindset transferring ahead, with a transparent want for extra perimeter capturing.
Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 16.0 factors, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists in 31 video games
Burries has been a significant riser for the reason that begin of the calendar yr, turning round a poor begin to the season and incomes first-team All-Large 12 honors on an Arizona group that rolled by the convention schedule. He has been efficient on and off the ball, a succesful display operator who may catch and shoot (37% from 3), giving him a superb base to construct on as a long-term backcourt fixture. Whereas a yr older than a lot of his freshman classmates and barely undersized for a two-guard at 6-4, he is gaining steam as a late-lottery title, including one more freshman to this combine.
It has been unclear to rival groups which route the Bucks are going, with Giannis Antetokounmpo returning to the ground this month with a possible offseason commerce nonetheless up within the air. If Milwaukee plans to maintain him, it might make sense to focus on a extra NBA-ready participant with this decide (the more severe of its personal and Atlanta’s). Nonetheless, Giannis’s in-season comeback would possibly finally hurt the Bucks’ possibilities of higher draft odds.
0:16
Brayden Burries drills 3-pointer vs. Colorado Buffaloes
Brayden Burries drills 3-pointer vs. Colorado Buffaloes
Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers
2025-26 stats: 11.9 factors, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 31 video games
Lopez completed out a powerful particular person season within the NBL, totaling essentially the most factors, steals and blocks ever by a draft-eligible Subsequent Stars participant.
Whereas this got here in a dropping context, NBA groups are optimistic about his mixture of dimension, talent and toughness, holding him within the late-lottery combine going into the predraft course of. Scouts really feel he must make strides as a shooter, enhance defensively and maximize his body to finally stick as a stretch 4, which is his most pure place long run.
Portland seems entrenched in a play-in spot and can convey this decide to Chicago if it sneaks into the playoffs.
Thomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida
Junior
2025-26 stats: 17.2 factors, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 30 video games
A primary-team All-SEC choice, Haugh continues to venture as one of many extra bankable gamers on this class.
A giant, robust frontcourt participant with a successful pedigree, he wins additional possessions and performs with great effort. Whereas his confidence on the perimeter has visibly improved, his 3-point capturing has hovered round common for the previous two seasons (34%) and it is an space he’ll must sharpen.
He would not create a lot offense for himself, however his versatile position at Florida figures to translate so long as the shot does. At 22, Haugh is on the older facet, however he presents a plug-and-play choice for playoff-caliber groups starting on this a part of the draft.
The Spurs are set to obtain this decide through swap from the Hawks, probably giving them one other lottery choice so as to add to a younger and more and more deep roster.
Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 12.0 factors, 3.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists in 24 video games
Mullins has an attention-grabbing stay-or-go case this spring, as a freshman with plenty of followers in NBA entrance workplaces, however one who might feasibly be chosen increased subsequent yr. A high-level perimeter shooter with positional dimension (6-6) and scoring instincts, some really feel he is able to far more than he is proven this season in a supporting position on an skilled UConn group.
He has good upside regardless and will likely be positioned to learn from the March Insanity highlight if the Huskies make a deep run.
The Warriors hung onto this decide on the commerce deadline, giving them an outdoor shot within the lottery if they do not wind up within the playoffs.
Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 5.0 factors, 5.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists in 4 video games
Quaintance has develop into one of many extra enigmatic prospects within the class, with the possibilities of a return this month from knee swelling unclear, plus a restricted physique of labor since tearing his ACL a yr in the past.
Whether or not he returns or not, the success of his predraft course of will rely closely on medicals and group exercises. His long-term upside in a draft that lacks top-end heart expertise ought to preserve him in lottery consideration, with a viable long-term future as a rim-running, shot-blocking 5. However his draft vary, for the second, is broad.
Charlotte has taken a step ahead this season after nailing final yr’s Kon Knueppel choice and will use extra assist in the frontcourt, one thing the group might tackle with its two first-round picks.
Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 18.6 factors, 11.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists in 28 video games
Steinbach has been extremely reliable, albeit for a middling Washington group, and appears the half as a future NBA rotation participant. He’s a strong offensive participant with good arms and floor-spacing potential, however struggles at instances defensively, the place he is restricted defending in area and undersized for a middle. Washington will attempt to prolong its season towards USC on Tuesday on the Large Ten event.
The Clippers turned their season round sufficient to take a seat firmly in a play-in spot, lowering the chance that the Thunder winds up with one other lottery choice. With the Thunder tight on roster spots attributable to their high quality depth, there’s an incentive for Oklahoma Metropolis to consolidate a few of these picks going into draft night time.
0:18
Hannes Steinbach with the and-1 bucket
Hannes Steinbach with the and-1 bucket
Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 19.2 factors, 3.7 rebounds, 7.8 assists in 30 video games
Anderson has stored Texas Tech afloat after dropping star teammate JT Toppin to harm on Feb. 17 and continues to shoot the ball exceptionally effectively (42.7% from 3).
The First-Crew All Large-12 decide has positioned himself effectively in a really deep level guard class, forming a powerful secondary tier with Bennett Stirtz and Labaron Philon. NBA groups love Anderson’s well-rounded sport and skill to play on and off the ball, along with his common bodily profile and lack of power the primary issue suppressing his inventory. Texas Tech earned a double-bye and can start Large 12 event play on Thursday.
Oklahoma Metropolis owns this decide from Philadelphia with top-four protections, giving them a second chip to play with in the midst of the primary spherical.
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan
Senior
2025-26 stats: 14.7 factors, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists in 31 video games
Amid a superb yr at Michigan, successful Large 10 Participant of the 12 months, Lendeborg has appeared like a readymade rotation participant, the first disadvantage being his age (23).
He has efficiently defended opposing guards and bigs alike, whereas additionally serving to to facilitate offensively on the perimeter, showcasing a stage of versatility that NBA groups recognize. A succesful if not stellar shooter (34.3% from 3), Lendeborg’s switchability and talent stage ought to enable him to plug in all around the ground. He’ll have an enormous platform in March to buck the age narrative and play his method into the lottery.
The Grizzlies personal the higher of Phoenix’s and Orlando’s picks, possible giving them a second choice inside the highest 20.
Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 21.5 factors, 3.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists in 29 video games
Philon made first-team All-SEC and continues to point out spectacular shot creation chops, proving he can get to spots off the dribble and rating from all around the ground.
NBA groups know he can rating, however some evaluators query his organizational expertise and whether or not he is finally finest fitted to a bench spark plug position — one which’s considered as replaceable.
He helped himself fairly a bit by returning to highschool, however the level guard depth on this draft class would possibly damage his possibilities of sneaking into the lottery.
1:13
Labaron Philon Jr. highlights vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Labaron Philon Jr. highlights vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Koa Peat, PF/C, Arizona
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 13.8 factors, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists in 28 video games
Peat missed a couple of video games in February with a leg harm and hasn’t been fairly the identical since.
When he is wholesome, he’s a rugged, bodily ahead with really feel and flexibility, however his poor bounce capturing and lack of optimum top (6-8) on the 4 proceed to boost considerations about how his position will translate.
He is one other freshman who might finally assist himself by returning and throwing his title right into a 2027 draft that provides room for gamers to rise.
Charlotte owns the least favorable of Washington’s (if 1-8), Phoenix’s, Orlando’s and Memphis’ picks.
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
Senior
2025-26 stats: 20.2 factors, 2.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists in 31 video games
An distinctive school participant who has performed all he can to maintain Iowa aggressive, Stirtz adjusted properly to the Large Ten after transferring from Drake.
He has put collectively one other sturdy statistical season on an especially slow-paced Iowa group constructed round his talent set. His spectacular decision-making, court docket consciousness and perimeter capturing should cowl for his restricted foot velocity within the NBA, and his protection will not be a calling card.
Given all he does effectively, Stirtz ought to nonetheless have the ability to plug in as a depth choice instantly.
Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona
Junior
2025-26 stats: 10.8 factors, 8.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists in 31 video games
Krivas took an enormous step ahead this season and has step by step set himself aside inside a big group of bigs projected within the 20-40 vary.
He is on the quick checklist of most impactful defenders in school basketball, utilizing his sheer dimension (7-2) to discourage opponents across the rim, win rebounds (8.2 RPG) and dictate play on the inside. He has good toes and arms, finishes successfully across the rim, has made 79.7% of his free throws and appears like a future NBA rotation participant. Krivas would not have flashy upside, however he is an efficient guess to return worth later within the draft.
Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 9.4 factors, 7.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists in 31 video games
Cenac’s freshman yr has been blended as he is adjusted to a significant position at Houston.
His mobility, size and flashes of capturing contact (36.5% on all bounce photographs, per Synergy) give him an interesting developmental base, and he is proven general enchancment this season taking part in primarily on the 4.
There are additionally some evident holes in his profile: He has averaged lower than a block per sport and would not get to the foul line (59% on solely 39 makes an attempt). Some scouts nonetheless purchase Cenac’s long-term upside, however there’s additionally some thought that he wants extra time in school.
The Pistons acquired swap rights for this decide with the Timberwolves in a three-way deal on the commerce deadline, probably enabling them to maneuver up plenty of spots within the 20s.
Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 19.0 factors, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists in 31 video games
Carr has been the brilliant spot in a down yr for Baylor, along with his season possible ending Tuesday along with his 25 factors in a loss to Arizona State. He finishes at almost 40% from 3 on the season, with actual shot-making chops and nonetheless room to enhance in all areas of his sport.
Whereas nonetheless an inconsistent offensive creator, he is an explosive leaper with deep 3-point vary and plus size (7-foot-1 wingspan) who might achieve a scaled-down NBA position.
He must develop into a greater defender to broaden his affect past scoring, however he is the kind of athletic wing shooter NBA groups prefer to roll the cube on and develop.
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 11.3 factors, 6.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists in 31 video games
Mara is an acquired style for some scouts, however it’s exhausting to disregard his position in Michigan’s success.
His gigantic body — 7-foot-3 — permits him to successfully wall off the paint, and he has actual talent and playmaking really feel to lean on offensively.
Mara has a tough time masking floor at his dimension and can possible be restricted to drop protection. He lacks upper-body power and struggles with ball safety at instances, too, however he is a singular participant some groups will likely be keen to spend money on, significantly if he can develop a useful 3-point shot. His stroke seems to be satisfactory in warmups, however it hasn’t translated to sport motion or the free throw line (52.9%).
Philadelphia acquired this decide on the deadline from Oklahoma Metropolis within the Jared McCain commerce.
Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 14.5 factors, 2.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists in 31 video games
Evans continues to show an NBA-friendly talent set as a gifted motion shooter with good positional dimension (6-6) on the wing.
He is been an vital secondary scorer, offering spacing off Cameron Boozer, and may have extra alternatives to point out his shot-making chops on an enormous stage in March. There’s room for him to rise in a primary spherical that is shaping up as considerably gentle on wings.
Through swaps, the Hawks owe their very own first to the Spurs however will wind up with the higher of Cleveland’s and San Antonio’s picks.
Patrick Ngongba II, C, Duke
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 10.7 factors, 6.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists in 29 video games
Ngongba is slated to overlook the ACC event with proper foot soreness, along with his standing for the NCAA tourney presently unclear.
Scouts are divided on Ngongba: He has intrinsic strengths that make him well-suited as a contemporary heart, as a plus passer and inside defender. However he is additionally a below-average run-jump athlete who must get extra out of his body (6-11).
His defensive instincts and really feel for the sport might give him utility, however some scouts really feel he is not prepared for NBA physicality and would profit from extra time in school.
How he fares in March would possibly play a task in his eventual determination, with all eyes on Duke over the subsequent few weeks and plenty of extra league-ready facilities probably accessible on this 20-40 vary.
Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 13.7 factors, 7.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists in 31 video games
It has been a powerful season for Johnson, who has labored his method up draft boards with constant play and a willingness to do the soiled work.
His sturdy body and 7-foot-2 wingspan enable him to play larger than his dimension (6-9), and he is proven the flexibility to protect 4s and 5s.
His offensive position will likely be restricted, however he is knocked down spot 3s (10 of 24 on the season) and finishes easy performs across the basket. With NBA groups pivoting again towards double-big lineups, Johnson ought to have long-term utility and supply speedy depth.
Amari Allen, SF/PF, Alabama
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 11.9 factors, 7.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists in 28 video games
After getting into the yr beneath the radar, Allen has proven to be a sensible, versatile perimeter participant with good positional dimension (6-8). His passing instincts and growing shot (37% from 3) have caught the eyes of scouts who see long-term upside, significantly if he develops as a ball handler.
The query is whether or not he can work his method excessive sufficient up the board to make returning to highschool exhausting to justify. The latter choice feels extra possible at this stage, however there’s additionally a possibility for him to rise as groups be taught extra about him within the coming months.
Cleveland owns the lesser of San Antonio’s decide and its personal through a swap with Atlanta.
Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas
Junior
2025-26 stats: 17.7 factors, 7.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists in 31 video games
Swain has been a gradual riser as a toolsy wing amid a powerful particular person season.
His capturing has lengthy been a priority for scouts, however he is proven some progress this season (35% on 80 3s) and is now a profession 81% from the road. He additionally initiatives as a plus positional defender along with his body and agility.
Swain has to develop as a shooter to play with out the ball, along with his present high-usage position at Texas anticipated to scale down within the NBA. Evaluators are blended on his upside, however it’s the kind of probability a group would possibly take on this vary.
30. Dallas Mavericks (through Oklahoma Metropolis)
Tounde Yessoufou, SF, Baylor
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 18.0 factors, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists in 31 video games
Yessoufou scored 14 factors in a loss to Arizona State as Baylor’s season possible got here to an in depth Tuesday.
Scouts have been intrigued by his bodily power and long-term potential, however have largely come away wanting extra from him, holding considerations about his shot choice and inconsistent defensive effort.
He likes to hunt his personal shot and depends extra on power than talent, and it is exhausting to reach the league as a 6-foot-5 energy scorer who is barely a mean shooter (30% from 3).
Yessoufou additionally has the instruments and motor to be a plus defender in time, however it hasn’t all clicked for him but. This leaves him in an attention-grabbing place going into the predraft course of, with a case for a second yr of school based mostly on the physique of labor this season.
Dallas acquired OKC’s decide from Washington within the Anthony Davis commerce.
Spherical 2 picks
31. Sacramento Kings: Dame Sarr, SG/SF, Duke, Freshman
32. New York Knicks (through Washington): Tyler Tanner, PG/SG, Vanderbilt, Sophomore
33. Memphis Grizzlies (through Indiana): Alex Condon, C, Florida, Junior
34. Brooklyn Nets: Juke Harris, SG, Wake Forest, Sophomore
35. San Antonio Spurs (through Utah): Alex Karaban, SF/PF, UConn, Senior
36. Chicago Bulls (through New Orleans): Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina, Junior
37. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (through Dallas): Joshua Jefferson, SF/PF, Iowa State, Senior
38. LA Clippers (through Memphis): Meleek Thomas, PG/SG, Arkansas, Freshman
39. Houston Rockets (through Chicago): Zuby Ejiofor, PF/C, St. John’s, Senior
40. Boston Celtics (through Milwaukee): Braden Smith, PG, Purdue, Senior
41. San Antonio Spurs (through Portland): Adam Atamna, SG, ASVEL (France)
42. Denver Nuggets (through Atlanta): Ryan Conwell. SG, Louisville, Senior
43. Miami Warmth (through Golden State): Alijah Arenas, SG, USC, Freshman
44. Sacramento Kings (through Charlotte): Flory Bidunga, C, Kansas, Sophomore
45. Brooklyn Nets (through LA Clippers): Milan Momcilovic, PF, Iowa State, Junior
46. Phoenix Suns (through Philadelphia): Pryce Sandfort, SG/SF, Nebraska, Sophomore
47. Orlando Magic: Rueben Chinyelu, C, Florida, Junior
48. Toronto Raptors: Sergio de Larrea, PG/SG, Valencia (Spain)
49. Dallas Mavericks (through Phoenix): Sprint Daniels, PG/SG. Melbourne United (Australia)
50. San Antonio Spurs (through Miami): Jaden Bradley, PG/SG, Arizona, Senior
51. Golden State Warriors (through Los Angeles): Baba Miller, PF/C, Cincinnati, Senior
52. Washington Wizards (through Minnesota): Tarris Reed Jr., PF/C, UConn, Senior
53. Chicago Bulls (through Denver): Bruce Thornton, PG/SG, Ohio State, Senior
54. Houston Rockets: Kylan Boswell, PG/SG, Illinois, Senior
55. LA Clippers (through Cleveland): Emanuel Sharp, SG, Houston, Senior
56. Atlanta Hawks (through Boston): Richie Saunders, SG/SF, BYU, Senior
57. New York Knicks: Solo Ball, SG, UConn, Junior
58. Minnesota Timberwolves (through San Antonio): Milos Uzan, PG, Houston, Senior
59. New Orleans Pelicans (through Detroit): Maliq Brown, PF/C, Duke, Senior
60. Washington Wizards (through Oklahoma Metropolis): Trevon Brazile, PF/C, Arkansas, Senior
