NBA Draft: 2026 Way-Too-Early Projections

Yes, it is way too early. But we do not care. NBA front offices have already been watching these guys for years, so we may as well take a peek at who could be hearing their name called first in 2026. (Top-10 order courtesy Tankathon sim lottery.)

Top of Board

1. Washington Wizards: Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Peterson was the best high school player in the nation last season. He has size at 6-foot-6, the burst to blow by defenders, and a smooth jumper. He can pass, he can defend, and he will have the green light at Kansas under Bill Self. If the Wizards keep this pick, he is the type of player they can finally build around. Note: Top-8 protected. If it falls to No. 9 or later, it goes to the Knicks.

2. Utah Jazz: A.J. Dybantsa, SG/SF, BYU
A 6-9 wing with a complete tool set. Dybantsa can score from anywhere, pass on the move, and guard multiple positions. His season at Utah Prep was uneven, but he impressed at the U19 World Cup. BYU will give him the keys, and NBA scouts will be watching every mile of the journey.

3. Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke
Few high school players have been more productive than Boozer. He rebounds, passes, shoots, and defends with an advanced feel for the game. He has been the best player on every court he has stepped on, and he just keeps improving his outside shot. Note: Top-8 protected. If it drops to 9 or later, Oklahoma City gets it.

4. Charlotte Hornets: Nate Ament, SF, Tennessee
At 6-11, Ament can shoot over anyone. He has grown into his frame, diversified his game, and should be a go-to scorer in the SEC. If the efficiency catches up with the talent, he could rise even higher.

5. Sacramento Kings: Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Brown has shot up from 5-10 to 6-4 during high school and plays like a guard who still remembers being undersized. He is crafty with the ball, can score at all three levels, and has deep shooting range. Needs to get stronger and sharpen his decision-making.

6. Memphis Grizzlies (via Phoenix): Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, Kentucky
Quaintance is barely 18, yet already one of the most intimidating shot blockers in the college game. He comes with a massive wingspan, a strong frame, and rare mobility. The ACL rehab will be worth watching, but the tools are big-time.

7. Chicago Bulls: Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers
Lopez thrived in the NBL’s Next Star program, blending size, skill, and physicality. His perimeter shot has improved, and his ability to defend multiple spots makes him a modern frontcourt fit.

8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans): Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina
Wilson passes the eye test right away: size, length, and athletic tools to spare. He can grab and go in transition, and his defensive upside is big. If the motor and jumper click, look out.

9. Memphis Grizzlies: Dame Sarr, SG/SF, Duke
Sarr left the Spanish development system for Duke and will bring size (6-8), versatility, and flashes of playmaking. Still raw in some areas, but the ceiling is high.

10. Miami Heat: Dash Daniels, SG, Melbourne United
The younger brother of Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, Dash is already bigger and stronger at the same age. He is a defensive standout who plays unselfish basketball. The offense is a work in progress, but his shooting is trending up.

Best of Rest

11. Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
12. Darius Acuff, PG, Arkansas
13. Nikolas Khamenia, SF/PF, Duke
14. Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan
15. Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
16. Isaiah Evans, SG/SF, Duke
17. Sergio De Larrea, PG/SG, Valencia (Spain)
18. Koa Peat, PF, Arizona
19. Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn
20. Tahaad Pettiford, PG, Auburn
21. Joseph Tugler, PF/C, Houston
22. Aday Mara, C, Michigan
23. Tounde Yessoufou, SF/PF, Baylor
24. Andrej Kostic, SG, Kansas State
25. Ognjen Srzentic, SG/SF, Mega Superbet (Serbia)
26. Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington
27. Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona
28. Labaron Philon, PG, Alabama
29. Alex Condon, C, Florida
30. Braden Smith, PG, Purdue
31. Boogie Fland, PG, Florida
32. Karter Knox, SG/SF, Arkansas
33. Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
34. Zuby Ejiofor, C, St. John’s
35. Alex Karaban, PF, Connecticut
36. Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas
37. JT Toppin, PF, Texas Tech
38. Patrick Ngongba II, C, Duke
39. Miles Byrd, SG, San Diego State
40. Thomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida
41. Darrion Williams, SF/PF, NC State
42. Derrion Reid, SF/PF, Oklahoma
43. Moustapha Thiam, C, Cincinnati
44. Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
45. Andrej Stojakovic, SG/SF, Illinois
46. Kam Williams, SF/PF, Kentucky
47. Ian Jackson, SG, St. John’s
48. Tomislav Ivisic, C, Illinois
49. Mackenzie Mgbako, PF, Texas A&M
50. Milos Uzan, PG, Houston
51. Wesley Yates III, SG, Washington
52. Ryan Conwell, SG, Louisville
53. Nolan Winter, C, Wisconsin
54. Magoon Gwath, C, San Diego State
55. Donnie Freeman, PF, Syracuse
56. Flory Bidunga, C, Kansas
57. Kwame Evans Jr., PF, Oregon
58. Tobi Lawal, PF, Virginia Tech
59. Richie Saunders, SG, BYU
60. Zvonimir Ivisic, PF/C, Illinois

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