NBA Mock Draft 2026: Will AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson Be No. 1 Pick?

The NBA Finals just ended with the New York Knicks winning their first championship since 1973 on June 13, yet the 2026 NBA Draft is right around the corner with the first round tipping off on Tuesday, June 23, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN.

Generational is a term thrown around far too often, but this term truly applies to the 2026 NBA Draft class. This crop of 2026 prospects is one of the most talented groups we’ve seen in years, with as many as four prospects carrying a true argument to be the No. 1 pick in most classes.

The absurd class creates an even more intriguing 2026 NBA Mock Draft, and NBA Draft predictions can be directly applied to projections on PrizePicks Team Picks, which offers payouts for the No. 1 pick, the top 10 selections, and more.

We’ve waited long enough. It’s time to dig into our 2026 NBA Mock Draft, including breakdowns for all 30 prospects projected to land in the first round.

Make your 2026 NBA Draft predictions on PrizePicks now!

{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}

NBA Mock Draft 2026 for First Round

BYU F AJ Dybanta and Kansas G Darryn Peterson are in headlines, battling to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Duke F Cameron Boozer comes off a historic one-and-done season, while North Carolina F Caleb Wilson displayed spurts of jaw-dropping talent.

We’ll address most 2026 NBA Draft rumors below, including who will be the No. 1 pick — AJ Dybanta or Darryn Peterson?

Drum roll, please… Who could be the first prospect off the board?

Payout data is from PrizePicks Team Picks. It’s live as of writing but is subject to change.

Payouts show potential returns on correct Team Picks predictions. A 2x payout returns $200 on a $100 entry. Lower multipliers reflect more likely outcomes. Payouts are live as of writing and subject to change. 

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU

While Darryn Peterson flashes incredible potential — which we will get to shortly — AJ Dybantsa did it all season long at BYU. As a true freshman, he was a one-man wrecking crew with 25.5 points per game (PPG), including a prolific 35-point performance in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Dybantsa has superstar potential thanks to his high-volume scoring in a 6’8.5” frame aided by an impressive handle and crafty finishing around the rim.

AJ Dybantsa No. 1 Overall Pick Payout: Yes 1.21x | No 4x

Who will be the No.1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft? Call your shot at PrizePicks!

2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas 

Darryn Peterson may have the highest scoring potential in this class, boosted by a silky-smooth jumpshot with the ability to create his own shot as a three-level scorer. He’s consistently displayed the ability to hit contested shots — something a high-level scorer needs at the next level.

However, Peterson’s availability was shaky at Kansas. He consistently battled cramping issues, leading to multiple absences and limited minutes. If the injury concerns fade, the Jazz would get a franchise cornerstone, as Peterson logged 20.2 PPG over 24 games with Kansas.

Darryn Peterson No. 2 Overall Pick Payout: Yes 1.75x | No 2x

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke

With Ja Morant’s future in doubt with the Memphis Grizzlies, this franchise could completely lack a go-to scoring option. Enter Cameron Boozer.

He displayed an impressive scoring punch with 22.5 PPG during his freshman season at Duke, but Boozer brought much more than that. The 6’8.25” forward possesses incredible playmaking and has a solid handle. Paired with his physicality and three-level scoring, Boozer can be a centerpiece for an NBA offense.

Cameron Boozer No. 3 Overall Pick Payout: Yes 1.81x | No 1.92x

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina

We don’t have much drama in the top four selections, as Caleb Wilson looks to be the next player off the board. The freshman phenom had his season cut short by a hand fracture, but that doesn’t take away from a superb 2025-26 campaign.

Over 24 games as a Tar Heel, Wilson racked up 19.8 PPG and 9.4 rebounds per game (RPG) while shooting 57.8% from the field. His 25.9% 3-point percentage likely keeps him in a frontcourt role, but Wilson’s athleticism and dynamic burst in transition were something to behold.

Caleb Wilson No. 4 Overall Pick Payout: Yes 1.2x | No 4.16x

5. Los Angeles Clippers (via Pacers): Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois 

The fifth overall selection is where the fun starts. Los Angeles is in a favorable spot to target multiple intriguing guard prospects. Among what’s available in our mock draft, Illinois G Keaton Wagler could be a sweet pairing with PG Darius Garland.

Wagler is certainly good with the ball in his hands, finding open teammates. However, his game is much, much more as an elite 3-point specialist. Catch and shoot or off the dribble, Wagler has you covered. He would immediately provide the Clippers with floor space.

Keaton Wagler Top 5 Pick Payout: Yes 2.85x | No 1.33x

Predict the Top 5 Picks in the 2026 NBA Draft on PrizePicks

6. Brooklyn Nets: Darius Acuff, PG, Arkansas

Darius Acuff is the best point guard in this class, averaging 23.5 PPG and 6.4 assists per game (APG) as a Razorback. His athleticism won’t jump off the screen, yet Acuff constantly gets to his spots.

He’s a three-level scorer who can create his own shot, and the clutch gene is firmly in his DNA. Acuff is precisely the floor general you want at the next level, and the Nets could use some guidance after posting a league-worst 108.2 offensive rating in the 2025-26 season, per NBA.com. 

Darius Acuff No. 6 Overall Pick Payout: Yes 3.03x | No 1.33x

7. Sacramento Kings: Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston

A 37-year-old Russell Westbook and 31-year-old Zach LaVine formed the Kings’ backcourt in the 2025-26 season. Sacramento could use a youth resurgence, and Kingston Flemings is a do-it-all point guard, totaling 16.1 PPG, 5.2 APG, and 3.5 RPG in his freshman season at Houston.

Kingston Flemings No. 7 Overall Pick Payout: Yes 3.7x | No 1.13x

{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}

8. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville

The Hawks may be best suited to target the frontcourt with their first pick, but Mikel Brown Jr. would bring great value with this pick. He’d address the backcourt depth behind CJ McCollum and Nickeil Alexander-Walker with a combo guard skillset, bringing a silky-smooth jumper (34.4% on 3-pointers) with good playmaking (4.7 APG) and an exceptional handle on the rock.

Mikel Brown Jr. Top 10 Pick Payout: Yes 1.07x | No 5.55x

9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona

The Mavericks need a starting shooting guard to go alongside Kyrie Irving in the backcourt, and Brayden Burries fits that to a T. He’s an elite two-way player who should at minimum be productive as a 3-and-D piece in the Association, supported by a 39.1% 3-point percentage. Plus, Burries has flashed three-level scoring, providing true star potential.

Brayden Burries Top 10 Pick Payout: Yes 1.29x | No 3.22x

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament, PF, Tennessee

Nate Ament has quietly climbed the ranks over the last couple of months. This move would be a direct replacement for Giannis Antetokounmpo at power forward as trade rumors continue to heat up. Ament must add weight to his slender 6’9.5”, 211-pound frame, but his defensive versatility, ball handling, and ability to convert triples create an exciting prospect.

Nate Ament Top 10 Pick Payout: Yes 1.51x | No 2.38x

Think you know the Top 10 selections in the 2026 NBA Draft? Make your picks at PrizePicks now!

11. Golden State Warriors: Aday Mara, C, Michigan

The Warriors need a center; the 7-foot-3 Aday Mara perfectly addresses that hole. Mara was a dominant rim protector last season, finishing with an elite 5.34 Defensive Bayesian Performance Rating (third-best nationally) on EvanMiya. Plus, he totaled 12.1 PPG and 6.8 RPG with impressive passing and soft hands.

Aday Mara Top 15 Pick Payout: Yes 1.01x | No 9.09x

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan

Yaxel Lendeborg and the Thunder have been a match made in heaven for months, and I’m not backing down now. In a deep rotation, Lendeborg’s all-around skillset would still likely find the court. Turning 24 in September, Yaxel gives OKC a win-now piece with three-level scoring and elite defense. He could even become a Lu Dort replacement in the starting lineup.

Yaxel Lendeborg Top 15 Pick Payout: Yes 1.4x | No 2.5x

13. Miami Heat: Morez Johnson Jr., PF, Michigan

Andrew Wiggins was manning power forward for the Heat last season, and that’s far from ideal. Morez Johnson Jr. is a true power forward who brings a bruising 6’9” and 251-pound frame. He possesses the usual big man skills, like rebounding and rim protection, paired with intriguing potential if he can further tap into 34.3% 3-point percentage from the 2025-26 season.

Morez Johnson Jr. Top 15 Pick Payout: Yes 1.16x | No 4.16x

14. Charlotte Hornets: Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington

The big men run marches on, with the Hornets nabbing Hannes Steinbach with the 14th pick. He was a double-double machine at Washington, recording 18.5 PPG and 11.8 RPG. His strength allows Steinbach to play center, and his 34.0% 3-point percentage creates a potential power forward role as well.

Hannes Steinbach Top 15 Pick Payout: Yes 1.4x | No 2.32x

{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}

15. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers): Labaron Philon Jr., G, Alabama

Chicago heads into this draft with plenty of needs, and luckily, it has three first-round picks. After landing Caleb Wilson in our mock draft, Labaron Philon Jr. would sure up the backcourt as an intriguing combo guard. 

Philon keeps the ball on a string, and his wiry 6’6.25” wingspan makes him a tough guard off the dribble. Following a meteoric rise in college, going from 31.5% on 3-pointers in 2024-25 to 39.9% last season, Philon is one of the most intriguing prospects of the class.

Labron Philon Jr. Top 15 Pick Payout: Yes 2.12x | No 1.25x

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Sun): Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech

If the Grizzlies manage to pair Christian Anderson with Cameron Boozer in the 2026 NBA Draft, this offense’s passing is about to get a lot better overnight. Anderson was one of the best floor generals in college basketball, tallying 18.5 PPG and 7.4 APG. Plus, his 40.0% career 3-point percentage over two collegiate seasons gifts improved floor spacing.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Baylor, G, Cameron Carr

The Thunder’s draft capital is never-ending, and there’s no such thing as too many wings on an NBA roster. Cameron Carr is your prototypical wing at 6’4.5” with a 7’0.5” wingspan, shooting 37.4% on 3-pointers in the 2025-26 season. 

18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Dailyn Swain, F, Texas

Charlotte comes off a highly successful season, and it could take the next step with an improved bench. Dailyn Swain would bring good versatility off the bench as a shooting guard and small forward. He’s a good defender, can score from almost any spot on the floor, and is excellent on the glass (7.5 RPG in 2025-26).

19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz, PG, Raptors

The Raptors knocks out two birds with one stone with this pick. Toronto likely wants another true point guard, and it shot only 35.4% on 3-pointers (21st) and made 11.3 made triples per game (26th) in the regular season. Stirtz was the engine of Iowa’s offense, tallying 19.8 PPG and 4.4 APG while shooting 35.8% from deep on a high volume of 6.9 attempted treys per game. 

20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, Kentucky

San Antonio came up short in the NBA Finals, and its lack of depth in the frontcourt behind C Victor Wembanyama can take some of the blame. There was an immediate defensive drop-off when Wemby left the court. How about snagging perhaps the best defensive prospect of the class in Jayden Quaintance?

Quaintance has clear injury concerns after a partial ACL tear in the 2024-25 season, followed by only four games played for Kentucky in 2025-26. He’d be the perfect defensive pairing alongside Wemby at power forward while providing depth at center, making the selection worth the risk.

Jayden Quaintance First Round Pick Payout: Yes 1.17x | No 2.27x

21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford

Ebuka Okorie’s 6’1.25” and 186-pound frame could keep him locked at the point guard position, but it may work in Detroit with Cade Cunningham drawing forward assignments on the defensive end. 

The Pistons lacked a scoring punch at times in the playoffs, and Okorie is a certified bucket getter who can create his own shot — proven by 23.2 PPG over 31 collegiate games.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Koa Peat, PF, Arizona

This 76ers frontcourt needs help with C Joel Embiid’s availability never being a sure thing. Koa Peat lacks the height to man center, but he fills power forward nicely with his bruising physicality at 6’7”, 245 pounds. Peat provides constant pressure on the rim while gathering rebounds and facilitating nice passes.

{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}

23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston

Atlanta doesn’t have much frontcourt depth behind F Jalen Johnson and C Onyeka Okongwu, and Chris Cenac Jr. has versatility to play power forward or center. Standing at 6’10.5” with a 7’5” wingspan, Cenac immediately upgrades the Hawks’ rim protection, and he’s flashed the ability to become a reliable stretch big.

24. New York Knicks: Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina

Yes, Knicks fans continue to celebrate, but no team is perfect. New York could need a center with Mitchell Robinson a pending free agent this summer. Fortunately, this is a good spot, and Henri Veesaar logged 8.7 RPG and 1.2 blocks per game last season.

Further, New York’s floor spacing would finally continue when Karl-Anthony Towns leaves the court, as the 7-foot center from UNC cashed in 42.6% of his 3-point looks last season.

Henri Veesaar First Round Pick Payout: Yes 1.35x | No 1.56x

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Karim Lopez, PF, New Zealand

LeBron James and Austin Reaves are due for new contracts this summer, putting the Lakers in a bind with this pick. For now, we will assume Los Angeles makes the obvious choice to address the frontcourt. Karim Lopez is another bruising power forward who can get to the bucket at will while providing defensive versatility.

26. Denver Nuggets: Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara

Allen Graves came off the bench for Santa Clara last season, yet here we are with the 6’7.75” forward likely landing in the first round. In only 22.6 minutes per game, Graves boasted absurd efficiency with 11.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 51.2% and 41.3% on triples. He’s a do-it-all piece that addresses Denver’s frontcourt depth.

27. Boston Celtics: Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas

The Celtics could land an excellent backcourt piece in Meleek Thomas with the 20th overall pick. Shooting 41.6% on 3-pointers at Arkansas, Thomas is an excellent shooter who can knock them down off-dribble or on the catch-and-shoot. He provides combo guard skills, too, getting to the bucket with his impressive length, capped by strong playmaking.

Meleek Thomas First Round Pick Payout: Yes 1.47x | No 1.92x

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Isaiah Evans, G, Duke

Isaiah Evans possesses the prototypical wing frame at 6’5.5” with a 6’7.75” wingspan. Backed by 15.0 PPG with a strong midrange game and the ability to consistently knock down 3-pointers off screens, Evans may add a scoring boost off the Timberwolves’ bench.

Make your 2026 NBA Draft First Round predictions on PrizePicks before the clock begins to tick!

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Joshua Jefferson, PF, Iowa State

Behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers don’t have much in the frontcourt — especially when Dean Wade consistently mans small forward. At 6’7.75”, Joshua Jefferson is locked in at the power forward position for the NBA. 

He brings the usual skillsets like a strong game around the post and on the glass. Jefferson’s elite passing for a big separates him from the rest and would help keep the ball buzzing in Cleveland’s second unit.

Joshua Jefferson First Round Pick Payout: Yes 1.85x | No 1.44x

30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn

Tarris Reed Jr. was a force in the NCAA Tournament with 19.5 PPG and 13.2 PPG over six games. Playing in 55, 36, and 7 games over his first three seasons, Mavericks C Dereck Lively II has clear injury concerns. Dallas can plan accordingly by adding depth in the form of Reed.

Tarris Reed Jr. First Round Pick Payout: Yes 1.19x | No 1.42x

{{nba_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}

Make 2026 NBA Draft Predictions on PrizePicks

AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson are taking the headlines right now, as they jostle to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. However, the 2026 class offers much, much more outside the top five selections. This is a loaded draft from top to bottom, meaning any franchise has a good chance of striking gold in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.

You can get in on the action with PrizePicks Team Picks, with projections available for the No. 1 pick, who will be drafted among the top 3, 5, or 10 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, and much more. While the Knicks are still partying after their NBA Finals win, the NBA tab is already open with projections for the 2027 NBA Finals winner.

Stay tuned with the Playbook for continued NBA predictions, picks, news, and analysis all year long.