2026 NBA Draft Analysis: Early Projections and Emerging Talent
A few weeks into the college basketball season, the excitement surrounding the 2026 NBA draft continues to grow. A freshman class packed with stars is grabbing attention, showing rapid development for the next level. It’s time to present our first mock draft of the season.
NBA executives have taken advantage of a November schedule that has offered promising matchups, including the Champions Classic and next week’s Players Era championship in Las Vegas. The latter will feature 18 teams and more matchups with outstanding prospects. This draft is considered to be one of the strongest in recent times, with high-level players at the top and promising depth in the first round. It is important to note that these projections are subject to change until June. This mock draft seeks to predict how the selections would look if NBA teams were choosing today. These projections are not a ranking of the best prospects; for that, you can consult the ESPN Top 100 list. These projections are based on conversations with NBA executives and scouts, and on my own evaluation of the games and video analysis. The draft order was formulated using ESPN’s BPI rankings from November 14th.First Round of the Draft
1. Brooklyn Nets
Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Statistics 2025-26: 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists in two games Peterson missed the last Kansas games due to a hamstring injury. His status for the game against Cameron Boozer and Duke is uncertain. Peterson stands out for his scoring ability at all three levels, his physical qualities, his defensive tenacity, and his competitive intangibles, which places him among the most complete and impactful point guards of recent times. If the draft were today, Peterson would be the pick. The Nets urgently need a player to lead their team. Peterson could be the answer to their lack of stars.2. Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Statistics 2025-26: 20.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists in four games Dybantsa demonstrated his scoring potential, although he still needs to improve his consistency. His physique gives him great potential as a scorer and defender. The Wizards are looking for a young star to build their offense around, and Dybantsa could bring the dynamism they lack.
3. Utah Jazz
Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Statistics 2025-26: 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists in four games Boozer is a complete player who contributes beyond scoring. If the Jazz are not in the top eight, their pick will be transferred to Oklahoma City. Boozer would fit well as an offensive centerpiece.4. Indiana Pacers
Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee
Statistics 2025-26: 20 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists in four games Ament has been productive against lower-level opponents. Scouts will evaluate his performance against better competition. The Pacers could use the draft to bolster their team.
5. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)
Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
Statistics 2025-26: 20 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3 assists in four games Wilson has shown remarkable improvement, impressing NBA teams with his energy and impact in the paint. The main challenge will be to improve his long-range shooting. The Hawks could benefit from this selection.6. Sacramento Kings
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Statistics 2025-26: 19.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 6.8 assists in four games Brown showed his potential with an outstanding performance against Kentucky. His ability to shoot from distance and create plays for his teammates gives him great potential. The Kings need a young playmaker.
7. Charlotte Hornets
Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
Statistics 2025-26: 10.8 points, 9 rebounds, 0.5 assists in four games Cenac has shown solidity at the beginning of the season. His mobility and length could be valuable for the Hornets.8. Dallas Mavericks
Koa Peat, PF/C, ArizonaStatistics 2025-26: 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists in four games Peat has left a good impression with his early game. If he develops his 3-point shot, he could be valuable in the NBA.9. Memphis Grizzlies
Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
Statistics 2024-25: 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists Quaintance is recovering from an injury. NBA teams are eager to see him back on the court. The Grizzlies could have two picks in the lottery.10. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Dame Sarr, SG/SF, Duke
Statistics 2025-26: 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists in four games Sarr is considered a promising prospect. The Thunder could add talent to their already solid roster.
11. Memphis Grizzlies (via Phoenix)
Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers (New Zealand)Lopez has progressed in Australia, showing offensive improvements. His ball-handling skills and shooting keep him in consideration.12. Portland Trail Blazers
Neoklis Avdalas, SG/SF, Virginia Tech
Statistics 2025-26: 16.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6 assists in four games Avdalas impressed with his playmaking ability. If he can maintain his long-range shot, he could rise in the draft.13. Chicago Bulls
Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn
Mullins is injured, but he is expected to return soon. His 3-point shot is his main quality.14. Milwaukee Bucks
Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Statistics 2025-26: 19.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists in four games Acuff has had a good start in Arkansas. Teams that need a point guard will follow him closely.15. Boston Celtics
Thomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida
Statistics 2025-26: 19 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3 assists in four games Haugh seems to be an immediate option that will help any team. The Celtics could look for a player ready for the NBA.
16. Toronto Raptors
Labaron Philon Jr., PG, Alabama
Statistics 2025-26: 19.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6 assists in three games Philon has shown improvements in his game. The Raptors could be looking for reinforcements in this position.17. Charlotte Hornets (via Orlando)
Tounde Yessoufou, SG/SF, BaylorStatistics 2025-26: 16.3 points, 5 rebounds, 1.7 assists in three games Yessoufou has great potential. His efficiency will be key to his draft position.18. Golden State Warriors
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, MichiganStatistics 2025-26: 11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3 assists in three games Lendeborg could be an option for teams looking for reinforcements in the attacking zone.19. Miami Heat
Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Statistics 2025-26: 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists in four games Flemings has been one of the best rookies. His speed and vision are remarkable.20. Minnesota Timberwolves
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
Statistics 2025-26: 21.3 points, 3 rebounds, 5.3 assists in three games Stirtz is an expert at handling the ball. Scouts will evaluate him against better competition.
