The college basketball season is underway, and the excitement surrounding the 2026 draft continues to grow. A large number of promising freshmen are leading the class and are quickly adapting to the next level. It’s the perfect time to present our first mock draft of the season. NBA executives have benefited from a convenient November schedule that has included several significant matchups between prospects, such as the Champions Classic (November 18) and next week’s Players Era championship in Las Vegas, which features 18 teams and more promise-filled matchups. This draft is considered one of the strongest in recent times, with high-level players at the top and developing depth in the first round.
Considering that much of this will change by June, the mock draft serves to project how things would be if NBA teams were choosing today. These projections are not a ranking of the best prospects; for that, see ESPN’s Top 100. They are based on conversations with NBA executives and scouts, as well as my own evaluation process based on time spent at games and watching videos.
The draft order was formulated using ESPN’s BPI rankings as of November 14th.First Round
1. Brooklyn Nets
Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Statistics 2025-26: 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists in two gamesPeterson missed the last Kansas games due to a hamstring issue and was described by head coach Bill Self as out for the “foreseeable future,” which puts his participation in a major matchup on Tuesday against Cameron Boozer and Duke in doubt. Although he was not officially ruled out on Tuesday morning, that game represented a great opportunity to demonstrate why NBA executives have placed him at the center of the discussion for the first pick. Peterson’s dynamic three-level scoring, impressive physical tools, defensive tenacity, and competitive intangibles place him among the most complete and impactful first-year guards of recent times. It is worth noting that NBA evaluators have been disappointed by the Jayhawks’ supporting cast so far, and Kansas will apparently go as far as Peterson can take them. There is room for debate around the number 1 spot as the season progresses, but Peterson would likely be the pick if the draft were held today. However, the prospect of a prolonged absence would leave the door open for Dybantsa and Boozer to gain ground. The Nets desperately need a player to lead their team in the future; they have made five first-round picks in the 2025 draft and are still figuring out how they all fit in long term. Peterson would address their lack of star power and something more.2. Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Statistics 2025-26: 20.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists in four gamesDybantsa was the center of attention on Saturday in Boston, with a large NBA presence in attendance for the BYU-UConn game. He showed his tantalizing scoring potential in the second half, after struggling to make an impact in the first, which highlights some of the concerns surrounding his consistency and tendencies, but also serves as a reminder of his considerable talent. Overall, he has been efficient. He draws fouls frequently and has strived to play team basketball, but he is still learning to read the flow of the game and when to be aggressive. Dybantsa’s impressive physicality gives him top-tier potential as a wing scorer who should also add value defensively, but he will need to show improvements to maximize his chances of being No. 1. The Wizards are among several teams with a lot at stake in the 2026 lottery: they have gotten positive results from the 2024 draftees Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, but they are still looking for a young star around whom they can build their offense. Dybantsa would bring a downhill element that the roster lacks.
3. Utah Jazz
Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Statistics 2025-26: 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists in four gamesWhile a quiet debut against Texas underscored some of the scouts’ concerns about Boozer’s athleticism, he will have a big platform on Tuesday against Kansas, and most of the NBA’s decision-makers are expected to attend. He is a complete and polished player who contributes to winning beyond simply scoring, which should help mitigate the fact that he is not as vertically explosive. His excellent track record will earn him some benefit of the doubt as he adapts to college, and his prolific production will keep him in the conversation with Peterson and Dybantsa at the top of the draft. Utah has had a better start than expected, but is still among the bottom three in ESPN’s BPI win projections and recently lost Walker Kessler for the season due to injury. If the Jazz’s pick falls outside the top eight, it will be transferred to Oklahoma City, creating an additional incentive for the Jazz to stay bad for another season. Boozer would fit well as an offensive centerpiece alongside Ace Bailey.4. Indiana Pacers
Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee
Statistics 2025-26: 20 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists in four gamesAment has been productive against lower-level opponents to start the season and will be under the microscope next week in Las Vegas, where all 30 NBA teams are expected to send decision-makers to the Players Era Championship prospect. Ament is still learning to leverage his 6-foot-10-inch, 207-pound frame as a scorer, but it has been encouraging to see him attack downhill and draw fouls. Scouts will be eager to evaluate him against better competition, but his physique and skill set portend excellent potential as he gains experience. The Pacers’ devastating string of bad luck with injuries extended into the regular season: Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, and Aaron Nesmith have been among the notable injured players. Indiana’s decision to reacquire its own 2026 first-round pick in the spring now looks particularly astute, giving the franchise a lifeline and a path to a talented draft lottery. After a 1-13 start, it might make sense for the Pacers to lean into losing, with an eye on rebounding next season with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton.
5. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)
Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
Statistics 2025-26: 20 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3 assists in four gamesWilson seems to have made a tangible leap since arriving at college, impressing NBA teams with a new competitive drive that is translating into high production. His energy and impact in the paint defensively and on the boards have made a big difference, along with a strong feel and passing ability. The main challenge going forward will be projecting his jump shot, as he hasn’t made many three-pointers and has been inconsistent from the free-throw line (68.8%). It’s unlikely that he can be an offensive focal point in the NBA without significant growth in that area, but some scouts believe there is an opportunity for Wilson to jump into the upper echelons of this class if he can maintain this level of play. Atlanta appears poised to benefit from its decision to move out of the 2025 draft lottery to obtain this selection from New Orleans, as the 2-12 Pelicans continue to regress and appear likely to convey significant odds. This pick will be a luxury for the Hawks, no matter what.6. Sacramento Kings
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
2025-26 Stats: 19.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 6.8 assists in four gamesA 29-point explosion in a rivalry game against Kentucky marked Brown’s proper arrival on the college stage and underscored the excitement surrounding his potential and trajectory in the NBA. His ability to shoot from deep (36% from 3) off the dribble and catch, as well as make plays for his teammates, gives him excellent potential, plus continuing to get downhill and get to the free throw line with more aggression will help his case. It’s a reasonable bet at this point that he’ll be the first guard off the board after Darryn Peterson, and where Brown ultimately falls among the top picks could depend on where teams in need of a point guard end up selecting. This has been a challenging start to the season, to say the least, for the Kings at 3-11, who control their own selection and might need to consider moving away from an aging core group with expensive contracts. The amount of high-level talent in this lottery makes that a more acceptable proposition, and the Kings’ need for a younger playmaker should make Brown a clear consideration.
7. Charlotte Hornets
Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
Statistics 2025-26: 10.8 points, 9 rebounds, 0.5 assists in four gamesCenac has been consistent to start the college season and seems to have embraced his role in Houston, making a difference on the boards and showing comfort with his jump shot. With his minutes looking solid, there’s plenty of room for him to build on that, particularly on the offensive end, where he faces an adjustment playing inside against older and stronger college big men. He’s still far from reaching his ceiling, but he has a good toolbox for a modern, mobile, and stretch 5, an archetype that is not prevalent in this class. The Hornets have gotten strong early returns from their rookies, including Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner, but it remains to be seen if they are ready to make a real push for a play-in spot. Cenac’s length and mobility could be complementary to their long-term frontcourt.8. Dallas Mavericks
Koa Peat, PF/C, Arizona
Statistics 2025-26: 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists in four gamesPeat has made a strong impression with his early play and has solidified a place in the lottery discussion, with his physicality and interior impact proving to be important for Arizona. His lack of shooting range and the fact that he is undersized (6-8) for a 4 are considered limiting factors, but it’s easy to appreciate his well-defined identity as a player. If Peat can develop a 3-point shot, it’s hard not to see him finding utility in the NBA, but that might be something he’ll ultimately have to show in workouts. Continuing to drive winning as a rebounder, play finisher, and physical defender should keep him in mind as a mid-to-late first-round lottery candidate, although his skill set might be more team-specific than others. The firing of Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison could signal a page turn, as Dallas reorients the franchise around Cooper Flagg. There’s a window for the 4-11 Mavericks to lean even further into the lottery in search of another young star to pair with him.9. Memphis Grizzlies
Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
2024-25 Statistics: 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.5 assistsQuaintance remains sidelined while completing the final stages of rehabilitation for a torn ACL. His production as a 17-year-old freshman at Arizona State last season made him a prospect of high interest, and the hope is that he will return in January. Optimistically, he is projected as a vertical spacer and shooting threat who can also anchor a team defensively, but he is not a good outside shooter nor is he super skilled for a 5-man, which will likely create some limitations on how he could be used on offense. NBA teams are eager to see him back on the court to get a better idea of his readiness and potential. The Grizzlies are scheduled to pick twice in the lottery, keeping their own first-round pick and likely also Phoenix’s. While Memphis considers a longer time horizon after trading Desmond Bane, getting a pair of picks in a quality draft will be critical.10. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA)
Dame Sarr, SG/SF, Duke
Statistics 2025-26: 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists in four gamesScouts consider Sarr the second-best prospect from Duke, with his 6-8 physique, defensive potential, and developing offensive game as a perimeter connector, giving him a path to become a valuable NBA player. He’s also starting to answer questions about his shot, having made 7 of 14 three-pointers to start the season and looking comfortable catching and shooting. While he doesn’t stand out much as a scorer, much of his value will come from filling the gaps. A slow start for the Clippers has positioned the defending champion Thunder to potentially select in the lottery, giving them another opportunity to add top talent to an already loaded roster. This is the first of three first-round picks they have.
11. Memphis Grizzlies (via Phoenix)
Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers (New Zealand)López has been productive in his second season in Australia, hitting 40% of his three-pointers, showing offensive progress and contributing as a rebounder. There are some holes in his profile: he hasn’t gotten to the free-throw line much, and scouts have expressed concern about his athleticism and defense. López may ultimately project best as a stretch four rather than a wing. His ability to handle, be a playmaker, and hit open shots at 6-8 will keep him in the conversations in this part of the draft. The Grizzlies will have the best first-round pick from Phoenix and Orlando, with the Magic ahead of the Suns according to ESPN’s BPI projections.12. Portland Trail Blazers
Neoklis Avdalas, SG/SF, Virginia Tech
Statistics 2025-26: 16.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6 assists in four gamesAvdalas’ 33-point breakdown on the road against Providence caught the NBA’s attention, as he skillfully navigated ball screens, hit five three-pointers, and showcased his potential as a 6-8 playmaking wing. While he’s not especially quick or adept at beating defenders one-on-one, a factor that creates some skepticism in his projection, NBA teams are always on the lookout for big playmakers, and Avdalas has begun to demonstrate that in an outsized role. Continuing to hit long-range shots and establishing his value without the ball will be key. He fits the plan from a size and skill perspective, and he’ll have the opportunity to go high in the draft if he can mitigate those concerns. Portland is in the middle of the pack in the West and will transfer its selection to Chicago if the Blazers make the playoffs and the selection falls between 15 and 30.13. Chicago Bulls
Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn
First-year statisticsMullins remains out with an ankle injury, but is on track to return in the coming weeks, and NBA teams will be eager to evaluate him in a college environment. His excellent 3-point shooting, both on the move and off the dribble, gives him a calling card skill, plus he is a tough competitor with positional size who can contribute defensively. UConn has historically had success showcasing its shooters under Dan Hurley and will need him to make an impact, positioning him for a potential one-and-done season if things go well. The Bulls own their pick in 2026 and returned to the middle of the pack after a good start to the season: the healthy return of Coby White and Josh Giddey will offer a better idea of where Chicago is headed regarding the draft.14. Milwaukee Bucks
Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Statistics 2025-26: 19.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists in four gamesAcuff has had a good start at Arkansas, accumulating efficient numbers and shooting well from long distance in four games. His burst and playmaking ability have been showcased, and his strength and pace help compensate for his smaller size. Teams in need of guards will watch him closely in the coming weeks, with a Thanksgiving matchup against Duke and a head-to-head game against Mikel Brown Jr. and Louisville offering real tests. The Bucks control their own selection and currently have an evident need for long-term help in the defensive zone; while it’s early, their selection could be an interesting landing spot for any of the guards in this range.15. Boston Celtics
Thomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida
Statistics 2025-26: 19 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3 assists in four gamesMany in the NBA anticipated that Haugh would explode this season: he has wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the best college basketball players. Although he will turn 23 before his rookie season in the NBA, Haugh seems like an obvious plug-and-play option that will help any team with his ball movement, defensive effort, and versatility. Teams with playoff aspirations will be watching him closely from this part of the draft. Amidst some speculation that they might plummet in the standings, the Celtics have been energetic in the absence of Jayson Tatum. Adding an NBA-ready player with this pick should be an approach they consider.
16. Toronto Raptors
Labaron Philon Jr., PG, Alabama
2025-26 Stats: 19.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6 assists in three gamesPhilon has started the season in good form, notably scoring 25 points in Alabama’s victory at St. John’s and showing improved ability as a shot creator. He is taking on a central playmaking role this season and has a good opportunity to separate himself from the other point guards in this part of the draft. Showing that he can bear the load efficiently as Alabama navigates a difficult non-conference schedule will help. The Raptors control their own selection, but they are working to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022, which will likely schedule them to select somewhere in this range.17. Charlotte Hornets (via Orlando)
Tounde Yessoufou, SG/SF, Baylor
Statistics 2025-26: 16.3 points, 5 rebounds, 1.7 assists in three gamesWith a powerful 6-5, 210-pound physique and a high-performance engine, Yessoufou has intriguing potential, as well as some developmental risk as scouts work to project his offense. He can get to the free-throw line, but has struggled from 3 (3 of 15 to start the season) and faces questions about his playmaking and feel for moving the ball. If his shot improves, Yessoufou could be a high-value play finisher and a disruptive defender at a minimum. How his efficiency manifests itself over the season will be the most important factor in how high he is selected. Charlotte will receive the least favorable selection from Washington (if it’s 1-8), Phoenix, Orlando, and Memphis, which in this case is the Magic’s.18. Golden State Warriors
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan2025-26 Stats: 11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3 assists in three gamesLendeborg’s age (23) hinders his perceived potential, but his complete game and physical tools should be good enough to land him in the first round, where teams looking for help in the attacking zone to plug and play will consider him. He remains an inconsistent outside shooter, but his ability to handle and pass gives him additional perimeter functionality for a larger 6-9, 240-pound forward. Michigan has been grappling with the difficult task of playing with three big players together for periods, hoping that Lendeborg’s ability to combine lineups will allow them to put their best players together on the court. He’s not always aggressive as a scorer, but he should have utility in a complementary NBA context and be attractive to teams like Golden State who are in win-now mode.19. Miami Heat
Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Statistics 2025-26: 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists in four gamesAlthough he entered college with less fanfare than some of his classmates, Flemings has been one of the best freshmen from the start, playing a key role for number 1 Houston and showing NBA-caliber speed, vision, and explosiveness. He passed his first major test, leading the Cougars to victory against a tough Auburn defense on Sunday with 22 points. He has been exceptionally efficient in this small sample, making 79% of two-point attempts in four games, and puts a lot of pressure on defenses with his downhill pace despite being slender. He should continue to emerge as the season progresses while sharing the backcourt with Milos Uzan.20. Minnesota Timberwolves
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
Statistics 2025-26: 21.3 points, 3 rebounds, 5.3 assists in three games
