Preliminary Analysis of the 2026 NBA Draft: First Predictions from Alofoke Deportes
A few weeks before the start of the college basketball season, the anticipation surrounding the 2026 draft continues to grow. A class full of promising freshmen is already causing a sensation and showing their talent at a higher level. It’s the perfect time to present our first mock draft of the season. NBA executives have benefited from a November schedule that has included several key matchups between prospects, such as the Champions Classic (November 18) and next week’s Players Era championship in Las Vegas, which brings together 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 promising depth in the first round.Considering that many aspects will change until June, this mock draft seeks to project how things would be if NBA teams were choosing today. These projections are not a ranking of the best prospects. They are based on conversations with NBA executives and scouts, as well as my own evaluation process based on time invested in games and watching videos.
The draft order was formulated using ESPN’s BPI rankings from November 14th.First Round of the Draft
1. Brooklyn NetsDarryn Peterson, PG/SG, KansasFreshman
Statistics 2025-26: 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists in two games Peterson missed Kansas’s recent games due to a hamstring injury, and head coach Bill Self described him as out for the “foreseeable future,” casting doubt on his participation in a significant matchup on Tuesday against Cameron Boozer and Duke. Although not officially ruled out on Tuesday morning, that game represented a major opportunity to demonstrate why NBA executives have placed him in the discussion for the top pick. Peterson’s dynamic three-level scoring, impressive physical tools, defensive tenacity, and competitive intangibles place him among the most complete and impactful freshmen point guards in recent times. It’s worth noting that NBA evaluators have been underwhelmed by the Jayhawks’ supporting cast so far, and Kansas will seemingly go as far as Peterson can carry them. There’s room for debate around the No. 1 spot as the season progresses, but Peterson would likely be the choice if the draft were held today. However, the possibility of a prolonged absence would leave the door open for Dybantsa and Boozer to gain ground. The Nets urgently 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 stars and something else.2. Washington WizardsAJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Freshman
Statistics 2025-26: 20.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists in four games Dybantsa was the center of attention on Saturday in Boston, with a large NBA presence in attendance for the BYU-UConn game. He showcased 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 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.
Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Freshman
Statistics 2025-26: 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists in four games While his discreet 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 NBA 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 an injury. If the Jazz’s pick falls outside the top eight, it will be conveyed to Oklahoma City, which would create an added incentive for the Jazz to remain bad for another season. Boozer would fit well as an offensive centerpiece alongside Ace Bailey.4. Indiana Pacers
Nate Ament, SF/PF, TennesseeFreshman
Statistics 2025-26: 20 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists in four games Ament 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, packed with prospects. 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 structure 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 talent-laden draft lottery. After a 1-13 start, it might make sense for the Pacers to lean into losing, with an eye on bouncing back next season with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton.
Freshman
Statistics 2025-26: 20 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3 assists in four games Wilson 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 glass have made a big difference, along with a great 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 ascend to the upper levels 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
Freshman
Statistics 2025-26: 19.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 6.8 assists in four games A 29-point explosion in a rivalry game against Kentucky marked Brown’s proper arrival on the college scene 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 drive down and get to the free throw line with more aggressiveness will help his case. It’s a reasonable bet at this point that he will be the first point guard off the board after Darryn Peterson, and where Brown ultimately falls among the top picks could depend on where teams in need of point guards 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 a change from an aging core group with expensive contracts. The amount of high-level talent in this lottery makes that proposal more appealing, and the Kings’ need for a younger playmaker should make Brown a clear consideration.
Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
Freshman
Statistics 2025-26: 10.8 points, 9 rebounds, 0.5 assists in four games Cenac has been consistent at the beginning of the college season and seems to have embraced his role in Houston, making a difference on the glass and showing comfort with his 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 isn’t prevalent in this class. The Hornets have gotten good initial results 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 additive to their attack zone in the long term.8. Dallas Mavericks
Koa Peat, PF/C, ArizonaFreshman
Statistics 2025-26: 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists in four games Peat has left a strong impression with his early game 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 could be something he will ultimately have to show in training. Continuing to drive winning as a rebounder, play finisher, and physical defender should keep him at the forefront as a mid-to-late 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 Mavs to delve even further into the lottery in search of another young star to pair with him.9. Memphis GrizzliesJayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
SophomoreStatistics 2024-25: 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists Quaintance remains sidelined while completing the final stages of rehabilitation for an ACL tear. His production as a freshman at 17 years old at Arizona State last season made him a prospect of great interest, and the hope is that he will return in January. Optimistically, he is projected as a vertical spacer and a lob threat who can also anchor a team defensively, but he is not a good outside shooter nor very skilled for a 5, which will likely create some limitations on how he could be used on offense. NBA teams are eager to see him return to 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, landing a couple of picks in a quality draft will be critical.10. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)Dame Sarr, SG/SF, DukeFreshman
Statistics 2025-26: 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists in four games Scouts consider Sarr the second-best prospect from Duke, with his 6-8 frame, defensive potential, and developing offensive game as a perimeter connector, giving him a path to becoming a valuable NBA player. He’s also starting to answer questions about his shot, as he’s made 7 of 14 three-pointers to start the season and looks comfortable catching and shooting. While he’s not presented much as a scorer, much of his value will come from filling in the gaps. A bad 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.
Freshman
Statistics 2025-26: 16.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 6 assists in four games The 33-point explosion by Avdalas on the road against Providence caught the attention of the NBA, as he skillfully navigated ball screens, scored five three-pointers, and showcased his potential as a 6-8 playmaking forward. While he is not particularly fast or adept at beating defenders one-on-one, a factor that generates some skepticism in his projection, NBA teams are always looking for big playmakers, and Avdalas has begun to demonstrate it in an outsized role. Continuing to score from long distance and establishing his value without the ball will be key. He fits the mold from a size and skill perspective, and he will have the opportunity to go high in the draft if he can mitigate those concerns. Portland is in the middle of the table in the West and will transmit 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
Freshman
Mullins 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 distinct skill, in addition to being a tough competitor with positional size who can contribute defensively. UConn has historically done well showcasing its shooters under Dan Hurley and will need him to make an impact, positioning him for a possible “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 the direction Chicago is taking regarding the draft.14. Milwaukee Bucks
Darius Acuff Jr., PG, ArkansasFreshman
Statistics 2025-26: 19.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists in four games Acuff 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 on display, and his strength and pace help compensate for his smaller size. Teams in need of point guards will be watching 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 will receive the worst pick between their own pick and New Orleans’, and they currently have an obvious need for long-term help in the frontcourt: although it’s early, their pick could be an interesting landing spot for any of the point guards in this range.15. Boston CelticsThomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida
Junior
Statistics 2025-26: 19 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3 assists in four games Many in the NBA anticipated that Haugh would explode this season: he has wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the best players in college basketball. Although he will turn 23 before his rookie season in the NBA, Haugh seems like an obvious choice to play and help any team with his ball movement, defensive effort, and versatility. Teams with playoff aspirations will watch 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.
Freshman
Statistics 2025-26: 16.3 points, 5 rebounds, 1.7 assists in three games With a powerful 6-5 frame and 210 pounds and a high-performance engine, Yessoufou has interesting potential, as well as some development risk, as scouts work to project his offense. He can get down the free throw line, but has struggled to shoot 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 develops over the season will be the most important factor in determining how high he is selected. Charlotte will receive the least favorable of the Washington (if 1-8), Phoenix, Orlando and Memphis selections, which in this case is that of the Magic.18. Golden State WarriorsYaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, MichiganSeniorStatistics 2025-26: 11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3 assists in three games Lendeborg’s age (23) hinders his perceived potential, but his complete game and physical tools should be good enough to take him into the first round, where teams looking for help in the attacking zone to play and play will consider him. He remains an irregular outside shooter, but his ability to handle and pass gives him additional perimeter functionality for a larger forward at 6-9, 240. Michigan has been grappling with the difficult task of playing with three bigs together for periods, hoping that Lendeborg’s ability to combine lineups will allow them to put their best players on the court together. 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
