2026 NBA Mock Draft 2.5

by Joel Piton

Sportz Nation - 6/19/2026

Come one, come all, to our next installment of 2026 NBA Mock Drafts. With draft night rapidly approaching and all 30 teams preparing to make the most important selections of the year, it’s time to take another look at how the first round could end up. From bona fide NCAA superstars at the top to potential steals waiting later in the night, here are the 30 prospects we expect to hear called—and where we believe each of them will land.

1. AJ Dybantsa — Washington Wizards

   (BYU)

Age: 19

Height: 6'9"

Position: SF

The consensus frontrunner, Dybantsa is a low-risk, huge reward prospect with tremendous upside, and Washington has no reason not to draft him here. An elite three-level scorer with a fearless offensive motor, perfect size and ridiculous shooting splits, Dybantsa has the physical tools and the IQ to be a star. Earning consensus first-team All-American honors, he averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He even shattered Danny Ainge's BYU freshman single-game scoring record by dropping 43 points against Utah. The Wizards may end up losing Trae Young in the offseason which could lead to the front office wanting Peterson, but I think Dybantsa is simply too good to pass up on.

2. Cameron Boozer — Utah Jazz

   (Duke)

Age: 18

Height: 6'9"

Position: PF

An incredibly polished, high-IQ post four, Boozer does so many things well. He can shoot lights out, rebound, pass and is uber-efficient. Boozer swept the major hardware this NCAA season as well, winning National College Player of the Year, The Lute Olson Award, Karl Malone Award and ACC Player of the Year. Son of former All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cameron's ceiling could be much higher. I think it's a toss up for the second or third overall draft slots. The Jazz just picked up Jaren Jackson and are probably going to prioritize him at the four, but Darryn Peterson's also fighting to not get drafted to Utah which might not leave the Jazz much of a choice but to draft Boozer

3. Darryn Peterson — Memphis Grizzlies

   (Kansas)

Age: 19

Height: 6'6"

Position: SG

A lanky, quick guard with an All-NBA caliber offensive ceiling, Peterson has the size and downhill scoring toolkit that front offices historically covet at the top of the draft, even if his efficiency needs some smoothing out. A walking bucket, watching this kid play at Kansas felt like a privilege. There was no guarding him. His rookie campaign was frustrating, to say the least, marred by injuries, cramping, and a supporting cast that struggled to keep pace. Still, Kansas managed a 24-11 record and Peterson single-handedly at times kept the offense together. Despite the rocky season, the sheer upside of his physical tools and scoring touch keeps him cemented at the top of draft boards.

4. Caleb Wilson — Chicago Bulls

   (North Carolina)

Age: 19

Height: 6'10"

Position: PF

A wiry, explosive athlete with a 7'0" wingspan, the potential for this kid is sky high. He played just 24 games due to injury and it was enough to get his jersey honored by thee Tar Heels. He runs the floor like a gazelle, protects the rim and has the fluidity to switch across multiple positions on the perimeter. As for the shooting? It's on the rise. Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 57.8% in his one-and-done campaign at Chapel Hill. With the Patrick Williams experiment seemingly at it's end, Wilson could be the four the Bulls need to make them competitive overnight.

5. Kingston Flemings — Los Angeles Clippers

   (Houston)

Age: 19

Height: 6'4"

Position: PG

Flemings is arguably the best pure point guard in the draft. The passing won't jump out at you immediately, but the elite ball handling and defense will. A dynamic, downhill initiator with a lightning-quick first step, excellent live-dribble processing, and overwhelming aggression, Flemings thrived at Houston as a gritty, skilled guard that ultimately propelled his squad to the Sweet 16. He also set a Houston freshman single-game scoring record by dropping 42 points on Texas Tech. In a draft class chock full of guards all capable of being lottery picks, I like the odds of LA taking a chance on this kid.

6. Darius Acuff Jr. — Brooklyn Nets

   (Arkansas)

Age: 19

Height: 6'3"

Position: PG

Bar none the most productive offensive hub in the draft. Acuff is a multi-level scoring threat with a humongous deep bag of isolation moves. He has a fantastic motor, great balance and dictates his own pace. And he isn't just a scorer, Acuff isn't afraid to make the extra pass and get his teammates involved. He lit up the scoreboard for the Razorbacks, averaging 23.5 points, 6.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds. Despite lacking insane athleticism and elite bursts, his IQ is what opens up the scoring lanes for him and he creates a massive amount of offense without needing to glide above the rim. Once the defense kicks in, he's going to be a real problem in the league for years to come.

7. Mikel Brown Jr. — Sacramento Kings

   (Louisville)

Age: 20

Height: 6'5"

Position: PG

An incredible skilled point guard with insane ball security and ambidextrous finishing chops, Mikel Brown has looked NBA ready from day one. He has elite floor vision, can zip pocket passes with precision, and can effectively see over the defense with reports listening his height from anywhere between 6'5"-6'6". He has a high-release lightning quick jumper that lit up the ACC and despite playing just 21 games due to injury, it was enough for scouts to lock him in. His feel for the game and deep shooting range jump out at you, but the progression is what stands out to me. The kid was named a major liability on offense for his shot selection in high school, only for coaches to make him the number one option at Louisville. Once the efficiency comes up, he'll be unstoppable.

8. Keaton Wagler — Atlanta Hawks

   (Illinois)

Age: 19

Height: 6'6"

Position: PG

A combo guard capable of playing either position, Wagler has an incredible feel for the game, as well as some of the deepest shooting range we've seen. He doesn't have elite speed, but he uses is ball handles wisely: hesitation dribbles, crossovers, snatch backs—anything is fair game to get the defenders looking the other way. Wagler is also an exceptional drive-and-dish creator who rarely needed to force offense on his Illinois squad. Wagler led an incredibly slept on Illinois team (that had just lost a star in Kasparas Jakucionis) to the Final Four. However, scouts note that being "too wiry" in a draft class full of muscle could set him back. If he bulks up a bit and puts to death any doubts about having an NBA body, I don't see him going past number 9.

9. Brayden Burries — Dallas Mavericks

   (Arizona)

Age: 20

Height: 6'4"

Position: SG

A standout at Arizona, Brayden Burries has very few holes in his game. At 6'3" and 215 pounds, he uses his frame to play through contact and force buckets at the rim. A proven winner, helped Arizona secure a 36-3 record. He's also a highly competitive defender who can guard positions 1-3, and he's more than capable of hitting the pull up jumper. Burries was a forty-percent three point shooter and one of the most consistent lay-makers in college basketball. He's also a tenacious rebounder for a guard and is usually initiating the fastbreak himself if he isn't throwing the outlet pass. HE isn't an elite passer yet though, which you'd like to see more of due to his size.

10. Nate Ament — Milwaukee Bucks

    (Tennessee)

Age: 19

Height: 6'10"

Position: PF

A tantalizing 6'10" wing with a 7'1" wingspan, Nate Ament could be a make-or-break experiment that pays huge dividends. With great fluidity and handle for his size, we're seeing comparisons to Kevin Durant, Paolo Banchero, Michael Porter Jr. and more. Ament got off to a slow start at Tennessee but quickly found his footing, averaging 22 points throughout the second half of the season and helping Tennessee reach the Elite eight. I'd like to see his three point percentages go up a bit because not only did he shoot them at too high a volume, but he only notched about 33% of them. He also struggles to finish through contact and will settle for a mid range jumper. If he gets his strength and confidence up at the interior, he'll be ridiculously good. And who better to work with on that aspect of the game then the Greek Freak himself?

11. Cameron Carr — Golden State Warriors

    (Baylor)

Age: 21

Height: 6'5"

Position: SG

Cameron Carr looked like a low-volume scorer at Tennessee that might surprise you with a dunk every now and then. At Baylor, however, he became the quintessential offensive player on a squad desperately trying to climb back from losing VJ Edgecombe. With averages of 19, 6 and 2, Cameron Carr elevated his shooting range and looked like one of the most complete perimeter threats in college basketball. He furthered the status quo at the NBA Draft Combine with the best shooting performance by far, which subsequently boosted his draft stock greatly. Elite above-the-rim athleticism, explosive vertical pop, and a highly portable off-ball game, Carr attacks defenses with ferocity. With Moses Moody down for the count, the Dubs need instant offense and Carr could be that guy.

12. Aday Mara — Oklahoma City Thunder

    (Michigan)

Age: 21

Height: 7'3"

Position: C

This kid's draft stock saw a major increase following the combine, and to be honest, over the last year as a whole. Mara wasn't even in the Top 60 on last year's 2026 NBA Draft boards. But now? He's the best and most hyped pure center in the draft. A literal giant with a 7-foot-3 frame and 7-foot-6 wingspan, he offers elite rim protection, is a dominant lob-catcher, and is a shockingly creative passer from the elbow and high post for his size. Mara struggled to find his footing and barely got playing time at UCLA, but upon transferring to Michigan, became a shot blocking beast. Mara received Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Third-team All-Big Ten honors this season. The mobility and lateral quickness raise red flags, but as a five it's harder to notice.

13. Yaxel Lendeborg — Miami Heat

    (Michigan)

Age: 23

Position: SF

Height: 6'9"

Fans will continue to underestimate Yax's potential due to his age, but I think he has a long way to go in terms of his development and is truthfully just scratching the surface of what he can do as a wing. A bona fide NCAA champion, Yaxel is the ultimate high-IQ connector. He boasts an elite motor, non-stop activity on the glass, and tremendous defensive versatility. He pushes the pace as a fastbreak threat in transition and can keep the offense flowing with smart, quick reads whether it be on offense or defense. Lendeborg was the glue that held Michigan together and it culminated with the perfect reward. Perimeter shooting remains the biggest skill yet to be seen for his NBA transition.

14. Karim Lopez — Charlotte Hornets

    (New Zealand Beakers)

Age: 19

Height: 6'9"

Position: SF

So much is yet to be discovered about this kid, and right now, he's the number one international prospect on planet earth. At 6'8", Lopez is the perfect size for modern wings and is apparently a "coaches dream". Why? Lopez plays with an incredibly mature pace, flaunts a confident, smooth midrange game, cuts smartly off the ball, and defends multiple positions with high effort and awareness. The kid bypassed NCAA hoops entirely to battle grown men in the VERY physical Australian NBL as part of the Next Stars program. He absorbed contact well and proved he could contribute efficiently without needing the ball constantly in his hands. He still needs to iron out his consistency from beyond the 3-point line but once the long range shots start falling, he could be scary.

15. Labaron Philon Jr. — Chicago Bulls

    (Alabama)

Age: 20

Height: 6'4"

Position: PG

Philon might just be the shiftiest ball handler in the entire class. Using a herky-jerky pace, lightning-fast speed, and crossovers to get anywhere he wants on the floor, Philon has an elite floater game, is a high-level pick-and-roll navigator, and a lethal pull-up shooter. In all honesty, Philon could have declared for the draft last year, but that sophomore campaign did wonders for him. The kid averaged 22 points a night, doubling his production and he shot nearly 40% from deep on massive volume, completely carrying the Crimson Tide's offense. This kid fears no one when it comes to offense, and he can be a firecracker when he gets going. Unfortunately at 6'4", Philon is only 175 pounds, super lean, and might struggle to finish through on NBA-size rim protectors.

16. Hannes Steinbach — Memphis Grizzlies

    (Washington)

Age: 20

Height: 6'10"

Position: PF

A double-double monster, Hannes Steinbach is one of those players who just look like they could fit in anywhere. Because of that, it's hard to pinpoint where he'll end up, but I don't see him going past number twenty. The best rebounder in college basketball, Steinbach is an incredibly physical, bruising big man with elite footwork and a soft touch around the rim. He has fantastic hands, loves to work the pick and roll, and has an unrelenting motor that makes him a nightmare on the offensive glass. Out of the thirty games played at the collegiate level, Steinbach racked up 22 double-doubles, and earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors. Hailing from the same town as Dirk Nowitzki, Steinbach is showing promise in being an outside shooter like the former.

17. Morez Johnson Jr. — Oklahoma City Thunder

    (Michigan)

Age: 20

Height: 6'9"

Position: PF

Without Johnson Jr.'s two-way impact, Michigan's basketball season would have looked very different this year. Johnson is a physically imposing, high-motor defensive anchor who can intimidate you and throw off your shot just by looking in your direction. Johnson boasts a 7'3" wingspan and excellent lateral mobility, giving him rare switchability on the perimeter for a player of his size. He's an elite rebounder, a reliable lob threat, and plays with infectious energy. Numbers aren't the tell all here, and upon transferring from Illinois, these are the numbers you'd want to see from the kid. He averaged 13.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game on 62.5% shooting as the defensive backbone of an NCAA championship team. OKC loves molding young defenders and Johnson Jr. should be no exception.

18. Christian Anderson Jr. — Charlotte Hornets

    (Texas Tech)

Age: 20

Height: 6'3"

Position: PG

If you put Christian Anderson in virtually any other draft class except this one, he'd be the best point guard on the come up. A streaky, quick guard who's ceiling keeps raising, Anderson took a ginormous leap between his freshman and sophomore campaigns, putting up 18, 7 and 3 and winning Big 12 Most Improved player honors. A highly cerebral offensive engine with elite pick-and-roll manipulation skills, Andersen is a lethal shooter both off the catch and off the bounce, possessing clean mechanics and advanced playmaking vision that allows him to consistently make the right reads. The kid was the primary catalyst for the Red Raiders and proved he could carry an elite offense to the highest pedigree. However, he's a bit on the slim side right now and doesn't have the muscle yet to finish through contact cleanly.

19. Bennett Stirtz — Toronto Raptors

    (Iowa)

Age: 22

Height: 6'4"

Position: PG

Bennett Stirtz was one of the most exciting college players to watch last season and single-handedly made Iowa basketball watchable. The 22 year old played for three different universities and played in three very different systems, yet somehow, he looked right at home. Stirtz is a master of pace and control. He never speed up when it isn't necessary, operating with a surgical mid-range and a smooth floater game. Boasting an elite touch, Stirtz is incredibly efficient, makes brilliant decisions with the basketball, and is a knockdown perimeter shooter. He was an absolute workhorse throughout this NCAA season, leading the NCAA in minutes played while averaging 19.7 points and 4.4 assists on pristine shooting splits. Despite being 22 years old, I think he has untapped potential.

20. Chris Cenac Jr. — San Antonio Spurs

    (Houston)

Age: 19

Height: 6'11"

Position: PF

Drawing comparisons to Chris Bosh, Jabari Smith Jr., LaMarcus Aldridge and more, Cenac answered the call to end Houston's stretch of poor frontcourt play.  Paired with Kingston Flemings, Chris offered an incredibly rare blend of outlier size and fluid athleticism. Standing 6'11" with a massive 7'5" wingspan and a 9-foot standing reach, he's an explosive leaper and a devastating play-finisher. He also flashes modern face-up skills and a workable jump-shooting form that could make him more of a perimeter player at the next level. In just 25 minutes of action per night, Cenac was a nightly double-double threat. His feel for the game is a work in progress, though. And despite his size, he isn't really providing the rim protection you'd want (under 1 block per game) for a guy with his length.

21. Allen Graves — Detroit Pistons

    (Santa Clara)

Age: 19

Height: 6'9"

Position: SF

Allen Graves is a name that has flown under the radar, but don't sleep. Graves is a  high-motor, hyper-efficient forward with an elite nose for the basketball. He defends multiple positions and generates incredible defensive event rates (especially steals) for a player of his size. He flashes legitimate long-range shooting potential, converting 41% of his threes in his lone campaign for the Broncos. The real question is where to put him. He was interchangeable between both forward positions at the collegiate level, and the shooting range suggests he should be small forward, but then the rebounding and clamps make you wonder what you'd be losing if you didn't have him down low. Ultimately, Graves is a weapon who could be a seriously deadly two-way option.

22. Dailyn Swain — Philadelphia 76ers

    (Texas)

Age: 20

Height: 6'7"

Position: SF

Dailyn Swain was one of the most anticipated players in the SEC, and I think it's safe to say that he lived up to every expectation. A true modern two-way defensive wing, Swain is comfortable guarding just about every position on the court. Defensively, he's a Swiss Army Knife who utilizes his length and rapid lateral quickness to disrupt passing lanes and smother opposing scorers. At 6-foot-6 with a sprawling 6-foot-10 wingspan, he's an explosive downhill slasher who finishes through contact with craft. g his college career at Xavier, Swain transferred to Texas and absolutely thrived in the SEC. He became the premier perimeter defender and a massive transition threat for the Longhorns, ultimately taking home the 2026 SEC Newcomer of the Year award. My only concern is his shooting range.

23. Jayden Quaintance — Atlanta Hawks

    (Kentucky)

Age: 18

Height: 6'10"

Position: PF

This kid screams untapped potential. Quaintance reclassified to graduate high school a year early which made him the youngest player in the NCAA last season. Unfortunately for Jayden, his crucial sophomore campaign was hampered heavily by injuries, and he suited up for just four games, averaging 5 points and 5 boards a night. But that hasn't swayed the scouts and it shouldn't sway you either. Quaintance is a physical marvel. At 6-foot-10.5 and 255 pounds, he blends sheer brute strength with incredible bounce. He is an elite rim protector, a terrifying lob threat, and moves extraordinarily well for a player with his massive frame. With a consistently clean bill of health, he could end up being one of the best players in this class.

24. Isaiah Evans — New York Knicks

    (Duke)

Age: 20

Height: 6'6"

Position: SF

Isaiah Evans career at Duke was initially shadowed by the big names like Cooper Flagg and Cameron Boozer, but his time has come. A lethal, high-volume perimeter scorer, Evans is a bucket-getter in the purest sense, armed with a silky-smooth pull-up jumper, deep range, and the absolute confidence to take and make heavily contested shots. He thrives in isolation and is an excellent free-throw shooter. The kid's offense took a major jump forward this season, carrying the offensive load for the Blue Devils with 15.0 points per game while knocking down 101 three-pointers at a 36.1% clip. My only criticism? His defense. For a forward with his build, motor, and wingspan, you'd like to see him settle down on offense at times and lock in on the other side of the ball.

25. Koa Peat — Los Angeles Lakers

    (Arizona)

Age: 19

Height: 6'8"

Position: PF

Koa Peat impacts winning wherever he goes. A high school champion, a USA gold medalist and a key contributor to a 36-3 Arizona Wildcats team, it's hard to imagine that Peat falls to the second round. The kid is an immensely physical player with a veteran's feel for the game. At 6-foot-8 and 240 pounds, he bullies defenders in the paint and possesses excellent touch around the basket (shooting nearly 53% from the field). He's also a highly intelligent passer out of the post, can facilitate offense as a short-roll playmaker and consistently makes the right read when defenses collapse. Peat rebounds with force on both ends, thrives in transition and brings a relentless motor that coaches covet. He doesn't space the floor often and won't wow you from three, but once that comes along, he'll be a menace.

26. Ebuka Okorie — Denver Nuggets

    (Stanford)

Age: 19

Height: 6'2"

Position: PG

A lightning quick guard who lit up Stanford basketball's offense, Ebuka Okorie is a 19 year old prodigy who's leadership and playmaking ability made the Cardinals one of the better teams in the ACC. A highly adaptable player who can attack the rim or light you up from beyond the arc, Ebuka is microwave scorer who generates points at will. Okorie was one of the biggest breakout stars of the season as a true freshman. He led the entire ACC in scoring at 23.2 points per game, adding 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals. His dynamic play earned him First-Team All-ACC and honorable mention All-American honors. For all the talented point guards in this class, Okorie's name isn't mentioned nearly enough. His blend of shot creation, scoring instincts and competitive toughness gives him a chance to outplay his draft slot from day one.

27. Henri Veesar — Boston Celtics

    (North Carolina)

Age: 22

Height: 7'0"

Position: PG

The Estonian native didn't exactly wow the crowd at Arizona, but with real opportunity made a legitimate impact at North Carolina, earning Second-Team All-ACC honors. Henri Veesar is a 7'0" unicorn who can handle the ball, stretch the floor and make plays on the move in ways that few players his size can. His combination of fluid athleticism, perimeter skill and basketball IQ allows him to function as both a floor-spacer and a big time defender. This a prospect with tremendous upside just waiting to be nurtured. The Celtics have Luka Garza but I can imagine them wanting one more stretch big who can boost an offense without needing a ton of minutes. He's somewhat lacking in the athletic department, but if the shooting proves good enough it won't exactly hurt him.

28. Zuby Ejiofor — Minnesota Timberwolves

    (St. John's)

Age: 22

Height: 6'9"

Position: PF

St. John's was virtually off the since the Jameer Nelson era, but Zuby Ejiofor helped change that narrative. The rugged forward emerged as one of the emotional leaders behind the program's resurgence, bringing toughness, consistency and motor every night.  A powerful, switchable, high-motor defensive menace, Ejiofor boasts a massive 7-foot-2 wingspan and incredible lateral mobility. He's an elite defensive playmaker who rarely gives up on a play, while also flashing surprisingly refined face-up offensive skills and passing vision. With guys like Josh Minott and Leonard Miller gone, Minnesota is going to need someone who can energy, physicality and defensive versatility to the frontcourt rotation. Ejiofor checks all of those boxes.

29. Sergio de Larrea — Cleveland Cavaliers

    (Spain)

Age: 20

Height: 6'5"

Position: PG

So much remains unknown about Spanish prodigy Sergio de Larrea, but what we do know is undeniably intriguing. The 6'5" guard possesses an advanced feel for the game, sees passing windows before they develop and seems NBA ready. Drawing comparisons to Ricky Rubio, Sergio's potential on the physical side could be much higher. With a 6'9" wingspan, de Larrea feels confident making the pivotal pass. He operates highly effectively in the pick-and-roll and has very promising shooting splits over the course of his Euroleague career. His athleticism and physicality are major red flags for the time being and he seems to almost want to avoid contact as much as possible. He also recorded a bizarrely low 8-foot-4 standing reach at the NBA Draft combine.

30. Tarris Reed Jr. — Dallas Mavericks

    (UConn)

Age: 22

Height: 6'11"

Position: C

In an era of bigs that love playing face up, Tarris Reed Jr. is a refreshing reminder that there is still tremendous value in a player who embraces the dirty work. This bruising center carves out space in the paint, attacks the glass with relentless energy and finishes through contact with authority. Reed's physicality sets the tone on both ends of the floor, whether he's generating second-chance opportunities, protecting the rim or battling opposing bigs for position. Sometimes you wonder if you're watching him down low or Andre Drummond all over again. A physically imposing, blue-collar behemoth. Reed boasts a massive 7-foot-4 wingspan, a 9-foot-2 standing reach, and weighs 260 pounds. There's no stopping him when he gets to his spots. But, could being a throwback big with virtually zero perimeter game end up hurting him in the long run?

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

That wraps up our latest NBA Mock Draft, but with trades, surprise selections and last-minute changes always looming, nothing is set in stone. Which prospects do you think will end up somewhere else? Who are we projecting too high or too low, and what player do you want your team to target on draft night? Let us know your predictions!

The NBA's offseason has officially begun, starting with the NBA Draft next Tuesday 🚨 Can't keep up with the drama? Be sure to stay tuned into Sportz Nation for your sports updates on all things basketball.

Thanks for reading!

-Joel Piton

(@jpiton7)