Sportz Nation's Final 2026 NBA Mock Draft - Projecting All 60 Picks
- Sportz Nation Staff
- 6 hours ago
- 15 min read
by Zak Drapeau and Joel Piton
Sportz Nation - 6/23/2026
Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Age: 19
Height: 6'9"
Pro Comp: Tracy McGrady
Dybantsa is the slam dunk #1 pick in this draft even if Peterson's fit on the Wizards is actually a bit better. Dybantsa has huge potential as a scorer with his frame and athleticism and a silky shooting stroke to match. Dybantsa isn't quite the caliber of #1 pick that we saw last year with Cooper Flagg but he isn't far off.
Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas
Age: 19
Height: 6'6"
Pro Comp: Devin Booker
Darryn Peterson passed up working out with the Jazz and made it clear he feels he should go number one overall. Â If the Wizards pass on him, the Jazz will likely take him regardless. We're talking about a guy with limitless offensive potential. A 6'6" lanky, shifty guard who can score from all three levels, effortlessly create his own shot off the bounce, and finish through contact at the rim. Without a doubt, Peterson has the skill and swagger of a future superstar, blends elite ball-handling with a buttery-smooth jumper, and could be a serious problem. Passing on a dynamic scoring talent like that is a massive risk, and Utah's front office knows it.
3. Memphis Grizzlies
Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke
Age: 19
Height: 6'9"
Pro Comp: Al Horford
Boozer is more of a high-floor than high-ceiling prospect which I don't usually favor but with Boozer, he is just so pro-ready it's hard to ignore. Boozer is a sharp scorer both inside and from mid range and knows how to use his size to get his favor. His work rebounding the ball is equally as impressive as his IQ to know where the ball is going to to fall. Boozer is the complete package and could score 20 and 8 in his rookie season, but without too much athletic profiling to project, will stay at that pace and likely never become more than that... which could still land him a decade of being an All-Star.
Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina
Age: 19
Height: 6'10"
Pro Comp: Chris Webber
Caleb Wilson worked out with Chicago and Chicago alone—him getting picked up fourth feels like a given. Now that the Patrick Williams experiment is pretty much over, Wilson has the keys to Chicago’s frontcourt of the future. His athleticism, defensive versatility and ability to create offense from multiple spots would give the Bulls a legitimate building block alongside Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. Chicago desperately needs another player with star upside, and Wilson may be too perfect of a fit to pass up. Just a handful of games was all that was needed to get Wilson’s jersey recognized by North Carolina and the ceiling for this kid looks ridiculously high. The jump shot is still a work in progress but I think Wilson will contribute buckets right away.
Los Angeles Clippers
Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Age: 19
Height: 6'3"
Pro Comp: Deron Williams
Acuff has been one of my favorite Guards this entire process and feels like a guy the Nets could finally build a winning team around, just like they did with his pro comp Deron Williams. Now after adding Julius Randle, Acuff's pressure to immediately lead the team in scoring isn't so heavy and can show off his ability to create offense while still being a deadeye shooter from deep.
Brooklyn Nets
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Age: 20
Height: 6'5"
Pro Comp: Tyler Herro
A smooth, shifty guard who can facilitate, score or break down you defense, Mikel Brown Jr. is a serious threat with the ball in his hands. Brooklyn is desparetly looking to rebuild, and Brown could be the missing piece. Even with an abundance of young guards like Nolan Traore and Egor Demin, the Nets are looking for a player who can immediately step in and dictate the offense from day one. Brown's basketball IQ, pick-and-roll navigation and scoring ability sets him apart as a true floor general rather than just another rookie with a long waiting time. While Traore and Demin offer solidlong-term upside, Brown is just the better prospect in terms of potential and he could easily make the Nets fun to watch again. He just needs to stay healthy.
Sacremento Kings
Keaton Wagler, PG, Illinois
Age: 19
Height: 6'6"
Pro Comp: Tyrese Haliburton
Wagler is an incredible talent who's size, style and ability to do everything well will make him a beautiful fit in Sacramento. Without a key part to his game, Wagler will likely be a 15 and 7 Point Guard as long as Lavine, Derozan and Sabonis are healthy but in the future, should turn into a trustworthy offensive leader that will prioritize passing but can get you a bucket when needed.
Atlanta Hawks
Kingston Felmings, PG, Houston
Age: 19
Height: 6'4"
Pro Comp: De'Aaron Fox
I think Kingston Flemings is undervalued. We’re talking about a guy who, in his lone season at Houston, defended with relentless intensity, controlled the pace and consistently made the right decision with the ball in his hands. He may not be the flashiest guard in the class, but his combination of toughness, playmaking and two-way reliability gives him one of the safest floors among this year’s prospects. A dynamic, downhill initiator with a quick first step, excellent handles, 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. I'd like to think the Hawks will let him ball with or without CJ McCollum.
Dallas Mavericks
Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
Age: 20
Height: 6'4"
Pro Comp: Tyler Herro
Burries is a smart and savvy player on and off the ball and with an elite jump shot to boot. At this point in the draft the Mavericks are kicking themselves if they don't trade up for one of the elite Point Guards that went before him but Burries is a great consolation prize. Burries will be a 2nd option to Cooper Flagg for a long time and can space the floor beautifully for Dallas.
Milwaukee Bucks
Nate Ament, SF, Tennessee
Age: 19
Height: 6'10"
Pro Comp: Jonathan Isaac
A 6'10" fluid forward with elite two-way potential, 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 the Volunteers reach the Elite Eight. His length, shooting touch and ability to handle the ball at his size would give Milwaukee another versatile weapon who can develop into a prototype of Giannis now that he's gone. The three point shooting wasn't quite there at Tennessee, but if he can be consistent from outside, we're looking at a prospect with virtually no weaknesses whatsoever.
Golden State Warriors
Yaxel Lendeborg, SF, Michigan
Age: 23
Height: 6'9"
Pro Comp: Thaddeus Young
Lendeborg is the most polarizing player in this draft because of his age when he will be 24 by the start of next season. Yax is a scoring machine with a mature look on the game and a Winner as a huge part of Michigan's natty team. The Warriors are in an obvious win now mode with Curry, Draymond and Kerr likely in there last 2 seasons of this window so adding a pro ready scoring forward is a perfect fit for both sides.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Age: 21
Height: 7'3"
Pro Comp: Donovan Clingan
Oklahoma loves developing young bigs and Aday Mara should be no exception. Picture this kid wedged between the likes of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein—OKC's frontcourt might just be borderline unstoppable. This kid’s draft stock has skyrocketed following the combine—and, honestly, over the past year as a whole. Mara wasn’t even ranked inside the top 60 on most 2026 NBA Draft boards last season. Now? He’s arguably the best and most hyped pure center in the class. A literal giant at 7'3" with a 7'6" wingspan, Mara offers elite rim protection, dominant lob-finishing ability and surprisingly creative passing from the elbow and high post. A guy with his build has no reason to be this versatile.
Milwaukee Bucks
Karim Lopez, PF, New Zealand
Age: 19
Height: 6'9"
Pro Comp: Rui Hachimura
Last night the Bucks and Heat pulled off a historic trade to send Giannis to the Heat for basically the ENTIRE Miami roster along with several picks including this one. After already selecting SF Nate Ament with their #10 pick, why not grab PF Karim Lopez with #13 now. Giannis was so elite he was both for Milwaukee but now the Bucks have a flashy scorer with a big frame at both positions even if Lopez is a year or two away from making a contribution at the NBA level.
Charlotte Hornets
Morez Johnson Jr., PF, Michigan
Age: 20
Height: 6'9"
Pro Comp: Isaiah Stewart
There's a large market for guys with Morez Johnson's archetype. Long wingspan, versatile, and gifted athletically, Johnson's a bona fide NCAA champion with a long pro career ahead of him. He's a physically imposing, high-motor defensive anchor who can intimidate opponents and alter shots just by stepping into their line of sight. His 7'3" wingspan and ridiculously impressive lateral mobility give him rare switchability on the perimeter for a player his size, while his rebounding, lob-finishing and infectious energy consistently swing momentum. The numbers do not tell the entire story here, and in all honesty? He could score more if he wanted or needed to.
Chicago Bulls
Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor
Age: 21
Height: 6'5"
Pro Comp: Devin Vassell
Carr may actually be the best pure shooter in this draft and to grab him at #16 when they already have Caleb Wilson is a STEAL. Carr will start off the bench as a microwave scorer but should quickly become the Bulls Shooting Guard of the future and a top scorer, cause those positions on the Chicago Bulls don't come with enough pressure already...
Memphis Grizzlies
Labaran Philon Jr., PG, Alabama
Age: 20
Height: 6'4"
Pro Comp: Rob Dillingham
Philon is an interesting prospect, and his draft projection is considerably ide, with teams having him going anywhere between picks 12 to 28. After seeing what he pulled off at Alabama, I see him going earlier rather than later. Arguably the shiftiest ball handler in the entire class, Philon uses a herky-jerky pace, lightning-fast speed, and devastating crossovers to get absolutely anywhere he wants on the floor. Overlooked as a freshman, He emerged as a fearless firecracker who backs down from no one, doubling his previous production to average an explosive 22 points a night while shooting nearly 40% from deep on massive volume. The primary concern is his boy The kid is a bit too lean, and having an NBA body is key to being effective at the pro level.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Dailyn Swain, SF, Texas
Age: 21
Height: 6'8"
Pro Comp: Evan Turner
Swain's ideal fit would be a team that asks him to do a lot of things on the court and not be pressured to score right away and Oklahoma City would do exactly that. Swain's IQ, defense and floor spacing are extremely good but his athleticism and shooting are behind. Swain has a great future if he can progressively learn to shoot the ball and as the 7th or 8th man in OKC he is in the right spot to do just that.
Charlotte Hornets
Christian Anderson Jr., PG, Texas Tech
Age: 20
Height: 6'3"
Pro Comp: Darius Garland
If Christian Andersen was in any other draft besides this one, he'd likely be the most talked about point guard prospect in the draft. An elite passer who raised eyebrows with his playmaking, 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. Ever since losing Terry Rozier, it feels like the Hornets have ben missing a smaller guard that can consistently create his own shot, organize the offense and take some of the ball-handling pressure off a primary facilitator like LaMelo Ball. Andersen would give Charlotte another dynamic playmaker in the backcourt and could become one of the biggest steals in the draft.
Toronto Raptors
Chris Cenac Jr., PF, Houston
Age: 19
Height: 6'11"
Pro Comp: Bobby Portis
Chris Cenac is coming from St John's so you already know that his defense and hustle are top notch. Cenac's rebounding is even better to boot and at only 19 years old, his projections as a scorer both inside and mid range are looking up. Cenac has the tools and physicality to start now and play good defense while consistently adding 2-3 points per game to his seasons early on.
San Antonio Spurs
Hannes Steinbach, PF, Washington
Age: 20
Height: 6'10"
Pro Comp: Domantas Sabonis
A double-double nightmare, Hannes Steinbach lit up the Big Ten with his relentless effort, rugged interior presence, and elite nose for the basketball. The 6'11" German powerhouse was an absolute terror on the glass for Washington, leading the nation with 11.8 rebounds per game and racking up a staggering 22 double-doubles during his freshman campaign. Steinbach thrives on physicality, utilizing his wide frame, phenomenal positioning, and soft touch around the rim to average an efficient 18.5 points while shooting nearly 58% from the floor. Whether he's punishing mismatches in the post, generating endless second-chance opportunities on the offensive boards, or showcasing a developing outside jumper, his rare blend of size, strength, and high-level international basketball IQ makes him one of the most productive and imposing frontcourt prospects in this class.
Detroit Pistons
Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke
Age: 20
Height: 6'6"
Pro Comp: Smaller Brandon Ingram
Isaiah Evans is a peculiar prospect in this draft and could easily go close to if not in the lottery. As it turns out, the Pistons would be a great home for him with a backcourt pairing of Cade Cunningham. Evans is a primary shooter with good athleticism and a great frame for an NBA-Shooting Guard both offensively and defensively.
Philadelphia 76ers
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
Age: 22
Height: 6'4"
Pro Comp: Ty Jerome
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.
Atlanta Hawks
Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
Age: 19
Height: 6'10"
Pro Comp: Robert Williams III
Quaintance is a risky pick for a lot of teams which is why he's dropped all the way to 23 in this mock whereas his talent should make him a lottery pick. As a defensive Power Forward/Center, there may be no one better in this class besides Mara but his injury history including an ACL tear, torn meniscus and knee fracture puts his immediate plans in jeopardy and his long term-athleticism as well. If he can rehab the right way though Quaintance will be a monster in the paint for whatever team drafts him especially if the Hawks can get him all the way at #23.
New York Knicks
Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
Age: 19
Height: 6'9"
Pro Comp: Kyle Anderson
Allen Graves looked like a grown man at Santa Clara and there aren't really any other propsects in the draft that can do what he does. We're talking about a two-way prodigy who can block shots, strip you or take the tough shot himself.. At 6'9", Graves is a matchup nightmare who can comfortably stretch the floor with a fluid three-point stroke, put the ball on the deck to attack heavy closeouts, and ruthlessly punish smaller defenders on the low block. It's no secret that he's underrated, but what truly separates him from his peers is his impact on the other end of the floor. He protects the rim, battles true bigs in the post, and has the mobility to survive any switches. Think about what slotting this guy next to OG Anunoby could do, and how much he could soak up from a squad like the Knicks.
Los Angeles Lakers
Koa Peat, PF, Arizona
Age: 19
Height: 6'8"
Pro Comp: Keldon Johnson
The Lakers offseason looks like they will bring back Austin Reaves but not Lebron James so their frontcourt will need some rebuilding. Koa Peat is an excellent step in that direction and can bring as much offense in the paint and mid range as he can in defending the paint.
Denver Nuggets
Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
Age: 19
Height: 6'2"
Pro Comp: Tyrese Maxey
Arguably the best finishing point guard in college basketball, Ebuka Okorie fears no one. Standing just 6'1" (without shoes) he attacks the paint with the ferocity and body control of a player half a foot taller. The guy has an explosive first step that routinely leaves perimeter defenders in the dust, and once he gets into the teeth of the defense, his hang time, ambidextrous touch, and deep bag of acrobatic adjustments let him score consistently over any and all imposing rim protectors. Okorie invites contact rather than shying away from it, and while his size might be viewed as a liability on paper, that hasn't stopped Denver before. Okorie has insane potential in my eyes, he just needs nurturing.
Boston Celtics
Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn
Age: 23
Height: 6'11"
Pro Comp: Andre Drummond
This pick is probably a far stretch and a reach at 27 but the fit is perfect to me. The Celtics have needed a dominant rebounder down low for a while and who better than a pro-ready and physical Power Forward who's already a proven winner and went to school in New England. Reed will be a perfect fit in Boston as a defensive-focused big man who will not need a lot of touches on offense but should become their best offensive rebounder alongside Queta very soon.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
Age: 22
Height: 7'0"
Pro Comp: Isaiah Hartenstein
The Timberwolves won't be moving Rudy Gobert any time soon, but hey, why not add another shot blocker? Perhaps one that can actually stretch the floor? While the Estonian native didn't exactly wow the crowd during his initial stint at Arizona, Henri Veesaar found a real opportunity at North Carolina and made a legitimate impact, ultimately earning Second-Team All-ACC honors. The 7'0" prospect is a quintessential unicorn who can handle the ball, stretch the floor, and make plays on the move in ways few players his size can. His unique combination of perimeter skill, high basketball IQ, and fluidity make him a shoe in for the first round in my eyes. I'd like to see him be more aggressive with his shooting though. With 60-40 percentage splits, it's hard not to want more.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Meleek Thomas, PG, Arkansas
Age: 20
Height: 6'4"
Pro Comp: Anfernee Simons
Thomas is a microwave that may not always be on but when it is, watch out. The Cavs' James Harden-experiment just showed that it won't work and rather than blow it all up now, I truly believe they should use Harden's last year under contract to mentor a player that I could absolutely see becoming another Harden a few years down the line. Thomas' shooting just needs a bit more of a clutch and consistency to it while his pick and roll game is clean but needs some polish too. Overall, this is a guy that could become an all-around Point Guard but will need the right teacher to do so.
Dallas Mavericks
Sergio de Larrea, PG, Spain
Age: 20
Height: 6'5"
Position: PG
Pro Comp: Ricky Rubio
Sergio didn't exactly explode with Valencia, but he's still an NBA ready playmaker with some of the best vision in the entire international pool. At 6'5", the jumbo point guard possesses elite positional size and sees passing windows before they even open. He excels at dissecting pick-and-roll coverages, can manipulate defenders with his eyes, and delivers pinpoint, textbook dimes with both hands. While his overall scoring efficiency and burst off the bounce remain legitimate question marks, his basketball IQ and playmaking instincts just can't be taught. If the Cavs can help him iron out his jumper, there's no doubt that de Larrea is a first round talent. And with primary playmaker Darius Garland gone, the Cavs are going to need all the help they can get sharing the rock.
New York Knicks
Zuby Ejiofor, PF, St. John's
Memphis Grizzlies
Joshua Jefferson, PF, Iowa State
Brooklyn Nets
Baba Miller, PF, Cincinnati
Sacramento Kings
Richie Saunders, SG, BYU
San Antonio Spurs
Alex Karaban, SF, UConn
Los Angeles Clippers
Braden Smith, PG, Purdue
Oklahoma City Thunder
Ryan Conwell, SG, Louisville
Chicago Bulls
Emanuel Sharp, PG, Houston
Houston Rockets
Jack Kayil, PG, Germany
Boston Celtics
Trevon Brazile, C, Arkansas
Miami Heat
Jaden Bradley, SG, Arizona
San Antonio Spurs
Bruce Thornton, PG, Ohio State
Brooklyn Nets
Dillon Mitchell, SF, St. John's
San Antonio Spurs
Keyshawn Hall, SF, Auburn
Sacramento Kings
Ugonna Onyenso, C, Virginia
Dallas Mavericks
Milos Uzan, PG, Houston
Phoenix Suns
Izaiyah Nelson, SF, South Florida
Dallas Mavericks
Tobi Lawal, SF, Virginia Tech
Denver Nuggets
Bryce Hopkins, SF, St. John's
Toronto Raptors
Felix Okpara, C, Tennessee
Washington Wizards
Jakobi Gillespie, PG, Tennessee
Los Angeles Clippers
Otega Oweh, SG, Kentucky
Houston Rockets
Tobe Awaka, PF, Arizona
Golden State Warriors
BJ Edwards, PG, SMU
New York Knicks
Aaron Nkrumah, SG, Tennessee State
Chicago Bulls
Tyler Nickel, SF, Vanderbilt
Atlanta Hawks
Nick Martinelli, SF, Northeastern
New Orleans Pelicans
Tre White, SG, Kansas
Minnesota Timberwolves
Kylan Boswell, PG, Illinois
Washington Wizards
Maliq Brown, PF, Duke
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-Z.D.
-Joel Piton