The 2026 NBA Draft begins June 23 in New York, and a clear top tier has emerged.
AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson are widely viewed as the consensus top four prospects in the class. While Dybantsa remains the overwhelming favorite to be selected first overall, some analysts believe team fit could create surprises later in the lottery.
Consensus Lottery Mock Draft
| Pick | Team | Player | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington Wizards | AJ Dybantsa | BYU (Fr.) |
| 2 | Utah Jazz | Darryn Peterson | Kansas (Fr.) |
| 3 | Charlotte Hornets | Cameron Boozer | Duke (Fr.) |
| 4 | Chicago Bulls | Caleb Wilson | North Carolina (Fr.) |
| 5 | LA Clippers (via Indiana) | Keaton Wagler | Illinois (Fr.) |
| 6 | Brooklyn Nets | Darius Acuff Jr. | Arkansas (Fr.) |
| 7 | Sacramento Kings | Kingston Flemings | Houston (Fr.) |
| 8 | Atlanta Hawks | Mikel Brown Jr. | Louisville (Fr.) |
| 9 | Orlando Magic | Koa Peat | Arizona (Fr.) |
| 10 | Milwaukee Bucks | TBD | - |
| 11 | Golden State Warriors | Labaron Philon Jr. | Alabama |
| 12 | TBD | TBD | - |
| 13 | Miami Heat | Aday Mara | Michigan (Jr.) |
The No. 1 Contenders
AJ Dybantsa - BYU
Dybantsa enters the draft as the projected No. 1 overall pick. At 6-foot-9, he possesses elite size, athleticism, and three-level scoring ability, making him one of the most highly regarded wing prospects in recent years.
Darryn Peterson - Kansas
Peterson is considered the most polished offensive guard in the class. His shot creation, scoring versatility, and advanced feel for the game have made him a strong candidate to challenge for the top selection.
Rising Lottery Talent
Several analysts, including those from CBS Sports, have projected movement in the middle of the lottery based on team needs and roster construction.
Guards such as Darius Acuff Jr., Keaton Wagler, and Mikel Brown Jr. continue to receive significant buzz and are expected to be heavily discussed throughout the pre-draft process.
According to analysts from The Ringer and SB Nation, the strength of the 2026 class extends beyond the top four prospects, with multiple high-upside guards and wings projected to impact the NBA early in their careers.
