S³ Report · June 14, 2026
S³ 2026 NBA Draft Report
The 2026 NBA Draft begins June 23 in New York. A clear top tier has emerged.
By Sweet Science Sports Staff
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington Wizards | AJ Dybantsa |
| 2 | Utah Jazz | Darryn Peterson |
| 3 | Charlotte Hornets | Cameron Boozer |
| 4 | Chicago Bulls | Caleb Wilson |
| 5 | LA Clippers (via Indiana) | Keaton Wagler |
| 6 | Brooklyn Nets | Darius Acuff Jr. |
| 7 | Sacramento Kings | Kingston Flemings |
| 8 | Atlanta Hawks | Mikel Brown Jr. |
| 9 | Orlando Magic | Koa Peat |
| 10 | Milwaukee Bucks | TBD |
| 11 | Golden State Warriors | Labaron Philon Jr. |
| 12 | TBD | TBD |
| 13 | Miami Heat | Aday Mara |
*Yellow rows = consensus top-4 prospects
The No. 1 Contenders
AJ Dybantsa
BYU
#1 Overall — Washington Wizards
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
#2 Overall — Utah Jazz
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.
Darius Acuff Jr.
Arkansas
Pick 6 — Brooklyn Nets
Keaton Wagler
Illinois
Pick 5 — LA Clippers
Mikel Brown Jr.
Louisville
Pick 8 — Atlanta Hawks
S³ Draft Angle
The 2026 class doesn't just have a clear No. 1 — it has depth that could reshape multiple franchises on draft night.
NBA Draft · June 23, 2026 · New York