Final 2026 NBA mock draft: predicting every lottery pick in a loaded class

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The NBA Draft is finally here. The lottery has already changed as Giannis Antetokounmpo has been traded to the Miami Heat in a blockbuster deal that sends the future Hall of Famer to South Beach.

Now that Giannis is in Miami, the Milwaukee Bucks are in full rebuild mode and have two picks in the lottery tonight, the 10th and 13th pick. The future starts now for the Bucks and for the rest of the league, and this NBA draft class looks to be historic.

Here’s a final NBA mock draft before the Washington Wizards are on the clock tonight.

MORE: Projecting the 2026 Miami Heat starting lineup after Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

1. Washington Wizards​


AJ Dybantsa, forward, BYU

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Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) drives against Texas Longhorns guard Tramon Mark (12) in the first half during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images


As the NBA Draft gets closer and closer, AJ Dybantsa to the Wizards seems like a lock. The Wizards just re-signed PG Trae Young to a long-term deal, and now need a wing alongside Young and Anthony Davis. Dybantsa is a seamless fit, offering a scoring threat primarily as a rim finisher and mid-range shooter.

The Wizards can also be patient with Dybantsa’s three-point shooting, given the spacing they already have, with Trae Young, Tre Johnson, and Kyshawn George all being good shooters.

Dybantsa feels like the surest success in this class, and he’s the rightful No. 1 pick.

MORE: 6 reasons the NBA Draft will choose chaos in real time

2. Utah Jazz​


Darryn Peterson, guard, Kansas

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May 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Darryn Peterson participates in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images


There have been talks of the Utah Jazz taking Cameron Boozer over Darryn Peterson throughout the last two weeks or so. Darryn Peterson offers higher offensive upside, and this is still a guard-driven league. Peterson is a three-level scorer and gets to his spots more fluently than any other prospect in this class.

The fit into the Jazz starting lineup should be seamless. Starting Keyonte George at the point guard, having Darryn Peterson as the off-ball guard. Those two guards in the back court next to a huge front court of Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr, and Walker Kessler make the Jazz intriguing in the West. Not title contenders, but intriguing.

MORE: 15 biggest NBA Draft busts of all time as franchises prepare to make their picks

3. Memphis Grizzlies​


Cameron Boozer, power forward, Duke

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Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) waits for the ball to be thrown into play as UConn Huskies forward Jaylin Stewart (3) defends in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images


The Memphis Grizzlies need some front-court help now that Jaren Jackson Jr is gone. More than any other prospect in this class, teams know what they’re getting with Cameron Boozer. Boozer brings elite rebounding, footwork, and paint scoring to the Grizzlies. Next to Zach Edey, Boozer makes Memphis one of the better rebounding teams in the NBA.

Not only is there guaranteed production on the boards, but the reason Boozer is getting picked over Caleb Wilson is because he can space the floor and knock down open threes. For a team that needs shooting and rebounding as Memphis does, Boozer is a perfect fit.

4. Chicago Bulls​


Caleb Wilson, forward, North Carolina

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Feb 10, 2026; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) looks on against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images


Chicago needs some energy, toughness, and competitive spirit injected into their franchise. Caleb Wilson is all of those and then some. A supremely athletic forward who is aggressive in pursuit of rebounds and is a hound defensively. Wilson has even drawn Kevin Garnett comparisons because of his tenacity and two-way ability.

Offensively, Wilson is still developing, but is already phenomenal as a scorer around the rim and in the mid-range. Wilson will benefit greatly from having Josh Giddey as his point guard, one of the NBA’s more underrated passers.

5. Los Angeles Clippers​


Keaton Wagler, guard, Illinois

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Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) dribbles the ball against UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images


Keaton Wagler isn’t the fifth-best player on most big boards for this draft. The reason Wagler will be selected over Darius Acuff Jr is that the Clippers already have Darius Garland. LA doesn’t need two small, defensive liability guards.

Wagler has just as much of a chance to be the best guard in this class, though. A high IQ, phenomenal shooter, who stands 6’5 and can operate well with and without the ball. Wagler’s frame will only get better, and once he fills out a little more, as most draft picks need to do, he has excellent two-way potential as well.

6. Brooklyn Nets


Mikel Brown Jr, guard, Louisville

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Louisville Cardinals guard Mikel Brown Jr. (0) celebrates after hitting a three-point goal against NC State at the KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville February 9, 2026.


Even after a season that was ruined by a back injury, Mikel Brown Jr was electric at Louisville. Brown has NBA size, standing roughly 6’5 in shoes. The ball handling and shooting range are what pop out with Mikel Brown Jr. skill-wise.

Brooklyn needs a spark of excitement in their backcourt, and it also seems less likely they draft in the front court, with Julius Randle being traded there last night. The Nets don’t have an elite shot creator, but Brown has the tools to develop into that and be a productive scoring guard for years to come.

7. Sacramento Kings​


Darius Acuff Jr, point guard, Arkansas

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Mar 21, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives against High Point Panthers guard Rob Martin (3) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images


Of all the guards outside of Darryn Peterson, Darius Acuff Jr has the highest offensive upside. Acuff can score at all three levels, and is primarily outstanding as a jump shooter off the dribble.

Acuff has drawn Kyrie Irving comparisons before, with a tight handle and a dazzling array of moves. What sets Acuff back from being the sure-fire fifth pick in the draft is his size and defensive woes. Acuff not only doesn’t have the frame to be a great defender, but there are also questions about his effort level on that end of the floor.

8. Atlanta Hawks​


Kingston Flemings, point guard, Houston

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Mar 26, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) dribbles the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images


Atlanta did just sign CJ McCollum to a two-year extension, but the Hawks will need another guard. A ball handler for the non-CJ minutes, and for when he inevitably departs from Atlanta, whether that’s via trade to a contender or any other circumstance.

Kingston Flemings is a smaller guard, but he’s a hard-nosed defender with great athletic burst. His first step as a driver and his mid-range game are what stick out. Flemings might not have the offensive upside that the Mikel Brown Jr’s and Darius Acuff’s do, but he’s someone who has all the skills to have a long and productive NBA career.

9. Dallas Mavericks​


Brayden Burries, shooting guard, Arizona

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Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) looks on during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images


As far as fit goes, Brayden Burries to the Mavericks seems like the most ideal fit out of any in this NBA draft. Dallas was an awful shooting team last year, and their guards were awful defensively. Brayden Burries helps fix both those issues.

The Mavericks need a 3&D guard alongside Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg. Since Klay Thompson is older and not nearly as productive, Dallas needs to get Burries. Whether it’s spacing the floor or growing into the role of guarding other teams’ best guards, Burries has the potential to be the ideal complementary guard for now and the future.

10. Milwaukee Bucks​


Nate Ament, forward, Tennessee

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Mar 29, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament (10) moves the ball while defended by Michigan Wolverines guard Elliot Cadeau (3) in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the Midwest Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images


The Milwaukee Bucks just traded away their franchise forward, so why not try to draft their next one? Nate Ament’s draft profile is similar to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s. A long, rangy wing, who’s a little raw offensively, but has the talent to be a dominant forward.

Ament is more developed than Giannis was entering the draft, but even without comparisons, Milwaukee needs to draft based on potential.

Nate Ament might have a lower floor than some of the other top 10 guys, but his ceiling is through the roof. Had Ament not struggled at the beginning of the season, he’d surely be drafted higher tonight.

11. Golden State Warriors​


Yaxel Lendeborg, forward, Michigan

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Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) celebrates after their win against the UConn Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament between the and the Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images


The Warriors are still trying to operate at a competitive level, bringing back Steve Kerr as head coach and keeping Stephen Curry as the team’s focal point. Golden State needs players who can contribute right away. Yaxel Lendeborg fits that mold. Lendeborg can be a perfect two-way wing, who’s versatile as a scorer and has the length and physical mold to defend well in the NBA. Golden State wants to play fast and shoot the ball well. Lendeborg does both of those things at a high level and is as smart an offensive player as there is in this class.

The reason Lendeborg isn’t being drafted higher is cause he’s already 23 years old; had he been a 20-year-old, Lendeborg would be the fifth pick in this draft.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder​


Aday Mara, center, Michigan

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Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) guards UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) on an inbound play Monday, April 6, 2026, during the NCAA men’s basketball national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.


A countermove the Thunder could make against the 7’5 monster that is Victor Wembanyama is to draft a 7’3 center. Aday Mara is the one true center who’s a lottery lock, and he’s not only being drafted high cause of his size.

Mara’s awareness and vision as a passer is great, operating really well in the middle of the floor and in pick-and-roll situations. The Thunder might also be in a spot where they opt to move off of Isaiah Hartenstein to save money, so they could add a budget center who offers a higher ceiling on both ends and is taller.

13. Milwaukee Bucks​


Morez Johnson Jr, forward, Michigan

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Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) celebrates after defeating the Connecticut Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images


The last of the Michigan lottery picks, Morez Johnson Jr., offers physicality, rebounding, and willingness to defend. The Bucks just lost all of that when they traded Giannis away. Morez Johnson Jr isn’t Giannis, but Milwaukee will need some defensive building blocks for its rebuild.

More than anything, Johnson brings a high motor and has the IQ to be a complementary offensive piece. Whether it’s catching lobs, grabbing offensive rebounds, and creating open threes, Johnson should be able to fit anywhere in the league.

14. Charlotte Hornets​


Hannes Steinbach, power forward, Washington

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Mar 12, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Huskies forward Hannes Steinbach (6) shoots a free throw against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images


Charlotte’s dream NBA Draft scenario should be drafting Aday Mara, but the chances of him falling to 14 are slim. Hannes Steinbach is a great second option, though. The Hornets need rebounding and physicality. Steinbach averaged almost 12 rebounds a game at Washington last year. Not only is Steinbach a great rebounder, but an efficient scorer, averaging 18.5 points per game on over 57% shooting from the field.

As a shooter, Hannes Steinbach is still developing, only shooting 34% from three last year, but if hes grabbing offensive boards, then he’ll find open shooters, cause Charlotte hits threes as well as any team in the league. It’d be hard to see Charlotte walk away from the draft without a big, and that very well could be Hannes Steinbach.

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