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Now that the 2026 NBA trade deadline has passed, the 2026 NBA Draft will look plenty different from what it did in our last update in January.
After trades involving big names including Anthony Davis and James Harden, it could impact which teams end up with top prospects like Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa. Most notably, the Indiana Pacers traded a first-round pick for former Clippers big man Ivica Zubac.
As of right now, that pick has a 47.9 percent chance of going from Indiana to Los Angeles. Here is how the rest of the first round could potentially unfold.
Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
After trading for both Trae Young and Anthony Davis during the season, the Washington Wizards could suddenly have one of the more intriguing rosters in the Eastern Conference if they land the No. 1 overall pick and select Darryn Peterson. When healthy, the Kansas freshman looks like one of the most talented prospects in recent memory and so this would immediately change their trajectory as a franchise.
The Sacramento Kings have had an utterly disappointing season and could use a new identity. Drafting a player like BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa would given them that. The young star recently became the youngest player in NCAA history with a 30-point triple-double against Eastern Washington on Dec. 22, then he had 43 dominant points against in-state rival Utah on Jan. 24.
After the Nets took five bites at the apple in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, they will likely have yet another opportunity to add a difference-maker in the lottery. Any of the players at the top of the draft will return tremendous value for Brooklyn, but Cameron Boozer should excite their front office. He isn’t a human highlight reel but his statistical profile jumps off the page as a prospect who offers a complete package to evaluators.
With an unprotected pick acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in the Derik Queen trade during the 2025 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks will have a chance to find a great young player. North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson is a name they should consider. The double-double machine leads the nation in dunks, per Bart Torvik, and he would bolster the frontcourt next to first-time All-Star forward Jalen Johnson.
Following a trade that landed Jaren Jackson Jr. in Utah before the deadline, the Jazz could continue to try to improve their defense by selecting Kingston Flemings. This freshman recorded 42 points, six assists and two steals against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. He would make for a perfect counterpart to Keyonte George in the backcourt for the Jazz, who currently have the worst defensive rating in the NBA.
After trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers and receiving a protected first-rounder from the Indiana Pacers for Ivica Zubac, the Clippers could find a backcourt running mate if this pick conveys. They will look at the highest riser in the 2026 NBA Draft cycle, who is cerebral guard and secondary playmaker Keaton Wagler. He continues to exceed all expectations as a one-and-done breakout star. The 18-year-old guard scored 46 points while shooting 9-of-11 on 3-pointers against No. 12 Purdue on Jan. 24 and he is now shooting 44.4 percent from beyond the arc on 5.8 attempts per game.
The Mavericks should feel excited about Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr., who is sensational at creating a basket for himself and has become a fantastic playmaker for head coach John Calipari. He looks like one of the most promising lead guards in the 2026 NBA Draft, already thriving as a ball handler when operating in pick-and-roll for the Razorbacks. While he is a bit undersized, Acuff Jr. has now scored at least 15 points in 16 consecutive games for Arkansas.
With the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo still uncertain, the Bucks are going to need to take some home run swings. Louisville freshman Mikel Brown Jr., a former McDonald’s All-American who was a standout for Team USA during the FIBA U-19 World Cup, represents exactly that. He isn’t scoring or shooting efficiently but he is a high-impact playmaker as a passer who could blossom into a promising lead guard.
Jayden Quaintance has had a late start to the season as he recovers from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. But the sophomore big man showed immediate flashes once he debuted for Kentucky. Despite a slow start after his transfer from Arizona State, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs a big man like the Chicago Bulls after trading away Nikola Vučević.
The Grizzlies could add to their rebuilding core after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. by selecting Yaxel Lendeborg, who is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. Lendeborg offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. The Grizzlies have drafted players with similar trajectories like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward.
The Portland Trail Blazers have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Koa Peat will probably have some appeal to their organization. Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. He just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro.
Despite trading for Coby White, the Hornets could still use more reliable players in the backcourt and could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. The guard is now averaging 21.4 points per game and has improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 38.5 percent as a sophomore, also managing 4.9 assists per game in the process.
After winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are projected to somehow add even more lottery talent in the 2026 NBA Draft. They could use it to potentially replace Isaiah Hartenstein by drafting a younger German big man: Hannes Steinbach. He is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, especially on the offensive glass. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.
After winning a national championship with Florida last season, Thomas Haugh was instantly regarded as one of the most interesting players who elected to return to college. Haugh has one of the top motors in the NCAA and he is an incredibly skilled basketball player. He does not need the ball in his hands very often to make a difference on the floor for his team, and he can serve as a glue guy for a consistently competitive team such as the Spurs.
One of the players who has improved his draft stock the most since the season began is Baylor junior Cameron Carr. He is able to dunk and shoot from beyond the arc at a high clip and, per Bart Torvik, is currently the only high-major player to reach 30 field goals that were dunks and 30 field goals that were 3-pointers so far this season. He also provides high-end value as a defender, too. His 7-foot-2 wingspan can help him find a role on any team.
A few years ago, research indicated that the Grizzlies tend to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. Iowa State do-it-all senior Joshua Jefferson is a dribble-pass-shoot forward who meets many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster. He is someone who looks destined to have a sustainable NBA career.
Scouts might feel divided about Tennessee freshman Nate Ament, who has struggled with his shooting efficiency in college so far and isn’t showing tremendous athleticism. But with his 6-foot-10 frame and a recent 29-point performance against No. 23 Alabama on Jan. 24, it only takes one team to fall in love with what he brings to the table. Maybe the Heat could use this pick to swing for the fences on someone with his unique upside.
The Raptors could use another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list. Despite transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble. Stirtz, however, struggled against highly ranked teams like Iowa State, Illinois and Michigan State. But the Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who is doing the same at Iowa.
The Lakers could use a big man like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he is at the top of his game when passing to a cutting perimeter player. Ngongba is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space and he is on an encouraging development track, displaying year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.
The Thunder have drafted several players from Australia’s NBL, including Josh Giddey. They could dip into this well again by selecting Karim López with their pick from the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Mexican-born forward still needs some development, the physically gifted forward is widely seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. Even if he is a draft-and-stash player, that is ideal for a team with a rotation as crowded as the Thunder.
Arizona freshman Brayden Burries had two breakout games in January: He recorded 28 points with nine rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block against Kansas State on Jan. 7, and then he had 29 points with five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks against BYU on Jan. 26. Burries has shown genuine productivity and he is able to defend, cut, relocate, move the ball and make open 3-pointers.
Baylor freshman Tounde Yessoufou is a force of nature in transition and does not have that same polish in a half-court offense. Still raw but with a respected work ethic, there are a lot of traits to admire about what he might blossom into as he continues his development. Already, however, his athleticism and his defensive playmaking will at least intrigue teams looking to improve their wing depth like the Hawks.
While they are surprisingly one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and could use more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson. Now playing point guard, Anderson is recording more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore now compared to when he was a freshman. He has turned himself into one of the best scorers and most prolific 3-point shooters in the NCAA and his game should scale well to the next level.
Texas Tech junior JT Toppin has somehow become underrated this season despite averaging 21.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Despite going up against one of the best defenses in the country vs. Houston on Jan. 24, he had 31 points with 12 rebounds and three assists. It was his fifth game with at least 30 points and his 14th double-double out of 21 appearances.
Alabama freshman Amari Allen is a 6-foot-7 freshman who averaged 14.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists with 2.2 stocks (steals and blocks) per game for the Crimson Tide during SEC conference play in January. He also shot 42.1 percent on 3-pointers while attempting 3.8 shots per game beyond the arc. Allen is a good connective piece who plays hard and knows how to make the right play.
As the Celtics continue to exceed expectations, they do have some holes to fill in their frontcourt after losing both Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford. After selecting Hugo González from Spain in the draft last season, they could potentially target his former FIBA U18 European Championship tournament teammate Aday Mara. The giant 7-foot-3 big man is a fantastic rim protector and he can pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition. He would fit well for the Celtics despite Boston trading for Vučević.
After transferring from Arizona to North Carolina, we have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. He is scoring efficiently at the rim and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes on an expedited timeline, like the Knicks, will have him high on their priority list.
Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury. But he has returned to action for the Huskies and has shown what makes him such an appealing player. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level. Mullins is already shooting over 40 percent on 3-pointers since moving into the starting lineup and could provide value playing alongside Donovan Mitchell and new Cleveland addition James Harden.
As part of a three-team trade that sent Kevin Huerter to the Pistons in exchange for Jaden Ivey, Detroit's front office agreed to a pick swap with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves could use that pick to select Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic, who is having one of the most statistically dominant shooting seasons, both from beyond the arc and from mid-range, among any prospect in the nation.
Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level. He makes sense for the Mavericks, who acquired this pick as part of the return for Anthony Davis.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NBA mock draft predictions for AJ Dybantsa after trade deadline
Continue reading...
After trades involving big names including Anthony Davis and James Harden, it could impact which teams end up with top prospects like Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa. Most notably, the Indiana Pacers traded a first-round pick for former Clippers big man Ivica Zubac.
As of right now, that pick has a 47.9 percent chance of going from Indiana to Los Angeles. Here is how the rest of the first round could potentially unfold.
Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
1. Washington Wizards: Darryn Peterson
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- TEAM: Kansas
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Ohio
- HEIGHT: 6-5
- DRAFT AGE: 19
After trading for both Trae Young and Anthony Davis during the season, the Washington Wizards could suddenly have one of the more intriguing rosters in the Eastern Conference if they land the No. 1 overall pick and select Darryn Peterson. When healthy, the Kansas freshman looks like one of the most talented prospects in recent memory and so this would immediately change their trajectory as a franchise.
2. Sacramento Kings: AJ Dybantsa
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- TEAM: BYU
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Massachusetts
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Sacramento Kings have had an utterly disappointing season and could use a new identity. Drafting a player like BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa would given them that. The young star recently became the youngest player in NCAA history with a 30-point triple-double against Eastern Washington on Dec. 22, then he had 43 dominant points against in-state rival Utah on Jan. 24.
3. Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Boozer
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- TEAM: Duke
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Florida
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 18
After the Nets took five bites at the apple in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, they will likely have yet another opportunity to add a difference-maker in the lottery. Any of the players at the top of the draft will return tremendous value for Brooklyn, but Cameron Boozer should excite their front office. He isn’t a human highlight reel but his statistical profile jumps off the page as a prospect who offers a complete package to evaluators.
4. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Caleb Wilson
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- TEAM: North Carolina
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Georgia
- HEIGHT: 6-10
- DRAFT AGE: 19
With an unprotected pick acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in the Derik Queen trade during the 2025 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks will have a chance to find a great young player. North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson is a name they should consider. The double-double machine leads the nation in dunks, per Bart Torvik, and he would bolster the frontcourt next to first-time All-Star forward Jalen Johnson.
5. Utah Jazz: Kingston Flemings
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- TEAM: Houston
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Texas
- HEIGHT: 6-4
- DRAFT AGE: 19
Following a trade that landed Jaren Jackson Jr. in Utah before the deadline, the Jazz could continue to try to improve their defense by selecting Kingston Flemings. This freshman recorded 42 points, six assists and two steals against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. He would make for a perfect counterpart to Keyonte George in the backcourt for the Jazz, who currently have the worst defensive rating in the NBA.
6. Los Angeles Clippers (via Pacers): Keaton Wagler
- TEAM: Illinois
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Kansas
- HEIGHT: 6-6
- DRAFT AGE: 19
After trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers and receiving a protected first-rounder from the Indiana Pacers for Ivica Zubac, the Clippers could find a backcourt running mate if this pick conveys. They will look at the highest riser in the 2026 NBA Draft cycle, who is cerebral guard and secondary playmaker Keaton Wagler. He continues to exceed all expectations as a one-and-done breakout star. The 18-year-old guard scored 46 points while shooting 9-of-11 on 3-pointers against No. 12 Purdue on Jan. 24 and he is now shooting 44.4 percent from beyond the arc on 5.8 attempts per game.
7. Dallas Mavericks: Darius Acuff Jr.
- TEAM: Arkansas
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Michigan
- HEIGHT: 6-3
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Mavericks should feel excited about Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr., who is sensational at creating a basket for himself and has become a fantastic playmaker for head coach John Calipari. He looks like one of the most promising lead guards in the 2026 NBA Draft, already thriving as a ball handler when operating in pick-and-roll for the Razorbacks. While he is a bit undersized, Acuff Jr. has now scored at least 15 points in 16 consecutive games for Arkansas.
8. Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr.
- TEAM: Louisville
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Florida
- HEIGHT: 6-5
- DRAFT AGE: 20
With the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo still uncertain, the Bucks are going to need to take some home run swings. Louisville freshman Mikel Brown Jr., a former McDonald’s All-American who was a standout for Team USA during the FIBA U-19 World Cup, represents exactly that. He isn’t scoring or shooting efficiently but he is a high-impact playmaker as a passer who could blossom into a promising lead guard.
9. Chicago Bulls: Jayden Quaintance
- TEAM: Kentucky
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Ohio
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 18
Jayden Quaintance has had a late start to the season as he recovers from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. But the sophomore big man showed immediate flashes once he debuted for Kentucky. Despite a slow start after his transfer from Arizona State, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs a big man like the Chicago Bulls after trading away Nikola Vučević.
10. Memphis Grizzlies: Yaxel Lendeborg
- TEAM: Michigan
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: New Jersey
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 23
The Grizzlies could add to their rebuilding core after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. by selecting Yaxel Lendeborg, who is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. Lendeborg offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. The Grizzlies have drafted players with similar trajectories like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Koa Peat
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- TEAM: Arizona
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Arizona
- HEIGHT: 6-8
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Portland Trail Blazers have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Koa Peat will probably have some appeal to their organization. Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. He just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro.
12. Charlotte Hornets: Labaron Philon
- TEAM: Alabama
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Alabama
- HEIGHT: 6-4
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Despite trading for Coby White, the Hornets could still use more reliable players in the backcourt and could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. The guard is now averaging 21.4 points per game and has improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 38.5 percent as a sophomore, also managing 4.9 assists per game in the process.
13. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Hannes Steinbach
- TEAM: Washington
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Germany
- HEIGHT: 6-11
- DRAFT AGE: 20
After winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are projected to somehow add even more lottery talent in the 2026 NBA Draft. They could use it to potentially replace Isaiah Hartenstein by drafting a younger German big man: Hannes Steinbach. He is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, especially on the offensive glass. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Thomas Haugh
- TEAM: Florida
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Pennsylvania
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 22
After winning a national championship with Florida last season, Thomas Haugh was instantly regarded as one of the most interesting players who elected to return to college. Haugh has one of the top motors in the NCAA and he is an incredibly skilled basketball player. He does not need the ball in his hands very often to make a difference on the floor for his team, and he can serve as a glue guy for a consistently competitive team such as the Spurs.
15. Golden State Warriors: Cameron Carr
- TEAM: Baylor
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Minnesota
- HEIGHT: 6-5
- DRAFT AGE: 21
One of the players who has improved his draft stock the most since the season began is Baylor junior Cameron Carr. He is able to dunk and shoot from beyond the arc at a high clip and, per Bart Torvik, is currently the only high-major player to reach 30 field goals that were dunks and 30 field goals that were 3-pointers so far this season. He also provides high-end value as a defender, too. His 7-foot-2 wingspan can help him find a role on any team.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Joshua Jefferson
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- TEAM: Iowa State
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Nevada
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 22
A few years ago, research indicated that the Grizzlies tend to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. Iowa State do-it-all senior Joshua Jefferson is a dribble-pass-shoot forward who meets many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster. He is someone who looks destined to have a sustainable NBA career.
17. Miami Heat: Nate Ament
- TEAM: Tennessee
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Virginia
- HEIGHT: 6-10
- DRAFT AGE: 19
Scouts might feel divided about Tennessee freshman Nate Ament, who has struggled with his shooting efficiency in college so far and isn’t showing tremendous athleticism. But with his 6-foot-10 frame and a recent 29-point performance against No. 23 Alabama on Jan. 24, it only takes one team to fall in love with what he brings to the table. Maybe the Heat could use this pick to swing for the fences on someone with his unique upside.
18. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz
- TEAM: Iowa
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Missouri
- HEIGHT: 6-4
- DRAFT AGE: 22
The Raptors could use another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list. Despite transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble. Stirtz, however, struggled against highly ranked teams like Iowa State, Illinois and Michigan State. But the Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who is doing the same at Iowa.
19. Los Angeles Lakers: Patrick Ngongba II
- TEAM: Duke
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Virginia
- HEIGHT: 6-11
- DRAFT AGE: 20
The Lakers could use a big man like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he is at the top of his game when passing to a cutting perimeter player. Ngongba is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space and he is on an encouraging development track, displaying year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.
20. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Karim López
- TEAM: International (Australia)
- POSITION: Forward
- BORN: Mexico
- HEIGHT: 6-8
- DRAFT AGE: 19
The Thunder have drafted several players from Australia’s NBL, including Josh Giddey. They could dip into this well again by selecting Karim López with their pick from the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Mexican-born forward still needs some development, the physically gifted forward is widely seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. Even if he is a draft-and-stash player, that is ideal for a team with a rotation as crowded as the Thunder.
21. Charlotte Hornets (via Suns): Brayden Burries
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- TEAM: Arizona
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: California
- HEIGHT: 6-4
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Arizona freshman Brayden Burries had two breakout games in January: He recorded 28 points with nine rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block against Kansas State on Jan. 7, and then he had 29 points with five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks against BYU on Jan. 26. Burries has shown genuine productivity and he is able to defend, cut, relocate, move the ball and make open 3-pointers.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Tounde Yessoufou
- TEAM: Baylor
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Benin
- HEIGHT: 6-5
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Baylor freshman Tounde Yessoufou is a force of nature in transition and does not have that same polish in a half-court offense. Still raw but with a respected work ethic, there are a lot of traits to admire about what he might blossom into as he continues his development. Already, however, his athleticism and his defensive playmaking will at least intrigue teams looking to improve their wing depth like the Hawks.
23. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Christian Anderson
- TEAM: Texas Tech
- POSITION: Guard
- BORN: Georgia
- HEIGHT: 6-3
- DRAFT AGE: 20
While they are surprisingly one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and could use more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson. Now playing point guard, Anderson is recording more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore now compared to when he was a freshman. He has turned himself into one of the best scorers and most prolific 3-point shooters in the NCAA and his game should scale well to the next level.
24. Denver Nuggets: JT Toppin
- TEAM: Texas Tech
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Texas
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 21
Texas Tech junior JT Toppin has somehow become underrated this season despite averaging 21.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Despite going up against one of the best defenses in the country vs. Houston on Jan. 24, he had 31 points with 12 rebounds and three assists. It was his fifth game with at least 30 points and his 14th double-double out of 21 appearances.
25. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Amari Allen
- TEAM: Alabama
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Wisconsin
- HEIGHT: 6-7
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Alabama freshman Amari Allen is a 6-foot-7 freshman who averaged 14.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists with 2.2 stocks (steals and blocks) per game for the Crimson Tide during SEC conference play in January. He also shot 42.1 percent on 3-pointers while attempting 3.8 shots per game beyond the arc. Allen is a good connective piece who plays hard and knows how to make the right play.
26. Boston Celtics: Aday Mara
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- TEAM: Michigan
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Spain
- HEIGHT: 7-3
- DRAFT AGE: 21
As the Celtics continue to exceed expectations, they do have some holes to fill in their frontcourt after losing both Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford. After selecting Hugo González from Spain in the draft last season, they could potentially target his former FIBA U18 European Championship tournament teammate Aday Mara. The giant 7-foot-3 big man is a fantastic rim protector and he can pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition. He would fit well for the Celtics despite Boston trading for Vučević.
27. New York Knicks: Henri Veesaar
- TEAM: North Carolina
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Estonia
- HEIGHT: 7-0
- DRAFT AGE: 22
After transferring from Arizona to North Carolina, we have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. He is scoring efficiently at the rim and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes on an expedited timeline, like the Knicks, will have him high on their priority list.
28. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Braylon Mullins
- TEAM: Connecticut
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Indiana
- HEIGHT: 6-6
- DRAFT AGE: 19
Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury. But he has returned to action for the Huskies and has shown what makes him such an appealing player. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level. Mullins is already shooting over 40 percent on 3-pointers since moving into the starting lineup and could provide value playing alongside Donovan Mitchell and new Cleveland addition James Harden.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Milan Momcilovic
- TEAM: Iowa State
- POSITION: Wing
- BORN: Wisconsin
- HEIGHT: 6-8
- DRAFT AGE: 21
As part of a three-team trade that sent Kevin Huerter to the Pistons in exchange for Jaden Ivey, Detroit's front office agreed to a pick swap with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves could use that pick to select Iowa State's Milan Momcilovic, who is having one of the most statistically dominant shooting seasons, both from beyond the arc and from mid-range, among any prospect in the nation.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Morez Johnson Jr.
- TEAM: Michigan
- POSITION: Big
- BORN: Illinois
- HEIGHT: 6-9
- DRAFT AGE: 20
Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level. He makes sense for the Mavericks, who acquired this pick as part of the return for Anthony Davis.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NBA mock draft predictions for AJ Dybantsa after trade deadline
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