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Despite all the uncertainty leading up to the 2026 NBA Draft, there were few surprises in the lottery. However, there were some highly touted prospects that slipped late into the first round, as a few teams found draft day steals. Following the first 30 selections, here are three early steals of the 2026 NBA Draft.
In many other draft classes, Cameron Boozer would have been the runaway No. 1 overall pick. In his lone season at Duke, the former Blue Devil nearly took home every accolade, winning the Wooden Award and AP Player of the Year Award honors. Given his ability to affect all facets of the game, his winning history and his development from both Duke and an NBA family, Boozer was an incredible talent for Memphis to snag at No. 3.
How often does a 20-year-old who averaged 22 points per game in the SEC fall below the lottery? Not often. Similar to Boozer, in many other draft classes, Philon is a sure lottery pick. Last year at Alabama, in addition to the 22 points, Philon averaged five assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting over 50% from the field as a point guard and 39.9% from 3-point range. Although his fit in Philadelphia is certainly questionable, the talent he possesses isn't.
Leading up to the draft, some mocks had Carr as a lottery pick while most had him from the No. 14 to No. 18 range. For Los Angeles to nab him six picks later was phenomenal. Carr lit up the 2026 NBA Draft Combine during Day 1 of scrimmages, torching his peers for 30 points on 50% shooting from both the field and from 3-point range. Last year at Baylor, Carr showcased his shot-making and perimeter defense, averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 blocks and 0.9 steals while shooting 49.4% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc. A great selection for a Lakers team that has limited money to spend on upgrades this summer.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Ranking three of the biggest steals from Day 1 of the 2026 NBA Draft
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3. Cameron Boozer, Duke (No. 3 overall, Memphis Grizzlies)
In many other draft classes, Cameron Boozer would have been the runaway No. 1 overall pick. In his lone season at Duke, the former Blue Devil nearly took home every accolade, winning the Wooden Award and AP Player of the Year Award honors. Given his ability to affect all facets of the game, his winning history and his development from both Duke and an NBA family, Boozer was an incredible talent for Memphis to snag at No. 3.
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2. Labaron Philon, Alabama (No. 22 overall, Philadelphia 76ers)
How often does a 20-year-old who averaged 22 points per game in the SEC fall below the lottery? Not often. Similar to Boozer, in many other draft classes, Philon is a sure lottery pick. Last year at Alabama, in addition to the 22 points, Philon averaged five assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting over 50% from the field as a point guard and 39.9% from 3-point range. Although his fit in Philadelphia is certainly questionable, the talent he possesses isn't.
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1. Cameron Carr, Baylor (No. 24 overall, Los Angeles Lakers)
Leading up to the draft, some mocks had Carr as a lottery pick while most had him from the No. 14 to No. 18 range. For Los Angeles to nab him six picks later was phenomenal. Carr lit up the 2026 NBA Draft Combine during Day 1 of scrimmages, torching his peers for 30 points on 50% shooting from both the field and from 3-point range. Last year at Baylor, Carr showcased his shot-making and perimeter defense, averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 blocks and 0.9 steals while shooting 49.4% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc. A great selection for a Lakers team that has limited money to spend on upgrades this summer.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Ranking three of the biggest steals from Day 1 of the 2026 NBA Draft
Continue reading...
