2026 NBA mock draft: Intrigue remains at the top and with the guard prospects

The 2026 NBA Draft is less than a week away, and the intel from sources trying to figure out what teams will do on Tuesday is starting to flow.

This draft is considered a strong one at the top and throughout the lottery, although withdrawals of college players lured by NIL riches have substantially hindered the depth of the class. Most executives I’ve spoken with have first-round grades on about 20 to 25 players and think the final 20 picks of the draft could result in some interesting selections. They say teams could be making deals with players ahead of time to lock them in on two-way contracts, as they don’t see much difference in talent level between players ranked from, say, No. 45 to No. 100.

A few notes before the mock:

• Each first-round pick features a link to the in-depth scouting report in my NBA Draft Guide on that player.

• Ages are as of the night of Tuesday’s first round.

• Heights are from the NBA Draft Combine in May.

• NBA executives, scouts, agents, players and other sources across the basketball ecosystem were granted anonymity in exchange for speaking freely about prospects.

1. Washington Wizards

AJ Dybantsa | 6-9 wing | 19 years old | BYU

I’m sticking with Dybantsa here, but sources say that Washington continues due diligence and that the Wizards haven’t made a decision yet. One thing that has been made clear in recent days is that the team is doing a lot of research into Darryn Peterson to understand everything it needs to know about him.

However, sources have also said not to read too much into the fact that Peterson is not currently scheduled to go to the Utah Jazz to work out; they don’t think that means the Wizards have made an undisclosed promise to pick Peterson.

Washington’s lead executive Michael Winger said in an interview with the local NBC station in Washington that leadership is an attribute he looks for in a No. 1 pick. Peterson is considered an exceptionally hard worker by all sources connected to him, but his leadership ability has been questioned, as he’s regarded as a quiet introvert. Peterson is a stone-cold killer on the court in terms of competitiveness. But Dybantsa is viewed by NBA sources as a more dynamic personality with leadership tendencies, both in the locker room and in the community.

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson | 6-5 guard | 19 years old | Kansas

The fact that Peterson has not yet come in for a workout will not dissuade the Jazz from taking the player at the top of their board. This was proved last season, when they took Ace Bailey at No. 5 despite him not going to Utah and with his camp seemingly working to direct him to Washington at No. 6.

Beyond that, there’s an easy connection to make as to why The Team, Peterson’s representation group, would be apprehensive about sending him to Utah. The Team also represents Jazz point guard Keyonte George, who is up for a contract extension this offseason. Whether it’s wanting to avoid competition for George or using a potential Peterson visit as leverage for a George extension, The Team could simply be utilizing every lever in its arsenal to try to make both its clients happy.

Regardless, sources indicate that the Jazz are also undecided on what to do at No. 2. Do not expect, however, that connections to Cameron Boozer through his father Carlos (who works in the Jazz front office) or Dybantsa through team owner Ryan Smith at BYU will be the deciding factor here.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer | 6-8 forward | 18 years old | Duke

If Boozer is on the board, I would be stunned to see Memphis pass on him. He ticks all the boxes that the organization has looked for in its draft picks over the years under president of basketball operations Zach Kleiman.

The Grizzlies have been consistently better at drafting than any other team in the league, having hit on Desmond Bane, Santi Aldama, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer and even guys such as GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. beyond pick No. 20, let alone past lottery picks Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. Typically, the Grizzlies like skilled players who produce well for their age and possess high-level basketball IQ, while also being extremely competitive. Boozer is elite in all of those categories. He is almost the prototypical player Memphis wants to build around as it enters a new era following the trades of Jackson and Bane.

4. Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson | 6-9 wing | 19 years old | North Carolina

League sources believe Wilson would be an easy pick for Chicago if he gets to No. 4. The Bulls worked out other players, including Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, and Nate Ament, but it would be a significant upset if any of them were selected here.

Wilson would fit well at the four next to Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis as the team’s long-term building blocks and give the Bulls a solid framework with which to start using their cap space this summer to acquire veterans, while also trying to accumulate more assets.

5. LA Clippers (via IND)

Keaton Wagler | 6-5 wing | 19 years old | Illinois

This is seen as where the draft really starts. Over the last few days, the two names I’ve heard most associated with the Clippers are Mikel Brown Jr. and Wagler. Why? The team seems to be prioritizing at least some size next to Darius Garland in the backcourt, and Brown and Wagler are bigger options than the other highly-rated guards. Even though both are skinny, NBA executives feel like they have more room to grow into their frames than Flemings and Acuff, as Flemings is more slight and Acuff has been basically the same size for the last few years.

I believe Wagler is the best fit of the four guards here, too, thanks to his ability to play both on and off the ball. Sources have indicated that Wagler has added muscle to his frame during the pre-draft process. He came to Illinois at 168 pounds and weighed 188 pounds at the combine; his frame should continue adding strength over the next few years.

The Clippers have also had discussions about trading down, although sources indicate that they do seem set on making an early draft selection this year.

6. Brooklyn Nets

Mikel Brown Jr. | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Louisville

The Nets continue to befuddle the league relatively, and I’ve heard a lot of what will likely turn out to be misinformation regarding their plans. That’s partly because the Nets have engendered a belief league-wide that they evaluate draft prospects differently than many other teams. I’ve heard all the guard prospects in this range for them. The Ament buzz has quieted down in the last week. A couple of sources continue to mention Aday Mara as an option.

The one consistent piece of information is that Brooklyn will take the highest-graded player on its board, regardless of position. Even though the team selected three point guards last season, it hasn’t ruled that position out. The Nets believe they simply need to get more talent in the door.

I’m going with Brown over Acuff, as sources have indicated that the team has done a significant amount of legwork on him. Brown has impressed teams throughout the pre-draft process, convincing teams that his struggles with efficiency last season at Louisville largely stemmed from his back injury. Teams I’ve spoken with have cleared Brown medically and seem to have no concerns about that injury.

7. Sacramento Kings

Darius Acuff Jr. | 6-2 guard | 19 years old | Arkansas

The Kings are likely to stay at No. 7 and select the best guard who falls to them. In this case, they seemingly get their wish of Acuff being on the board; most teams below this slot are working under the impression that the Kings are Acuff’s floor.

Sacramento general manager Scott Perry has a relationship with the Acuff family, as he coached Eastern Kentucky in the 1990s when Darius Acuff Sr. played for the Colonels. The team is in desperate need of an offensive engine at the lead guard slot. If Acuff is available here, it would be a massive win for the Kings.

8. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP)

Kingston Flemings | 6-3 guard | 19 years old | Houston

The Hawks are open for business with this pick. Sources have said Atlanta is discussing both trade-up and trade-down scenarios. But it also could stay here and take the player it wants.

Sources also say the Hawks are likely to re-sign C.J. McCollum, allowing them to bring a young guard along slowly while also giving him opportunities to run the second unit. Flemings’ ability to pressure the rim with his speed would fit wonderfully with Jalen Johnson, Jonathan Kuminga and other high-level athletes on the Hawks’ roster. Atlanta could use a downhill, athletic guard next to McCollum, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Much like many of the guards, Flemings is seen as unlikely to fall outside the top 10.

9. Dallas Mavericks

Brayden Burries | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Arizona

There’s not much new information out of Dallas since my previous mock draft. The Mavericks continue to conjure a lot of speculation among sources. They’ve explored trading this selection and are considering several different players and positions, from lead guards like Flemings, Wagler, Brown, Acuff and Christian Anderson to Ament to Yaxel Lendeborg.

Burries is the name I hear the most with Dallas, though, with sources around the lottery trying to determine why he’s not working out in as many places as you’d expect. There’s a lot of enthusiasm for Burries among teams who want to try to win next season, as he’s seen as a tough guard who can dribble, pass and shoot who will also defend at a high level with physicality.

10. Milwaukee Bucks

Nate Ament | 6-10 wing/forward | 19 years old | Tennessee

The Bucks have been doing due diligence into the lead guards, including Flemings, Anderson, Labaron Philon Jr. and Brown. I’ve also heard Hannes Steinbach’s name as an option here. But with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential departure via trade, it makes sense for Milwaukee to take the highest possible upside.

Ament is that kind of swing as a big wing, and the team has a lot of history valuing these types of players. Several sources have pointed to owner Jimmy Haslam’s connection to Tennessee, as he’s a large donor to the school. On June 4, the Haslam family gave $130 million to the university, the largest gift in school history.

11. Golden State Warriors

Aday Mara | 7-3 big | 21 years old | Michigan

Mara drops from No. 8 in my last mock, but that’s within his range of potential outcomes. The high-IQ center who can finish above the rim, block shots and pass would fit exceedingly well within Steve Kerr’s offensive structure. Imagining him as the post big as the team runs split actions involving Stephen Curry is exciting.

Sources have recently brought up Mara’s conditioning more regularly, wondering if he’ll be more than a 25-minute-per-game guy at his peak. Michigan did an excellent job utilizing him in short stints to keep him fresh, allowing him to be at his best throughout the season. Coaches won’t be as excited about that luxury in the uptempo NBA, but don’t expect to see Mara slip out of the top 14.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)

Morez Johnson Jr. | 6-9 big | 20 years old | Michigan

Johnson continues to draw excitement from teams. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him be the top big off the board, and his range starts as early as No. 8 with Atlanta. His floor seems to be No. 15 with Chicago, but it seems unlikely he’ll get that far. One question teams often ask players who come in for workouts and have been out on the circuit for a while is, “Which other prospect has impressed you?” The Michigan big man has been a popular answer.

Oklahoma City is said to be exploring several options, from trade-ups to trade-outs to standing pat. Johnson ticks all the boxes of a Thunder player, though. He’s highly professional and beloved by his teammates as a player who elevates every practice, on top of being a tough, switchable defender.

13. Miami Heat

Christian Anderson Jr. | 6-1 guard | 20 years old | Texas Tech 

It’s difficult to get a read on Miami’s intentions. It feels as if the Heat are trying to figure out their standing in potential star trades this summer, and whether this selection could be involved in a deal. Speculation about whether they can acquire Antetokounmpo gets thrown around regularly.

Anderson has impressed in pre-draft workouts with his shooting ability, feel for the game and willingness to give effort on defense. He seems to have helped himself as teams get to know him, despite his lack of size. This is a name I’ve gotten as high as No. 10 if this pick were to go to Milwaukee. The Heat could also use a dynamic ball-screen playmaker like Anderson.

14. Charlotte Hornets

Hannes Steinbach | 6-10 big | 20 years old | Washington

Steinbach is unlikely to slip out of the lottery, and he would provide the toughness and physicality that the Hornets need at center. He’s already about 250 pounds and comes in at nearly 7-foot in shoes, on top of being arguably the best rebounder in the class. The Hornets have put a premium on analytics and winning the possession battle under this front office and coaching staff, something that Steinbach would help with.

15. Chicago Bulls (via POR)

Yaxel Lendeborg | 6-9 big | 23 years old | Michigan

Teams across the league are unsure of Lendeborg’s draft range. His pre-draft workouts have not gone particularly well so far, and he’s dealt with an ankle injury that is not seen as a long-term issue. He also brings a specific and unique personality type, as sources indicate he has a lot of energy and not much of a filter.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Lendeborg’s teammates at Michigan liked him. He’s been open about how his practice habits were not particularly strong when he first arrived in Ann Arbor last offseason, but they improved throughout the year. I still have him as a top-10 prospect, but he might not be a fit for every NBA front office.

He is a versatile player type that new Bulls president of basketball operations Bryson Graham is prioritizing, as Lendeborg is massive, athletic and skilled. I love his potential fit with Giddey, Wilson and Buzelis thanks to his ability to defend at the point of attack and get out in transition at a high level. This would be a tremendous match if he fell to No. 15.

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX)

Bennett Stirtz | 6-3 guard | 22 years old | Iowa

The Grizzlies are always a threat to move up and acquire the player they want from the middle of the first round, having done so to draft Bane, Aldama, Brandon Clark and Coward in the past. Given their massive stash of draft-pick capital following the Jackson and Bane trades, they are armed with the assets to do so this year, too. If there is a specific guard they want who falls down the board, I wouldn’t be stunned to see them go get that player.

I have them standing pat here to take Stirtz, whose name I’ve heard associated with nearly every team from No. 16 through No. 21.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI)

Dailyn Swain | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Texas

As mentioned above, OKC is exploring all options. But I’ve heard Swain’s name with the Thunder since the combine, and it’s easy to see why, given how strongly they prioritize rim pressure and players with positional size, strength and length. Swain possesses all those attributes, even if his jumper remains a work in progress.

18. Charlotte Hornets (via PHX)

Allen Graves | 6-8 forward | 19 years old | Santa Clara

I think this is too rich for Graves by about 10 slots. But I’ve heard Graves’ name a lot with the Hornets, Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs in the No. 18-20 range. These three teams care about analytics and numbers while valuing the possession game. Graves’ ability to rebound, make quick decisions on the court and shoot standstill 3-pointers would appeal to the Hornets, as would his ability to play in an aggressive defensive structure thanks to his hand-eye coordination.

One of these three teams would be an excellent landing spot for him, as they all have readymade creators and value the things that would accentuate his skills.

19. Toronto Raptors

Cameron Carr | 6-5 guard | 21 years old | Baylor

The Raptors need some offensive juice and shooting next to Scottie Barnes, even with last season’s emergence of another Baylor wing, Ja’Kobe Walter. Carr’s ability to knock down shots and get in transition while also being a high-level defensive playmaker could easily appeal to this Raptors front office as it tries to build a winner around Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles and the rest of the roster.

I have also gotten Stirtz and Graves as potential options for this pick, as the Raptors front office is thought to be valuing analytics under general manager Bobby Webster.

20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)

Karim Lopez | 6-8 wing | 19 years old | New Zealand Breakers

Lopez has largely been working out for teams ahead of this range so far, feeling confident in his status as a top-15 selection. I’m not convinced of that. When I speak to teams about him, the feedback is commensurate with a mid-to-late first-rounder, as opposed to a lottery pick. He has some questions to answer as a defender and shooter, even if scouts are enticed by his rebounding and ability to drive into the lane. His range feels like it’s anywhere from No. 11 down to No. 25 or so, among the widest in the class for the guys invited to the draft green room.

The Spurs need some tough, physical rebounding ability at the four spot, and Lopez could provide that, along with the downhill driving ability they’ve valued in their picks in recent years. The organization has also prioritized positional strength, and Lopez’s frame looks like one that will fill out well in the coming years.

21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN)

Labaron Philon Jr. | 6-3 guard | 20 years old | Alabama

The Pistons would be ecstatic with this outcome. Philon’s range is fairly wide, with teams in the back half of the lottery considering him while teams in the 20s do their due diligence on him in case he slips. It’s highly likely that at least one of the top guards in this class will drop into this range just because of the sheer number of options.

We saw Cade Cunningham work exceedingly well with a smaller guard next to him during the 2025 playoff run, as Dennis Schröder was a terrific running mate for him. Philon brings similar attributes, while also being able to shoot and get in transition with speed. Finding another playmaking guard to lessen Cunningham’s burden is seen as a major priority for the Pistons this summer.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU)

Koa Peat | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Arizona

Sources around the league are still trying to figure out what new head of basketball operations Mike Gansey’s type will be. So this pick might just be me wish-casting, but I can’t imagine a better fit for both Peat and an organization. With Joel Embiid playing more consistently on the perimeter, Peat could use his athleticism and strength to crash along the baseline and make smart plays while also providing tough defensive energy. The 76ers desperately need a four with some power to his game, and Peat brings that in a big way.

I have Peat higher than this on my personal board, but sources across the league are unsure where he slots into the class. His range seems to be quite wide, starting somewhere post-lottery and stretching into the back half of the first round.

23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE)

Chris Cenac Jr. | 6-10 big | 19 years old | Houston

Cenac has been an exceptionally difficult prospect to find a home for. The consensus seems to be that he’s going to go somewhere in the top 20, and he was among the second batch of players invited to the green room. However, the feedback I get from teams is that he’s more like a late first-rounder. He’s seen as a high-upside swing for teams that can afford to be patient and wait for him to improve his feel for the game.

If the Hawks go with a guard at the top of the draft, they can afford to take a swing on a big with perimeter skills like this.

24. New York Knicks

Tarris Reed Jr. | 6-10 big | 22 years old | Connecticut

The Knicks face some free-agency decisions after they ended their 53-year title drought. The biggest one involves Mitchell Robinson. Undoubtedly, they will want to keep Robinson. But whether he returns will depend on the price point and whether he’s comfortable being a backup for the rest of the prime of his career.

If they remain unsure about a Robinson return, selecting a big who can play real minutes next season would be highly valuable. Reed could provide the elite rebounding and overall strength that Robinson provided in the playoffs. Zuby Ejiofor is another big man who would make sense here.

25. Los Angeles Lakers

Zuby Ejiofor | 6-8 big | 22 years old | St. John’s

The Lakers are in a funky spot. They need to figure out the free-agency situations of LeBron James and Austin Reaves — among others —  and whether they’ll have a significant amount of cap space this summer. It’s unclear if the organization will even have answers about those issues before the draft.

I like them building their frontcourt with a versatile player in Ejiofor, a tough defender who can switch on the perimeter. He’s long, athletic and protects the rim well for his size. There is some shooting potential here, too, and he might be able to play next to a center, depending on who it is.

26. Denver Nuggets

Jayden Quaintance | 6-9 big | 18 years old | Kentucky

Quaintance is considered one of the big mysteries of draft night. Every NBA team I’ve spoken with loves Quaintance’s defensive ability and sees him as at least a borderline lottery-level talent — if he’s healthy. However, he missed nearly all of last season with lingering right knee swelling, stemming from his ACL surgery in March 2025.

Teams who have spoken with The Athletic in the last week expect Quaintance to be available in the 20s on draft night. Most believe he will still be selected in the first round because of his tantalizing defensive upside, but a couple of sources have speculated that Quaintance could still be available when the second round begins on Wednesday. He was not among the 24 players invited to the green room, a possible indication of his stock dropping.

The Nuggets have long been looking for a backup for Nikola Jokić, and I love the idea of them taking this risk. If it Quaintance could give them a skill set off the bench that they lack, as well as one of the better potential Victor Wembanyama defenders in the league. Denver has been more willing to take injury risks than other organizations in the past. Another name connected with the Nuggets is Louisville guard Ryan Conwell.

27. Boston Celtics

Sergio De Larrea | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Valencia

Let’s go back to the well in Spain for the Celtics after their success last season with Hugo Gonzalez. De Larrea had a strong season for Valencia this season and measured exceedingly well, coming in at 6 feet 6 without shoes. He also plays the kind of style that should blend well with Boston’s scheme as a quick decision-maker, a sharp passer and a terrific shooter from distance. He can play both with and without the ball, and would give Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown space to operate.

The Celtics also fall into a similar bucket as the Hawks, Nuggets, Timberwolves and Mavericks, where I’ve heard from other teams that they’ve discussed moving up from their current slot in the 20s. There is thought to be a talent dropoff somewhere in this ballpark, and teams are trying to get ahead of it.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)

Ebuka Okorie | 6-1 guard | 19 years old | Stanford

This is another player with a wide range, as I’ve heard anywhere from right after the lottery to late first round. I don’t think Okorie will fall out of the first round, though, and this would be a home-run match for him.

The Timberwolves are thought to be exploring potential point guard options in the late first round, and Okorie’s ability to get to the rim would be a different skill set than the one they chose with Rob Dillingham a couple of years ago in the lottery. It’s hard for me to see Okorie falling past this point.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS)

Henri Veesaar | 6-11 center | 22 years old | North Carolina

The Cavaliers have to cut money from their books, and I’ve heard many teams note that Cleveland has discussed trading out of the first round to reduce the cap hold associated with this pick. I wonder if teams selecting early in the second round will target this pick in a trade.

I’ve gone with Veesaar here because the Cavs could use more depth behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC)

Isaiah Evans | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Duke

Evans would represent a terrific floor-spacing and shooting option for the Mavericks, who need to continue accumulating players in that archetype around Cooper Flagg. It probably wouldn’t hurt that Evans played with Flagg last season at Duke and has a terrific understanding already of what the NBA’s Rookie of the Year requires.

Second Round

31. New York Knicks (via WAS): Emanuel Sharp | 6-3 guard | 22 years old | Houston

32. Memphis Grizzlies (via IND): Joshua Jefferson | 6-8 forward | 22 years old | Iowa State

33. Brooklyn Nets: Meleek Thomas | 6-3 wing | 19 years old | Arkansas

34. Sacramento Kings: Alex Karaban | 6-7 wing | 23 years old | Connecticut

35. San Antonio Spurs (via UTA): Jack Kayil | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Alba Berlin

36. LA Clippers (via MEM): Ryan Conwell | 6-2 guard | 22 years old | Louisville

37. Oklahoma City Thunder (via DAL): Maliq Brown | 6-8 big | 22 years old | Duke

38. Chicago Bulls (via NOP): Braden Smith | 5-10 guard | 22 years old | Purdue

39. Houston Rockets (via CHI): Baba Miller | 6-11 wing | 22 years old | Cincinnati

40. Boston Celtics (via MIL): Richie Saunders | 6-5 wing | 24 years old | BYU

41. Miami Heat (via GSW): Izaiyah Nelson | 6-8 big | 22 years old | South Florida

42. San Antonio Spurs (via POR): Vsevolod Ishchenko | 6-7 wing | 21 years old | Lokomotiv Kuban

43. Brooklyn Nets (via LAC): Trevon Brazile | 6-10 big | 23 years old | Arkansas

44. San Antonio Spurs (via MIA): Bruce Thornton | 6-0 guard | 22 years old | Ohio State

45. Sacramento Kings (via CHA): Nick Boyd | 6-1 guard | 25 years old | Wisconsin

46. Orlando Magic: Ugonna Onyenso | 6-11 big | 22 years old | Virginia

47. Phoenix Suns (via PHI): Tyler Nickel | 6-6 wing | 22 years old | Vanderbilt

48. Dallas Mavericks (via PHX): Felix Okpara | 6-10 big | 22 years old | Tennessee

49. Denver Nuggets (via ATL): Tobias Jensen | 6-6 wing | 22 years old | Ratiopharm Ulm

50. Toronto Raptors: Ja’Kobi Gillespie | 6-0 guard | 22 years old | Tennessee

51. Washington Wizards (via MIN): Jaden Bradley | 6-3 guard | 22 years old | Arizona

52. LA Clippers (via CLE): Tyler Bilodeau | 6-7 forward | 22 years old | UCLA

53. Houston Rockets: Noam Yaacov | 6-1 guard | 21 years old | Oostende

54. Golden State Warriors (via LAL): Nick Martinelli | 6-7 wing | 22 years old | Northwestern

55. New York Knicks: Milos Uzan | 6-3 guard | 23 years old | Houston

56. Chicago Bulls (via DEN): Otega Oweh | 6-4 guard | 23 years old | Kentucky

57. Atlanta Hawks (via BOS): Jaden Henley | 6-6 wing | 22 years old | Grand Canyon

58. New Orleans Pelicans (via DET): Trey Kaufman-Renn | 6-8 forward | 23 years old | Purdue

59. Minnesota Timberwolves (via SAS): Dillon Mitchell | 6-7 wing | 22 years old | St. John’s

60. Washington Wizards (via OKC): Mohammad Amini | 6-7 wing | 21 years old | Nancy