As the basketball world looks ahead, the 2026 NBA Draft is already creating excitement, even with the 2025 draft still approaching. On March 26, 2025, analysts are focusing on a promising group of young players, primarily from the 2025 recruiting class, who are poised to headline the draft in just over a year. Featuring a blend of high school standouts, college freshmen, and international prospects, the 2026 class has the potential to produce some transformative NBA talent. Here’s a mock draft of the top 10 picks, a look at the key players, and what this draft could mean for the league’s future.
The 2026 Draft Outlook: A Class with Elite Talent at the Top
Early projections suggest the 2026 NBA Draft will be top-heavy, with a few exceptional prospects leading the pack. Four names Nate Ament, Cameron Boozer, A.J. Dybantsa, and Darryn Peterson are already being discussed as potential No. 1 picks, each offering a distinct skill set that could anchor a franchise. However, the class’s depth remains uncertain. International talent for 2026 looks thinner than in past years, and beyond the top tier, the incoming college freshmen group isn’t as deep as some expected. That said, with over a year until the draft, new stars could emerge, and some 2025 draft-eligible players might return to school, adding more layers to the 2026 field.
This mock draft’s order is based on team projections as of March 2025, considering current team needs and likely standings. Let’s explore the top 10 selections.
2026 NBA Mock Draft: Top 10 Selections
1. Washington Wizards – Darryn Peterson (PG/SG, Kansas, 6’5”, 195 lbs)
Darryn Peterson, committed to Kansas, is the early frontrunner for the top pick. A 6’5” guard from Prolific Prep, Peterson is a scoring machine with playmaking flair, posting 30.4 points and 7.1 assists per game in high school while hitting 44% of his threes. His size, court vision, and ability to generate his own offense make him an ideal fit for the Wizards, who are rebuilding and need a versatile guard to lead their young roster.
2. New Orleans Pelicans – A.J. Dybantsa (SF, BYU, 6’9”, 200 lbs)
A.J. Dybantsa, headed to BYU, is a 6’9” wing with the makings of a future star. He averaged 21 points and 13 rebounds in his senior year at Utah Prep, showcasing his ability to score from anywhere, handle the ball, and guard multiple positions. Often compared to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his smooth game, Dybantsa would be a dream addition for the Pelicans, who need a dynamic wing to elevate their lineup.
3. Detroit Pistons – Cameron Boozer (PF, Duke, 6’9”, 215 lbs)
Cameron Boozer, son of former NBA player Carlos Boozer, is a refined forward set to play at Duke. Standing 6’9”, Boozer excels at rebounding, finishing with both hands, and running the floor. Scouts admire his high basketball IQ and positioning, projecting him as a potential 20-and-10 player in the NBA. The Pistons, looking for a steady frontcourt piece, would find Boozer’s well-rounded skill set a perfect match.
4. Charlotte Hornets – Nate Ament (SF/PF, Undecided, 6’10”, 190 lbs)
Nate Ament, a 6’10” forward from Highland High School in Virginia, is a versatile talent with offers from elite programs like Duke and Kentucky. In his junior year, he averaged 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game, highlighting his scoring and defensive prowess. The Hornets, aiming to build around their young core, would see Ament as a two-way forward to bolster their roster.
5. Portland Trail Blazers – Jayden Quaintance (PF/C, Arizona State, 6’10”, 230 lbs)
Jayden Quaintance, currently at Arizona State, is the only top-10 prospect already in college. The 6’10” big man has averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks as a freshman, shooting 52% from the field. His ability to play inside and out, paired with his shot-blocking, makes him a modern center. The Blazers, seeking to fortify their frontcourt, would value Quaintance’s skill set.
6. Toronto Raptors – Caleb Wilson (PF, North Carolina, 6’10”, 215 lbs)
Caleb Wilson, committed to North Carolina, is a 6’10” forward with immense potential. His athleticism and versatility allow him to score in the paint and shoot from outside. The Raptors, focused on building a flexible roster, would appreciate Wilson’s ability to play multiple roles and contribute on both ends of the floor.
7. San Antonio Spurs – Mikel Brown (PG, Louisville, 6’2”, 175 lbs)
Mikel Brown, headed to Louisville, is a scoring point guard who averaged 29 points per game in his senior year at DME Academy, shooting 41% from three. A Naismith Boys High School Player of the Year recipient, Brown’s scoring versatility and leadership make him a strong fit for the Spurs, who could use a dynamic guard to complement their young talent.
8. Chicago Bulls – Darius Acuff (PG, Arkansas, 6’3”, 183 lbs)
Darius Acuff, an Arkansas commit, is a top point guard in the 2025 ESPN 100. At 6’3”, he’s a clever playmaker who excels at breaking down defenses. His standout performance at the USA Basketball junior minicamp drew comparisons to NBA rookie Rob Dillingham. The Bulls, in need of a long-term point guard, would view Acuff as a foundational piece.
9. Utah Jazz – Brandon McCoy (SG/SF, Undecided, 6’4”, 170 lbs)
Brandon McCoy, a California-based wing, is a rising name in the 2026 ESPN 60. Known for his scoring and length, McCoy has the potential to become a two-way player. The Jazz, looking to add depth on the wing, would take a chance on McCoy’s upside as he continues to develop.
10. Atlanta Hawks – Chris Cenac Jr. (C, Undecided, 6’10”, 220 lbs)
Chris Cenac Jr., ranked as the top center in the 2026 class by ESPN, is a dominant presence in the paint. His size, shot-blocking, and rebounding make him a classic big man with modern potential. The Hawks, aiming to improve their interior defense, would benefit from Cenac’s rim protection and paint presence.
Storylines to Follow
The race for the No. 1 pick is heating up. Darryn Peterson holds a slight edge, but A.J. Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer are close behind. Dybantsa’s all-around game and Boozer’s reliability make them strong contenders, while Nate Ament’s two-way skills could propel him higher if he lands at a program that highlights his abilities. Meanwhile, Jayden Quaintance, already playing college ball, has a chance to cement his status with a strong 2025-26 NCAA season.
The class’s lack of depth, especially among international prospects, is a concern. However, players who opt to stay in school after the 2025 draft like Liam McNeeley, Kon Knueppel, or Asa Newell could add more talent to the 2026 pool if they don’t declare early.
Impact on the NBA
The 2026 NBA Draft could be a game-changer for several teams. Franchises like the Wizards, Pelicans, and Pistons, projected to pick early, are in need of transformative players. Prospects like Peterson, Dybantsa, and Boozer have All-Star potential, offering hope to struggling teams. The class’s top-heavy nature might lead to aggressive trades, as teams may look to move up for a top pick, knowing the talent drops off after the first few selections.
For fans, the 2026 draft provides a window into basketball’s future. The top prospects are versatile, skilled, and built for the modern NBA’s focus on positionless play, shooting, and defense. As these young players grow over the next year, their paths from high school courts to college arenas to the NBA draft will be a compelling narrative.
What’s Next
With the 2026 NBA Draft still more than a year away, plenty can shift. Injuries, breakout seasons, and unexpected risers will reshape the board. For now, the spotlight is on the elite talents at the top, who are already being compared to some of the league’s best. As the 2025-26 season progresses, these prospects will have the opportunity to prove they’re ready to make an impact in the NBA, making the 2026 draft a must-watch event for basketball enthusiasts.