The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most talented and anticipated classes in nearly a decade. BYU’s AJ Dybantsa leads the way as the consensus top prospect, but the race for the No. 1 pick is far from settled, with Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and Duke’s Cameron Boozer each making compelling cases of their own.
What makes this class special is not just the ceiling at the top, but the depth of the talent as well. With the NBA Combine around the corner and the lottery now decided, here’s a look at the finalized draft order.
First-Round Order Of the 2026 NBA Draft
1. Washington Wizards
2. Utah Jazz
3. Memphis Grizzlies
4. Chicago Bulls
5. LA Clippers (via Indiana)
6. Brooklyn Nets
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)
9. Dallas Mavericks
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Golden State Warriors
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers)
13. Miami Heat
14. Charlotte Hornets
15. Chicago Bulls (via Portland)
>16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando)
>17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia)
>18. Charlotte Hornets (via Orlando)
>19. Toronto Raptors
>20. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
>21. Detroit Pistons (via Minnesota)
>22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Houston)
>23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cleveland)
>24. New York Knicks
>25. Los Angeles Lakers
>26. Denver Nuggets
>27. Boston Celtics
>28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)
>29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via San Antonio)
>30. Dallas Mavericks (via Oklahoma City)
Top Prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft
AJ Dybantsa
Dybantsa was one of the most hyped-up prospects in recent memory, yet he lived up to the buzz. At 6’9″ with a long frame, explosive burst, and the ability to score at all three levels, he embodies the modern two-way NBA wing. His handle and footwork allow him to create separation, and he can punish defenses both in transition and isolation. With his size, control, and polished skill, Dybantsa looks every bit like a future franchise centerpiece.
Dybantsa utilizes both strength and finesse, attacking the rim with power while displaying a smooth pull-up jumper from the midrange. He thrives in space and can facilitate when defenses collapse. Defensively, his quickness and motor make him capable of switching assignments and disrupting plays on both ends. To reach his full potential, he’ll need to find consistency from deep, but his physical tools, competitive fire, and upside make him a very safe prospect who also happens to have an extraordinary ceiling.
Darryn Peterson
Standing at 6’6″ with long arms and a strong build, Darryn Peterson has the look of an NBA-ready wing and potential franchise cornerstone. Peterson is a true three-level scoring threat, using his smooth dribbling to create space, scoring well off the dribble, and hitting jump shots with confidence. Also, his balanced style and smart decisions make him effective as a playmaker as well. Defensively, Peterson uses his length, quick instincts, and discipline to defend several positions and break up passes.
He plays with maturity, stays under control, and understands team defense and rotations well. What really sets him apart is how he can take over a game without trying to do too much. Babcock notes that teams will want to look into his medicals after he dealt with cramping issues throughout his freshman year (including a scary full-body cramping incident that led to a brief hospitalization).
Cameron Boozer
Cameron Boozer absolutely dominated throughout his freshman year at Duke, joining Cooper Flagg, Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant as the fifth freshman to sweep the major Player of the Year awards. At 6’9″ with broad shoulders, excellent feel, and an advanced skill set, he combines old-school power with a modern forward’s versatility. The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cameron scores efficiently from anywhere, whether facing up, backing down, or stretching the floor with his improving 3-point range. His poise and consistency stand out, giving him the look of a player ready to contribute immediately at the next level.
READ MORE: 2026 NBA Mock Draft: AJ Dybantsa Goes No. 1, Darius Acuff Jr. Replaces Ja Morant, More
Boozer thrives on fundamentals rather than flash, relying on touch, body control, and basketball IQ to dominate within the flow of a game. He’s comfortable facilitating from the post or attacking closeouts, reads defenses like a veteran, and controls the glass with positioning and strength. While not super bouncy, his mobility and anticipation make him a sturdy defender across multiple spots. The big question is how his game will translate to the pros. He may not be NBA team’s offensive engine, but he still has All-Star potential as a complementary piece similar to a prime Kevin Love.
Caleb Wilson
Caleb Wilson’s freshman year at North Carolina didn’t go according to plan due to injuries, but he has the size, mobility, and two-way potential that NBA scouts look for in modern forwards. Standing 6’10” with long strides and good bounce, he moves well for his height and makes an impact on both offense and defense. On defense, his quick feet and timing help him guard different positions, contest shots, and offer extra rim protection. On offense, Wilson can drive to the basket, finish plays, and score from midrange, and he has shown flashes of improved 3-point shooting.
Wilson is still developing, but he already shows the basics of a strong two-way NBA player. His jump shot is getting better, and he already fits well into team play as a passer and cutter. With his athletic ability and growing skills, Wilson could become a dynamic forward as he gets stronger and more confident. Wilson has a lot of fans in NBA front offices, and he may sneak into the top-three ahead of Boozer depending on how teams evaluate them.
