With the 2025 NBA Draft coming to a finish, it’s now time to set our attention on the 2026 NBA Draft, which features several high-profile potential cornerstones in the league.
While it is considered way too early, it’s never too early to start projecting where players may be a year from now. In addition to that, we ordered the draft based on the highest to lowest betting odds to win the NBA title next season.
With that in mind, we’ll kick it off with a pairing that seems too good to be true but may very well become a possibility.
1) Utah Jazz
AJ Dybantsa, SG/SF, BYU
A consensus five-star prospect and rated the No. 1 high school player in the country by several accredited sites, there’s huge excitement for AJ Dybantsa, the 6’9″, ultra-athletic wing, as he enters his freshman season at BYU. He’s already shown out on a big stage, leading Team USA in scoring with 24 points in the Nike Hoop Summit on a variety of buckets.
He’s projected to have a big year with the Cougars and further solidify his spot as a potential star in the NBA with his competitiveness, mentality, and potential for dominance on both ends of the court.
Playing for BYU, Dybantsa would be a perfect fit with the in-state Utah Jazz, a team yearning for a young prospect who can lead them out of their multi-year rebuild.
2) Charlotte Hornets
Cameron Boozer, SF/PF, Duke
The son of NBA veteran and two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cameron Boozer has as much hype as any player heading into college basketball next season. Set to assume a similar role as Cooper Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 pick and a fellow Duke Blue Devil, the stage is set for Boozer to have a monster season.
At a reported profile of 6’9″ and 235 pounds, he’s already going to be a physical presence during his freshman season. With a developing repertoire of perimeter skills, 3-point shooting, and on-ball creation, he has the potential to be a franchise-changing prospect if he lives up to his potential in college.
Lacking the sort of physical specimen that Boozer is, the Charlotte Hornets could use Boozer’s skillset alongside talented point guard LaMelo Ball, who could find him for finishes around the rim and set him up with open looks in the mid-range and beyond the arc.
3) Washington Wizards
Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas
A prized recruit for the Jayhawks, Darryn Peterson was a man among boys on the EYBL circuit and during his time at Prolific Prep. He’ll be expected to have a heavy impact early on at Kansas, as his skills and physical frame already look to be pro-ready.
𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃 ✍️
Welcome to the Family, @PetersonDarryn 👏 pic.twitter.com/ZofvCnlQFf
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) November 13, 2024
The 6’5″ shooting guard can score from everywhere on the court but excels on slashing to the rim, where he uses his positional size and length (6’10” wingspan) to finish around — or over — defenders. While he can make strides with his focus defensively, he has all the tools to become an elite defender as well.
Stuck in a cycle of tanking for young talent, Peterson could be the one to bring the Washington Wizards to relevance with his already-developed skillset and shot-making ability.
4) Phoenix Suns
Tahaad Pettiford, PG, Auburn
Long having needed a point guard since trading away Chris Paul in 2023, the Phoenix Suns finally get their guy. Pettiford was a potential first-round pick in 2025 but withdrew and is set to lead Auburn in the 2025-26 season.
Coming primarily off the bench for the Tigers last season, he displayed a grittiness and unflinching confidence that belied his age as a freshman. His biggest moments came in the NCAA Tournament, in which he made a huge difference with his quick first step in getting to the rim and knocking down eight triples in five games.
Look for Pettiford to assume a much larger role, as he’s the lone returning guard on the roster and will be entrusted with engineering the offense. He very well could be the SEC Player of the Year and a sure-fire lottery pick, as he showed that he was on an upward trajectory to finish last season. With the Suns, he’d slot in perfectly beside All-Star two-guard Devin Booker in the backcourt.
5) Portland Trail Blazers
Nate Ament, SF, Tennessee
Right away, forward Nate Ament will be relied upon to provide scoring for the Tennessee Volunteers. As a 6’9″ perimeter player with a smooth jumper and a comfortable handle, the sky is the limit for the five-star prospect.
His length also allows him to be projected as a difference maker on defense with further development. Being coached by a defense-first coach in Tennessee’s Rick Barnes will be good for Ament’s path to becoming a more sound, disciplined defender, along with splash-play ability with steals and blocks.
The Portland Trail Blazers drafted a first-round center in consecutive drafts and a point guard before that; it’s time they start building out the wings on their roster, and Ament would be a terrific start at doing so.
6) Chicago Bulls
Chris Cenac Jr., C, Houston
At 6’10”, Chris Cenac Jr. will be able to show off his immense athletic ability at the center position for the Houston Cougars during his freshman season. That athleticism and mobility translate to both sides of the court, where he can finish above the rim and anchor the Cougar defense.
With the Chicago Bulls potentially in a time of limbo with starting center Nikola Vučević’s contract up next summer, adding Cenac would address a need and give them a rim-running presence that they haven’t had in years.
7) Brooklyn Nets
Boogie Fland, PG, Arkansas
Though the Brooklyn Nets selected four guards in the 2025 NBA Draft, arguably none of them have the star potential that Boogie Fland does.
As a 6’2″ point guard, Fland was given the keys to Arkansas’ offense early by head coach John Calipari. A combination of his elite passing vision, first-step quickness to get by defenders, and on-ball defense kicked off a very promising start to his collegiate career. But midway through the season, Fland injured his thumb. He nearly missed the rest of the season, appearing late in the season in limited minutes.
Despite that, he showed enough potential to project as one of the top players in this draft and a target for a team looking for a high-ceiling prospect like the Nets.
8) New Orleans Pelicans
Karter Knox, SF/PF, Arkansas
Karter Knox struggled early on during his freshman season at Arkansas, as he wasn’t a primary scoring option and seemed lost adjusting to being a role player on the wing. But he stepped up when needed as the season went along, by far playing his best basketball in the NCAA Tournament.
In addition to being a solid defender, Knox’s jump shot finally seemed to come together, along with his slashing ability. Year 2 with the Razorbacks should feature more of Knox showcasing his dynamic ability driving downhill.
The New Orleans Pelicans need a small forward-type who can play on both sides of the ball, as they have an offensive-minded player (Trey Murphy III) and a defensive player (Herb Jones) on the wing. Knox would be a nice combination of both, still with more room to grow offensively.
9) Sacramento Kings
Bennett Stirtz, PG/SG, Iowa
Ever since trading point guard De’Aaron Fox, the Sacramento Kings have faced numerous questions about who will take over the ball-handling and playmaking duties. However, they didn’t directly address the issue in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Bennett Stirtz seriously considered being a part of this week’s NBA draft. Playing a Big Ten season with his only college head coach, though, gave Iowa something few teams with a big roster turnover can claim: A major dude at point guard. https://t.co/O1pJTLhufH
— Mike Hlas (@Hlas) June 24, 2025
Enter Bennett Stirtz, who withdrew his name in this year’s draft despite projecting as a late first-rounder. After what is expected to be a dominant season in the Big Ten, this could turn out to be the right choice and a stroke of luck for the Kings, who get a lead guard with positional size who can do a little bit of everything.
10) Atlanta Hawks
Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina
Joining the North Carolina Tar Heels for his freshman season, Caleb Wilson is in the mold of Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher that the Atlanta Hawks have drafted in recent years.
At 6’9″, he’s more than comfortable with the ball in his hands and attacking the rim. He’s very athletic and springy, and he is poised for several highlight-reel moments during his time at North Carolina.
The rich get richer as the Hawks add another young, promising wing with athleticism and length.
11) Memphis Grizzlies
Jayden Quaintance, PF, Kentucky
An immensely talented player who flashed his potential during his freshman year at Arizona State, Jayden Quaintance decided to transfer to Kentucky for his second season before presumably jumping to the NBA in 2026. A former five-star prospect and the second-ranked center in the Class of 2024, according to 247Sports, the 6’9″ big man is extremely springy and may project as a switchable, lengthy defender at the next level.
The Memphis Grizzlies value players who can defend at a high level. At the same time, they have several success stories of developing young prospects’ offensive game, something that would certainly benefit Quaintance.
12) Toronto Raptors
Dash Daniels, SG, Australia
Quietly, the Toronto Raptors have a solid starting lineup, yet they need to build around the edges. They already have two reserve shooting guards on the roster in Ja’Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick, but neither is very effective defensively.
Much like his older brother, Dyson, Dash Daniels excels on that end. He’s arguably a better player with the ball in his hands than Dyson, as the younger brother can create his own shot and for others at 6’5″. While 12th overall is a huge accomplishment, don’t be surprised if Daniels rises more throughout the next year.
13) Miami Heat
Koa Peat, SF/PF, Arizona
Koa Peat is a powerful forward who already has an NBA-ready frame. Suiting up for the Arizona Wildcats next season, his scoring stats may not jump off the page, but every other stat should; he grabs rebounds, is unselfish, and racks up steals and blocks with his high-level effort defensively.
Considering those are all traits that the Miami Heat covet, this seems like a hand-in-glove fit for a player who is mature for his age and plays hard all the time on the court.
14) Indiana Pacers
Alijah Arenas, SF, USC
Hoping to follow in his father Gilbert Arenas’ footsteps of becoming an NBA star, Alijah Arenas plays a very similar game to his dad. A natural-born scorer, his main skill is simply putting the ball in the basket — from anywhere on the court.
While he’ll have to learn to play without the ball in his hands, he could thrive with the Indiana Pacers and all-world passing point guard Tyrese Haliburton once he’s fully healthy.
15) Detroit Pistons
Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke
Isaiah Evans didn’t get a ton of playing time during his freshman season with the Blue Devils, but the talent is still there for the former five-star prospect. It all starts with his sweet shooting stroke, as he can knock down open looks from all over the court. He’s a microwave scorer at its finest.
The Detroit Pistons did very well in surrounding All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham with shooters on the wing and could decide to dip back into that well in this draft.
16) Milwaukee Bucks
D.J. Wagner, SG, Arkansas
The Milwaukee Bucks need to begin addressing their growing concern of a lack of young talent on the perimeter. D.J. Wagner would be a great addition, as the 6’4″ combo guard can play either guard position and has all the skills needed to become a solid scorer and passer at the next level.
He should get even more opportunities in his second season at Arkansas alongside Fland as they form one of the top backcourts in the country. The Bucks would benefit greatly from Wagner’s talent.
17) Dallas Mavericks
Alex Karaban, SF, UConn
Looking to maximize their championship window with aging stars in Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks should look for a college veteran who can contribute right away. UConn’s Alex Karaban could be that guy, as he’s a floor-spacer on the wing and won’t try to do too much.
Entering the 2026 NBA Draft after four years — and two national championships before his senior season — with the Huskies, he’s leanred to be a winning player and has all the skills to contribute off the bench from Day 1 in the league.
18) Los Angeles Clippers
Alex Condon, PF/C, Florida
The Los Angeles Clippers watched center Ivica Zubac turn into an All-NBA caliber player during the 2024-25 season and could look to add an experienced running mate next to him to help carry some of the load.
Alex Condon’s versatility, comfort level on the perimeter, and toughness were on full display during the Florida Gators’ 2025 national championship run. Now with another year to build his offensive repertoire, he’d slot in nicely with the Clippers.
19) Philadelphia 76ers
Donnie Freeman, SF/PF, Syracuse
Donnie Freeman spent most of his freshman season sidelined due to injury, but the former five-star showed everything that made him a projected first-rounder in the 2025 NBA Draft last offseason. He has a developed skillset and a nice jumper in the mid-range and from deep.
The Philadelphia 76ers will likely look to get younger at either the forward or center positions as Paul George and Joel Embiid enter the final years of their career. In Freeman, they get a player who may compare well to George.
20) San Antonio Spurs
Magoon Gwath, PF/C, San Diego State
At this point, Magoon Gwath is a largely unknown regarding what his potential may be. But the seven-foot, 205-pounder is a very intriguing prospect nonetheless. He was all over the court for the San Diego State Aztecs during his freshman season, deflecting passes and blocking 2.6 shots per game. If he develops a proficient 3-point shot, he could go in the top 10.
This feels like a San Antonio Spurs-type selection: taking a chance on a guy with length and versatility. Gwath’s redshirt sophomore season will go a long way in displaying where he’ll go in this draft if he chooses to declare.
21) Orlando Magic
Dame Sarr, SG, Duke
Despite selecting Michigan State’s Jase Richardson with the 25th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic are still lacking young guards with star potential. Dame Sarr would fill that void, as he possesses an eye-popping display of athleticism in a variety of different ways.
He can blow by his defender and finish well above the rim and stay in front of the opposition. If he really takes that next step, he’ll need to be more consistent with his 3-point shot. Regardless, the potential is enough for the Magic to take him here and pair him with their young core.
22) Golden State Warriors
Isiah Harwell, SG, Houston
Heading to Houston for his freshman season, Isiah Harwell is expected to be among the team’s top shooters. He also has a nice feel for finding open spots on the floor, freeing him for open looks from deep.
The Golden State Warriors should be looking for young prospects who can play off the ball and fire it up, and Harwell fits that mold. He’s sure to improve defensively playing for the Cougars, making him an even better player.
23) Boston Celtics
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan
With Kristaps Porziņģis out the door and Al Horford likely set to retire soon, the Boston Celtics quickly find themselves lacking front-court depth. After pulling his name from the 2025 NBA Draft, Yaxel Lendeborg is expected to have a monster season for the Michigan Wolverines.
Whether or not he can prove he has a high ceiling and star potential in the league will be an intriguing thing to watch, but he’s already seen as a guy who could contribute off the bench in the right situation. A physical, do-it-all power forward who can stretch the floor, he’d fit in with what the Celtics ask from their bigs.
24) Denver Nuggets
JT Toppin, SF/PF, Texas Tech
With the Denver Nuggets presumably trying to add college players with experience who could play right away, JT Toppin has exactly the mindset needed to succeed as a role player in the league.
He was the Big 12 Player of the Year for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, but he projects as a high-motor, high-character prospect. He’s extremely athletic and, with added mass to his frame, could fill a similar role that Aaron Gordon does alongside Nikola Jokić. Toppin isn’t the most talented, but he certainly could carve out a spot in the NBA.
25) Los Angeles Lakers
Tomislav Ivišić, C, Illinois
It’s unlikely that the Los Angeles Lakers will address their dire center needs within one year, as they currently do not have a reliable one on the roster. Targeting Illinois Fighting Illini big man Tomislav Ivišić would be a smart move, as he can play in the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop game with Luka Dončić.
He’s also a deceptive mover for someone of his stature, as the 7’1″ center has the ability to guard on the perimeter when needed. Also, as a solid rim protector, he would be a nice young addition at the center position for the Lakers.
26) Minnesota Timberwolves
Darrion Williams, SF/PF, NC State
With cap limitations hurting their chances of re-signing key pieces, the Minnesota Timberwolves have to look to the draft to add contributors right away.
After excelling last season at Texas Tech, Darrion Williams decided to transfer to NC State for his senior season. A big-bodied, skilled power forward with a reliable 3-point shot, he could be valuable off the bench in Minnesota.
27) New York Knicks
Karim López, SF, Mexico
Karim López, a 6’8″ forward, has been an integral part of the amateur Mexican national teams as easily the best player. He played in the NBL last season and revealed himself as a terrific shooter down the stretch of the season, contributing largely as a role player.
But that didn’t mean that he didn’t leave it all on the floor, as his effort was noticeable. He chased after rebounds and was a hounding presence defensively — all things that the New York Knicks love. López would fit well in the Big Apple.
28) Cleveland Cavaliers
Tounde Yessoufou, SF, Baylor
Though still raw, Tounde Yessoufou is a tremendous athlete and does well enough handling the ball to get to his spots and finish around the rim. Expected to be a vocal point for the Baylor Bears, the 6’6″ forward’s performance will be intriguing to watch regarding his draft stock.
Looking to contend, the Cleveland Cavaliers would be more than happy to take the potential that Yessoufou demonstrates and nurture him for a year before hoping he breaks into their rotation.
29) Houston Rockets
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
An extremely talented guard heading into his freshman season at Louisville, Mikel Brown Jr. has a polished skillset and is relentless on both ends of the court. He has a very quick first step that allows him to get by defenders, and he seems to make it a point to lock down his matchup on defense.
Where he can stand to improve is with his frame, as he has a slight build and would likely get pushed around early on in the league. But the Houston Rockets are in a position to sit him for a year and then roll him out, much like they did with Reed Sheppard.
30) Oklahoma City Thunder
Thomas Haugh, PF/C, Florida
With Isaiah Hartenstein’s future uncertain beyond the 2025-26 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder should be on the hunt for a versatile big who can play alongside Chet Holmgren. Thomas Haugh is a prime candidate, as he played a similar role alongside Condon at Florida.
As a requisite 3-point shooter and competitive defender, he’d fit extremely well into the Thunder’s system regardless of whether he ever becomes a consistent starter.
