As we near the end of the 2025-2026 NBA season, the postseason awaits, followed by the draft and free agency. The 2026 NBA Draft class again has plenty of talent. In PFSN’s latest mock draft powered by our NBA Mock Draft Simulator, you can see just how much things have shaken up as the college basketball season comes to a close.
1) Sacramento Kings
Darryn Peterson, Kansas | PG/SG
The Sacramento Kings hope Darryn Peterson is their franchise cornerstone. He appears NBA-ready, able to score immediately with a quick first step and reliable jumper, while creating for teammates. At 6’5, he has the length to become a strong NBA defender. Comparisons to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may be premature, but they offer hope to a franchise that has long sought it.
2) Indiana Pacers
AJ Dybantsa, BYU | SF
AJ Dybantsa offers impressive size at 6’9 with a 6’11 wingspan, making him a strong two-way pro prospect. While his perimeter shooting needs work, he can still improve. He attacks the rim well using size and speed. If Peterson goes first, the Indiana Pacers’ choice is clear, and pairing Dybantsa with Tyrese Haliburton could elevate the team.
3) Brooklyn Nets
Cameron Boozer, Duke | PF
The Brooklyn Nets can simply pick the best player available, and passing on Cameron Boozer, or perhaps rival Caleb Wilson, will be difficult, as one should be the top option left. Carlos Boozer’s son is a safe pick, with the skill to score facing up or in the post. If his three-pointer develops, he could become a perennial All-Star.
4) Washington Wizards
Kingston Flemings, Houston | PG
Despite adding Trae Young before the trade deadline, the Washington Wizards can’t pass on Kingston Flemings here. He’s an excellent athlete, able to attack the rim and likely among the league’s quickest. His athleticism and size should also make him a solid defender, which is vital when he plays alongside Young.
5) Utah Jazz
Mikel Brown, Louisville | PG
The Utah Jazz are rebuilding, having acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. at the deadline, but gaps remain. Keyonte George has been a bright spot, averaging 24.0 points and 6.3 assists. Pairing him with Mikel Brown, who boasts good size and a 6’6.5 wingspan, could stabilize the Jazz’s backcourt for years.
6) Atlanta Hawks
Caleb Wilson, North Carolina | PF
Caleb Wilson has generated buzz lately, and for good reason. Despite a recent hand injury, he’s averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds on 57.8% shooting. He posted 23 points in a win over Boozer and Duke last month.
Unfortunately, a broken right thumb could impact his season, but his reliability has been evident. At 6’10, 215 pounds, he could add weight as long as it doesn’t hinder his ability to finish at the rim. The Atlanta Hawks could greatly benefit from his addition.
7) Dallas Mavericks
Nate Ament, Tennessee | F
Nate Ament, at 6’9, can handle the ball and shoot, making him an immediate NBA mismatch. His size and length should make him an excellent defender, drawing comparisons to pre-injury Jonathan Isaac. Like Isaac, he must add size and strength to avoid similar setbacks.
8) Memphis Grizzlies
Keaton Wagler, Illinois | G
The Memphis Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane and Jackson Jr., signaling a rebuild. They still have Ja Morant, but may look to move him. Acquiring Flemings or Brown would be ideal. If Flemings or Brown are unavailable, Keaton Wagler is a solid consolation. He can play either backcourt spot, so if Morant stays, they could pair up.
9) Chicago Bulls
Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky | PF/C
Jayden Quaintance is not this high on many draft boards, but in a weak bigs draft, he could rise. He is a proven shot-blocker, rebounds well, and can finish lobs with his strong frame. With Nikola Vučević traded, the Chicago Bulls need a center. As they rebuild, Quaintance should have time to develop.
10) Milwaukee Bucks
Alijah Arenas, USC | G
Alijah Arenas, the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, reclassified last season, so he should be finishing college rather than playing in the Big Ten. He can score and attack the rim, but needs more time to develop, given his age.
Depending on the Milwaukee Bucks’ plans, Arenas could get his chance. If the Bucks trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, Arenas could become a rebuilding piece; if not, this pick may be traded.
11) Portland Trail Blazers
Brayden Burries, Arizona | G
The Portland Trail Blazers have had a better year than anyone could have expected. Barring a complete meltdown, they will be in the play-in tournament. That seemed like a pipe dream before the season. Brayden Burries is the perfect player to add to the core.
Burries is an excellent defender. He could eventually slot into guarding the other team’s best guard. He is capable from beyond the arc. The Blazers should at least get a solid ‘3-and-D’ player from this pick.
12) Oklahoma City Thunder (from Los Angeles Clippers)
Chris Cenac, Houston | PF/C
This draft lacks big men. Chris Cenac could be a big beneficiary because of it. The Oklahoma City Thunder have the best roster in the league and a cabinet full of picks. They can push for what some may consider a ‘reach.’
Offensively, Cenac can run the floor well. He still needs work offensively, but the Thunder does not need to worry too much about that. With his defensive prowess and rim protection, he would be a great fit in OKC.
13) San Antonio Spurs (from Atlanta Hawks)
Braylon Mullins, UConn | SG
Drafting Stephon Castle with the fourth pick in the 2024 draft was a great move for the San Antonio Spurs. So why not take another UConn wing? Braylon Mullins can knock down shots from the outside. That makes him a perfect addition to San Antonio.
He also has the ability to be a solid defender. The Spurs could trade off some of their other wings, like veteran Devin Vassell, who still has three more years remaining on the five-year, $135 million deal he signed prior to the 2024-2025 season. This would let them get out of guaranteed money before handing out major extensions to Victor Wembanyama and others.
14) Charlotte Hornets
Darius Acuff, Arkansas | G
The Charlotte Hornets have been one of the biggest stories in the league. They have climbed up to .500 and are in the play-in, at least as of now. They may have a steal getting Darius Acuff here. Acuff has surged up draft boards and is now viewed by many as a lottery pick.
Acuff can score from just about anywhere on the court. He broke an Arkansas freshman record with 49 points in a 117-115 double-overtime loss to Alabama earlier this season. Adding Acuff to a core with 24-year-old LaMelo Ball, 23-year-old Brandon Miller, and 20-year-old rookie star Kon Knueppel could keep the Hornets a threat in the Eastern Conference for years.
15) Golden State Warriors
Isaiah Evans, Duke | Wing
Isaiah Evans gets lost in the shuffle playing with Boozer and other stars at Duke. He is a very talented athlete himself. At 6’6, he has the versatility to play either wing spot. If his three-point shot continues to improve, he could be hard to deal with offensively.
With the Golden State Warriors, he should be able to ease into his role and present another option to help ease Stephen Curry’s load as he heads into the twilight of his career.
16) Miami Heat
Labaron Philon, Alabama | PG
The Miami Heat have been stuck in a certain type of purgatory for the last few years. They’ve failed to land a big fish through free agency or trade, despite many attempts, and keep picking in the middle of the first round.
If they can land Labaron Philon, they’ll get one of the best scorers in the country. He averages 21.5 points per game and shoots 50.7% from the field. The Heat sometimes struggle on offense, so getting a player who scores like Philon is a priority.
17) Memphis Grizzlies (from Orlando Magic)
Hannes Steinbach, Washington | PF
After picking Keaton Wagler, a guard, earlier in the draft, the Grizzlies add size with Hannes Steinbach. He could be a potential replacement for Jackson Jr.; Steinbach has defended and rebounded well in college. However, he’ll need to add some muscle to be as effective in the NBA.
The Würzburg, Germany native is putting up 18.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 58.6% from the field, making him one of the more productive players in college basketball this season.
18) Oklahoma City Thunder (from Philadelphia 76ers)
Thomas Haugh, Florida | F
Thomas Haugh played a key role on the Gators’ national championship team last season. This year, he became the star, averaging 17.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He has a wide skill set. The talent-rich Thunder know how to use that.
His shooting leaves something to be desired: 47.1% from the floor and 34.4% from three. But he made a big jump from freshman to sophomore season and has kept up similar shooting numbers, even with higher usage.
19) Toronto Raptors
Meleek Thomas, Arkansas | G
If the draft goes this way, a major story will be the number of players John Calipari sends to the league again. He did this at Kentucky, which was impressive. Sending multiple first-rounders from the Razorbacks is even tougher.
Meleek Thomas’ ability to handle the ball as a true point guard is the rationale for the Toronto Raptors taking him here, but he also has a lot of upside and would help a team that really lacks a true point guard.
20) Charlotte Hornets (from Phoenix Suns)
Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan | PF/C
The Hornets already secured an impressive scoring wing in Acuff. Now they get help down low with Michigan big man Yaxel Lendeborg. Originally from Puerto Rico, Lendeborg attended Arizona Western before transferring to UAB in 2023. He entered the draft last season after winning two AAC Defensive Player of the Year awards. He chose to transfer to Michigan instead.
Some call Lendeborg a ‘late bloomer.’ He has become one of the most productive players in the country. Though not an elite athlete, he has a well-rounded game and would be an excellent addition to Charlotte’s core.
21) Los Angeles Lakers
Cameron Carr, Tennessee | Wing
The Los Angeles Lakers have had an up-and-down season. One thing that’s been consistent is their lack of defense. Cameron Carr has shown promise defensively, blocking 1.3 shots per game. Carr hasn’t slacked defensively. He averages 19.0 points on 51.7% shooting and 39.7% from deep. He’s a consistent outside threat, a skill the Lakers need.
22) Denver Nuggets
Karim López, Joventut Badalona (México) | Wing
Karim López looks built for a spot like the Denver Nuggets. He can handle the ball and take pressure off the oft-injured Jamal Murray. He also provides the defensive energy that has helped the Nuggets, much like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope did during their championship run.
Lopez needs work and development and may not be ready to contribute at this level yet. This may scare some teams off. However, whoever drafts him is getting a talented player who could eventually make a huge impact, even if it may not happen right away.
23) Atlanta Hawks (from Cleveland Cavaliers)
Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor | Wing
After opting for UNC big man Caleb Wilson with their first pick, they chose Tounde Yessoufou with this pick. This is mainly because of his ability on defense. Yessoufou is 6’5 but has a 6’8.5 wingspan and a big frame, making him an intimidating defensive presence.
He’s quick and explosive, which shows his potential to improve on offense. He needs to expand his game there. If he does, this could be a steal this late in the first round.
24) Detroit Pistons (from Minnesota Timberwolves)
Allen Graves, Santa Clara | F
The Detroit Pistons are having a fantastic season. They have the best record in the Eastern Conference so far. Allen Graves is a smart player, shown by his hands and defensive awareness, and has good strength for his size.
Graves projects to play either forward spot. He is probably better as a Four, using his ability to stretch the floor – he’s shooting 40.8% from beyond the arc this season. With MVP contender Cade Cunningham’s knack for getting in the paint, Graves could have a lot of open shots in Detroit.
25) Philadelphia 76ers (from Houston Rockets)
Koa Peat, Arizona | PF
The Philadelphia 76ers have bounced back despite a bit of a slip lately. Koa Peat has a big, strong frame to bang inside. Despite being 6’8, he has good length and a good touch near the basket.
He’s averaged 13.8 points per game on 54.8% shooting from the field. Peat’s offense needs work. He hasn’t been a major threat from three (31.6%) and must keep developing offensive skills, but his upside is worth a selection at the end of the first round.
26) New York Knicks
Dash Daniels, Melbourne United (Australia) | G
Dash Daniels, a combo guard for Melbourne United and Dyson Daniels’ younger brother, is a talented scorer and playmaker who still has room to grow. His ability to play on or off the ball fits the New York Knicks, allowing him to support Jalen Brunson. Improved three-point shooting could make him a strong rotation player or more.
27) Boston Celtics
Bennett Stirtz, Iowa | G
Bennett Stirtz excels for the Hawkeyes, averaging 20.5 points, shooting 50% from the field, 38.6% from three, and 84.9% from the line. Stirtz could fill Payton Pritchard’s sixth-man role in Boston, especially if Pritchard starts. His experience as a 22-year-old senior may benefit a contender like the Boston Celtics.
28) Cleveland Cavaliers (from San Antonio Spurs)
Amari Allen, Alabama | SF
After picking Mullins, the Spurs take Amari Allen from Alabama. He has good size, plays smart despite his fouls, and is effective regardless of his athleticism. Defensively, he has the tools to succeed, and his versatility fits well with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ style.
29) Minnesota Timberwolves (from Detroit Pistons)
Christian Anderson, Texas Tech | PG
The Minnesota Timberwolves select Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson, a productive point guard averaging 19.2 points, 7.8 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals as a sophomore. He shoots 48.1% from the field and 42.7% from three, great improvements from his freshman year.
Anderson lacks ideal size, but his shooting and playmaking fit well with Minnesota.
30) Dallas Mavericks (from Oklahoma City Thunder)
Miikka Muurinen, Partizan Belgrade (Finland) | PF/C
Miikka Muurinen, a Finnish big man for Partizan Belgrade, could rise in a draft short on bigs. Known for his versatile skill set and mobility, he runs the floor well. Muurinen projects as a Stretch Four and would add yet another young weapon to the Dallas Mavericks’ roster as they build around Cooper Flagg.
Round 2
31) Sacramento Kings
Henri Veesaar, North Carolina | C
32) Memphis Grizzlies (from Indiana Pacers)
Ebuka Okorie, Stanford | PG
33) Brooklyn Nets
Keyshawn Hall, Auburn | Wing
34) New York Knicks (from Washington Wizards)
Patrick Ngongba, Duke | C
35) San Antonio Spurs (from Utah Jazz)
Killyan Toure, Iowa State | PG
36) Chicago Bulls (from New Orleans Hornets)
Morez Johnson, Michigan | PF
37) Oklahoma City Thunder (from Dallas Mavericks)
Sergio De Larrea, Valencia Basket (Spain) | G
38) Los Angeles Clippers (from Memphis Grizzlies)
Neoklis Avdalas, Virginia Tech | Wing
39) Houston Rockets (from Chicago Bulls)
Miles Byrd, San Diego State | SG
40) Boston Celtics (from Milwaukee Bucks)
Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State | F
41) San Antonio Spurs (from Portland Trail Blazers)
Dailyn Swain, Texas | F
42) Brooklyn Nets (from Los Angeles Clippers)
Solo Ball, UConn | SG
43) Sacramento Kings (from Charlotte Hornets)
Trevon Brazile, Arkansas | F
44) Denver Nuggets (from Atlanta Hawks)
Ryan Conwell, Louisville | SG
45) Charlotte Hornets (from Golden State Warriors)
Tre White, Kansas | SG
46) San Antonio Spurs (from Minnesota Timberwolves)
Baba Miller, Cincinnati | F
47) Orlando Magic
BJ Edwards, SMU | PG
48) Phoenix Suns (from Philadelphia 76ers)
Jaron Pierre, SMU | SG
49) Dallas Mavericks (from Phoenix Suns)
Richie Saunders, BYU | G
50) Toronto Raptors
David Punch, TCU | PF
51) Golden State Warriors (from Los Angeles Lakers)
Jaden Bradley, Arizona | G
52) Chicago Bulls (from Denver Nuggets)
Juke Harris, Wake Forest | SG
53) Los Angeles Clippers (from Cleveland Cavaliers)
Lamar Wilkerson, Indiana | SG
54) Washington Wizards (from Minnesota Timberwolves)
Alex Karaban, UConn | SF
55) Houston Rockets
Milan Momcilovic, Iowa State | PF
56) New York Knicks
Milos Uzan, Houston | G
57) Atlanta Hawks (from Boston Celtics)
Nate Bittle, Oregon | C
58) Minnesota Timberwolves (from San Antonio Spurs)
Elyjah Freeman, Auburn | SF
59) New Orleans Pelicans (from Detroit Pistons)
Mouhamed Faye, A.S.D Redbasket (Senegal) | C
60) Washington Wizards (from Oklahoma City Thunder)
Andrej Stojakovic, Illinois | Wing
