On Sunday, the NBA Draft Lottery determined the order of the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Washington Wizards landed the No. 1 overall pick, while the Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls jumped into the top four. The Indiana Pacers were the big losers, as they fell to No. 5 and lost their pick altogether since it now conveys to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the Ivica Zubac trade.
Now that we know the actual draft order, let’s use PFSN’s NBA Mock Draft Simulator to project each pick in the first round. (Since this is our first post-lottery 2026 NBA mock draft, we kept things simple and didn’t include any trades.)
1) Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa, BYU | SF
The Washington Wizards traded for Trae Young and Anthony Davis, sat them out, and won the lottery. Now, Washington is in prime position to be an immediate player in the Eastern Conference if AD can stay healthy. Adding AJ Dybantsa between Young and Davis gives the Wizards a formidable trio that’s supported by Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly and Bub Carrington, so Washington could find meaningful playoff experience for their young core right away.
2) Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson, Kansas | SG
The Utah Jazz traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. at the trade deadline and now possess one of the longest units in the NBA with JJJ, Lauri Markkanen, and Walker Kessler. Now, Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier desperately need help in the backcourt. Danny Ainge somehow lands the most talented scorer in the draft with the No. 2 pick thanks to Darryn Peterson’s questionable season at Kansas. The talent is undeniable, but the medicals and/or character are in question. If healthy, the Jazz catapult into the playoff conversation in a stacked Western Conference.
3) Memphis Grizzlies
Cameron Boozer, Duke | PF
The Memphis Grizzlies likely landed in the best-case scenario at No. 3, as Cameron Boozer slots neatly between Zach Edey and Cedric Coward, giving Memphis a dynamic core to begin their rebuild. But if Utah surprises everyone and takes Boozer, the son of Jazz great Carlos Boozer, then things get interesting. If Boozer is selected at No. 2 after a dominant season at Duke, Memphis would be choosing between Peterson and Caleb Wilson. Would the Grizzlies pass on Peterson due to PTSD from their rocky relationship with Ja Morant? Boozer is likely the pick here unless Memphis is dealt a curveball.
4) Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson, North Carolina | PF
The Chicago Bulls are basically taking whoever is left at No. 4 because the general consensus is that this draft’s top tier is comprised of the Big Four of Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, and Wilson. The next tier of players is extremely guard-heavy, just like the Bulls’ roster. Chicago needs frontcourt help. Nikola Vučević is gone and Patrick Williams has yet to live up to his draft position. Wilson can jump right in and run with this young squad while having the time to develop before the pressure to win mounts.
5) Los Angeles Clippers (via IND)
Keaton Wagler, Illinois | SG
It sure seems like the Los Angeles Clippers won their trade with the Indiana Pacers, getting the No. 5 overall pick (plus a 2029 unprotected first-rounder) for Ivica Zubac. Los Angeles could use a center, but they need to pick the best available player here rather than draft someone based on their needs. It would be wise for the Clippers to enter a full-on rebuild and part ways with Kawhi Leonard. Regardless, Darius Garland seems like a cornerstone for Los Angeles moving forward. Keaton Wagler could develop into a primary scoring option who fits alongside Garland in the Clippers’ post-Kawhi era.
6) Brooklyn Nets
Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville | PG
The run on point guards likely begins at No. 6. The question is whether the Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks will actually make those picks. Brooklyn does not possess much to be excited about despite making four first-round picks last season. Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton are from from franchise cornerstones, so ownership has to inject some excitement into this team. Look no further than Mikel Brown Jr., whose stock continues to rise. The athletic point guard checks all the boxes for today’s NBA, and he could be a factor from Day 1 in Brooklyn.
7) Sacramento Kings
Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas | PG
You know the rule: Take the John Calipari guard. Darius Acuff Jr. exploded down the stretch of his lone season at Arkansas. His defense is lacking at times, but no one really cares whether Devin Booker or Jamal Murray make an All-Defensive Team, right? The Sacramento Kings need a killer at point guard next to Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis. Acuff is a piece who can help right away while also becoming a focal point of the franchise in its next phase.
8) Atlanta Hawks (via NOP)
Kingston Flemings, Houston | PG
On the backs of Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Atlanta Hawks went on a surprising run to earn the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. After trading away Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis, Atlanta is poised for a bright future thanks to their young core. The Hawks need a big, but they can’t afford to pass on Kingston Flemings at No. 8. Flemings could go anywhere from 5-to-10 in this draft, so getting him at No. 8 is a value pick. This pick would allow CJ McCollum and Alexander-Walker to play off-ball, which is their more natural fit.
9) Dallas Mavericks
Brayden Burries, Arizona | SG
Kyrie Irving is returning to serve as the No. 2 option alongside last year’s No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. Flagg is the future, so this draft should focus on building around him. Brayden Burries is a perfect fit for this franchise. He could slot in as the two guard next to Irving immediately and be a real contender for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. His motor and skill set combine to make him a true two-way player, and who better for Burries to learn from than Klay Thompson? (That is, if Dallas doesn’t trade the four-time NBA champion).
10) Milwaukee Bucks
Nate Ament, Tennessee | SF
The Milwaukee Bucks seem to be headed to a full blown rebuild with Taylor Jenkins taking over as head coach. The No. 10 pick is rarely a franchise cornerstone, but no one thought Giannis Antetokounmpo would become one when he was drafted at No. 15 overall in the 2013 NBA Draft either. Tennessee forward Nate Ament had top-five buzz early on but has slid down boards a bit. He has the size and skill set to develop into a star, and Milwaukee can afford to be patient with him since their roster is in shambles.
11) Golden State Warriors
Karim Lopez, NZ Breakers | SF
The current iteration of the Golden State Warriors seem to have a two-year window after the announcement of Steve Kerr’s two-year contract extension. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler III each have one more year on their contracts (assuming Green exercises his $27,678,571 player option), signaling the end is truly near for this era of Warriors basketball. Karim Lopez is a plug-and-play 19-year-old with professional experience. He’s not super athletic, but he is savvy and checks the boxes for what Golden State has looked for alongside Curry and Green.
12) Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Aday Mara, Michigan | C
There is a non-zero chance that the Oklahoma City Thunder trade this pick because of their already loaded roster and rotation. However, Isaiah Hartenstein could be on the move this offseason since he has a $28,500,000 team option. If Sam Presti decides to move on from Hartenstein, Aday Mara would be a cheap replacement who fits right in with the defending champions. His sheer size (7’3″ with a 7’6″ wingspan) combined with his playmaking ability would only bolster the Thunder’s already deep rotation.
13) Miami Heat
Dailyn Swain, Texas | SF
Dailyn Swain is considered a late first-round pick right now, but this wing will fly up draft boards after the 2026 NBA Combine. If the Miami Heat cannot land Giannis Antetokounmpo via trade and Andrew Wiggins moves on (he has a $30,169,644 player option), Swain would slot right in with Davion Mitchell, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo. Swain is 6’8″ but plays like a guard. His shooting will need to improve, but his length and athleticism scream potential star.
14) Charlotte Hornets
Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan | PF
The Charlotte Hornets need some frontcourt help to aid LaMelo Ball, Coby White, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges. Yaxel Lendeborg is truly a wild card in terms of where he might be taken. He could go anywhere from top-10 to outside of the lottery altogether. He will be 24 years old when his rookie season begins, and his ceiling isn’t as high as many of the players expected to go in the first round. However, the 6’9″ forward is a diverse defender who also passes well on offense. If he is still hanging around at No. 14, the Hornets would be wise to snag him.
15) Chicago Bulls (via POR)
Cameron Carr, Baylor | SG
The Bulls will likely address the frontcourt at No. 4, allowing them to take a shot here. The problem in Chicago is that they have too many guards and too many guards that don’t really gel. While Josh Giddey needs a certain system and role to succeed, Cameron Carr can be tossed in with any group and thrive. He may not ever be a star, but he can be a Harrison Barnes-type role player who has a long, successful NBA career.
16) Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX)
Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama | PG
It certainly looks like the Grizzlies and Ja Morant are set to part ways this offseason, leaving a gaping hole at point guard. The Grizzlies have the resources to package this pick and move up to go after one of the point guards taken in the top 10, but if no one bites and Labaron Philon Jr. is still available at No. 16, Memphis would be pleased. The 6’4″ lead guard shot 40% from deep while also running a high-powered Alabama offense. Like Ty Jerome and Cam Spencer, Philon is also comfortable off ball if that’s what is needed of him.
17) Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI)
Bennett Stirtz, Iowa | PG
If OKC makes the pick at No. 12, they would almost certainly trade this pick since they simply don’t have enough roster spots to make both selections. If they trade the No. 12 pick and end up selecting at No. 17, Bennett Stirtz makes a ton of sense for the Thunder because they don’t need a star or even a scorer. The 6’4″ point guard would just need to come in and do what he already does well: facilitate the rock. If this ends up being his landing spot, he would probably spend most of his rookie season in the G League.
18) Charlotte Hornets (via ORL)
Hannes Steinbach, Washington | PF
The Hornets will have another chance to address their frontcourt. Mara is gone, but Hannes Steinbach is still on the board. At 6’11” with a 7’2.25″ wingspan, Steinbach has the size to play the five if needed, so it would not be redundant to take him and Lendeborg. He’s the kind of big that can pop guards open in the pick-and-roll due to his size. He’s an elite rebounder and seems like the ideal fit for what the Hornets need.
19) Toronto Raptors
Chris Cenac Jr., Houston | C
The Toronto Raptors have one player who’s over 6’9″ in Jakob Poeltl. Not only do they need a suitable backup for him, but they also need a player who could play alongside him when they want to size up. (And given Poeltl’s struggles this past year, finding a potential new center of the future would be wise). Chris Cenac Jr. is raw, but has a high ceiling. He could have used another year in college, but Toronto would be pleased to grab him this late in the first round.
20) San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
Koa Peat, Arizona | SF
The San Antonio Spurs are young but are already attempting to open their championship window. Koa Peat doesn’t need to come in right away and score at high level — he can just focus on doing the things he already does well. He is a 3/4 tweener who can defend, screen, and keep the offense moving. This is potentially the best-case scenario for Peat.
21) Detroit Pistons (via MIN)
Christian Anderson, Texas Tech | PG
The top seed in the East can certainly improve their depth heading into next season. The one piece they are lacking is a true back-up point guard. Due to size, Marcus Sasser fills that role by necessity, but having a back-up point who can score the ball on a rookie deal will only help this young Pistons team continue pushing their title window open.
22) Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU)
Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky | PF
The Process might be over. The Philadelphia 76ers now belong to Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Joel Embiid and Paul George might be shopped this summer as the franchise tries to align with the timeline of their star guards. Health issues are the main reason why Jayden Quaintance slips this far. As long as the Sixers don’t mind taking another injury-related gamble, his raw potential is too much to pass up here.
23) Atlanta Hawks (via CLE)
Henri Veesaar, North Carolina | C
Atlanta is really lacking a big-man presence. Kristaps Porzingis was traded to Golden State for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, leaving Onyeka Okongwu as the only big of note on the roster. Henri Veesaar could be a perfect for the Hawks; think Luke Kornet with better playmaking chops. The North Carolina product brings size and spacing to an offense that will need a 5 who can step out and create driving lanes for Johnson, Kuminga, and Co.
24) New York Knicks
Isaiah Evans, Duke | SF
If the New York Knicks choose to run it back with their core group, they will be looking to add depth on a rookie deal. Isaiah Evans is a wing who’s more of a microwave scorer off the bench rather than the 3-and-D prototype that currently rules New York’s roster.
25) Los Angeles Lakers
Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State | PF
Joshua Jefferson is a skyrocket candidate. The 6’9″ senior will improve anyone’s offense with his passing ability and feel for the game. Will LeBron James be a Laker next season? He is an unrestricted free agent, so his future in Los Angeles is up in the air. Either way, Jefferson would immediately be a role player who could play significant minutes for LA.
26) Denver Nuggets
Allen Graves, Santa Clara | PF
Allen Graves is another candidate to go much higher than this; the Santa Clara freshman could end up becoming a borderline lottery pick when all is said and done. For now, Graves finds a perfect home in the Denver Nuggets. The theme of the latter portion of this draft seems to be bigger players who can pass well. Teams need connectors on offense and Graves is just that, plus he shot 41.3% from 3-point range on 2.6 attempts per game. With Aaron Gordon’s health history, Graves would be a seamless fit.
27) Boston Celtics
Amari Allen, Alabama | SF
Jaylen Brown trade rumors are swirling again after the Boston Celtics exited the playoffs earlier than expected this year. Regardless, at this point in the draft, it is about finding an immediate depth piece or taking a swing on potential. Amari Allen can move well at 6’8″ and there is still time to improve an already decent shooting stroke. The Celtics go for potential here and Allen could potentially contribute in Year 1.
MORE: Jaylen Brown Landing Spots: 4 Trade Destinations for the $285.4 Million Celtics Star As Rumors Swirl
28) Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)
Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt | PG
Mike Conley is not getting any younger. at 38 years old. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Rob Dillingham are gone. Ayo Dosunmu is not a true point guard. The window is now for Minnesota as Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle are inching nearer to their declines. Tyler Tanner can step in and provide defensive tenacity and 3-point shooting. Conley is often mentioned as a player comp for Tanner, so who better to mentor the Vanderbilt product and help him realize his full potential?
29) Cleveland Cavaliers (via SA)
Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor| SF
Remember the Grit-and-Grind Grizzlies? They were always a small forward away from getting over that hump, and they could never find the right one. When you look at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster, they are in the same boat with small forward always being a position of need. Tounde Yessoufou isn’t going to be the answer right away, but he has the potential to develop into a difference-maker. A disruptive defender with plenty of speed, he can do the dirty work while James Harden and Donovan Mitchell lead the way offensively.
30) Dallas Mavericks (via OKC)
Alex Karaban, UConn | SF
How do you make an Irving and Flagg pick-and-roll combination deadly? Surround them with shooters. After taking Burries with their first pick, the Mavericks select UConn sniper Alex Karaban. His job is to knock down perimeter shots, and he is going to do that at a high level. He can play small ball 4, allowing the Mavs to go small and spread it out too.
