2026 NBA Mock Draft V2
New 2026 NBA Mock Draft with One Lottery Simulation and Trades
The 2026 NBA Draft continues to impress the basketball world, with new names emerging, middle of the pack talent rising and a true four headed monster forming at the top of big boards.
In this first round mock draft, we have used Fanspo to conduct one random lottery simulation and decided to make a few trades as well!
All selections are based on Fanspo’s current player pool.
Picks are made based on up-to-date performances, personal rankings, team situation and team fit.
Sit back, relax and let’s dive into our first full first round mock draft of the 2025-26 season!
#1. Charlotte Hornets - Darryn Peterson | G | Kansas | Comp: Kobe Bryant
Darryn Peterson has emerged as the consensus number one overall prospect, with comparisons to the late Kobe Bryant. Peterson’s three-level scoring ability, intensity on the defensive end, high IQ as a playmaker, extreme athleticism and already NBA ready physic makes Peterson potentially the best American guard prospect since Cade Cunningham. With questions surrounding LaMelo Ball’s future in Charlotte, the Hornets could look to form a trio of Peterson, Knueppel and Miller for years to come.
Previous Draft Position: 1st Overall
#2. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans) - AJ Dybansta | F | BYU | Comp: Tracy McGrady
AJ Dybansta was widely considered to be the biggest competition to Darryn Peterson for the number one spot, with his case for being so slowly growing after impressive performances against Villanova and UCONN. Dybansta’s game has been compared to the likes of NBA legend Tracy McGradey, with some even comparing his play style to high school LeBron James. His youth of explosive athleticism, quick first step and ability to finish through contact makes him one of the most highly touted prospects in what’s being considered the deepest draft class since 1996. A wing trio of Dybansta, Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson could make waves in the East, depending on the Trae Young situation.
Previous Draft Position: 3rd Overall
#3. Brooklyn Nets - Caleb Wilson | F | North Carolina | Comp: Kevin Garnett
This pick may be controversial, but there is no denying the upside of Caleb Wilson. Wilson has continued to dominate his competition, bringing consistency as a two-way threat. With an incredible display of athleticism, soft touch at the rim, well above average as a ball handler for his size, footwork and possibly being the best defensive player in the draft, Wilson would make an immediate impact in Brooklyn, forming an incredibly versatile young core of Egor Demin, Drake Powell and Noah Clowney. With the emergence of Michael Porter Jr and Nic Claxton, the Nets could be aggressive in adding a secondary first round pick in this year’s draft.
Previous Draft Position: 4th Overall
#4. Sacramento Kings - Cameron Boozer | F | Duke | Comp: Kevin Love
This may come as a surprise and believe me, as a Duke fan this was not an easy decision, but one that will likely be a flip flop throughout the season. Boozer has looked very good in many ways, specifically as a rebounder, defender and playmaker. An aspect to his game that has yet to see any form of consistency is his overall scoring ability, providing some inefficient games and struggling to get to his spots at times. With a full rebuild expected in Sacramento and the ongoing rumors of the Kings interest in Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, the Kings could look to form a young wing duo of Kuminga and Boozer to begin it’s rebuild.
Previous Draft Position: 2nd Overall
#5. Indiana Pacers - Nate Ament | F | Tennessee | Comp: Michael Porter Jr
Though I don’t believe Ament is the fifth best prospect in this draft currently, the upside and need for Indiana makes this pick incredibly intriguing. For those who did not have the privilege of witnessing high school Michael Porter Jr, Ament’s style of play can be considered a replica of MPJ’s Nathan Hill days. With incredible length, a great feel as a ball handler and polished offensive game, Ament could be viewed as a key piece to Indiana’s path back to an NBA Finals. With numerous scouts stating Ament may have the highest upside of anyone in this draft, the Pacers could be the perfect landing spot with All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam as his counterparts.
Previous Draft Position: 6th Overall
#6. Washington Wizards - Mikel Brown Jr. | G | Louisville | Comp: Donovan Mitchell
Mikel Brown Jr has quickly become college basketball’s best guard, with impressive displays of playmaking mixed with three-level scoring abilities. With a craftiness to his game that will translate very well in today’s NBA, the Wizards could be looking at the end of its disastrous few seasons. With a young core of Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr and Mikel Brown Jr, the Wizards would be looking at one of the league’s most exciting young cores, with assets, expiring contracts and moveable contracts to go out and improve the roster. Though the Wizards in this scenario aren’t landing a top tier pick once again, the fit of Mikel Brown Jr next to Tre Johnson and Alex Sarr would be an incredibly fun watch for Wizards fans.
Previous Draft Position: 10th Overall
#7. Dallas Mavericks - Koa Peat | F | Arizona | Comp: Aaron Gordan
Though this pro comparison may not move Mavericks fans, when Aaron Gordan was drafted, many felt he had All-Star potential in Orlando. With the Mavericks on the brink of resetting the franchise after the disastrous Luka Doncic trade, a young core of Peat and Cooper Flagg along with the assets they may receive for Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford and Kyrie Irving could accelerate the rebuild process in Dallas. Peat has been very intriguing so far this season, showcasing grown man physicality as a defender and finisher at the rim. Though the three point shooting is a concern, the room for growth is there.
Previous Draft Position: 7th Overall
#8. Memphis Grizzlies - Meleek Thomas | G | Arkansas | Comp: Trey Murphy
One of our biggest risers this year and what many may feel is a shocking selection, the Memphis Grizzlies are heading towards a full blown rebuild with the franchise currently dealing with a disgruntled Ja Morant. Though some may feel this selection is a reach, the Grizzlies have a second lottery pick as of right now, with he guard position quickly slimming down. Thomas has put up some incredible performances so far, showcasing the ability to be a true threat as a scorer, playmaker, and rebounder. With a quickness to his game that could translate into a two-way piece for Memphis, the possibilities for Meleek as the Ja Morant replacement could be through the roof.
Previous Draft Position: 14th Overall
#9. Oklahoma City Thunder - Chris Cenac Jr. | F/C | Houston | Comp: Jaren Jackson Jr
The Thunder continue to be the most well run organization in basketball, continuously finding ways to compete while landing high end draft picks. With OKC heading towards the NBA CBA’s second apron next year, with an estimated payroll of roughly $245 million, the Thunder, who currently have four first round picks in 2026 will unlikely be using all of the picks due to available roster spots and financial restrictions. As OKC looks to navigate through this second apron restriction, the selection of Cenac Jr could be viewed as a possible Isiah Hartenstein replacement. The Thunder previously selected Georgetown big man Thomas Sorber this past year and the selection of Cenac Jr would provide OKC with a legitimate three headed monster in the backcourt. In terms of his play style, Cenac Jr is one of the most elusive bigs I have witnessed in a very long time. With the ability to put the ball on the floor, create his own shot, get to his spots and being a dominate defensive presence, the fit in OKC would be a perfect landing spot for the freshman big man.
Previous Draft Position: 7th Overall
#10. Brooklyn Nets (via Thunder) - Neoklis Avdalas | G/F | Virginia Tech | Comp: Luka Doncic
Yes you read the comparison correctly and yes we have our first trade! Neoklis Avdalas was my biggest sleeper pick heading into this year’s college basketball season, with a skillset, handle and pace similar to Lakers superstar Luka Doncic. Though currently a bit of a under the radar prospect, Avdalas would be an incredible fit in Brooklyn. As mentioned before, the Thunder do not have the financial situation to roster four new rookies, but the Nets have the draft capital to acquire this pick. Avdalas had an incredibly impressive performance a little over a week ago, finishing with 33 points, five rebounds and six assists against Providence. With flashes of star potential and movements similar to Luka Doncic, the Nets would be staring at one of the most versatile long-term starting fives in basketball, which could look like Avdalas, Drake Powell, Egor Demin, Michael Porter Jr and Nic Claxton, all of which are 6’9 or taller besides Powell who is 6’6.
Trade Proposal: Nets trade Denver’s unprotected 2032 first round pick and Brooklyn’s 2031 first round pick (top ten protected) for the 10th overall pick.
Previous Draft Position: 25th Overall
#11. Portland Trailblazers - Tounde Yessoufou | G/F | Baylor | Comp: VJ Edgecombe
Yessoufou has not played his best to start his college career at Baylor, which sounds very familiar with previous Baylor product VJ Edgecombe. Similar to Edgecombe, Tounde’s game is built around his defensive intensity and athleticism on the offensive end. With the Portland Trailblazers continuing to make all the right decisions and the emergence of Deni Avdaji as a potential star, adding Yessoufou to a core that consists of Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdaji, Tourmani Camara, Donovan Clingan and Hansen Yang could be incredibly intriguing as Portland begins its journey towards becoming a threat in the West.
Previous Draft Position: 8th Overall
#12. Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic) - Braylon Mullins | G | UCONN | Comp: N/A
An interesting prospect for Memphis who previously selected Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas just a few short picks ago, Mullins has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury that has an estimated recovery of six weeks dating back to October 24th. With little information on Mullins, his play style is built around his shooting ability, with many considering Mullins as the best floor spacer in this year’s draft. For a Grizzlies team who just traded Desmond Bane a few months ago and the likely departure of Ja Morant here shortly, adding two guards who fit one another’s play styles could be the correct decision if Memphis wants to rebuild quickly around Jaren Jackson Jr.
Previous Draft Position: 12th Overall
#13. Boston Celtics - Jayden Quaintance | C | Kentucky | Comp: Bam Adebayo
Similar to Braylon Mullins, Quaintance is coming off of an injury, this time being a bit more serious. An ACL tear that could prevent the big man from playing at all this season. Though unfortunate, Quaintance is still touted as one of the best big men in this year’s draft. Reclassifying a few years ago, Quaintance played his freshman season at Arizona State last season, where he was the youngest player in college basketball at just 17 years of age, making him ineligible for the NBA Draft. With the Celtics in desperate need of a long-term big man, Quaintance could be exactly what Boston is looking for as the 2024 NBA Champions look to reload it’s roster for when Jayson Tatum returns from his achilles tear.
Previous Draft Position: 9th Overall
#14. Milwaukee Bucks - Darius Acuff | G | Arkansas | Comp: Deron Williams
I had to force myself not to compare Acuff to Allen Iverson… but the debate can certainly be made. Acuff’s game is incredibly similar to Allen Iverson, Deron Williams and Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann. The man has been a problem at Arkansas so far this season, showcasing an incredible handle, vision as a playmaker and crafty scorer. With the Bucks in the potential realm of a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade request at any given moment, the Milwaukee would be smart to invest in a long-term point guard if Giannis decides to stay past this season.
Previous Draft Position: 11th Overall
#15. Chicago Bulls - Hannes Stinbech | F/C | Washington | Comp: Moritz Wagner
The Chicago Bulls really surprised the NBA world with an incredible start to its 2025-26 season. Though the shocking start has finally come down to earth, the Bulls are in a position to add some serious talent through the trade market, with rumors of Anthony Davis already beginning to circulate. With that being said, Hannes Steinbech could be viewed as a very nice fit in Chicago, based on his overall abilities as a paint defender, efficient scorer and incredible rebounder. Though the Mo Wagner comparison may seem weak, Wagner coming out of college was an extremely valuable prospect. For the Bulls, the Josh Giddey trade is becoming one of the biggest win-win trades in NBA history. Adding the right talent will be key in Chicago’s pursuit of becoming a true threat in the East.
Previous Draft Position: 13th Overall
#16. Charlotte Hornets (via Suns) - Karim Lopez | F | New Zealand | Comp: Lesser Julius Erving
Once again, it is early in the year and comparisons can be a bit exaggerated, but the level of athleticism, finishing ability and smoothness to his game has had numerous draft outlets comparing Karim Lopez to the likes of Doctor J. At 6’9, Lopez can also create off the dribble, find his spots and is a very good floor spacer. Yet again the Charlotte Hornets strike gold, this time with a second first round pick and the potential young core in this hypothetical mock draft of Darryn Peterson, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Tidjane Saluan, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Sion James and now Karim Lopez. The Hornets. similar to the Trailblazers and Wizards, would be incredibly close to finalizing its rebuild through the draft route.
Previous Draft Position: 19th Overall
#17. Miami Heat - Labaron Philon | G | Alabama | Comp: Mike Conley
Labaron Philon has been incredibly impressive in his three games so far this season, being a surprise returner as many believed he would have gone top 20 in last years draft. Philon’s display of shiftiness, explosive first step, finishing ability, improved floor spacing ability and overall playmaking has led to a slight rise in our rankings. For a team like Miami, who has been on the brink of landing a star numerous times throughout the years, the Heat could look at Philon as a perfect fit next to Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
Previous Draft Position: 20th Overall
#18. Golden State Warriors - Dame Sarr | G/F | Duke | Comp: Terrance Clarke (RIP)
Dame Sarr has been an interesting prospect to watch in his few games at Duke this season. With flashes of two-way upside, Sarr’s defensive presence and athleticism is certainly what stands out most. Though not seeing the exact level of touches he probably should due to Duke’s stacked roster, Sarr is shooting 48.3% from the field and 42.1% from three, making Sarr an intriguing 3/D role player to begin his career. For the Warriors, Sarr would be an intriguing prospect to pair with Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody while also being an incredibly good fit in Golden State’s already win now rotation.
Previous Draft Position: 17th Overall
#19. New York Knicks - Aday Mara | C | Michigan | Comp: Zach Edey
Mara has risen up many’s draft boards, due to the fact that the 7’3 big man with a 7’7 wingspan has become one of college’s better rim protectors. For a Knicks team still looking to compete over the next few years, adding a multi-year college veteran would allow for Mara to land in New York’s rotation almost immediately.
Previous Draft Position: Not Drafted in First Round
#20. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers) - Cameron Carr | G/F | Baylor | Comp: Jordan Hawkins
Yup… they’re back lol. The Oklahoma City Thunder have yet another first round pick (shocking). With this pick, I have the Thunder selecting sophomore wing Cameron Carr, who has displayed an extremely high level of scoring and athleticism. Averaging 23.7 points per game on 67.6% from the field, Carr’s fit as a bottom of the rotation yet high upside prospect would be the most OKC move possible, landing what could be one of the drafts best scorers.
Previous Draft Position: Not Drafted in First Round
#21. Minnesota Timberwolves - Kingston Flemings | G | Houston | Comp: Brandon Knight
This may be the biggest riser of the year so far, as Kingston Flemings has jumped into Bleacher Reporter’s ninth overall selection in its recent mock draft. Though he has played like one of the best players in the country so far, it’s a bit to early for me to raise his name into our lottery selections. With that being said, Flemings has showcased an incredible ability to be an all-around offensive threat, primarily by his scoring ability and playmaking. For a Minnesota team desperate for a long-term point guard fit next to Anthony Edwards, Flemings could be the perfect piece in hopes of getting the Timberwolves to an NBA Finals.
Previous Draft Position: Not Drafted in First Round
#22. Toronto Raptors - Patrick Ngongba II | C | Duke | Comp: N/A
A bit too early to tell what the floor and ceiling of Ngongba can be, but the talent is clearly visible and a swing that the Raptors would be mistaken not to take. With a glaring need for a big man in Toronto to play alongside Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quicklyey, Ngongba would be a perfect complimentary big that fits the needs of Toronto.
Previous Draft Position: 20th Overall
#23. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks) - Isiah Evans | G/F | Duke | Comp: Lesser Brandon Ingram
Isiah Evans was another shocking freshman last year who returned to college, finishing last year as one of the most efficient three-point shooters in the country. With some improvements to his game beginning to be put on display so far this season at Duke, Evans could be viewed as a perfect fit in a majority of contenders rotations within these mid 20’s picks. With a tight handle, ability to create his own shot, efficient floor spacer and good on-ball defender, the Spurs would be lucky to add Evans to an already stacked young roster.
Previous Draft Position: 16th Overall
#24. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers) - Bennett Stirtz | G | Iowa | Comp: Ty Jerome
The Hawks are in a very interesting situation with the landing AJ Dybansta in this mock draft. As mentioned earlier, Trae Young’s situation in Atlanta is one to keep an eye on, with extension talks not moving in the right direction and the Hawks playing better without Young since his injury. If the Hawks were to trade Trae Young, Bennett Stirtz would become an immediate impact player in Atlanta’s rotation. With Stirtz playing all four years in college, his NBA readiness is undeniable, being one of college basketball’s best scorers averaging 21.3 points per game on 58.8% shooting.
Previous Draft Position: 22nd Overall
#25. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs) - Dash Daniels | G | Melbourne Australia | Comp: Dyson Daniels
I know… a bit of a lazy comparison, but it’s true. Dash has the same strengths and weaknesses his brother had when entering the NBA. Both are incredible defenders and playmakers but were unable to find consistent offensive performances to raise their names on draft night. With a Cavaliers team still in contention for a championship and Lonzo Ball set to be a free agent following next season, Daniels could be viewed as the long-term replacement to Ball.
Previous Draft Position: 29th Overall
#26. Los Angeles Lakers - Henri Veesaar | C | North Carolina | Comp: Isiah Hartenstein
Henri Veesaar welcome to the first round! Veesaar has been a force at UNC this season, showcasing true leadership abilities, being one of the better paint presences in college on both ends of the floor an having the most efficient scoring season of his career. The seven foot junior would be a perfect fit in LA, who is looking to build its roster around Luka Doncic for the next few seasons. Veesaar is one of the more skilled bigs in this draft with the potential to be an Isiah Hartenstein caliber big man.
Previous Draft Position: Not Drafted in First Round
#27. Indiana Pacers (via Thunder) - Flory Biding | C | Kansas | Comp: Antonio McDyess
We have our second and final trade of this mock draft! The Indiana Pacers move up in this scenario with the OKC Thunder and select Kansas big man Flory Bidunga. Bidunga has truly been one of the more disrespected prospects in this year’s draft, dominating his opponents and showcasing a much improved physicality level on both ends of the floor compared to last season. In Bleacher Report’s recent mock draft, Bidunga was NOT even listed in the first or second round. Though this may seem like an overvalued pick, Bidunga’s fit in Indiana is undeniable, with the Pacers in desperate need of a Myles Turner replacement. Though three-point shooting will likely never be Bidunga’s skillset, his presence in the paint, within the pick and roll, as a rebounder and defender make him a very good fit for the Pacers future.
Trade Proposal: Pacers trade multiple future second round picks
Previous Draft Position: Not Drafted in First Round
#28. Denver Nuggets - Karter Knox | F | Arkansas | Comp: GG Jackson/Marcus Morris
The end of the first round is truly a difficult area to select players, with good talent still being available. With the Nuggets need of some versatile wings, the selection of Karter Knox could be viewed as a high upside swing. Most recently projected to go in the early second round by Bleacher Report, Knox’s mixture of brute strength, speed and athleticism makes for a very intriguing 3/D player on a Denver team that struggles with depth.
Previous Draft Position: Not Drafted in First Round
#29. Detroit Pistons - Yaxel Lendeborg | F | Michigan | Comp: Draymond Green/Aaron Gordan
Lendeborg was yet another name expected to go in last year’s draft. So far this season, Lendeborg has not matched what he did last season before transferring to Michigan but the upside as a high caliber role player in the NBA is still something many believe will translate. For a team like Detroit who has clearly found its superstar in Cade Cunningham and the emergence of Jalen Duran who looks to be on pace to making his first NBA All-Star selection, Lendeborg is a perfect fit and Detroit style player that could be viewed as an immediate replacement for Tobias Harris who is set to hit free agency this year. Whether it be his scoring, rebounding, vision as a playmaker or intensity one the defensive end, Lendeborg has proven he can be a viable piece to a contending roster.
Previous Draft Position: 18th Overall
#30. Washington Wizards (via Thunder) - JT Toppin | F | Texas Tech | Comp: Brandon Clarke
JT Toppin continues his pursuit of becoming this year’s National Player of the Year, with the Wizards finishing off the first round. Though Toppin is an incredibly talented prospect, the NBA works in mysterious ways and for Washington, this could be a blessing in disguise. After failing to land a top three pick in this mock draft, walking away with Mikel Brown Jr and JT Toppin would be an impressive haul to combine with its already young core.
Previous Draft Position: 30th Overall
There are some notable names who either slipped out of our first round or did not rise enough, with names including Shon Abaev, Thomas Haugh, Billy Richmond, Christian Anderson, Brayden Burries, Nikolas Khamenia, Alex Condon, Cayden Boozer, Zuby Ejiofor, Tahaad Pettiford, Sergio De Larrea, Darrion Williams and so many other valuable prospects.
I hope everyone enjoyed and welcome you to sharing your thoughts with the comment tab below!
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