NBA · 20 minutes ago

2026 CBS Sports NBA Mock Draft: Final 1st Round Projections Before the Lottery

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

Have Your Say! 2026 NBA Mock Draft
The 2026 NBA Draft is officially approaching, and after a full season of evaluation, the board is anything but static. Landing a star in this class could redefine a franchise for a decade.

Join the Debate: Who is the Real Winner?
- The Clear Number One: Is AJ Dybantsa a lock for the top pick, or could a team prioritize the consistency of Cameron Boozer?
- The Backcourt Class: Which of the many lead guards in this mock, like Acuff Jr. or Wagler, do you trust to lead an NBA offense next year?
- The Late Round Steal: Is there a prospect in the back half of the first round, like Ebuka Okorie or Allen Graves, that you think will be the steal of the year?
- Lottery Volatility: Which team in the lottery do you think is one pick away from becoming an immediate playoff threat?
Drop your take in the comments: Who is your early favorite for 2027 Rookie of the Year?
2026 CBS Sports NBA Mock Draft
Evaluating the 2026 NBA Draft Class

This Sunday, the NBA landscape is going to shift in a major way. The 2026 draft lottery isn't just about finding the next star; it’s about a class that executives are calling the most talented and stacked group we’ve seen in years. While the Big Three of Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer still lead the way, the 2025-26 college season has produced a new wave of lottery talent that has expanded the top tier of this draft significantly. From one-and-done lead guards to physically dominant big men, this first round is deep enough to fast-track any rebuild.

We’re taking a look at CBS Sports' Adam Finkelstein’s latest mock to see where the best fits are for the league's next generation.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC)
Isaiah Evans | SG | Duke

Ending the first round with a floor spacer like Evans is a smart move for Dallas. He has a lightning-quick release and can hit threes on the move, making him a perfect target for Jason Kidd to run plays for.

"Evans showed an ability to make the type of quick-release movement threes that translate to the NBA level. In other words, he's not just someone who stands in the corner."
- 2025-26 Stats: 15 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 36.1% 3PT
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS)
Allen Graves | PF | Santa Clara

Graves is an analytic favorite who does all the little things well. He’s a role player with high-level instincts on both ends, and he would provide the Cavaliers with a reliable rebounder and passer in the frontcourt.

"Graves is an analytic darling who has elite BPM metrics and a rare overlap of defensive playmaking, passing, ball-security, and offensive rebounding."
- 2025-26 Stats: 11.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 41.3% 3PT
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)
Dailyn Swain | SF | Texas

Swain is a jumbo initiator with the size to eventually evolve into a big guard. While his shooting is a work in progress, his ability to create for others off the bounce makes him a potential steal for Minnesota.

"Swain is a polarizing prospect. At 6-foot-7, he can play off the bounce, come off ball-screens, pressure the paint, and create for others."
- 2025-26 Stats: 17.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 34.4% 3PT
27. Boston Celtics
Amari Allen | SF | Alabama

Allen is a versatile wing who brings a blend of skill and toughness to the floor. While he still has room to develop defensively, his competitive nature and rebounding from the wing position would fit well with the Celtics' core.

"Allen is a versatile wing who has an overlap of skill and toughness. He's a good handler, passer, potentially better shooter than his numbers indicate."
- 2025-26 Stats: 11.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 34.1% 3PT
26. Denver Nuggets
Ebuka Okorie | PG | Stanford

Okorie completely shattered expectations during his time at Stanford. He uses elite speed to get into the paint and has shown a steadily improving jump shot that makes him a dangerous late-first-round option.

"More so than any freshman in the country, Ebuka exceeded expectations at Stanford during the 2025-26 season. His speed and ability to get a piece of the paint are his calling card."
- 2025-26 Stats: 23.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 35.4% 3PT
25. L.A. Lakers
Rueben Chinyelu | C | Florida

The Lakers need interior defense, and Chinyelu is ready to provide that immediately. His incredible wingspan and ability to switch on the perimeter make him a defensive nightmare for opposing offenses.

"At 6-foot-10 with a nearly 7-foot-8 wingspan, Chinyelu is freakishly long, just as powerful, and yet totally switchable with great recoverability."
- 2025-26 Stats: 10.9 PPG, 11.2 RPG
24. New York Knicks
Flory Bidunga | C | Kansas

If Bidunga decides to stay in the draft, he’d be a perfect fit for New York’s blue-collar identity. He’s a versatile defender and an explosive athlete who would thrive as a rim-runner and lob threat.

"Bidunga is a big-time athlete, tremendously versatile defender, rim-runner, and explosive lob threat."
- 2025-26 Stats: 13.3 PPG, 9 RPG, 1.5 APG
23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE)
Henri Veesaar | C | North Carolina

Veesaar is a stretch-five who provides a lot of offensive flexibility. He can space the floor or pass out of the high post, giving Atlanta a versatile chess piece to use in their rotation.

"Veesaar had a breakout year at North Carolina and has one of the best overlaps of size and skill in this draft. Veesaar is a stretch-five who shoots it with ease."
- 2025-26 Stats: 17 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 42.6% 3PT
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU)
Chris Cenac Jr. | PF | Houston

The Sixers need help in the frontcourt, and Cenac Jr. has elite physical tools. While his consistency has been a question mark, his rebounding and mobility at his size make him a risk worth taking at this point in the draft.

"Cenac asserted himself on the glass this year and answered most of the questions about his motor. Still, the pieces don't always come all the way together for Cenac."
- 2025-26 Stats: 9.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 33.3% 3PT
21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN)
Cameron Carr | SG | Baylor

Carr was a breakout star this year, showing off explosive leaping ability and a dangerous outside shot. He still has a lot of room to mature physically, but his raw scoring tools make him a high-upside pick for Detroit.

"Carr exploded this season for Baylor while putting up 49/37/80 shooting. More impressive for Carr is that he still has vast untapped potential."
- 2025-26 Stats: 18.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 37.4% 3PT
20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
Karim Lopez | PF | Mexico

Lopez has been making serious moves as an international prospect in the NBL. He’s a physical player who isn't afraid to compete on both ends, and he could be a steal if he slides to the Spurs in the late first round.

"The Mexican native played with the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL Next Stars program this year and made really nice strides. He's a hard-playing, physical presence."
- 2025-26 Stats: 11.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.0 APG
19. Toronto Raptors
Christian Anderson | PG | Texas Tech

Toronto needs a boost at the point, and Anderson provides elite shooting and playmaking in the pick-and-roll. His offensive game is worth the gamble for a team looking for a Maestro to run their half-court sets.

"Anderson is a highly skilled lead guard who is both a big-time shooter of the basketball and a maestro in the pick-and-roll."
- 2025-26 Stats: 18.5 PPG, 7.4 APG, 41.5% 3PT
18. Charlotte Hornets (via ORL)
Bennett Stirtz | PG | Iowa

Stirtz is a veteran playmaker who provides a steady hand in the backcourt. While he won't beat you with raw athleticism, his reliability and understanding of the game are exactly what Charlotte has prioritized lately.

"Stirtz is a highly skilled true point guard with an elite feel for the game. He's not an overwhelming athlete or defender, but he's ultra reliable."
- 2025-26 Stats: 19.8 PPG, 4.4 APG, 35.8% 3PT
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI)
Morez Johnson Jr. | C | Michigan

The Thunder could double down on Michigan’s championship grit by adding Johnson Jr. He’s a tireless worker who embraces a role and can provide defensive versatility while hitting the occasional open triple.

"Johnson is a tough and rugged prospect who is willing to do all the dirty work. He is capable of sliding his feet and being versatile defensively."
- 2025-26 Stats: 13.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 34.3% 3PT
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX)
Jayden Quaintance | C | Kentucky

Quaintance is a physical specimen who was a defensive force before his injury. If he returns to form, he provides a level of athleticism and power at the rim that would be a great contrast in the Memphis rotation.

"Essentially, he's a totally different type of big man from Zach Edey, and that may be exactly why he'd be such an intriguing complement in Memphis' rotation."
- 2025-26 Stats: 5 RPG, 5 APG (4 games played)
15. Chicago Bulls (via POR)
Hannes Steinbach | PF | Washington

With the Bulls looking to add intelligence and size to their frontcourt, Steinbach makes a lot of sense. He’s a smart rebounder with elite hands who can function as both a four and a five in the modern NBA.

"He's skilled, smart, has elite hands, is a high-volume rebounder, and capable of playing both the four and the five."
- 2025-26 Stats: 18.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.6 APG
14. Charlotte Hornets
Koa Peat | PF | Arizona

Peat is a physical force who brings a lot of winning intangibles to the floor. While his outside shot is still a work in progress, his ability to rebound and finish at the rim was a major factor in Arizona's deep tournament run.

"Peat is another very polarizing prospect in this draft. A strong, physical four-man loaded with intangibles, Peat can finish, rebound, short-roll, get downhill, and even play-make a bit."
- 2025-26 Stats: 14.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 35% 3PT
13. Miami Heat
Labaron Philon | PG | Alabama

Philon is a pure shot-creator who thrives when the offense runs through him. He consistently put up big numbers in the SEC and has the defensive potential to fit right into the Heat's system.

"Philon is one of the more gifted shot creators in this draft class. The focal point of opposing SEC defenses every night, Philon still produced 50/40/80 shooting splits..."
- 2025-26 Stats: 22 PPG, 3.5 APG, 39.9% 3PT
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Yaxel Lendeborg | PF | Michigan

Lendeborg is a versatile defender who can switch across multiple positions, making him a perfect fit for a Thunder team that values two-way flexibility. His improved perimeter shooting has turned him into a high-level role-player prospect.

"Lendeborg is one of the more versatile two-way players, and specifically defenders, in this class. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, he often guarded opposing point guards this year at Michigan."
- 2025-26 Stats: 15.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 37.2% 3PT
11. Golden State Warriors
Aday Mara | C | Michigan

The Warriors could add a massive interior presence in Mara. He played a critical role in Michigan’s championship run, showing he’s more than just a shot-blocker with his ability to pass the ball and move around the paint.

"Mara kept getting better as the college season went on and ultimately led Michigan to a national championship. At 7-foot-3, he's a giant, even by NBA standards, and a tremendous rim protector."
- 2025-26 Stats: 12.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.4 APG
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Nate Ament | PF | Tennessee

Ament is one of the more intriguing long-term bets in this lottery. He’s a fluid 6-foot-10 forward who has shown massive improvement recently, and while he needs to get stronger, his raw skill set is undeniable.

"Ament is a fairly polarizing prospect with a potentially wide range on draft night. He's a late-blooming 6-foot-10 combo-forward with touch, natural skill, and fluidity."
- 2025-26 Stats: 16.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.3 APG
9. Chicago Bulls
Mikel Brown Jr. | PG | Louisville

Chicago is entering a new era under Bryson Graham, and adding a talent like Brown Jr. would be a huge boost. He’s a creative ball-handler whose shooting potential is much higher than his college numbers might suggest.

"Brown is incredibly talented with the ball, has shooting potential that vastly exceeds his Louisville numbers, and would complement Giddey's playmaking beautifully."
- 2025-26 Stats: 18.2 PPG, 4.7 APG, 34.4% 3PT
8. Dallas Mavericks
Brayden Burries | SG | Arizona

If Dallas looks for a defensive-minded guard to pair with Cooper Flagg, Burries is the choice. He’s a physical, aggressive player who can defend his position while providing a reliable outside shot to keep the floor spaced.

"Burries is a strong and aggressive two-way guard who can get downhill with real force, provide a formidable three-point shooter to stretch the floor, and simultaneously defend his position."
- 2025-26 Stats: 16.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 39.1% 3PT
7. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP)
Keaton Wagler | PG | Illinois

Wagler's rise this season was nothing short of incredible. He transitioned from an under-the-radar recruit to the heart of an Illinois team that made the Final Four, proving he has the size and vision to be a top-tier NBA point guard.

"There is a case to be made that Wagler is the best long-term point guard prospect in this draft. He came out of virtually nowhere to have a huge freshman season."
- 2025-26 Stats: 17.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.2 APG
6. Memphis Grizzlies
Kingston Flemings | PG | Houston

With uncertainty surrounding the future of their backcourt, the Grizzlies could look for an elite athlete like Flemings. He’s a playmaker who can get into the teeth of the defense at will and finish explosively above the rim.

"Flemings would provide the Grizz with an elite athlete who can get a piece of the paint on demand, rise up explosively at the rim, get to his pull-up at virtually anytime, and be solid on the defensive end."
- 2025-26 Stats: 16.1 PPG, 5.2 APG, 38.7% 3PT
5. Sacramento Kings
Darius Acuff Jr. | PG | Arkansas

Sacramento needs a floor general to lead the next iteration of their roster. Acuff Jr. was arguably the most impressive college guard this year, showing he can handle a heavy scoring load while setting up teammates with ease.

"Acuff was the best college player of the bunch and may also be the most prepared to step in and be an offensive focal point in the NBA."
- 2025-26 Stats: 23.5 PPG, 6.4 APG, 44% 3PT
4. Utah Jazz
Caleb Wilson | PF | North Carolina

The Jazz are ready to move past the rebuild, and Wilson provides the kind of explosive athleticism that fits perfectly next to their current frontcourt. He’s a high-motor player who is still just scratching the surface of his offensive potential.

"Wilson gives them a prospect with legit star-type outcomes. He's a high-level athlete with a big-time motor, and has unusual elasticity (or bend) for a player his size."
- 2025-26 Stats: 19.8 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.7 APG
3. Brooklyn Nets
Darryn Peterson | PG | Kansas

Brooklyn is still searching for that centerpiece to build their new era around, and Peterson has the highest ceiling of the remaining guards. Despite some ups and downs at Kansas, his raw burst and physical playmaking are exactly what a rebuilding roster needs.

"The Nets are deep into their rebuilding project and still lack a star of the future. Peterson could give him that. While his season at Kansas was full of controversy, he made massive gains with his shooting."
- 2025-26 Stats: 20.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 38.2% 3PT
2. Indiana Pacers
Cameron Boozer | PF | Duke

While Peterson might be higher on some boards, Boozer is the kind of reliable force that a team looking to compete immediately can't ignore. His combination of strength and basketball smarts was on full display as he claimed player of the year honors at Duke.

"He's the surest thing in this draft. He had a historic high school career, was the college basketball player of the year, and has an extremely high floor with his overlap of physicality, skill, and basketball IQ."
- 2025-26 Stats: 22.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.1 APG
1. Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa | SF | BYU

Dybantsa is the player everyone is chasing right now. He’s a natural bucket-getter who combined elite physical tools with a much-improved passing game during his freshman season at BYU. He looks ready to be the focal point of an NBA offense from day one.

"Dybantsa has established himself as the clear-cut favorite to be the number one pick. He's a polished scorer and shot-creator who also happens to have great positional size, athleticism, and elasticity."
- 2025-26 Stats: 25.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.7 APG
Have Your Say! 2026 NBA Mock Draft
The 2026 NBA Draft is officially approaching, and after a full season of evaluation, the board is anything but static. Landing a star in this class could redefine a franchise for a decade.

Join the Debate: Who is the Real Winner?
- The Clear Number One: Is AJ Dybantsa a lock for the top pick, or could a team prioritize the consistency of Cameron Boozer?
- The Backcourt Class: Which of the many lead guards in this mock, like Acuff Jr. or Wagler, do you trust to lead an NBA offense next year?
- The Late Round Steal: Is there a prospect in the back half of the first round, like Ebuka Okorie or Allen Graves, that you think will be the steal of the year?
- Lottery Volatility: Which team in the lottery do you think is one pick away from becoming an immediate playoff threat?
Drop your take in the comments: Who is your early favorite for 2027 Rookie of the Year?
2026 CBS Sports NBA Mock Draft
Evaluating the 2026 NBA Draft Class

This Sunday, the NBA landscape is going to shift in a major way. The 2026 draft lottery isn't just about finding the next star; it’s about a class that executives are calling the most talented and stacked group we’ve seen in years. While the Big Three of Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer still lead the way, the 2025-26 college season has produced a new wave of lottery talent that has expanded the top tier of this draft significantly. From one-and-done lead guards to physically dominant big men, this first round is deep enough to fast-track any rebuild.

We’re taking a look at CBS Sports' Adam Finkelstein’s latest mock to see where the best fits are for the league's next generation.