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2026 CBS Sports NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery, Pre-Combine 1st Round Predictions

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

It's Your Turn! We Want Your 2026 NBA Mock Draft!
Let Us Hear From You

The 2026 Draft Order is officially set, and the fallout from the lottery has changed the trajectory of a dozen franchises. Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports laid out his first round; now it's your turn to put together your first round projections.
- The Big Question: Who is the best pro-ready player in this NBA Draft class?
- The Debate: Who is the better long-term prospect: AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson?
- You Tell Us: Who is your favorite sleeper in the late first round? Let us know with your full first-round mock draft in the comments!
CBS Sports 2026 NBA Mock Draft
The lottery balls have settled, and the 2026 NBA landscape has been officially upended. If you thought the lead-up to this draft was something, the actual order had some surprises. The Washington Wizards are back in the driver's seat at No. 1, while the Los Angeles Clippers made off like bandits by snagging a top-five pick from the Indiana Pacers.

With the NBA Combine just days away, Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports has dropped his latest projections. Here is the full 30-pick first-round breakdown for what might be the deepest class we've seen in a decade.
1. Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa | SF | BYU | Freshman

For the second time in recent history, the Wizards are on the clock at No. 1. AJ Dybantsa is the ultimate prize, a 6'9" scoring machine who made BYU must-see TV. Pairing him with the veteran core of Trae Young and Anthony Davis isn't just a rebuild; it's a statement that D.C. is ready to compete right now.

"Dybantsa is a polished scorer and shot-creator with great positional size, athleticism, and elasticity. He can rise-and-fire in the mid-range area on demand, made huge strides with his rim pressure, gets to the free-throw line in high volume, and is capable, albeit a bit unreliable, from three."
- The Fit: A high-volume wing scorer who provides a legitimate focal point for the future.
- 2025-26 Stats: 25.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.7 APG
2. Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson | PG | Kansas | Freshman

The Jazz are in a fascinating spot. While there's a huge connection to the Boozer family, they opt for the pure ceiling of Darryn Peterson. He survived a chaotic year at Kansas and proved he’s still that dude. Putting him next to Keyonte George gives Utah arguably the most talented young backcourt in the league.

"While Peterson's season at Kansas was full of controversy, he made massive gains with his shooting. Combine that with the playmaking, burst, and physicality we saw when he was completely healthy in high school, and you have a prospect who could very well end up being the best player taken from this draft."
- The Fit: A physical, high-burst guard who complements Utah's existing young core perfectly.
- 2025-26 Stats: 20.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 38.2% 3PT
3. Memphis Grizzlies
Cameron Boozer | PF | Duke | Freshman

The Grizzlies aren't overthinking this. Cameron Boozer is the safest bet in the draft, but his ceiling is still through the roof. He’s an absolute unit with a basketball IQ that’s off the charts. Watching him operate in a frontcourt alongside Zach Edey is going to be a nightmare for every other team in the West.

"Boozer had a historic high school career, was the college basketball player of the year, and is the surest thing in this draft. His overlap of physicality, skill, and basketball IQ makes him unique. There will be questions about whether his creation or upside is on par with Dybantsa and Peterson, but his floor is the highest in this draft."
- The Fit: A foundational forward who brings winning DNA and double-double production from Day 1.
- 2025-26 Stats: 22.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.1 APG.
4. Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson | PF | North Carolina | Freshman

The Bulls land a potential superstar in Caleb Wilson. He’s got that rare bend and athleticism that scouts lose their sleep over. Chicago’s front office is looking for a long-term home run, and while Wilson still needs to polish his jumper, his defensive upside and transition play make him a blue-chip prospect.

"Wilson is a prospect with legit star type outcome and potential. He's a high-level athlete with a big-time motor with unusual elasticity (or bend) for a player his size. Wilson exceeded expectations offensively last year, and yet still has immense room for progress."
- The Fit: A versatile, high-motor forward for a team that needs high-end talent.
- 2025-26 Stats: 19.8 PPG, 9.4 RPG.
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
5. Los Angeles Clippers (via IND)
Keaton Wagler | PG | Illinois | Freshman

This is the draft’s biggest what-if. The Clippers got this pick via a trade with the Pacers, and it landed exactly where it needed to for L.A. to keep it. Keaton Wagler was a breakout star at Illinois, showing he can play on or off the ball.

"Wagler came out of nowhere to be a freshmen star at Illinois. Adjusting to unprecedented levels of competition should have required patience, and yet it was seamless for Wagler. That could illustrate that he's just scratching the surface of his potential with his size, skill, and feel for the game."
- The Fit: A big, high-feel guard who can slide into multiple roles.
- 2025-26 Stats: 17.9 PPG, 39.7% 3P%.
6. Brooklyn Nets
Darius Acuff Jr. | PG | Arkansas | Freshman

The Nets are still hunting for the guy to lead their offense, and Darius Acuff Jr. fits the bill. His shooting splits at Arkansas were borderline video-game numbers. He might have some work to do on the defensive end, but his ability to get a bucket from anywhere on the court is exactly what Brooklyn needs.

"Acuff is a multi-level creator with shooting splits that were off the charts last year at Arkansas and the passing metrics to match. Of all the true freshmen point guards in this draft, Acuff is the most ready to play a major role offensively from day one."
- The Fit: An immediate primary shot-creator with elite range.
- 2025-26 Stats: 23.5 PPG, 44% 3P%.
7. Sacramento Kings
Kingston Flemings | PG | Houston | Freshman

The Kings have a vacancy at the starting point guard spot, and Kingston Flemings is walking in to claim it. He is a premier athlete who plays with that Houston grit. If he can keep defenders honest with his outside shot, his ability to get to the rim at will is going to make him a star in the Kings' fast-paced system.

"Flemings is 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 any time, and be solid on the defensive end. His swing skill is his shooting, and if it holds up, then he too has legit star-type outcomes."
- The Fit: A dynamic, paint-touching lead guard who thrives in the open court.
- 2025-26 Stats: 16.1 PPG, 5.2 APG.
8. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP)
Mikel Brown Jr. | PG | Louisville | Freshman

After moving on from the Trae Young era, the Hawks need a new floor general. Mikel Brown Jr. is as polished as they come. He has an elite handle and vision that reminds you of a veteran. His shooting at Louisville didn't fully reflect his talent, so Atlanta is banking on a big-time bounce-back in the pros.

"Brown is incredibly skilled and has complete control of the basketball. He's a vastly better shooter than his numbers showed last year at Louisville, a pinpoint passer, and as polished with the ball as any lead guard in the draft."
- The Fit: A high-IQ playmaker to lead a roster that already has defensive support in place.
- 2025-26 Stats: 18.2 PPG, 4.7 APG, 34.4% 3PT
9. Dallas Mavericks
Brayden Burries | SG | Arizona | Freshman

The Mavericks are all about building around Cooper Flagg, and Brayden Burries is the perfect glue star. He’s a physical guard who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. He can shoot, he can drive, and he can lock up. It’s a win-now move for a team with championship aspirations.

"Burries is a strong and aggressive two-way guard who can get downhill with force, provide a formidable three-point shooter, and simultaneously defend his position. He's also more physically ready to make the transition to the NBA game than most of the other one-and-done guards in the draft."
- The Fit: A pro-ready two-way threat who provides spacing and toughness.
- 2025-26 Stats: 16.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 39.1% 3PT
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Nate Ament | PF | Tennessee | Freshman

With Giannis Antetokounmpo's future constantly in the headlines, the Bucks take a swing on the ultimate upside play. Nate Ament is a 6'10" unicorn who can handle and shoot. He's a bit of a project, but if he hits, Milwaukee just found their next pillar.

"Ament is a polarizing prospect with a wide range of outcomes on draft night. A late-blooming 6-foot-10 combo-forward who is fluid, has touch, and skill, he's also inconsistent and needs to get stronger."
- The Fit: A developmental forward with high-end offensive skill and length.
- 2025-26 Stats: 16.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.3 APG
11. Golden State Warriors
Aday Mara | C | Michigan | Junior

The Warriors need size, but they also need IQ. Aday Mara just anchored a national title run at Michigan, proving he's much more than just a 7'3" body. His passing and feel for the game are perfect for Steve Kerr’s motion offense.

"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. He's also got sneaky mobility, good hands, real passing ability, and provides vertical spacing."
- The Fit: A massive, high-IQ interior presence who can facilitate from the post.
- 2025-26 Stats: 12.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.4 APG
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Yaxel Lendeborg | PF | Michigan | Senior

The Thunder culture is all about versatility, and Yaxel Lendeborg is the Swiss Army knife of this draft. He’s 6'9" with a massive wingspan and can literally guard 1 through 5. He’s a college veteran who can contribute to a championship hunt immediately.

"Lendeborg is one of the more versatile two-way players, and specifically defenders, in the draft. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, he often guarded opposing point guards this year, is unselfish, an excellent passer, and an improved shooter."
- The Fit: A versatile, defense-first forward who can fit into any lineup.
- 2025-26 Stats: 15.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 37.2% 3PT
13. Miami Heat
Labaron Philon | PG | Alabama | Freshman

Miami needs a spark in the backcourt, and Labaron Philon is a human torch. He put up insane shooting splits at Alabama and has that classic Heat defensive potential. He can create his own shot or play off the ball, giving Erik Spoelstra a ton of options.

"Philon is one of the more gifted shot creators in this draft class. He not only stuffed the stat sheet this year while being the focal point of opposing defenses on a nightly basis, but had 50/40/80 shooting splits."
- The Fit: A gifted shot-creator and floor-spacer who can grow into a lead guard role.
- 2025-26 Stats: 22 PPG, 3.5 APG, 39.9% 3PT
14. Charlotte Hornets
Koa Peat | PF | Arizona | Freshman

The Hornets nailed the 2025 draft, and they’re looking to keep that momentum going. Koa Peat is a throwback power forward, physical, tough, and a winning intangibles machine. He doesn't have the outside shot yet, but he does everything else you need to win games.

"Peat is another polarizing prospect because he's strong, physical, can finish, rebound, short-roll to get downhill, and even play-make a bit, but doesn't shoot. He was pivotal to Arizona's Big 12 championships and Final Four run, and loaded with winning intangibles."
- The Fit: A tough, physical forward who adds grit and rebounding to the second unit.
- 2025-26 Stats: 14.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 35% 3PT
15. Chicago Bulls (via POR)
Hannes Steinbach | PF | Washington | Freshman

The Bulls grab a second lottery talent to pair with Caleb Wilson. Hannes Steinbach is a high IQ big man with great grit. This gives Chicago a future frontcourt that can do it all: pass, rebound, and score from multiple spots.

"Steinbach is a skilled and smart big man who has elite hands and is a high-volume rebounder. He's a bit between a four and a five, but with the NBA trending back towards more size in the frontcourt, he should be capable of playing both positions."
- The Fit: A skilled, high-volume rebounder who provides frontcourt versatility.
- 2025-26 Stats: 18.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.6 APG
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX)
Jayden Quaintance | C | Kentucky | Sophomore

The Grizzlies continue to build a wall in the paint. Jayden Quaintance missed most of the year at Kentucky with an ACL injury, but his talent is top-ten caliber. He is a stellar rim protector who makes the Grizzlies' interior defense look terrifying.

"Quaintance played only four games at Kentucky this year while recovering from a torn ACL. The prior year at Arizona State, he was a defensive monster before going down with the injury. He's long, powerful, and violently athletic at the rim."
- The Fit: A high-upside defensive anchor to pair with Zach Edey.
- 2025-26 Stats: 5 RPG, 5 APG (4 games played)
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI)
Morez Johnson Jr. | C | Michigan | Sophomore

Morez Johnson Jr. was the unsung hero of Michigan’s title team. He does the under-the-radar things winning teams need. In OKC, he’ll be asked to play D and be strong beyond the arc, tasks he’s already mastered.

"Johnson is tough, rugged, willing to do all the dirty work, capable of sliding his feet and being versatile defensively, and now even knocking down open threes. That type of two-way versatility, all while buying into a complementary role, makes him an ideal role player."
- The Fit: A rugged, championship-winning big man who embraces his role.
- 2025-26 Stats: 13.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 34.3% 3PT
18. Charlotte Hornets (via ORL)
Bennett Stirtz | PG | Iowa | Senior

With Coby White heading to free agency, the Hornets need a reliable backup for Lonzo Ball. Bennett Stirtz is a veteran guard who plays the game the right way. He’s a big-time shooter and rarely makes the wrong decision. He’s the type of steady hand coach Charles Lee loves.

"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 a big-time shooter, ultra-reliable and always in the right spots."
- The Fit: A high-feel floor general who provides shooting and depth.
- 2025-26 Stats: 19.8 PPG, 4.4 APG, 35.8% 3PT
19. Toronto Raptors
Christian Anderson | PG | Texas Tech | Sophomore

The Raptors need more skill at the point, and Christian Anderson is a pick-and-roll wizard. He’s a knockdown shooter who can pull up from anywhere. While there are some physical questions, his offensive ceiling is too high for Toronto to pass up here.

"Anderson is a highly skilled lead guard who is both a big-time shooter and a pick-and-roll maestro. There are questions about how he'll adapt physically and defensively, but his offense is worth betting on."
- The Fit: A skilled lead guard to improve the Raptors' half-court offense.
- 2025-26 Stats: 18.5 PPG, 7.4 APG, 41.5% 3PT
20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
Karim Lopez | PF | NBL

San Antonio loves international talent, and Karim Lopez is the latest that will make a splash. He’s a physical, hard-playing forward who isn't afraid to mix it up inside. He provides that "enforcer" energy that every young core needs.

"Lopez is a Mexican native who 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 who pressures the rim and competes on both ends."
- The Fit: A physical, high-motor forward with professional experience.
- 2025-26 Stats: 11.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.0 APG
21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN)
Cameron Carr | SG | Baylor | Sophomore

The Pistons need shooting and athleticism, and Cameron Carr has plenty of both. He had a big year at Baylor, showing he can play in the paint and on the perimeter.

"Carr had a breakout season at Baylor. He's a long, athletic shot-maker who can rock the rim but also posted 49/37/80 shooting splits. He'll need some time to fill out his frame and mature physically, but the raw talent is glaring."
- The Fit: A long, athletic wing scorer with knockdown potential.
- 2025-26 Stats: 18.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 37.4% 3PT
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU)
Chris Cenac Jr. | PF | Houston | Freshman

The Sixers grab a high-upside big in Chris Cenac Jr. He is incredibly mobile for his size and has shown flashes of being a real face-up threat. He can play behind Joel Embiid or even alongside him in certain lineups, giving Philly a ton of frontcourt flexibility.

"Cenac has size, length, athleticism, mobility to slide laterally, and some developing face-up skill and shooting potential. He answered a lot of questions about his motor this year and asserted himself as a rebounder."
- The Fit: A mobile, athletic big with developing perimeter skills.
- 2025-26 Stats: 9.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 33.3% 3PT
23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE)
Henri Veesaar | C | North Carolina | Junior

The Hawks add a stretch-five with elite touch. Henri Veesaar is 7-feet tall and shoots it with zero hesitation. He’s perfect for a team that wants to play five-out and give their guards all the room in the world to work.

"Veesaar has one of the best overlaps of size and skill in this draft. A stretch-five who shoots it with ease out to the three-point line, Veesaart can play out of dribble hand-offs, pass, and still space the floor vertically."
- The Fit: A skilled, floor-spacing big man for the modern NBA.
- 2025-26 Stats: 17 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 42.6% 3PT
24. New York Knicks
Flory Bidunga | C | Kansas | Sophomore

Flory Bidunga is a monster athlete who plays with the kind of intensity New York fans dream about. He’s a relentless rim-runner and lob threat. While he might head back to the college ranks for a big payday, if he stays in, he’s a perfect Knicks player.

"Bidunga is a big-time athlete, tremendously versatile defender, rim-runner, and explosive lob threat. Bidunga is probably back in college playing for the Cardinals next year, but if something unexpected happens, he would make a lot of sense in New York."
- The Fit: A high-energy, rim-running big with elite defensive versatility.
- 2025-26 Stats: 13.3 PPG, 9 RPG, 1.5 APG
25. L.A. Lakers
Rueben Chinyelu | C | Florida | Junior

The Lakers need defense, and Rueben Chinyelu is a wall. He is long and can switch onto smaller guards with ease. His offense is still a work in progress, but he can protect the paint for L.A. right now.

"Chinyelu is ready to impact an NBA game defensively right now. At 6-foot-10 with a nearly 7-foot-8 wingspan, he's freakishly long, powerful, and yet totally switchable with great recoverability."
- The Fit: A defensive anchor with elite length and switchability.
- 2025-26 Stats: 10.9 PPG, 11.2 RPG
26. Denver Nuggets
Ebuka Okorie | PG | Stanford | Freshman

The Nuggets lack guard depth, and Ebuka Okorie has the speed to change that. He is a shifty scorer who can get into the paint whenever he wants. If his shooting continues to improve, he’s a steal this late in the first round.

"Ebuka's speed and ability to get a piece of the paint on demand are his calling cards, but the shooting continued to tick up as the season went on. Given the Nuggets' lack of guard depth, he'd be hard to pass up on here."
- The Fit: A shifty, high-speed backup guard who can pressure the rim.
- 2025-26 Stats: 23.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 35.4% 3PT
27. Boston Celtics
Amari Allen | SF | Alabama | Freshman

The Celtics grab a hard-nosed wing in Amari Allen. He fits the Boston mold perfectly; he can facilitate, run and he’s a dog on defense. He’s the type of competitor who will thrive under Joe Mazzulla.

"Allen is a versatile wing who has both skill and toughness. He can handle, pass, and is a better shooter than his numbers indicate. Allen is a high-volume wing rebounder who is the type of competitor who should mesh well with Joe Mazzulla."
- The Fit: A high-IQ, versatile wing with defensive grit.
- 2025-26 Stats: 11.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 34.1% 3PT
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)
Dailyn Swain | SF | Texas | Junior

Dailyn Swain is the ultimate wildcard. He can play off the dribble and has the potential to become an elite defender. If his jumper finally clicks, the Timberwolves just landed the steal of the draft to put next to Anthony Edwards.

"Swain is a polarizing prospect. At 6-foot-7 he can play off the bounce, create for himself and others, and has real defensive tools. The shooting is a major swing skill for Swain, which has improved within the last year."
- The Fit: A high-ceiling, versatile wing who adds playmaking depth.
- 2025-26 Stats: 17.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 34.4% 3PT
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS)
Allen Graves | PF | Santa Clara | Freshman

Allen Graves game is highly touted for a reason. He does everything well, he passes, he rebounds, and he protects the ball. He’s a high-IQ big man who can stretch the floor, making him a perfect fit for a Cavaliers team that values versatility.

"Graves is an analytic darling who has elite BPM metrics and a rare overlap of defensive playmaking, passing, ball-security, and offensive rebounding. Graves also has great hands and touch to stretch the floor."
- The Fit: A high-feel, floor-spacing forward who wins the numbers game.
- 2025-26 Stats: 11.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 41.3% 3PT
30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC)
Isaiah Evans | SG | Duke | Sophomore

The Mavs close out the round by giving Cooper Flagg an old friend. Isaiah Evans was a knockdown shooter at Duke and provides exactly the kind of floor spacing Dallas needs. He’s a movement shooter who can get his shot off in a split second.

"Evans looks like the type of shooter you can run plays for in the NBA after proving he could make quick-released movement threes his year at Duke. Adding some extra floor spacing around Flagg, especially from a former Duke teammate, might make sense."
- The Fit: A movement shooter who adds spacing and familiarity to the Dallas core.
- 2025-26 Stats: 15 PPG, 36.1% 3P%.
It's Your Turn! We Want Your 2026 NBA Mock Draft!
Let Us Hear From You

The 2026 Draft Order is officially set, and the fallout from the lottery has changed the trajectory of a dozen franchises. Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports laid out his first round; now it's your turn to put together your first round projections.
- The Big Question: Who is the best pro-ready player in this NBA Draft class?
- The Debate: Who is the better long-term prospect: AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson?
- You Tell Us: Who is your favorite sleeper in the late first round? Let us know with your full first-round mock draft in the comments!
CBS Sports 2026 NBA Mock Draft
The lottery balls have settled, and the 2026 NBA landscape has been officially upended. If you thought the lead-up to this draft was something, the actual order had some surprises. The Washington Wizards are back in the driver's seat at No. 1, while the Los Angeles Clippers made off like bandits by snagging a top-five pick from the Indiana Pacers.

With the NBA Combine just days away, Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports has dropped his latest projections. Here is the full 30-pick first-round breakdown for what might be the deepest class we've seen in a decade.