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2026 NBA Mock Draft: Bleacher Report’s Post-Lottery Projections and Pro Player Comparisons

Joe Cervenka

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Join the Mock Draft Debate

The lottery balls have settled, but the scouting reports are still being written. One strong workout in Chicago can change everything for these teams. Are you mostly in agreement with how Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman has this thing going? Where did he get it wrong?

Who is your No. 1?
- The Wizards' Choice: Is AJ Dybantsa a lock for Washington at No. 1, or should they look at the 39.1% three-point shooting of Cameron Boozer?
- The Jazz Blueprint: Does pairing Ace Bailey with Darryn Peterson create the most dangerous young scoring duo in the West?
- The Lottery Steal: Which team in the Top 10 will land the best fit for their current roster needs?
- The Medical Gamble: Would you spend a mid-first-round pick on Jayden Quaintance despite the limited four-game sample size at Kentucky?
Drop your take in the comments: Now that the order is locked, which team is in the best position to change their future?
Bleacher Report's Post-Lottery 2026 NBA Mock Draft
Evaluating the 2026 First-Round Tier List

The 2026 NBA Draft lottery has officially reshuffled the deck, and for the Washington Wizards, it’s a total game-changer. Landing the No. 1 overall pick gives D.C. its choice of a "Big 4" group that many scouts consider to be the most talented in a decade.

While names like AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer have been staples at the top of the board all year, the actual lottery results have created some fascinating new pairings. From the Utah Jazz looking to add Darryn Peterson's scoring punch to the Memphis Grizzlies facing a massive decision at No. 3, the landscape for the 2026 offseason is officially set.

We’re diving into Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report’s full first-round mock to see who is rising, who is falling, and which teams just found their next franchise cornerstone.
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa (BYU)
Position: SF | Size: 6'9", 210 lbs | Age: 19

The Wizards winning the lottery is a massive turning point for a franchise that already has Trae Young and Anthony Davis in the fold. Adding Dybantsa gives them a high-level wing who can score at all three levels while fitting perfectly into a rotation that needs more Big-Wing versatility. At 19 years old, he’s already showing the kind of alpha mindset that suggests he’s ready for the bright lights of D.C.

"Nobody seems to have serious worries about Dybantsa. It's obviously easy to project upside around a powerful, 6'9" wing with elite footwork for creation, high-level shotmaking skill, some passing smarts and an NCAA-leading 25.5-point-per-game scoring average at 19 years old."

Pro Comparison: Jaylen Brown

2025 Stats: 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals
2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson (Kansas)
Position: SG | Size: 6'6", 205 lbs | Age: 19

Utah has a chance to create a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses by pairing Ace Bailey with Darryn Peterson. Danny Ainge has always had a type: guards with elite creation and physical tools, and Peterson fits that mold.

"The consensus deems his shotmaking skill as special and even more diverse than Dybantsa's, given Peterson's three-point volume and outstanding off-ball, spot-up and movement shooting numbers."

Pro Comparison: Anthony Edwards

2025-26 Stats: 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals
3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer (Duke)
Position: PF | Size: 6'9", 250 lbs | Age: 18

With the rumors swirling about a Ja Morant trade, the Grizzlies need a high-IQ anchor to build around. While some scouts worry about his vertical pop, it’s hard to argue with a guy who already has two FIBA MVPs and multiple state titles on his resume.

"He shot better from three (39.1 percent) on higher volume than Dybantsa. He has a 26.0 assist percentage, which doubles Peterson's, Dybantsa's and lottery guards like Keaton Wagler and Brayden Burries. He grades in Synergy Sports' 90th percentile or better in ball‑screen and isolation possessions."

Pro Comparison: Kevin Love

2025-26 Stats: 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists
4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson (North Carolina)
Position: PF | Size: 6'10", 215 lbs | Age: 19

Chicago is leaning into a versatile frontcourt by pairing Matas Buzelis with Caleb Wilson. Wilson offers the kind of ball skills and defensive range that modern teams crave. His deep jump shot is still a work in progress but his explosive athletic traits give him a ceiling that some scouts just can't ignore.

"Certain scouts sound willing to bet on Wilson's open-floor ball-handling, shotmaking flashes and passing continuing to improve to complement the quickness, explosion and defensive range that Boozer lacks."

Pro Comparison: Jermaine O'Neal

2025-26 Stats: 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists
5. LA Clippers: Keaton Wagler (Illinois)
Position: PG/SG | Size: 6'6", 180 lbs | Age: 19

The Clippers are prioritizing IQ and shooting as they move into a new era. Wagler was the engine behind Illinois’ Final Four run, showing a level of maturity and shot-processing that is rare for a 19-year-old. He’s a crafty finisher with a signature change of pace that helps him negate more athletic defenders, making him a perfect fit next to a playmaker like Darius Garland.

"His shooting at this stage is well documented and highly convincing. If there is a concern with Wagler, it's the lack of strength and explosion inside the arc, but he compensated effectively against the Huskies using his signature change of pace, deceleration and a crafty layup package on his drives."

Pro Comparison: Jamal Murray

2025-26 Stats: 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists
6. Brooklyn Nets: Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
Position: PG/SG | Size: 6'3", 190 lbs | Age: 18

Brooklyn is strictly in best player available mode, and Acuff Jr. has made it impossible to ignore him. He has elite finishing craft and a playmaking IQ that suggests he can be the lead guard of the future, regardless of his smaller 6'3" frame.

"Perceptions of Acuff have shifted over the season's final two months, when he averaged 27.8 points and 6.7 assists while consistently carrying Arkansas during important stretches... he's poked enough holes in the belief that limited size caps his ceiling."

Pro Comparison: Stephon Marbury

2025-26 Stats: 23.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists
7. Sacramento Kings: Kingston Flemings (Houston)
Position: PG | Size: 6'4", 190 lbs | Age: 19

The Kings need a leader at the point who can actually hit shots under pressure. Flemings brings that Houston-style toughness and a pro-level mid-range game that makes him ideal for the top 10. He’s an efficient shooter who can provide a steady hand for Sacramento’s backcourt.

"He's locked into the top-10 mix, with scouts confident in a 6'4" ball-handler with a pro-level mid-range game, a 38.8 percent three-point shot, an 84.3 free-throw percentage, an outstanding assist-to-turnover ratio and promising defensive tools."

Pro Comparison: De'Aaron Fox

2025-26 Stats: 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists
8. Atlanta Hawks: Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville)
Position: PG/SG | Size: 6'5", 180 lbs | Age: 18

Atlanta is looking for an offensive spark, and Brown Jr. is a certified lightning rod. He’s the type of player who can go off on any given night, though consistency was an issue throughout his freshman year. Teams will have to look into his recent back injury, but his positional size and creativity as a shotmaker are hard to pass up in the lottery.

"The ability to explode for 45 points in a game really highlights his lightning-rod style offense and confidence. But consistency was a problem for Brown. In eight of 21 games, he shot under 35.0 percent."

Pro Comparison: Tyler Herro

2025-26 Stats: 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists
9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries (Arizona)
Position: SG | Size: 6'4", 205 lbs | Age: 20

Burries is the type of efficient, low-maintenance guard that every star wants to play with. He has made a point of consistently getting to the rim and hitting tough mid-range pull-ups. For a Mavericks team built around Kyrie and Cooper Flagg, adding a guy who attacks closeouts with purpose is a no-brainer.

"He's the type of guard who doesn't need flash to get to the rim or hit pull-ups, floaters and threes. He has been super efficient in ball-screen situations getting downhill and shooting in the mid-range."

Pro Comparison: Derrick White

2025-26 Stats: 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Karim Lopez (New Zealand Breakers)
Position: PF | Size: 6'8", 225 lbs | Age: 19

The Bucks are in a transitional phase and need to start infusing young talent into the rotation. Lopez is a high-upside forward who just turned 19 and is already producing in the pro environment of the NBL. He has a great blend of skills and grit, showing flashes of being a versatile scorer who can handle the ball and pass effectively for his size.

"Though not the most convincing creator or shooter, he's had encouraging sequences in the NBL, making rhythm threes, handling the ball, passing it and using tools/toughness through contact inside."

Pro Comparison: Franz Wagner

2025-26 Stats: 50% FG, 32.6% 3P, most points ever by a Next Stars player.
11. Golden State Warriors: Nate Ament (Tennessee)
Position: SF | Size: 6'10", 207 lbs | Age: 19

The Warriors need a big wing who can space the floor and create his own look, and Ament fits that archetype perfectly. At 6'10", he can get his shot off over almost anyone. While he still needs to add strength to finish through contact, his ability to shoot, dribble, and pass makes him a classic Warriors target.

"He's a mismatch and three-level scorer who can get his shot off cleanly at will due to positional height and release point... He's getting to the line at a strong rate, yet he isn't a black hole, averaging 2.3 assists."

Pro Comparison: Will Riley

2025-26 Stats: 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan)
Position: PF | Size: 6'9", 240 lbs | Age: 23

OKC loves adding NBA-ready talent that doesn't break the bank, and Lendeborg is coming off a national title run at Michigan. At 23 years old, he has the size and IQ to contribute to a contender immediately. He’s a versatile defender who can fit into almost any lineup without needing the ball in his hands constantly.

"An improved shooter and defender who passes and rebounds, Lendeborg should look highly adaptable and easy to fit for most NBA teams."

Pro Comparison: Aaron Gordon

2025-26 Stats: 15.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.2 BPG
13. Miami Heat: Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama)
Position: PG | Size: 6'4", 185 lbs | Age: 20

Philon Jr. is exactly the type of tough, creative guard the Heat love. He wrapped up a breakout season at Alabama with a massive 35-point statement game against Michigan. He is a shifty player who keeps defenses off balance, constantly moving in different ways.

"His identity still revolves around dribble creativity and getting to spots. Philon has dangerous change of speed, deceleration ability and handles, and now he's a more advanced isolation and ball-screen scorer."

Pro Comparison: Dejounte Murray

2025-26 Stats: 22.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists
14. Charlotte Hornets: Aday Mara (Michigan)
Position: C | Size: 7'3", 255 lbs | Age: 20

The Hornets need a massive defensive presence, and Mara provides exactly that. During Michigan’s tournament run, he showed why he is such a unique center prospect, combining elite rim protection with high-level passing skills. While his free-throw shooting is a disaster, his ability to act as such a lethal weapon inside makes him a rare find.

"Michigan's NCAA tournament run shined light on his defensive impact... aside from the constant shot-contesting around the paint and rim, he gave the lineup significant offense as a lob target, low-post player and passer."

Pro Comparison: Andrew Bogut

2025-26 Stats: 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.6 blocks
15. Chicago Bulls: Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky)
Position: PF | Size: 6'10", 255 lbs | Age: 18

If the Bulls can land both Caleb Wilson and Jayden Quaintance, they will have the most intimidating young frontcourt in the league. Quaintance only played four games this year following an ACL recovery, but his long-term defensive ceiling is astronomical. He is a shot-blocking machine with a massive frame who could grow into a threat down low.

"At full strength, Quaintance looks like an outstanding defensive prospect due to his frame, length and shot-blocking rate... he's delivered enough flashes of low-post touch, driving ability and shotmaking for scouts to picture long-term potential."

Pro Comparison: Derrick Favors

2025-26 Stats: Limited to 4 games following ACL recovery.
16. Memphis Grizzlies: Christian Anderson (Texas Tech)
Position: PG | Size: 6'3", 178 lbs | Age: 19

Anderson made a huge jump as a playmaker this year while maintaining elite shooting efficiency on high volume. While he has a thin frame, his pacing and passing reads suggest he can be a very effective lead guard at the next level.

"He has a case as the draft's most advanced pick-and-roll ball-handler with his pacing, pull-up shooting and sound passing reads. Consecutive years of 40.0 percent catch-and-shoot threes adds a bonus layer of cushion."

Pro Comparison: Darius Garland

2025-26 Stats: 18.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists
17. Oklahoma City Thunder: Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston)
Position: PF | Size: 6'11", 240 lbs | Age: 18

Cenac is a rebounding specialist who can protect the rim and hit catch-and-shoot jumpers. While he isn't a creator or a high-level passer yet, his defensive motor and finishing tools make him a very easy fit for a team that already has primary stars.

"The shotmaking combined with his finishing tools, rebounding and defensive motor creates a stretch 4 archetype that's often in demand and easy to fit... Cenac just doesn't create or pass, so his margin for error is limited."

Pro Comparison: Bobby Portis

2025-26 Stats: 9.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 0.8 steals
18. Charlotte Hornets: Cameron Carr (Baylor)
Position: SG | Size: 6'5", 175 lbs | Age: 20

Carr is a safe, projectable wing who provides vertical athleticism and high-level shooting. He’s already a high-flyer who attacks the rim, but it’s his shooting that makes him a lock for the first round. He’s the type of player who can fit into any rotation and provide spacing immediately.

"Consistency and a high release have helped Cameron Carr's shotmaking look very persuasive. With 37 dunks and 31 blocks at 6'5", the combination of shooting skills and athleticism should help Carr appear very safe."

Pro Comparison: Devin Vassell

2025-26 Stats: 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks
19. Toronto Raptors: Hannes Steinbach (Washington)
Position: C | Size: 6'11", 225 lbs | Age: 19

Toronto always values IQ and skill, and Steinbach has both in spades. He finished his freshman year on an absolute tear, averaging 21.1 points and 12.9 rebounds over his final eight games. He isn't a massive rim protector, but his hands and instincts are elite for a 19-year-old center.

"Steinbach's skill, hands, nose for the ball and IQ are advanced for a 6'11" teenager. And there have been enough signs of athleticism/footwork in the open floor and shotmaking for scouts to picture another level of offensive upside."

Pro Comparison: Zach Collins

2025-26 Stats: 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 57.7% FG%
20. San Antonio Spurs: Allen Graves (Santa Clara)
Position: PF | Size: 6'9", 225 lbs | Age: 19

Graves is a deep dive numbers machine who fits the Spurs' scouting profile perfectly. He finished sixth in the country in box plus-minus and has a unique stat line that features 41.9% three-point shooting and elite steal and block rates.

"Analytical standout, Graves has also flashed coveted, two-way versatility for a 6'9" freshman... Scouts will be discussing how much his shotmaking, instincts and impact should outweigh his limited explosion."

Pro Comparison: Boris Diaw

2025-26 Stats: 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals
21. Detroit Pistons: Bennett Stirtz (Iowa)
Position: PG | Size: 6'4", 190 lbs | Age: 22

The Pistons add a mature backcourt piece who led Iowa to a surprise Elite Eight appearance. Stirtz is one of the most accurate guards in college hoops with great shot selection and patience. While he isn't an elite athlete, his ability to convert difficult dribble jumpers and finish at the rim makes him a valuable asset.

"Stirtz was forced to take some difficult shots against Florida, but he's also converted 90 dribble jumpers on the year and 70.2 percent of his rim finishes. And he's one of the class' most accurate catch-and-shoot guards at 50.8 percent."

Pro Comparison: Malcolm Brogdon

2025-26 Stats: 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, 2.5 threes
22. Philadelphia 76ers: Ebuka Okorie (Stanford)
Position: PG | Size: 6'2", 185 lbs | Age: 19

If Okorie stays in the draft, the Sixers are getting a Top-10 scorer in the nation. He is a ball-dominant freshman who thrives on creativity and rim pressure. Despite heavy usage, Okorie showed he could take care of the ball and manage the game while putting up massive numbers.

"He's carrying a major workload as a No. 1 option, and an 8.1 turnover percentage on 31.0 percent usage is outstanding... he'll hear enough teams willing to buy the effectiveness of his ball-handling quickness."

Pro Comparison: Dennis Schroder

2025-26 Stats: 23.2 points, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals
23. Atlanta Hawks: Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan)
Position: PF | Size: 6'9", 250 lbs | Age: 19

Atlanta adds a high-motor big with elite strength and leaping ability. Johnson Jr. has a very defined role at the next level, an aggressive finisher who protects the interior. He’s a tough, coordinated athlete who should provide immediate defensive value given his lateral foot speed.

"At 6'9", 250 pounds, his combination of strength, leaping and coordination should continue to work well finishing rim runs, lobs, putbacks and low-post opportunities."

Pro Comparison: Montrezl Harrell

2025-26 Stats: 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks
24. New York Knicks: Dailyn Swain (Texas)
Position: PG | Size: 6'8", 220 lbs | Age: 20

Swain has Knicks-guy written all over him. He’s a versatile 6'8" player who can handle the ball in transition, score off the dribble, and defend multiple positions. He was a huge reason Texas won three games in the tournament, showing a level of explosiveness and playmaking that scouts are starting to take very seriously.

"His NBA role will likely differ from the one he plays now... But he'll certainly be able to use the skills he's developed to become a more well-rounded Swiss Army knife, specifically his improved creation, pull-up game, floater and passing."

Pro Comparison: Herb Jones

2025-26 Stats: 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Isaiah Evans (Duke)
Position: SF | Size: 6'6", 180 lbs | Age: 19

The Lakers need off-ball shooters who can stretch the floor for their stars, and Evans is a specialist in that area. He’s shown signs of improved attacking in the paint, suggesting he could evolve into a more complete wing.

"Regardless, he'll be eyed by teams for his off-ball shooting, which has looked similar to last year, only with double the minutes and shots... There have been signs of Isaiah Evans' improved burst for slashing to the rim."

Pro Comparison: Jordan Hawkins

2025-26 Stats: 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 threes
26. Denver Nuggets: Amari Allen (Alabama)
Position: SF/PF | Size: 6'8", 205 lbs | Age: 19

Allen is the perfect connector wing for a team like Denver. He’s a versatile forward who can shoot, pass, and rebound at a high level. He offers the kind of multi-skill set that allows him to fit into any championship-caliber rotation.

"Scouts expect he'll test the draft process, and with 6'8" size, a 38.5 three-point percentage, 7.3 boards and 3.3 assists per game, there are bound to be first-round suitors coveting a big wing with a shoot-dribble-pass skill set."

Pro Comparison: Wilson Chandler

2025-26 Stats: 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.0 steals
27. Boston Celtics: Koa Peat (Arizona)
Position: PF | Size: 6'8", 235 lbs | Age: 19

Peat helped Arizona reach the Final Four with back-to-back 20-point performances, proving he can produce on the big stage. While he lacks elite vertical pop, his physicality and defensive versatility make him a high-floor prospect for the Celtics. He’s a winner who relies on strength and "short fallaway" shots to get his points.

"At this stage, his strength and weaknesses are well-defined... His passing and defensive versatility can make him a more well-rounded player. However, the lack of shooting range, creativity and height have made scouts question his NBA ceiling."

Pro Comparison: Rui Hachimura

2025-26 Stats: 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 52.8% FG%
28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Henri Veesaar (North Carolina)
Position: C | Size: 7'0", 225 lbs | Age: 21

Veesaar is one of the most efficient inside-out finishers in the draft. He isn't a traditional shot-blocker, but he’s incredibly productive on offense, hitting 40 three-pointers this season. For Minnesota, adding a big with this kind of coveted shooting package would provide a different look for their frontcourt.

"He doesn't block many shots for a 7-footer, but offensively, he has become incredibly productive and efficient with a translatable and coveted inside-out scoring package."

Pro Comparison: Nikola Vucevic

2025-26 Stats: 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks
29. Cleveland Cavaliers: Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor)
Position: SG/SF | Size: 6'5", 215 lbs | Age: 19

Yessoufou is a physical specimen who uses his elite athleticism to dominate in transition and on the offensive boards. While his jump shot was streaky, he showed enough potential, like his 37-point eruption against BYU, to make scouts believe he can develop into a reliable perimeter threat at the next level.

"Tounde Yessoufou remained consistently productive tapping into his physical tools and athleticism for driving, transition finishing, offensive rebounding and defensive playmaking."

Pro Comparison: Cam Whitmore

2025-26 Stats: 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.0 steals
30. Dallas Mavericks: Meleek Thomas (Arkansas)
Position: PG/SG | Size: 6'5", 185 lbs | Age: 19

Thomas got off to a blistering start in the tournament, showing a decisive rise-up jumper that is hard to contest. While he still needs to improve as a playmaker, his spot-up shooting and active defense make him a great value pick at the end of the first round.

"NBA teams could see late first-round value around his potential to provide instant offense, spot-up shooting and active defense off the bench... played with confidence easy to see just by watching his shot diet."

Pro Comparison: Jordan Clarkson

2025-26 Stats: 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals
We Want You to Weigh In!
Join the Mock Draft Debate

The lottery balls have settled, but the scouting reports are still being written. One strong workout in Chicago can change everything for these teams. Are you mostly in agreement with how Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman has this thing going? Where did he get it wrong?

Who is your No. 1?
- The Wizards' Choice: Is AJ Dybantsa a lock for Washington at No. 1, or should they look at the 39.1% three-point shooting of Cameron Boozer?
- The Jazz Blueprint: Does pairing Ace Bailey with Darryn Peterson create the most dangerous young scoring duo in the West?
- The Lottery Steal: Which team in the Top 10 will land the best fit for their current roster needs?
- The Medical Gamble: Would you spend a mid-first-round pick on Jayden Quaintance despite the limited four-game sample size at Kentucky?
Drop your take in the comments: Now that the order is locked, which team is in the best position to change their future?
Bleacher Report's Post-Lottery 2026 NBA Mock Draft
Evaluating the 2026 First-Round Tier List

The 2026 NBA Draft lottery has officially reshuffled the deck, and for the Washington Wizards, it’s a total game-changer. Landing the No. 1 overall pick gives D.C. its choice of a "Big 4" group that many scouts consider to be the most talented in a decade.

While names like AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer have been staples at the top of the board all year, the actual lottery results have created some fascinating new pairings. From the Utah Jazz looking to add Darryn Peterson's scoring punch to the Memphis Grizzlies facing a massive decision at No. 3, the landscape for the 2026 offseason is officially set.

We’re diving into Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report’s full first-round mock to see who is rising, who is falling, and which teams just found their next franchise cornerstone.