NBA · 7 hours ago

ESPN Reveals Updated 2026 NBA Mock Draft Highlighting Full First-Round Projections

John Canady

Host · Writer

30) Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): G Sergio de Larrea, Spain
Even with Kyrie Irving expected back, Dallas has to keep one eye on the future of the point guard position. Sergio de Larrea brings intriguing size, playmaking instincts, and shooting ability that could make him a valuable long-term piece. The possibility of developing overseas for another season only adds to his appeal for a Mavericks team balancing present and future priorities.

"His playmaking feel, and positional size give him clear potential to grow into a role." — Jeremy Woo
1) Washington Wizards: F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
The Wizards have spent months searching for a franchise cornerstone, and AJ Dybantsa fits that mold. His ability to create offense, attack the rim, and score from multiple levels would give Washington another dynamic young piece alongside Trae Young, Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, and Tre Johnson. If the front office is prioritizing upside and positional size, Dybantsa checks every box.

"For months, he has been the favorite around the NBA to hear his name called first." — Jeremy Woo
2) Utah Jazz: G Darryn Peterson, Kansas
If Darryn Peterson reaches No. 2, Utah would be landing arguably the most gifted offensive player in the draft. His shot creation and scoring instincts would immediately strengthen the Jazz backcourt, which still needs a long-term star to build around. Pairing Peterson with Keyonte George could give Utah one of the league's most exciting young guard duos.

"Peterson would make for a strong match with the Jazz if available, immediately bolstering their offense." — Jeremy Woo
3) Memphis Grizzlies: F Cameron Boozer, Duke
The fit between Cameron Boozer and Memphis feels almost too perfect. Boozer brings toughness, versatility, and a winning pedigree that aligns with the identity the Grizzlies have built over the years. His ability to operate inside and out would also complement Zach Edey, giving Memphis another foundational frontcourt piece for the future.

"The assumption around the NBA has been that Memphis would be thrilled to select Boozer." — Jeremy Woo
4) Chicago Bulls: F Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
The Bulls moved up in the lottery and could walk away with one of the biggest winners from the college season in Caleb Wilson. Chicago needs frontcourt talent and a player capable of becoming the face of its next era, and Wilson offers both. His athleticism and growth trajectory make him a logical building block for a team still searching for long-term answers.

"He would immediately become the face of their rebuild and directly address a frontcourt need." — Jeremy Woo
5) LA Clippers (via IND): G Keaton Wagler, Illinois
The Clippers need an injection of youth, and Keaton Wagler would provide exactly that. His combination of size, shooting, and playmaking versatility gives Los Angeles a player who can contribute now while still offering significant upside down the road. With the roster transitioning into a new phase, Wagler looks like a natural fit.

"Of that trio, Wagler best marries long-term upside with immediate rotation value." — Jeremy Woo
6) Brooklyn Nets: G Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
Darius Acuff Jr. would give Brooklyn something it desperately lacks: a dynamic shot creator who can manufacture offense when possessions break down. The Nets have several young pieces in place, but Acuff's ability to create separation and score from all three levels could help accelerate the rebuild. If Brooklyn wants a player who could eventually become a primary offensive option, this is a strong swing.

"He is coming off an excellent season at Arkansas and would immediately become their most talented shot creator." — Jeremy Woo
7) Sacramento Kings: G Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
The Kings appear to be reshaping their roster, and Mikel Brown Jr. could become a major part of that transition. His blend of shooting, playmaking, and scoring upside would give Sacramento another young guard to develop while immediately adding offensive firepower. If the Kings stay put at No. 7, Brown offers plenty of value.

"Teams say he has been impressive in workouts, displaying the deep shooting range and footwork that give him star potential." — Jeremy Woo
8) Atlanta Hawks (via NOP): G Kingston Flemings, Houston
Adding Kingston Flemings would give Atlanta another explosive playmaker to pair with its young core. His athleticism and ability to pressure defenses off the dribble could bring a different dimension to the Hawks' offense. While Atlanta has options here, Flemings offers the type of upside teams often chase in the top 10.

"His explosiveness and strong intangibles have kept him front of mind for lottery teams." — Jeremy Woo
9) Dallas Mavericks: G Brayden Burries, Arizona
The Mavericks are building around Cooper Flagg, and Brayden Burries feels like a natural fit alongside him. Burries brings scoring punch, versatility, and the maturity to contribute in meaningful games early in his career. Dallas could use another perimeter creator, and Burries checks that box while fitting the team's long-term timeline.

"Any of those teams would give him an opportunity to contribute in a role in a competitive context right away." — Jeremy Woo
10) Milwaukee Bucks: F Nate Ament, Tennessee
Whether Giannis Antetokounmpo stays or goes, Milwaukee needs young talent with upside. Nate Ament remains one of the most intriguing forwards in the class thanks to his size, skill set, and long-term potential. For a Bucks team facing major organizational questions, taking the best player available could be the smartest path forward.

"From a best-available perspective, Ament should be in play for the Bucks." — Jeremy Woo
11) Golden State Warriors: C Aday Mara, Michigan
The Warriors are still trying to maximize what's left of the Stephen Curry era, making Aday Mara an intriguing option. His size, passing ability, and feel for the game could help Golden State address a long-term need in the frontcourt without sacrificing immediate rotation value. Few players in this class offer his combination of length and skill.

"There is strong interest in him, with Atlanta, Dallas, Golden State, and Oklahoma City among the teams noted." — Jeremy Woo
12) Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): F Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Championship contenders often target players who can help right away, and Yaxel Lendeborg fits that description. Oklahoma City doesn't need another lengthy developmental project, but it could use a versatile frontcourt contributor who can fill multiple roles. Lendeborg's experience and production make him a logical addition to an already loaded roster.

"His ability to produce right away puts him in the best available discussion." — Jeremy Woo
13) Miami Heat: F Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan
The Heat are expected to be aggressive this offseason, but if they keep this pick, Morez Johnson Jr. would strengthen a frontcourt that needs more athleticism and physicality. His motor, mobility, and defensive potential fit the identity Miami has traditionally valued. Johnson looks like the type of player who could earn minutes quickly.

"Teams have grown comfortable with him as a potential immediate contributor." — Jeremy Woo
14) Charlotte Hornets: F Karim Lopez, Mexico
Charlotte still has plenty of roster holes to address, making Karim Lopez a sensible lottery target. His combination of size and developmental upside would give the Hornets another versatile forward to build around as the roster continues to evolve. There's risk involved, but the long-term reward could be significant.

"Lopez has interest all over the back half of the lottery, offering developmental upside based on his size." — Jeremy Woo
15) Chicago Bulls (via POR): F/C Hannes Steinbach, Washington
After landing Caleb Wilson earlier in the lottery, the Bulls could continue strengthening their frontcourt with Hannes Steinbach. His size, physicality, and readiness to contribute would give Chicago another rotation piece as it continues reshaping the roster. For a team seeking stability in the paint, Steinbach makes plenty of sense.

"He would represent a ready-now addition for the Bulls." — Jeremy Woo
16) Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX): G Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
With uncertainty surrounding Ja Morant's future, adding another young guard would be a smart move for Memphis. Christian Anderson has steadily improved his stock throughout the predraft process and offers the playmaking and scoring ability teams covet at the position. The Grizzlies could view him as both insurance and a long-term investment in the backcourt.

"He has interest from multiple teams late in the lottery and has a chance to be the first player picked out of that group." — Jeremy Woo
17) Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI): G Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama
The Thunder have built one of the deepest rosters in the league, allowing them to target upside with this selection. Labaron Philon Jr. brings shot creation and scoring instincts that could eventually carve out a role in Oklahoma City's rotation. If he reaches his ceiling, this could look like another strong value pick for the Thunder.

"His ability to create his own shot and shoot from range remains attractive." — Jeremy Woo
18) Charlotte Hornets (via ORL): G Cameron Carr, Baylor
After addressing the frontcourt earlier, Charlotte could add perimeter scoring with Cameron Carr. His athleticism, length, and shot-making ability would give the Hornets another young wing who could grow alongside their existing core. Carr's upside makes him an appealing lottery-level talent in the late teens.

"His explosiveness, length, and shot-making ability provide offensive punch and two-way potential." — Jeremy Woo
19) Toronto Raptors: F/C Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
The Raptors continue searching for long-term answers in the frontcourt, and Chris Cenac Jr. could provide exactly that. While he may need time to develop, his physical tools and untapped potential make him an intriguing investment. Toronto has shown patience with young talent before, making this a logical fit.

"His physical stature and developing skill at 19 years old have helped to separate him in the predraft process." — Jeremy Woo
20) San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): F Allen Graves, Santa Clara
Finding frontcourt help next to Victor Wembanyama remains a priority for San Antonio, and Allen Graves checks a lot of boxes. His versatility and ability to operate away from the basket would allow the Spurs to maintain lineup flexibility while adding another high-IQ player to the roster. The fit makes plenty of sense for a team continuing to build around its superstar.

"Graves would give the Spurs a true power forward who is also comfortable on the perimeter." — Jeremy Woo
21) Detroit Pistons (via MIN): G Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
The postseason exposed Detroit's need for additional shooting and secondary playmaking, making Bennett Stirtz a sensible target. His ability to run offense and keep defenses honest from the perimeter could take some pressure off Cade Cunningham while improving the Pistons' offensive flow. For a team looking to take the next step, this is a practical fit.

"Adding a ball handler who can take pressure off of Cade Cunningham might also be prudent." — Jeremy Woo
22) Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU): G/F Dailyn Swain, Texas
The Sixers need affordable contributors around Joel Embiid and Paul George, and Dailyn Swain could help fill that role. His downhill attacking ability and defensive upside give Philadelphia another athletic wing capable of contributing at both ends of the floor. The shooting remains a work in progress, but the tools are difficult to ignore.

"Teams view his ability to get downhill and solid defensive upside as worth the long-term investment." — Jeremy Woo
23) Atlanta Hawks (via CLE): G Isaiah Evans, Duke
If Atlanta keeps both first-round picks, adding a shooter like Isaiah Evans would make plenty of sense. His ability to knock down shots from deep and thrive without dominating the ball would fit seamlessly alongside the Hawks' existing playmakers. Every team values floor spacing, and Evans brings plenty of it.

"His ability to hit shots off movement is rare and perpetually coveted by NBA teams." — Jeremy Woo
24) New York Knicks: C Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
The Knicks could be searching for frontcourt depth this offseason, especially with uncertainty surrounding Mitchell Robinson's future. Henri Veesaar offers size, floor spacing, and enough versatility to compete for rotation minutes relatively early in his career. For a contender trying to maximize every roster spot, that's valuable.

"His perimeter shooting and sheer size should give him a path to rotation minutes relatively early." — Jeremy Woo
25) Los Angeles Lakers: C Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
The medical evaluations will ultimately determine where Jayden Quaintance lands, but the talent is undeniable. For the Lakers, this would be a high-upside swing on a player who fills a clear need in the frontcourt. If healthy, Quaintance could develop into the type of rim-running big who thrives alongside Luka Doncic.

"He is unanimously viewed as a first-round talent." — Jeremy Woo
26) Denver Nuggets: F Koa Peat, Arizona
The Nuggets need more athleticism and depth around Nikola Jokic, and Koa Peat could help address both. While questions about his jump shot remain, his physicality and defensive versatility fit the type of complementary pieces Denver has successfully developed in the past. This would be a worthwhile gamble on upside for a team looking to stay in the title hunt.

"His physicality and defensive versatility might appeal to a team like Denver." — Jeremy Woo
27) Boston Celtics: G Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
The Celtics are one of the few teams in the league that can afford to be patient, making Meleek Thomas an intriguing option. His scoring ability and improving all-around game would give Boston another young talent to develop without the pressure of immediate production. That's a luxury many teams picking this late don't have.

"His size, scoring ability, and improving defense have stood out in workout settings." — Jeremy Woo
28) Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): G Ebuka Okorie, Stanford
Minnesota could use another ball handler to ease some of the offensive burden on Anthony Edwards, and Ebuka Okorie offers exactly that. His ability to create off the dribble and generate offense gives the Timberwolves another weapon in the backcourt. If the shot continues to develop, this could be a strong value selection.

"Some teams love his elusiveness off the dribble and scoring ability." — Jeremy Woo
29) Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS): C Tarris Reed Jr., UConn
The Cavaliers are firmly in win-now mode, which makes Tarris Reed Jr. one of the more logical fits late in the first round. His rebounding, interior presence, and physical style of play could help strengthen Cleveland's frontcourt depth immediately. Contending teams are always looking for reliable rotation players, and Reed has a chance to become one quickly.

"His mix of length, physical heft, rebounding instincts, and offensive skill make him an appealing plug-and-play role player." — Jeremy Woo
30) Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): G Sergio de Larrea, Spain
Even with Kyrie Irving expected back, Dallas has to keep one eye on the future of the point guard position. Sergio de Larrea brings intriguing size, playmaking instincts, and shooting ability that could make him a valuable long-term piece. The possibility of developing overseas for another season only adds to his appeal for a Mavericks team balancing present and future priorities.

"His playmaking feel, and positional size give him clear potential to grow into a role." — Jeremy Woo
1) Washington Wizards: F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
The Wizards have spent months searching for a franchise cornerstone, and AJ Dybantsa fits that mold. His ability to create offense, attack the rim, and score from multiple levels would give Washington another dynamic young piece alongside Trae Young, Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, and Tre Johnson. If the front office is prioritizing upside and positional size, Dybantsa checks every box.

"For months, he has been the favorite around the NBA to hear his name called first." — Jeremy Woo

ESPN Reveals Updated 2026 NBA Mock Draft Highlighting Full First-Round Projections

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