NBA · 1 hour ago

The Athletic’s 2026 NBA Mock Draft: Sam Vecenie’s Full 30-Pick 1st Round Predictions

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

You Tell Us! What Does Your Mock Draft Look Like?
Join the 2026 NBA Draft Conversation

The Athletic's draft board is officially set for the lottery, but with NIL money keeping top talent in school, the depth of this class is the real story.

Who is the biggest steal of the first round?
- The Top 4 Dilemma: Does AJ Dybantsa have enough distance from Cam Boozer to be the undisputed No. 1?
- The Guard Group: Which of the mid-round guards, like Keaton Wagler or Darius Acuff Jr., do you trust more to start on Day 1?
- The Projects: Are you taking the risk on Jayden Quaintance after the injury, or the size of Aday Mara?
Drop your take in the comments below!
The Athletic's 2026 NBA Mock Draft
Evaluating the Full 1st Round Tier List

The 2026 NBA Draft cycle is officially here, and it’s arriving with a level of hype we haven’t seen in a minute. We’re looking at a class that has scouts genuinely losing sleep, especially at the top, where a "Big 4" has started to separate itself from the pack. But beyond the headliners, there's a massive game of chicken happening between NBA front offices and the college NIL market. With fewer players declaring early than we’ve seen in years, the value of a first-round promise has never been higher.

We are breaking down The Athletic's Sam Vecenie's latest full 30-pick mock to see who is rising, who is a polarizing project, and where the best fits land for next season.
30. Dallas Mavericks
Tounde Yessoufou | Wing | Baylor

Dallas finishes the round with a physical wing with an unlimited gas tank. Yessoufou is a defensive ballhawk who loves to pressure the ball and jump passing lanes, providing instant energy.

"From a scoring perspective, Yessoufou was one of the most productive freshmen in the country... he plays with an insatiable motor that never seems to stop running."
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS)
Meleek Thomas | Wing | Arkansas

Cleveland snags a quick scorer who can get hot in a hurry. Thomas has a smooth pull-up game and positional size that should allow him to find a role as a high-energy scoring threat off the bench.

"Thomas is a dynamic offensive weapon and was a strong running mate for Acuff at Arkansas... he has every bit of the look of a strong sixth-man/microwave scorer in the NBA."
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)
Isaiah Evans | Wing | Duke

Evans is an excellent shooter capable of hitting tough triples. He’s bulked up a bit and expanded his game as a driver, making him a more well-rounded threat on the wing.

"Evans is a dynamic shooter off movement who worked really well with Boozer both in ball screens and as a screener... Evans expanded his game in a big way this year as a driver."
27. Boston Celtics
Henri Veesaar | Center | North Carolina

The Celtics add another shooter at the center position with Veesaar. He’s a 7-footer with excellent touch from the outside, giving Boston more of the offensive spacing they prioritize in their frontcourt.

"Veesaar moves very well for his size and also has a high-end skill set that involves both passing... and shooting from distance, as he hit 42.6 percent of his three 3-point attempts per game."
26. Denver Nuggets
Bennett Stirtz | Guard | Iowa

Stirtz is a smart playmaker who dominated the Big Ten with his shooting and poise. He might not be the fastest guy on the court, but he’s an elite shooter who knows how to run a team and take care of the ball.

"With his pace and skill, he was a dynamite scorer with elite-level basketball IQ for a team that wasn’t that talented by Big Ten standards."
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Amari Allen | Wing | Alabama

The Lakers add a do-everything player who can contribute in multiple ways. Allen is a high-level rebounder for his size and a smart playmaker who can connect the offense, making him a useful rotation piece.

"Allen is a terrific Swiss Army knife wing who excites scouts... he does a little bit of everything without truly excelling in an area outside of rebounding."
24. New York Knicks
Tarris Reed Jr. | Big | Connecticut

Reed Jr. is a broad-shouldered, physical center who dominated the interior during UConn’s tournament run. He’s a great fit for a Knicks team that wants to beat you up on the glass and play a physical style of basketball.

"Outside of Mara, no one helped themselves more in the NCAA Tournament than Reed, whose ability to dominate the glass and score on the interior was terrific."
23. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU)
Jayden Quaintance | Big | Kentucky

Philly takes a chance on a defensive anchor who spent most of his season recovering from injury. When he’s healthy, his shot-blocking and mobility are elite, drawing comparisons to some of the league's best rim protectors.

"Quaintance only played in four games this year, as he attempted to return early from a torn ACL... His mobility and defensive instincts jumped off the page when he was a 17-year-old at Arizona State."
22. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE)
Ebuka Okorie | Guard | Stanford

Okorie is a zoom guard who is constantly attacking the paint. He’s lightning-quick and knows how to slink through tiny cracks in the defense to get to the rim, making him a fun developmental project for a team in need of speed.

"Okorie is clearly just testing his draft stock and might end up as a 2027 draft pick. Still, I’m a buyer on Okorie’s ability with the ball in his hands. He’s constantly in attack mode."
21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN)
Dailyn Swain | Wing | Texas

Detroit moves up a few spots in this mock to grab a physical wing with elite length. Swain is a push-the-pace player who thrives in transition, and his explosiveness allows him to get to the rim with ease.

"The slashing wing moved into more of a primary role and thrived... he is an aggressive downhill player who should have zero issue pressuring the rim, even in the NBA."
20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
Karim Lopez | Wing | New Zealand Breakers

Lopez has been sharpening his game in Australia's NBL, and his physical style of play is starting to catch the eye of scouts. He’s a strong slasher who competes hard on both ends, even if his lateral speed is still a question mark.

"He’s a physical bowling ball who can play in screens and short rolls. He can attack in a straight line from the perimeter, and he is a solid finisher."
19. Toronto Raptors
Chris Cenac Jr. | Big | Houston

The Raptors love length and athleticism, and Cenac Jr. has both in spades. He’s a bit of a project and settled for too many jumpers this year, but the physical tools and mobility for a guy his size are rare.

"Cenac is another polarizing prospect. Some view him as a potential lottery pick, while others think he should do another year at Houston... Cenac is a flexible athlete who moves well on the perimeter."
18. Charlotte Hornets (via PHX)
Christian Anderson Jr. | Guard | Texas Tech

If you need a shooter, Anderson is the guy. He’s an elite shot-maker who can pull up from anywhere, and his ability to distribute out of the pick-and-roll would give Charlotte a serious boost off the bench.

"If you made me choose the best shooter in this class, it would be Anderson... He can make them going to his right or to his left, hits them off the catch after movement or off pull-ups by creating space."
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI)

Morez Johnson Jr. | Big | Michigan

Johnson Jr. was the glue for Michigan’s defense, a guy who loves doing the dirty work and isn't afraid to bang on the interior. He’s a versatile big who can switch onto the perimeter, making him a safe bet for a team that values defensive flexibility.

"Johnson was one of my favorite players in college basketball. He was one of the most efficient players in the country... But I love Johnson the most on defense; he was the best all-around defender on one of the three best defenses in the nation."
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX)
Koa Peat | Wing | Arizona

Peat is just a basketball player. He’s won gold medals and state titles, and he knows how to play his role within a winning system. He isn't much of a shooter yet, but his decision-making and rebounding are top-tier.

"Peat prompts a wide range of opinions from NBA scouts. On the plus side, he has won everywhere he’s been and is one of the most decorated players in his age group... he is a tough, physical rebounder."
15. Chicago Bulls (via POR)
Cameron Carr | Guard | Baylor

The Bulls add some length and shooting with Carr, who has a huge wingspan and a smooth stroke. He’s an athletic slasher who can cover a lot of ground quickly, making him a dangerous weapon on the break.

"Carr is a terrific shooter with great straight-line slashing instincts, using his long strides and length to cover ground quickly before getting to the rim... It’s very difficult to find players who are in the ballpark of 6-6 with incredibly long arms like Carr’s."
14. Charlotte Hornets
Hannes Steinbach | Big | Washington

Charlotte adds a massive presence who might be the most physical rebounder in the class. He’s got giant hands and knows how to use his frame to seal off defenders, which should help the Hornets win the possession battle.

"The best rebounder in the draft, Steinbach has massive hands that he uses to his utmost potential both in ball screens and on the glass... He also moves very fluidly and has huge, broad shoulders that he uses well."
13. Miami Heat
Labaron Philon Jr. | Guard | Alabama

Miami goes for a prolific scorer who proved he could lead a high-major offense. Philon Jr. was a nightmare for defenses this year, and his ability to create his own shot fits the Heat Culture perfectly.

"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 and impressive offensive counting stats."
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Nate Ament | Wing | Tennessee

Ament is a bit of a boom-or-bust prospect, but OKC is the perfect place for a 6-foot-10 wing with his shooting touch. He’s still very skinny and needs to prove he can finish through contact, but his upside in the lottery is hard to ignore.

"Ament’s season was a true roller coaster, and his draft stock is a bit funky as a result... Teams that I’ve spoken with are divided on Ament. Some scouts see him as an option in the top eight, while others see him outside the top 20."
11. Golden State Warriors
Yaxel Lendeborg | Big | Michigan

The Warriors love high-IQ players who can do the dirty work, and Lendeborg is exactly that. He’s a versatile defender who can switch onto guards, and he’s turned himself into a legitimate threat from beyond the arc.

"He showcased serious switchability, often picking up lead ballhandlers at the point of attack as well as playing against power forwards when Mara or Morez Johnson Jr. would leave the court."
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Mikel Brown Jr. | Guard | Louisville

Milwaukee takes a swing on the most creative playmaker in the draft. When Brown gets going, he can pull up from the logo or find teammates in windows that shouldn't exist, though his turnovers and back issues have made him a polarizing prospect.

"When Brown had it rolling, there was not a more dynamic ball-screen playmaker in college basketball. He has range out to 30 feet, and his vision as a playmaker for others exceeds everyone in the class when playing in a screen."
9. Chicago Bulls
Aday Mara | Big | Michigan

The Bulls need someone to protect the paint, and Mara is a 7-foot-3 giant who completely changes the game defensively. He’s also a gifted passer who can act as a hub for the offense, which is a rare combination for a guy that size.

"Mara combines two skills NBA teams seek in their centers: the ability to shut down the paint and the ability to read the court out high as a passer... Opposing teams also shot just 36 percent on 2-pointers from the paint when Mara was on the court."
8. Dallas Mavericks
Brayden Burries | Guard | Arizona

Dallas is looking for pieces to put around Cooper Flagg, and Burries is a strong-bodied guard who can defend at a high level. He’s a smart ball-mover who doesn't force the issue, making him a great fit for a team with established stars.

"The question is about separating from his man consistently, as he’s more of a power guard who uses the threat of his shot to keep defenders off-balance. Burries turned into a really good defender by the end of the year."
7. Sacramento Kings
Kingston Flemings | Guard | Houston

The Kings are all about speed, and Flemings has a first step that can break down any defense. He played in a cramped Houston offense this year, but scouts expect him to absolutely explode once he gets into the wide-open spaces of an NBA floor.

"Flemings is a wildly explosive and powerful lead guard, using a lightning-quick first step to get by defenders with ease... You can see his burst every time he touches the court. He’s also an excellent decision-maker."
6. Brooklyn Nets
Darius Acuff Jr. | Guard | Arkansas

Brooklyn is looking for a spark, and Acuff Jr. is a pure bucket-getter. He put up historic numbers late in the year for Arkansas, and while he’s still learning how to compete on the defensive end, his offensive footwork is as pro-ready as it gets.

"Acuff might be the most polished freshman guard prospect I’ve ever evaluated. His footwork and balance are pristine, and he tends to make efficient decisions. He plays off two feet and moves well without the ball."
5. LA Clippers (via IND)
Keaton Wagler | Wing | Illinois

Wagler is the story of the year, going from a guy nobody knew to a legitimate top-five talent. He’s the ultimate feel player. He doesn't need to be the fastest guy on the court because he’s always three steps ahead of the defense mentally.

"Wagler was ranked outside the top 150 in the 2025 recruiting class but is a wildly impressive guard who can generate shots both for himself and his teammates, thanks to a crafty, creative handle and outstanding feel for the game."
4. Memphis Grizzlies
Caleb Wilson | Wing | North Carolina

Wilson is the kind of high-energy athlete that fits the Grizzlies' culture perfectly. He outplayed the other big names when they matched up this season, and even with the hand injuries that cut his year short, his motor and rebounding are too good for Memphis to pass up.

"It’s all about power and explosiveness for Wilson. He plays with terrific bend and balance as a driver. Combine that with his strength and leaping ability, and you get a special player who can dominate at the rim."
3. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP)
Cameron Boozer | Forward | Duke

The Hawks move up in this lottery spin to snag a guy who is widely considered the most productive player in the class. He might not be the tallest big on the board, but he’s a winner who knows how to impact the game in a dozen different ways.

"Boozer is the safest bet in the class to become a highly productive player. The consensus around the NBA that the son of Carlos Boozer will follow in his father’s footsteps as an All-Star. The consensus falls apart over whether he profiles as a No. 1 option."
2. Washington Wizards
Darryn Peterson | Guard | Kansas

D.C. is desperate for backcourt star power, and Peterson has the highest ceiling of any guard in the class. His time at Kansas was weird because of the health issues, but the Wizards are banking on the version of him that dominated the high school circuit before the injury bug bit.

"Peterson’s talent as a shot-making scorer is undeniable... He drilled an incredible number of difficult pull-up jumpers from all levels. However, his ability to get to the rim has come into question, as scouts wonder if life will be more difficult for him."
1. Utah Jazz
AJ Dybantsa | Wing | BYU

Utah needs a centerpiece, and there’s a massive amount of momentum putting Dybantsa in that spot. He’s the most natural offensive force we’ve seen in a while, and the Jazz are in a perfect position to let him develop into a primary option without rushing the process.

"Dybantsa is seen as having extremely high upside with a tremendously high floor. He’s a safer pick than Peterson. His offensive game is more well-rounded than Wilson’s. And scouts believe his athletic upside gives him a stronger chance to be a No. 1 option than Boozer."
You Tell Us! What Does Your Mock Draft Look Like?
Join the 2026 NBA Draft Conversation

The Athletic's draft board is officially set for the lottery, but with NIL money keeping top talent in school, the depth of this class is the real story.

Who is the biggest steal of the first round?
- The Top 4 Dilemma: Does AJ Dybantsa have enough distance from Cam Boozer to be the undisputed No. 1?
- The Guard Group: Which of the mid-round guards, like Keaton Wagler or Darius Acuff Jr., do you trust more to start on Day 1?
- The Projects: Are you taking the risk on Jayden Quaintance after the injury, or the size of Aday Mara?
Drop your take in the comments below!
The Athletic's 2026 NBA Mock Draft
Evaluating the Full 1st Round Tier List

The 2026 NBA Draft cycle is officially here, and it’s arriving with a level of hype we haven’t seen in a minute. We’re looking at a class that has scouts genuinely losing sleep, especially at the top, where a "Big 4" has started to separate itself from the pack. But beyond the headliners, there's a massive game of chicken happening between NBA front offices and the college NIL market. With fewer players declaring early than we’ve seen in years, the value of a first-round promise has never been higher.

We are breaking down The Athletic's Sam Vecenie's latest full 30-pick mock to see who is rising, who is a polarizing project, and where the best fits land for next season.