Paul’s FINAL 2026 NBA Mock Draft

Well, both the 2026 NCAA and NBA seasons have wrapped up, and brought plenty of excitement to fans around the world. The Knicks broke their 53-year drought, and the Wolverines dominated through and through raising the 2026 March Madness crown. Now we look ahead to the future of the league, and the 2026 Draft promises to be an exciting one. As we have been seeing in recent years, the influx of NIL money has led many players to forego the draft and remain in college for as long as possible. The lack of international prospects is also due to the lackluster rules surrounding foreign pros’ eligibility in college. We’ll see a lot of seniors getting taken in the second round and the depth of the draft outside of the top 20 will seem very thin. Regardless, the lottery looks historic with three #1 pick worthy players that can turn a franchise around. Here it is, my final 2026 NBA Mock Draft, filled with first round write-ups, second round depth charts, and more.

FIRST ROUND

The Wizards lucked out in yet another year of rebuild by landing the top pick in a stacked 2026 Draft. They made a couple of interesting moves this season, landing Trae Young and Anthony Davis in hopes of giving two all-stars a fresh start with a young core. If those two buy-in, Dybantsa can be a perfect third option for this core. He’s the best all-around player in a draft that has four #1 pick worthy players, and will project to be a consistent all-star in this league. A true franchise changer for the Wizards.

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A perfect situation for the Jazz is if Dybantsa goes first, and Peterson is left on the board. Utah is so close, and after acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr., they have a great frontcourt duo locked under contract with him and Markkanen. Now, they need a reliable wing scorer, and that’s exactly what Peterson is. When he was on the court, he was an unstoppable force for the Jayhawks, and he can join a backcourt with Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier.

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The Grizzlies had another down year, and the likelihood is that they will look to offload Ja Morant this offseason and start from scratch. In some ways, landing the third pick is a great scenario as they won’t be tasked with having to pick between Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer. Cam Boozer was the Naismith Player of the Year as a freshman, and dominated every facet of the game as a rebounder, three tier scorer, and defender. Memphis heading in a new direction and building around Cam will be great for the franchise to begin a rebuild alongside Zach Edey and Cedric Coward.

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The Bulls are going to get whatever leftovers make it out of the top 3, and it seems extremely likely it will be Caleb Wilson. Wilson is seen by many as the 1B to the three 1A options, while some think he may be even better than some of the top 3. Regardless, the Bulls are headed in a new direction without Billy Donovan, and will look to build a core around him and Josh Giddey.

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Although the Clippers’ down year almost resulted in no lottery picks, they acquired the Pacers’ first rounder in the Ivica Zubac trade deadline deal. Now, the Clippers will have an even better selection than they would have ended up with if they kept their pick. They still have Kawhi Leonard for at least another year, and added Darius Garland to their future backcourt. Based on Garland, both Acuff and Flemings don’t seem like the best fits, as they can use a young shot creator like Wagler. Keaton was an under-recruited breakout star for the Illini and could fit well into the Clippers’ future mold.

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The Nets suffered another down year in their rebuild and landed the 6th pick in the process. A solid young core is building in Brooklyn though, with MPJ as the star, and solid rookies in Egor Demin, Drake Powell, and Danny Wolf. Realistically, they have two score-first playmaker options here, and Acuff could be the next star of NYC. Gaining comparisons to the great Stephon Marbury, Acuff could be just the shot creator that the Nets need to build around. Porter’s contract is up after this year, and Acuff would immediately become their leading scorer if he lands in Brooklyn.

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The Kings can’t seem to get out of their own way, and there’s no doubt that they have a ton of interest in Acuff at 7. I just can’t imagine the Nets passing on him, and they’ll likely have to trade up if they want to secure him. If they still want to go PG, Flemings would be the pick here as a breakout facilitator, defender, and scorer for the Cougars this year. Could be a solid fit to start building their future backcourt.

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The Hawks are beginning to build a more team-oriented roster after trading away Trae Young and making a push to the playoffs. Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu are the future of their frontcourt, but we don’t really know what to expect of 2024’s 1st pick Zaccharie Risacher. Likely if they stay at 8 the best bet will be to go with a big. Ament started off slow but ended the year showing the country why he was such a high rated recruit for the Volunteers. He’s a smooth shot creator and can take time to pair alongside Johnson on the wing while providing length to their frontcourt.

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The Mavericks got a bit unlucky after landing the 1st pick a year ago, only ending with the 9th pick depite having one of the worst records in the league. The post-Luka Doncic era has been tough, and sure they have their future centerpiece in Cooper Flagg, but the rest seems a little mirky. Kyrie will return next year, and their big men consist of Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, and an expiring Dereck Lively’s contract. Mara could be an interest pick here, a skilled big man that can pass and protect the paint as a high level. They may look more for a wing, but Mara can be a good fit here.

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It’s still up in the air whether the Bucks will be heading into ’26-’27 with or without their franchise’s greatest player Giannis Antetokounmpo. The East is very wide open, and with the 10th pick they can further their depth to provide protection around Giannis if they decide to keep him. Lendeborg was arguably the best player in college for the National Champion Wolverines. He’s an athletic big that can shoot, defend, and create his own shot. This could be an interesting move to either pair with Giannis or potentially replace him in a rebuild.

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The Warriors are beginning to enter an era that is seeing the aging of Steph Curry and a potential departure of Draymond Green. Steve Kerr was just extended after rumors circulated that he’d be let go. Regardless, the 11th pick will be huge for Golden State to start building for the future. Brown was arguably the best ranked PG heading into the college season, but injuries and some inconsistent shooting made him slide. His ceiling is still through the roof, and this could be a terrific match for the future of the Warriors.

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The 2025 Champs will pick in the lottery yet again as their surplus of first round picks still make their future majorly dangerous. Isaiah Hartenstein is likely to depart as his team option will most likely be declined, leaving a major hole at center. The 12th pick can be a perfect fit for Steinbach, as he is built and plays very similarly to Hartenstein. If Lendeborg falls, he can also be a great option here, but the Thunder should look hard at a bruiser and talented scorer like Steinbach.

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The Heat had to weather the storm in the post-Jimmy Butler era, as they look to compete in the wide open East while led by Bam and Tyler Herro. At 13, they can go a few different directions, but the surplus of big man depth in Adebayo, Ware, Jovic, Jaquez, and more lead me to think they’ll want to pair someone in the backcourt with Herro. Burries had a huge second half for the Wildcats, establishing himself as a solid 3-and-D option. He likely will go higher than 13, but if he falls he can be a perfect fit for Miami.

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The Hornets seem to be steering in the right direction while LaMelo, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller as pieces of the future. You have veterans Miles Bridges, Grant Williams, Tre Mann, and Josh Green all on the books for one more year, and will likely look to go best available if they keep the 14th pick. Moving it could bring in future draft capital for next year when they lose a chunk of their roster, but keeping it could bring in another talented wing in Karim Lopez. Lopez shined on the NBL circuit with great size and skill to become a slasher in the league. He can be a good depth piece for a young core that will try to compete in the East in ’26-’27.

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The Bulls were finally able to offload the contract of Zach LaVine and now look to enter a rebuild around Josh Giddey who had an all-star season in ’25-’26. They don’t have much else worth bragging about, and the 15th pick could be one to get back on track. Philon shined after deciding to stay for a 2nd year for Alabama, developing a much better offensive game to go with his elite defense. He’ll likely go somewhere in the mid-1st round, and the Bulls could be a perfect team to add him to their future backcourt.

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With the second of three top 35 picks, the Grizzlies will look at 16 to supplement with whoever they land at #3. If it’s Boozer, they can try to go guard here and Anderson could be a great fit to potentially replace Ja Morant if they’re able to find a trade partner. He was an elite scorer all year for the Red Raiders and brings offensive versatility, shot creating, and playmaking skills to the table. A better shooter and more tamed version of Ja in my opinion.

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With their second of two first rounders, the Thunder can further boost their depth here at 17. A few other big men could be intriguing in this pick with Koa Peat and Chris Cenac Jr. likely still on the board. Morez Johnson shined for the champs as a tenacious low-post presence with an NBA build. This could be a good bench piece for OKC to further deepen their team.

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At 18, the Hornets will likely double down and go best available here. Peat was a 5-star freshman who has fallen a bit on draft boards due to his size as a 4 and inconsistent scoring. If he falls to 18, I don’t see how the Hornets can pass on him, as they’re in the perfect position to let him sit for the majority of his rookie year and develop a game to become a key player in 2027.

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The Raptors made a nice little run in ’25-’26, landing a top 6 spot and pushing the Cavs to the edge in the 1st round. Now at 19, they’ll try to add some insurance to a roster that’s pretty much under contract for at least another year. Carr is one of the best pure shooters in the draft and plays above his height on the defensive end. He could be a good fit for Toronto who lacks shooting and bench scoring.

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Not much to say about the Spurs who flipped the script quickly, losing in the NBA Finals after years of being bottom dwellers in the league. After one of the most publicized Finals in recent memory, they’ll likely look to trade this pick and add veteran depth instead. If they do keep the 20th pick, Stirtz is an intriguing player that can run the offense while looking to be a good bench scorer in the league. Something about him just seems like a Spur.

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’26-’27 Pistons Backcourt Depth:
PG Cade Cunningham, SG Ausar Thompson, SG Caris LeVert, PG Marcus Sasser, SG Chaz Lanier
SG Kevin Huerter (UFA), PG Daniss Jenkins (Team), SG Javonte Green (UFA), SG Wendell Moore Jr. (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 76ers Frontcourt Depth:
C Joel Embiid, SF Paul George, C Adem Bona, C Johni Broome
SF Kelly Oubre Jr. (UFA), C Andre Drummond (UFA), PF Dom Barlow (Team), PF Trendon Watford (Team), PF Jabari Walker (NG), SF Tyrese Martin (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Hawks Frontcourt Depth:
SF Jalen Johnson, C Onyeka Okongwu, SF Corey Kispert, SF Zaccharie Risacher, PF Asa Newell
PF Jonathan Kuminga (Team), C Jock Landale (UFA), C Mouhamed Gueye (Team), C Tony Bradley (UFA), C Christian Koloko (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Knicks Frontcourt Depth:
C Karl-Anthony Towns, SF OG Anunoby, SF Mikal Bridges
C Mitchell Robinson (UFA), PF Mohamed Diawara (RFA), SF Jeremy Sochan (UFA), C Ariel Hukporti (RFA), C Trey Jemison III (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Lakers Frontcourt Depth:
PF Jarred Vanderbilt, SF Jake LaRavia, SF Dalton Knecht, PF Adou Thiero
SF LeBron James (UFA), PF Rui Hachimura (UFA), C Deandre Ayton (Player), PF Maxi Kleber (UFA), C Jaxson Hayes (UFA), PF Drew Timme (2W/RFA), PF Lachlan Olbrich (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Nuggets Frontcourt Depth:
C Nikola Jokic, PF Aaron Gordon, SF Cameron Johnson, C Zeke Nnaji, SF Julian Strawther, PF DaRon Holmes II
SF Peyton Watson (RFA), C Jonas Valanciunas (NG), PF Spencer Jones (RFA), PF David Roddy (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Celtics Frontcourt Depth:
SF Jayson Tatum, SF Jaylen Brown, SF Sam Hauser, C Luka Garza, SF Hugo Gonzalez
C Nikola Vucevic (UFA), C Neemias Queta (Team), SF Jordan Walsh (Team), C Amari Williams (Team)

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’26-’27 Timberwolves Frontcourt Depth:
C Rudy Gobert, PF Julius Randle, SF Jaden McDaniels, C Naz Reid, C Joan Beringer, C Rocco Zikarsky (2-way)
SF Joe Ingles (UFA), SF Kyle Anderson (UFA), SF Julian Phillips (Team), PF Enrique Freeman (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Cavaliers Frontcourt Depth:
PF Evan Mobley, C Jarrett Allen, SF Jaylon Tyson, SF Naeq’wan Tomlin, SF Riley Minix (2-way), PF Tristan Enaruna (2-way)
PF Dean Wade (UFA), SF Larry Nance Jr. (UFA), SF Keon Ellis (UFA), C Thomas Bryant (UFA), C Olivier Sarr (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Mavericks Backcourt Depth:
PG Kyrie Irving, SG Klay Thompson, SG Max Christie, PG A.J. Johnson, SG John Poulakidas (2-way)
PG Ryan Nembhard (Team), PG Brandon Williams (UFA)

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SECOND ROUND

’26-’27 Knicks Frontcourt Depth:
C Karl-Anthony Towns, SF OG Anunoby, SF Mikal Bridges
C Mitchell Robinson (UFA), PF Mohamed Diawara (RFA), SF Jeremy Sochan (UFA), C Ariel Hukporti (RFA), C Trey Jemison III (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Grizzlies Frontcourt Depth:
C Zach Edey, C Santi Aldama, F Taylor Hendricks, F Jahmai Mashack (2-way)
PF GG Jackson (Team), PF Olivier-Maxence Prosper (Team), C Taj Gibson (NG)

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’26-’27 Nets Frontcourt Depth:
SF Michael Porter Jr., C Nicolas Claxton, PF Noah Clowney, SF Drake Powell, C Danny Wolf
C Day’Ron Sharpe (Team), F Ziaire Williams (Team), F Josh Minott (Team), SF Jalen Wilson (RFA), SF Ochai Agbaji (RFA)

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’26-’27 Kings Frontcourt Depth:
PF Domantas Sabonis, SF DeMar DeRozan, SF De’Andre Hunter, C Maxime Raynaud, PF Keegan Murray, SF Nique Clifford, C Dylan Cardwell
C Drew Eubanks (UFA), PF Precious Achiuwa (UFA), SF Doug McDermott (UFA), PF Patrick Baldwin Jr. (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Spurs Backcourt Depth:
PG De’Aaron Fox, PG Stephon Castle, SG Dylan Harper, SG Devin Vassell
PG Jordan McLaughlin (UFA)

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’26-’27 Clippers Backcourt Depth:
PG Darius Garland, SG Cam Christie
SG Bogdan Bogdanovic (Team), PG Kris Dunn (NG), SG Bradley Beal (Player), SG Bennedict Mathurin (Team), SG Kobe Sanders (Team), PG Sean Pedulla (2W/Team), PG TyTy Washington (2W/Team)

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’26-’27 Thunder Frontcourt Depth:
SF Jalen Williams, C Chet Holmgren, C Jaylin Williams, C Thomas Sorber, SF Payton Sandfort (2-way)
C Isaiah Hartenstein (Team), SF Kenrich Williams (Team), C Branden Carlson (2W/RFA), SF Brooks Barnhizer (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Bulls Frontcourt Depth:
PF Patrick Williams, SF Matas Buzelis, PF Jalen Smith, SF Isaac Okoro, F Noa Essengue
C Zach Collins (UFA), PF Guerschon Yabusele (UFA), C Nick Richards (UFA), SF Leonard Miller (Team), PF Mouhamadou Gueye (Team)

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’26-’27 Rockets Frontcourt Depth:
SF Kevin Durant, C Alperen Sengun, PF Jabari Smith Jr., F Dorian Finney-Smith, C Steven Adams, C Clint Capela
PF Jeff Green (UFA), SF Tari Eason (RFA), SF Jae’Sean Tate (UFA)

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’26-’27 Celtics Frontcourt Depth:
SF Jayson Tatum, SF Jaylen Brown, SF Sam Hauser, C Luka Garza, SF Hugo Gonzalez
C Nikola Vucevic (UFA), C Neemias Queta (Team), SF Jordan Walsh (Team), C Amari Williams (Team)

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’26-’27 Heat Backcourt Depth:
PG Tyler Herro, SG Jaime Jaquez Jr., PG Davion Mitchell, PG Kasparus Jakucionis
SG Norman Powell (UFA), SG Pelle Larsson (Team), PG Jahmir Young (Team), SG Trevor Keels (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Spurs Frontcourt Depth:
C Victor Wembanyama, F Keldon Johnson, C Luke Kornet, SF Carter Bryant, SF Emanuel Miller (2-way)
SF Julian Champagnie (Team), F Harrison Barnes (UFA), SF Lindy Waters III (UFA), C Bismack Biyombo (UFA), C Mason Plumlee (UFA), SF Harrison Ingram (2W/RFA), SF David Jones-Garcia (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Nets Frontcourt Depth:
SF Michael Porter Jr., C Nicolas Claxton, PF Noah Clowney, SF Drake Powell, C Danny Wolf
C Day’Ron Sharpe (Team), F Ziaire Williams (Team), F Josh Minott (Team), SF Jalen Wilson (RFA), SF Ochai Agbaji (RFA)

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’26-’27 Spurs Frontcourt Depth:
C Victor Wembanyama, F Keldon Johnson, C Luke Kornet, SF Carter Bryant, SF Emanuel Miller (2-way)
SF Julian Champagnie (Team), F Harrison Barnes (UFA), SF Lindy Waters III (UFA), C Bismack Biyombo (UFA), C Mason Plumlee (UFA), SF Harrison Ingram (2W/RFA), SF David Jones-Garcia (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Kings Backcourt Depth:
SG Malik Monk, PG Devin Carter
SG Zach LaVine (Player), PG Russell Westbrook (UFA), PG Killian Hayes (Team), PG Isaiah Stevens (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Magic Backcourt Depth:
SG Desmond Bane, SG Jalen Suggs, PG Anthony Black, SG Jase Richardson, SG Alex Morales (2-way)
SG Jett Howard (UFA), SG Jamal Cain (Team), PG Jevon Carter (UFA)

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’26-’27 Suns Backcourt Depth:
SG Devin Booker, SG Jalen Green, SG Grayson Allen
PG Collin Gillespie (UFA), SG Amir Coffey (UFA), PG Jamaree Bouyea (Team), PG Jordan Goodwin (UFA), SG Koby Brea (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Mavericks Backcourt Depth:
PG Kyrie Irving, SG Klay Thompson, SG Max Christie, PG A.J. Johnson, SG John Poulakidas (2-way)
PG Ryan Nembhard (Team), PG Brandon Williams (UFA)

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’26-’27 Nuggets Frontcourt Depth:
C Nikola Jokic, PF Aaron Gordon, SF Cameron Johnson, C Zeke Nnaji, SF Julian Strawther, PF DaRon Holmes II
SF Peyton Watson (RFA), C Jonas Valanciunas (NG), PF Spencer Jones (RFA), PF David Roddy (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Raptors Backcourt Depth:
SG R.J. Barrett, PG Immanuel Quickley, SG Gradey Dick, SG Ja’Kobe Walter
PG Jamal Shead (RFA), SG Garrett Temple (UFA), PG Chucky Hepburn (2W/RFA), SG Alijah Martin (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Wizards Frontcourt Depth:
C Anthony Davis, PF Alex Sarr, SF Bilal Coulibaly, SF Will Riley, SF Cam Whitmore, C Tristan Vukcevic, SF Julian Reese (2-way), SF Leaky Black (2-way)
SF Justin Champagnie (NG), PF Anthony Gill (UFA)

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’26-’27 Clippers Frontcourt Depth:
SF Kawhi Leonard, SF Derrick Jones Jr., PF Isaiah Jackson, C Yanic Konan Niederhauser
PF John Collins (UFA), C Brook Lopez (Team), SF Nicolas Batum (Team), SF Jordan Miller (Team), PF Norchad Omier (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Rockets Frontcourt Depth:
SF Kevin Durant, C Alperen Sengun, PF Jabari Smith Jr., F Dorian Finney-Smith, C Steven Adams, C Clint Capela
PF Jeff Green (UFA), SF Tari Eason (RFA), SF Jae’Sean Tate (UFA)

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’26-’27 Warriors Frontcourt Depth:
SF Jimmy Butler, SF Gui Santos, PF Malevy Leons (2-way)
PF Draymond Green (Player), PF Kristaps Porzingis (UFA), C Al Horford (Player), C Quinten Post (UFA), C Charles Bassey (UFA)

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’26-’27 Knicks Backcourt Depth:
PG Jalen Brunson, SG Josh Hart, PG Miles McBride, PG Tyler Kolek, SG Pacome Dadiet
SG Landry Shamet (UFA), PG Jose Alvarado (UFA), SG Jordan Clarkson (UFA), SG Kevin McCullar Jr. (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Bulls Backcourt Depth:
SG Josh Giddey, PG Tre Jones, PG Rob Dillingham
SG Anfernee Simons (UFA), PG Collin Sexton (UFA), PG Yuki Kawamura (RFA), PG Mac McClung (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Hawks Frontcourt Depth:
SF Jalen Johnson, C Onyeka Okongwu, SF Corey Kispert, SF Zaccharie Risacher, PF Asa Newell
PF Jonathan Kuminga (Team), C Jock Landale (UFA), C Mouhamed Gueye (Team), C Tony Bradley (UFA), C Christian Koloko (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Pelicans Backcourt Depth:
SG Jordan Poole, PG Dejounte Murray, PG Jeremiah Fears, SG Jordan Hawkins, SG Micah Peavy
SG Bryce McGowens (UFA), PG Trey Alexander (2W/RFA)

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’26-’27 Timberwolves Backcourt Depth:
SG Anthony Edwards, SG Donte DiVincenzo, SG Terrence Shannon Jr., PG Zyon Pullin (2-way)
PG Ayo Dosunmu (UFA), PG Mike Conley Jr. (UFA), PG Bones Hyland (UFA), SG Jaylen Clark (RFA)

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’26-’27 Wizards Backcourt Depth:
SG Kyshawn George, PG Bub Carrington, SG Tre Johnson, SG Jaden Hardy
PG Trae Young (Player), PG D’Angelo Russell (Player), SG Jamir Watkins (RFA)

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NOTABLE UNDRAFTED PLAYERS