By Jonathan Givony, Jeremy Woo | ESPN, 2025-02-26 19:50:00
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
虽然在未来16个月里，很多事情都可能发生改变，但2026年NBA选秀的前景已初见端倪，我们看到了一批极具天赋、有全明星潜质的球员。
在备受诟病的2024届新秀之后，紧接着是看起来实力强劲的2025届，NBA球探们已经对2026届新秀中的佼佼者们感到兴奋，其中有四位球员值得考虑成为状元：内特·阿门特(Nate Ament)，卡梅伦·布泽尔(Cameron Boozer)，A.J. 迪班萨(A.J. Dybantsa)和达林·彼得森(Darryn Peterson)。
2026届的深度还有待确定。我们可能将看到近年来欧洲新秀中最弱的一届。除了上述四位球员之外，其他即将入学的新生们看起来并不特别突出，这让人对整个选秀班的实力产生疑问。
考虑到我们还处于选秀周期的早期阶段，这并不令人特别惊讶，因为毫无疑问，在未来一年里，会有许多新的面孔从默默无闻中脱颖而出。肯定会有很多2025年NBA选秀的候选人撤回他们的名字，或者甚至根本不参加选秀，这也会增加这届选秀的份量。
考虑到这一点，我们的2026年NBA选秀前瞻只关注了10名球员。在6月份，当我们对哪些2025年选秀前景将返回大学或回到他们的国际球队有更清晰的了解后，我们将进行更深入的分析。
在深入探讨彼得森为何是2026年状元的早期候选人之后，我们将揭晓其余的新秀。截至周二上午更新的选秀顺位是基于ESPN的预测，以及哪些球队目前拥有或控制着这些选秀权。
查看更多：
2025模拟选秀 | 15位新生，15个问题
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谁是状元？ | 前十名名单
还有谁能争夺状元？
球员们回归的原因
谁是状元，为什么？
虽然迪班萨长期以来一直被广泛认为是2026年状元的热门人选，但彼得森在过去几个月里取得了长足的进步，使得状元之争成为一个开放式的话题，而且还有足够的时间来确定谁最终会被选中。
彼得森整个赛季都表现出色，为位于加利福尼亚州纳帕的Prolific Prep（22胜2负）场均贡献30.4分和7.1次助攻，三分球命中率达到44%。在12月和2月与迪班萨和犹他预备队的两场 Grind Session 联赛正面交锋中，他令人信服地证明了自己是高中比赛中最好的新秀，在36分钟内得到61分，并在两队之间的第二次交手中命中了制胜三分球，这很可能成为堪萨斯大学承诺球员的传奇表现。
NBA球探将彼得森与更高大的达米安·利拉德(Damian Lillard)进行比较（利拉德在2012年NBA选秀联合试训前夕，身高6英尺3英寸（穿鞋），体重189磅，臂展6英尺8英寸，当时他即将满22岁），彼得森是本届新秀中最好的投篮创造者。他能够凭借爆发性的第一步，有力地改变速度，并且拥有精湛的控球、节奏和身体控制，从而到达球场上的任何地方。他能够随意突破到油漆区，用双手在油漆区内外以熟练的技巧完成进攻，并频繁站上罚球线。
他还发展成为一名出色的外线射手，无论是定点投篮还是运球后急停跳投。他拥有超远的射程，并且能够通过出色的脚步动作从掩护中摆脱出来，完成侧步和后撤步三分球——这使得他在与他的投篮创造能力相结合时难以防守。
彼得森本赛季与迪班萨的区别在于，他很少显得勉强，更轻松地到达他的位置，并抬头寻找移动中的队友，毫不自私。他本赛季在组织方面取得了显著的进步，而且还有更多的成长空间。
尽管他的身高为6英尺6英寸，臂展为6英尺11英寸，体重为200磅——对于一名后卫来说，这是一个出色的身材——但他的未来位置显然是在控球后卫，这有助于他在防守端和篮板球方面产生重大影响。
彼得森被评为第一名，更多的是关于他自己的，而不是关于迪班萨的，迪班萨也是一名出色的球员和新秀。部分原因是他的身材——身高超过6英尺9英寸，臂展接近7英尺1英寸，而且身材绝对健硕——他将对一些NBA球队更具吸引力。
迪班萨也占据了大量的控球时间，承担了犹他预备队的投篮创造责任，并且长期以来证明了他有能力在球场的任何地方无情地得分。他是在空旷场地中的一股力量，在中低位很难被减速，并且拥有一系列广泛的动作，可以从单打和挡拆中操作，具有强大的撕裂式突破、毁灭性的犹豫步和长步幅。他有积极寻找禁区内身体对抗的天赋，这让他频繁地站上罚球线。
当全身心投入时，迪班萨也是本届新秀中最好的单防球员之一，这使得彼得森针对他的得分壮举（包括61分的大爆发）更加令人印象深刻。迪班萨花了相当多的时间试图阻止他，但没有成功。
迪班萨本赛季的三分球命中率为36%，他更多的是一名产量型得分手，而不是彼得森。但当他在受控状态下并信任他的队友时，他也会展现出传球和多样化的投篮技巧，但情况并非总是如此。迪班萨的隧道视野以及不一致的决策和投篮选择让球探们有时会质疑他的打球风格是否能像彼得森那样推动胜利。
这场争论将在未来一段时间内继续下去。对我们来说幸运的是，由于堪萨斯大学和BYU下赛季将在Big 12联盟中交锋，我们应该会看到他们之间的几次重赛。– Givony
2026 NBA 模拟选秀：前十顺位
以下是我们对2026年前十名选秀前景的揭晓。截至周二上午更新的选秀顺位是基于ESPN BPI的预测，并反映了当前所欠和拥有的选秀权状况：
1. 华盛顿奇才
达林·彼得森(Darryn Peterson) ，PG/SG，6-6，年龄：18岁
承诺加入堪萨斯大学
彼得森本赛季已经成为高中篮球界最好的球员，他带来了令人羡慕的身材、臂展和投篮创造能力的结合。他还拥有出色的传球、投篮技巧、防守端的组织本能以及全能的得分天赋。彼得森将为一位篮球名人堂教练比尔·塞尔夫(Bill Self)效力，他将成为堪萨斯大学阵容的核心，堪萨斯大学现在就可以使用他这种类型的球员，这让他有充分的机会巩固他作为明年选秀中头号新秀的地位。– Givony
注意： 前8顺位保护，如果选秀权在第9顺位到第30顺位之间，将归纽约尼克斯队所有。
2. 新奥尔良鹈鹕
A.J. 迪班萨(A.J. Dybantsa) ，SG/SF，6-9，年龄：18岁
承诺加入杨百翰大学
迪班萨场均得到26.2分、9.8个篮板和4.0次助攻，他一直在为犹他预备队（18胜10负）稳定地贡献数据。每支NBA球队都在寻找像迪班萨这种类型的6英尺9英寸的侧翼球员，他们可以在球场的任何地方得分，在移动中传球，防守多个位置，并在每次比赛中都带来不间断的强度和竞争力。迪班萨将前往杨百翰大学，在那里他将掌握进攻的主动权，并且可能会被一群经验丰富的球员包围，他将有充分的机会证明他有资格成为状元。– Givony
3. 犹他爵士
卡梅伦·布泽尔(Cameron Boozer) ，PF，6-9，年龄：17.5岁
承诺加入杜克大学
布泽尔是高中比赛中最高产的球员，并且拥有近期任何新秀都无法比拟的获胜履历。他具有对比赛和技术水平的敏锐感知，能够处理球、传球、投篮和防守球场上的每个位置。他还带来了永不满足的身体对抗能力，冲击篮板并在内线统治他的对手。下个赛季，布泽尔的表现可能会与库珀·弗拉格(Cooper Flagg)在杜克大学的这个赛季相媲美，并且很可能成为年度最佳大学球员荣誉的有力竞争者。– Givony
注意： 前8顺位保护，如果选秀权在第9顺位到第30顺位之间，将归俄克拉荷马城雷霆队所有。
4. 夏洛特黄蜂
内特·阿门特(Nate Ament) ，SF，6-11，年龄：18.2岁
未承诺
在18个月前，阿门特还是一个相对默默无闻的人，但他已经显著成长，填补了他的框架，并成为一个毁灭性的对手，身高6英尺11英寸，技术水平非常高。他出色的投篮技巧，有趣的传球和防守多面性，以及几乎可以随心所欲地完成投篮的能力，使他可能成为本届新秀中潜力最高的球员。杜克大学、肯塔基大学和路易斯维尔大学正在争夺他在下个赛季的服务，预计将在下个月左右做出决定。– Givony
5. 多伦多猛龙
杰登·昆坦斯(Jayden Quaintance) ，PF/C，6-10，年龄：17.6岁
亚利桑那州立大学新生
昆坦斯比几位备受瞩目的高中三年级学生还要年轻，但他出人意料地处于一个高效的NCAA新生赛季的中间阶段，尽管直到7月中旬才满18岁，但他还是大学篮球界最好的盖帽手之一。他拥有健硕的身材、巨大的手掌、7英尺5英寸的臂展，并且非常灵活，这为他提供了长期发展的良好框架。NBA球队希望看到他在下个赛季在对比赛的理解、技术和技巧水平方面迈出下一步。– Givony
6. 布鲁克林篮网
卡里姆·洛佩兹(Karim Lopez) ，SF/PF，6-9，年龄：17.8岁
新西兰破坏者队（NBL）
洛佩兹作为NBL明日之星计划的一部分，在新西兰破坏者队度过了一个出色的赛季，他在数据统计表中填满了数据，同时在外线投篮方面取得了显著的进步。身高6英尺9英寸，他拥有后卫的技巧，以及与大个子进行身体对抗所需的身体素质和强度，以及出色的运动能力和对比赛的理解。球探们很高兴看到他在澳大利亚联赛的第二个赛季中能够取得什么样的进步。– Givony
7. 圣安东尼奥马刺
小克里斯·塞纳克(Chris Cenac Jr.) ，PF/C，6-10，年龄：18岁
承诺加入休斯顿大学
从效率的角度来看，塞纳克本赛季的表现时好时坏，但他拥有NBA球探长期以来在大个子球员身上寻找的一切。身高6英尺11英寸，臂展7英尺4英寸，他将出色的框架与移动能力、防守多面性、终结能力和外线投篮手感结合在一起。简而言之，他拥有工具、天赋和潜力。塞纳克将为教练凯文·桑普森(Kelvin Sampson)效力，他将每天被推动以提高他的身体素质、运动能力和效率，这对他的前景应该非常有益。– Givony
8. 费城76人
凯莱布·威尔逊(Caleb Wilson) ，PF，6-9，年龄：18.5岁
承诺加入北卡罗来纳大学
身高6英尺9英寸的威尔逊看起来很像，他拥有出色的身材、臂展和不断发展的攻防两端的多面性，这些多面性可以长期转化为一个非常有趣的产品包。他可以从防守篮板上发起进攻，在防守端进行全方位的防守，并在移动中传球。威尔逊仍在摸索他的身份，并且在强度水平和外线投篮方面还有些欠缺，但他拥有许多你无法教导的属性，并且显然充满了潜力。– Givony
注意： 费城2025年的首轮选秀权是前6顺位保护，2026年是前4顺位保护。如果它在2025年是第7顺位到第30顺位，在2026年是第5顺位到第30顺位，它将被转让给俄克拉荷马城。
9. 芝加哥公牛
达什·丹尼尔斯(Dash Daniels) ，SG，6-6，年龄：17.1岁
墨尔本联队（NBL）
丹尼尔斯很可能是2026年选秀中最年轻的新秀——直到12月中旬才会满18岁——这使得很难准确地预测他将如何在下个赛季应对澳大利亚NBL联赛的严酷考验。这位17岁的球员带来了和他哥哥戴森(Dyson Daniels)一样的优点和缺点，但在相同的年龄段，他更大、更强壮、更长，这肯定不会损害他在NBA的前景。他是一名出色的防守者，在控球、投篮和整体得分方面还有些欠缺，但他对比赛、节奏和无私精神有着强烈的感知，并且具有显著的长期潜力可以挖掘。– Givony
10. 波特兰开拓者
小米克尔·布朗(Mikel Brown Jr.) ，PG，6-4，年龄：18.8岁
承诺加入路易斯维尔大学
布朗是一位后期之秀，他在DME学院（佛罗里达州）期间从5英尺10英寸长到了6英尺4英寸，他作为一名控球手、传球手和外线射手，展现出了令人印象深刻的得分本能和天赋。布朗的框架很瘦，体重为173磅，并且在终结和防守方面表现不稳定，他获得力量和应对大学比赛身体对抗能力的能力将在他在路易斯维尔大学作为新生时的效率以及最终的选秀前景中发挥重要作用。– Givony
注意： 前14顺位保护，如果选秀权在第15顺位到第30顺位之间，将归芝加哥所有。
还有谁将争夺状元？
彼得森和迪班萨在我们的第一个2026年前瞻中处于领先地位，这在很大程度上归功于他们有利的NBA原型。彼得森是一位超大型的进攻引擎，他可以在球场的任何地方得分，同时承担主要的组织责任。迪班萨是一位大型的攻防兼备的组织型侧翼球员，类似于杰森·塔图姆(Jayson Tatum)——这两个位置在当今的NBA中都备受追捧。
但这并不是说在未来的16个月里，事情不会发生变化。如果大学教练想赢得今晚的比赛，布泽尔是他们最有可能选择的球员，而且他很可能成为26个月后NBA年度最佳新秀的热门人选。拥有出色的技术、高度智慧以及显著的防守多面性的大个子球员肯定不容易找到。布泽尔没有超出位置限制的身材、臂展或爆发力，一些球探认为他会成为NBA球队中第二好的球员，而不是真正的特权基石——这可能有点过早下定论。
布泽尔曾两次获得金牌，并且是U16和U17 FIBA级别的MVP，三次获得耐克EYBL冠军，并且是佛罗里达州冠军，他是稳定、高效和高产的典范。如果他成为下个赛季大学篮球界最好的球员，没有人会感到惊讶。他也是四位顶级新秀中最年轻的，7月份满18岁，并且拥有最适合NBA的身体，体重超过250磅。
他的形象导致了与奥兰多魔术队前锋保罗·班切罗(Paolo Banchero)的比较。布泽尔最初是一名强硬的大个子球员，他以身体素质和基本功统治内线，但作为一名控球手、组织者和外线射手，他已经取得了显著的进步。布泽尔在防守方面远远领先于班切罗，因为他可以换防到身材更小的球员，具有很强的敏捷性和横向移动速度，同时以本能、时机和技巧保护篮筐——帮助他防守从控球后卫到中锋的每个人。
在状元方面，布泽尔有很强的竞争力（我们当然也对此进行了辩论），但被排在第三位更多的是表明了这届选秀的顶部实力很强，而不是对布泽尔天赋的否定。
阿门特是我们的第4号新秀，他是这群球员中最远离他长期上限的球员。从长远来看，他有最大的成长空间，但在他的最终下限方面，也有最不确定的结果。身高6英尺11英寸，他是四人中最高的，但也是最轻的，体重为190磅，而且与他的一些同龄人相比，由于他的后期之秀的身份，他几乎没有高水平的经验。
凭借他的高出手点和多样化的投篮技巧，无论是在掩护后还是在运球后急停跳投，阿门特都可以随心所欲地完成跳投。这可能是一件好事，也可能是一件坏事，这取决于你从效率的角度来看他哪个晚上表现更好。在过去的一年中，他在控球、传球和防守强度方面取得了巨大的飞跃，并且可能还没有停止成长。在未来的16个月里，他变得更强壮、更强硬、更具爆发力的程度将在很大程度上影响人们如何看待他作为一名新秀，但他充满天赋，并且他长期的潜力有很多值得期待的地方。– Givony
为什么一些顶级新秀可能会留在大学，为2026年选秀做准备
虽然现在要知道哪些球员会决定今年返回大学还为时过早，但我们所知道的是，不断发展的NIL市场动态将使这些选择对于许多还有资格参加选秀的NBA新秀来说变得更加复杂。
对于那些选秀价值稳居前40顺位区域的球员来说，这传统上是一个简单得多的选择。但现在的局面为精英大学球员提供了留在学校的七位数机会。这在一定程度上拉平了预计在首轮末段被选中的球员的财务竞争环境——例如，密歇根州立大学的新生杰斯·理查森(Jase Richardson)（ESPN 2025年百强榜单第29位）或北卡罗来纳大学二人组德雷克·鲍威尔(Drake Powell)（第23位）和伊恩·杰克逊(Ian Jackson)（第32位）。乔治城大学的新生托马斯·索伯(Thomas Sorber)（第24位）周二因脚伤被迫提前结束赛季，这需要手术治疗，这可能会使他的NBA决定更加棘手。
对于那些有更多需要证明的年轻球员来说，留在学校——在那里发展，赚取可比的或更高的短期收入——然后为2026年做好更好的准备，是有道理的。
我们可能会看到NIL相关影响最大的是选秀的深度：那些没有被视为明确的NBA阵容球员的高产大学球员现在通过留在学校赚取更多的钱。在2024-25赛季，一份双向合同支付给NBA球员578,577美元，这只有在赛季中期才能得到完全保障。从财务角度来看，那些有实力的球员没有理由提前离开学校，因为他们可以通过回归并利用他们在大学的全部资格来重复获得更高的收入。像伊利诺伊大学的托米斯拉夫·伊维西奇(Tomislav Ivisic)（在我们2025年榜单上排名第62位），休斯顿大学的乔乔·图格勒(JoJo Tugler)（第52位）或德克萨斯理工大学的JT·托平(JT Toppin)（第60位）和达里安·威廉姆斯(Darrion Williams)（第44位）——他们为各自的项目贡献了很多，并且我们目前预计他们会在首轮之外——他们可能会比在大学篮球的早期时代更容易做出决定。
虽然这种动态可能会继续减少每年选秀第二轮的质量和深度，但NBA球队似乎并不介意。那些可能会在NBA阵容边缘迷失方向的球员更有动力放慢脚步，并且从理论上讲，当他们转为职业球员时，会以更成熟的姿态出现。第二轮最终可能会充满那些已经耗尽了他们的资格的超级高年级学生，并且有更多的时间来评估这些球员应该会导致更好的决策和立即发挥作用的准备，尽管在许多情况下，这是以牺牲人们认为的长期潜力为代价的。
因此，虽然我们仍然可能会看到每年4月26日申报截止日期前球员们测试选秀水位的年度雪崩，但更短的最终提前参赛名单可能从长远来看会使所有各方受益。– Woo
点击查看原文：2026 NBA mock draft top 10: Which player emerges at No. 1?
2026 NBA mock draft top 10: Which player emerges at No. 1?
While much can and will change over the next 16 months, the top of the 2026 NBA draft is starting to come together where we find a banner group of players flush with all-star-caliber talent.
After a much-maligned 2024 class, followed by what appears to be a strong 2025 draft, NBA scouts are already excited about what they are seeing early on from the cream of the 2026 crop with four players who are worthy of consideration at No. 1: Nate Ament, Cameron Boozer, A.J. Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson.
The depth of the 2026 class remains to be determined. We’re likely looking at one of the weakest classes of European prospects in quite some time. And outside of the four players mentioned above, the rest of the incoming freshmen class does not appear to be especially strong, leaving question marks regarding the strength of the class as a whole.
That’s not particularly surprising considering how early in the process we are, as there will undoubtedly be many new faces emerging from obscurity over the next year. There are sure to be plenty of 2025 NBA draft candidates who will withdraw their names, or not even enter the draft, which will also add eventual heft to this group.
With that in mind, we have focused on only 10 players for our 2026 NBA draft look-ahead. We will do a more extended analysis in June after we get a clearer picture of which 2025 draft prospects will return to college or back to their international teams.
After we take a deeper look at why Peterson is the early No. 1 candidate for 2026, we’ll unveil the rest of the prospects. The draft order, as updated through Tuesday morning, is based on ESPN projections and which teams currently own or control those picks.
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Who is No. 1? | Top 10 list\
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Who is No. 1 and why?
While Dybantsa has long been heavily presumed to be the favorite for the No. 1 pick in 2026, Peterson has made a strong push the past few months to make it an open conversation at the top, with plenty of runway still left to determine who is ultimately picked first.
Peterson has been on another level all season for Napa, California-based Prolific Prep (22-2), scoring 30.4 points with 7.1 assists per game, shooting 44% for 3. Two wins in head-to-head Grind Session league matchups against Dybantsa and Utah Prep in December and February made the case quite convincingly for him as the best prospect in the high school game, scoring 61 points in 36 minutes and hitting the game-winning 3-pointer in the second outing between the two, in what will likely go down as a legendary performance for the Kansas commit.
Drawing some comparisons from NBA scouts to a bigger Damian Lillard (who measured 6-foot-3 in shoes and189 pounds with a 6-8 wingspan just prior to turning 22 at the NBA draft combine in 2012), Peterson is the best shot creator in the class. He is able to get anywhere he wants on the court with an explosive first step, the ability to change speeds powerfully and has exquisite ballhandling, pace and body control. He generates paint touches at will, finishes skillfully with both hands and from difficult vantage points in and around the paint, and lives at the free throw line.
He has also developed into an incredible outside shooter, both with his feet set and pulling up off the dribble. He boasts deep range and the ability to come off screens with outstanding footwork getting into side-step and step-back 3s – making him difficult to defend when paired with his shot-creation prowess.
What has separated Peterson from Dybantsa this season is he rarely appears to be forcing the issue, getting to his spots more effortlessly and keeping his head up to find teammates on the move unselfishly. He has made significant improvement as a playmaker this season, with more room to grow still.
His future position appears clearly on the ball, despite measuring 6-foot-6 with a 6-11 wingspan and weighing 200 pounds – outstanding dimensions for a guard – helping him make a significant impact defensively and as a rebounder.
Peterson being ranked No. 1 says more about him than it does about Dybantsa, who is also an outstanding player and prospect in his own right. He’s going to be more appealing to some NBA teams in part because of his size – standing over 6-9 with a near 7-1 wingspan and an absolutely chiseled frame.
Dybantsa also sees significant time on the ball, shouldering shot-creation responsibility for Utah Prep and long-proving capable of scoring relentlessly from anywhere on the floor. He is a force in the open court, difficult to slow down in the mid or low post, and has a wide arsenal of moves operating out of isolation and pick and roll with powerful rip-throughs, devastating hesitation moves and long strides. He has a knack for seeking out contact aggressively in the lane, getting him to the free throw line prolifically.
When dialed in, Dybantsa is also one of the best on-ball defenders in this class, which made Peterson’s scoring exploits (including that 61-point explosion) against him all the more impressive. Dybantsa spent quite a bit of time trying to slow him down unsuccessfully.
Shooting 36% for 3 this season, Dybantsa is more of a volume scorer than Peterson. But he also shows flashes of passing and diverse shot-making versatility when he’s operating under control and trusting his teammates, which isn’t always the case. Dybantsa’s tunnel vision and inconsistent decision-making and shot selection has caused scouts to question at times whether his style of play can drive winning as much as Peterson’s.
It’s a debate that will continue for some time moving forward. Luckily for us, we should get several rematches between the two as Kansas and BYU face off in the Big 12 next season. – Givony
2026 NBA mock draft: Top 10 picks
And here’s our unveiling of our 2026 top 10 draft prospects. The draft order, as updated through Tuesday morning, is based on ESPN BPI projections and reflects the current state of picks owed and owned:
1. Washington Wizards
Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, 6-6, Age: 18\
Committed to Kansas
Peterson has emerged as the best player in high school basketball this season, bringing an enviable combination of size, length and shot-creation prowess. He also possesses elite passing, shot-making versatility, defensive playmaking instincts, and all-around scoring talent. Headed to play for a Basketball Hall of Fame coach in Bill Self, Peterson will be the centerpiece of a Kansas roster that could use a player in his mold now, giving him every opportunity to solidify his standing as the No. 1 prospect in next year’s draft. – Givony
Note: Top-8 protected, will go to the New York Knicks if the pick is 9 through 30.
2. New Orleans Pelicans
A.J. Dybantsa, SG/SF, 6-9, Age: 18\
Committed to BYU
Averaging 26.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, Dybantsa is filling up the stat sheet consistently for Utah Prep (18-10). Every NBA team is searching for 6-foot-9 wings in Dybantsa’s mold who can score from anywhere on the floor, pass on the move, defend multiple positions and bring nonstop intensity and competitiveness to every matchup. Headed to BYU, where he’ll have the keys to the offense and will likely be surrounded by a veteran group, Dybantsa will have every opportunity to show he’s worthy of being the No. 1 pick. – Givony
3. Utah Jazz
Cameron Boozer, PF, 6-9, Age: 17.5\
Committed to Duke
Boozer is the most productive player in the high school game and has a winning résumé unmatched by any prospect in recent memory. He has an elite feel for the game and skill level, with the ability to handle, pass, shoot and guard every position on the floor. He also brings insatiable physicality, crashing the glass and dominating his matchups inside. Next season, Boozer could rival the year Cooper Flagg is having at Duke and will likely emerge as a strong candidate for National Player of the Year honors. – Givony
Note: Top-8 protected, will go to the Oklahoma City Thunder if the pick is 9 through 30.
4. Charlotte Hornets
Nate Ament, SF, 6-11, Age: 18.2\
Uncommitted
A relative unknown 18 months ago, Ament has grown significantly, filled out his frame, and become a devastating matchup at 6-foot-11 with an exceptionally high skill level. His tremendous shot-making prowess, intriguing passing and defensive versatility, and ability to get his shot off almost whenever he pleases give him perhaps the highest upside of any prospect in this class. Duke, Kentucky and Louisville are vying for his services next season, and a decision is expected in the next month or so. – Givony
5. Toronto Raptors
Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, 6-10, Age: 17.6\
Freshman, Arizona State
Younger than several highly touted high school juniors, Quaintance is improbably in the middle of a productive NCAA freshman season, ranking as one of the best shot blockers in college basketball despite not turning 18 until mid-July. He has a chiseled frame, huge hands, a 7-foot-5 wingspan and is exceptionally mobile, giving him a great framework to build off long-term. NBA teams hope to see him take the next step with his feel for the game, technique and skill level next season. – Givony
6. Brooklyn Nets
Karim Lopez, SF/PF, 6-9, Age: 17.8\
New Zealand Breakers (NBL)
Lopez had an outstanding season with the New Zealand Breakers as part of the NBL Next Star program, filling up the stat sheet while showing significant improvement with his outside shooting. At 6-foot-9, he has guard skills, the physicality and intensity needed to put a body on big men, and an excellent motor and feel for the game. Scouts are excited to see what kind of progress he can make in his second season in the Australian league. – Givony
7. San Antonio Spurs
Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, 6-10, Age: 18\
Committed to Houston
Cenac has been up and down this season from a productivity standpoint, but has everything NBA scouts are looking for long-term in a big man. At 6-foot-11 with a 7-4 wingspan, he combines a tremendous frame with mobility, defensive versatility, finishing prowess and outside shooting touch. In short, he’s got tools, talent and upside. Heading to play for coach Kelvin Sampson, Cenac will be pushed daily to improve his physicality, motor and efficiency, which should be highly beneficial for his outlook. – Givony
8. Philadelphia 76ers
Caleb Wilson, PF, 6-9, Age: 18.5\
Committed to North Carolina
At 6-foot-9, Wilson looks the part and then some with an outstanding frame, length and developing two-way versatility that could be harnessed into a very intriguing package long-term. He can push off the defensive glass, make plays all over the floor defensively, and pass on the move. Wilson is still figuring out his identity and leaves something to be desired with his intensity level and outside shooting, but has many attributes you can’t teach and is clearly loaded with upside. – Givony
Note: Philadelphia’s 2025 first-round pick is top-6 protected and top-4 protected in 2026. It will be conveyed to Oklahoma City if it’s pick 7 through 30 in 2025 and pick 5 through 30 in 2026.
9. Chicago Bulls
Dash Daniels, SG, 6-6, Age: 17.1\
Melbourne United (NBL)
Daniels will likely be the youngest prospect in the 2026 draft class – not turning 18 until mid-December – making it difficult to project exactly how he’ll handle the rigors of the Australian NBL next season. The 17-year-old brings many of the same strengths and weaknesses as his brother Dyson, but is bigger, stronger and longer at the same age, which certainly won’t hurt his NBA projection. He’s an outstanding defender who is somewhat of a work in progress as a ball handler, shooter and overall scorer, but has a strong feel for the game, pace and unselfishness, with significant long-term upside to tap into. – Givony
10. Portland Trail Blazers
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, 6-4, Age: 18.8\
Committed to Louisville
A late bloomer who sprouted from 5-foot-10 to 6-4 throughout his time at DME Academy (Florida), Brown shows impressive scoring instincts and talent as a ball handler, passer and outside shooter. Thin-framed at 173 pounds and inconsistent as a finisher and defender, Brown’s ability to gain strength and handle the physicality of the college game will play a significant role in his productivity as a freshman at Louisville and ultimate draft outlook. – Givony
Note: Top-14 protected, will go to Chicago if the pick is 15 through 30.
Who else will contend for the No. 1 pick?
Peterson and Dybantsa have the early leads in our first 2026 look-ahead, in no small part due to their favorable NBA archetypes. Peterson is an oversized, offensive engine who can score from anywhere on the floor while handling primary playmaking responsibilities. Dybantsa is a big, two-way playmaking wing in the Jayson Tatum mold – both positions are highly coveted in today’s NBA.
That’s not to say things can’t change in the next 16 months. Boozer is the player most college coaches would pick if they want to win a game tonight, and he could very well be the favorite to be named NBA Rookie of the Year in 26 months. Skilled, highly intelligent big men with significant defensive versatility certainly aren’t easy to come by. Boozer doesn’t have outlier positional size, length or explosiveness, and some scouts feel he projects as the second-best player on an NBA team instead of a true franchise cornerstone – which might be premature to ascertain.
Boozer, a two-time gold medalist and MVP at the U16 and U17 FIBA levels, three-time Nike EYBL champion, and Florida state champion, is a model of consistency, efficiency and productivity. No one should be surprised if he emerges as the best player in college basketball next season. He’s also the youngest of the four top prospects, turning 18 in July, and has the most NBA-ready body, weighing over 250 pounds.
His profile has led to comparisons to Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero. Boozer started playing as a bruising big man who dominated the interior with physicality and fundamentals but has significantly improved as a ball handler, playmaker and outside shooter. Boozer is far ahead of Banchero defensively as he can switch onto smaller players with strong agility and lateral quickness while protecting the rim with instincts timing, and technique – helping him guard everyone from point guards through centers.
There’s a strong case for Boozer at No. 1 (and we’ve certainly debated it), but being ranked third is more of an indication of the strength at the top of this class rather than a knock on Boozer’s talent level.
Ament, our No. 4 prospect, is the furthest of the group from reaching his long-term ceiling. He has the most room for growth in the long run, but also the most uncertain outcomes in terms of his ultimate floor. At 6-11, he’s the tallest of the four but also the lightest at 190 pounds, while possessing next to no high-level experience compared with some of his peers due to his late-blooming status.
With his high release point and diverse shot-making prowess coming off screens or pulling up off the dribble, Ament can get his jumper off whenever he pleases. That can be a good or a bad thing, depending on what night you catch him on from an efficiency standpoint. He has made a huge leap in the past year with his ball handling, passing and defensive intensity, and may not be done growing. How much stronger, tougher and more explosive he can get over the next 16 months will play a significant role in how he is viewed as a prospect, but he’s oozing talent, and there’s quite a bit to like here regarding his long-term upside. – Givony
Why some top prospects could stay in college, prep for '26 draft
While it’s still too early to know which players will decide to return to college this year, what we do know is that evolving NIL market dynamics are going to make these choices more complex for many NBA draft prospects who have eligibility remaining.
It has traditionally been a much simpler call for players whose draft value sits solidly in top-40 pick territory. But the landscape now provides seven-figure opportunities for elite college players to remain in school. That levels the financial playing field to some extent for projected late first-rounders – for example, freshmen such as Michigan State’s Jase Richardson (No. 29 on ESPN’s 2025 Top 100) or the North Carolina duo of Drake Powell (No. 23) and Ian Jackson (No. 32). Georgetown freshman Thomas Sorber (No. 24) was shut down on Tuesday with a foot injury that will require surgery, likely making his NBA decision trickier.
There’s a case to be made for younger players who have more to prove to stay in school – develop there, make comparable, or superior, short-term money – and then be better prepared for 2026.
Where we might see the greatest NIL-related impact is in the depth of the draft: productive college players who are not regarded as clear-cut NBA roster players now earn significantly more money by staying in school. In the 2024-25 season, a two-way contract pays NBA players $578,577, which only becomes fully guaranteed at midseason. From a financial standpoint, there’s little argument for prospects of that caliber to leave school early, when they can be repeat earners making significantly more money by returning and utilizing their full college eligibility over time. Players such as Illinois’ Tomislav Ivisic (No. 62 on our 2025 list), Houston’s JoJo Tugler (No. 52) or Texas Tech’s JT Toppin (No. 60) and Darrion Williams (No. 44) – who contribute quite a bit to their respective programs, and whom we currently project outside the first round – might have an easier decision than they would have had in an earlier era of college basketball.
While this dynamic might continue to cull from the quality and depth of the draft’s second round each year, NBA teams don’t seem to mind. Players who might get lost in the shuffle on the fringe of an NBA roster have greater incentive to take their time, and in theory, arrive more fully formed when they do turn pro. The second round might end up full of super seniors who have exhausted their eligibility, and more time to evaluate these players should lead to better decision-making and readiness to play an immediate role, albeit in many cases at the expense of perceived long-term upside.
So while we’re still likely to see the annual landslide of players testing the draft waters by the April 26 declaration deadline, a shorter final early-entry list might benefit all parties in the long run. – Woo
By Jonathan Givony, Jeremy Woo | ESPN, via ESPN