By Jeremy Woo, 2026-04-28 19:00:00
随着提前参加选秀申报截止日在周五过去，且距离乐透抽签仪式不到两周，2026年NBA选秀的格局已逐渐清晰。
由于榜单顶端拥有罕见的高影响力天才球员，加之多支球队的命运都押在了今年的乒乓球抽签上，这届选秀正逐渐成为近年来最具潜在影响力的选秀之一。AJ·迪班萨 (AJ Dybantsa) 已成为状元秀的领跑者，而达林·彼得森 (Darryn Peterson)、凯梅伦·布泽尔 (Cameron Boozer) 和凯莱布·威尔逊 (Caleb Wilson) 仍是顶尖热门人选。
本届选秀的提前申报名单仅有71人，低于2025年的106人。这是20多年来提前申报人数最少的一次。大量潜力新秀选择重返大学，导致乐透区之外的选秀深度变薄。NBA球队整个赛季都预见到了这一点，因为NIL（姓名、形象、肖像权收益）的影响力让一级联盟（D-I）项目能够投入具有竞争力的资金来留住人才。
尽管如此，在我们预测的首轮秀中，只有三名球员——托马斯·霍（Thomas Haugh，佛罗里达大学）、布雷隆·马林斯（Braylon Mullins，康涅狄格大学）和莫蒂尤斯·克里瓦斯（Motiejus Krivas，亚利桑那大学）——选择不参加选秀，这使得首轮的整体格局保持稳定。接下来的一个月将决定这届新秀的深度，在我们预测的15-35顺位范围内的20名新秀中，有16人仍保留重返大学的选择权。
NBA将于5月10日在芝加哥举行乐透抽签和联合试训，正式开启繁忙的选秀前周期。基于默认的乐透顺位，本模拟选秀旨在预测如果各支球队今天进行选择，选秀结果会是如何。
这些预测并非潜力新秀的排名——如需排名，请参考ESPN百大球员榜单。这些预测是基于与NBA高管和球探的持续交流，以及我个人在现场观战和录像分析中的评估过程。（*表示乐透签位将在5月10日的抽签中最终确定。）
更多NBA选秀报道：
百大排名 | 当前顺位
乐透详情与日期 | 更多
第一轮选秀
1. 华盛顿奇才*
AJ·迪班萨 (AJ Dybantsa)，小前锋，杨百翰大学 (BYU)
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 35场比赛，场均25.5分、6.8个篮板、3.7次助攻
在经历了一个出色的赛季收官阶段后，迪班萨升至模拟选秀榜首，NBA高管普遍将其视为可能的状元人选。话虽如此，目前尚未达成真正的共识，最终结果仍取决于赢得状元签的球队的决策过程。迪班萨拥有顶级的身体天赋，随着技术的开发，他拥有巨大的得分潜力，并且有成长为优秀防守者的空间，满足了NBA球队对未来侧翼球星的所有期待。
奇才队在最后27场比赛中仅取得1胜26负，锁定了最佳的选秀位置：这个选秀权（原本欠纽约尼克斯队前八保护）最低不会掉出前五。随着特雷·杨 (Trae Young) 和安东尼·戴维斯 (Anthony Davis) 的加入，迪班萨将很好地补充奇才的人员配置，并加入一支正转向在东部竞争的球队。
2. 印第安纳步行者*
达林·彼得森 (Darryn Peterson)，控卫/分卫，堪萨斯大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 24场比赛，场均20.2分、4.2个篮板、1.6次助攻
随着各队继续深入研究彼得森那个奇怪的赛季，他仍然是状元的有力竞争者。近期来自管理层消息源的反馈大多是积极的，彼得森被描述为一个对待工作极其认真且热爱篮球的人，疑问更多集中在他的健康状况上。NBA球队希望从联合试训的体检中得到明确答案，此前他在季前赛经历了一次可怕的全程抽搐，在生理和心理上都影响了他的赛季表现。持有高顺位签的球队希望确信他们能得到最好的彼得森，即许多高管在去年秋天认为的板上钉钉的状元秀。
步行者将在接下来的几周里焦急等待，乐透抽签将改变球队的轨迹：他们有52.1%的概率抽中前四顺位并保留该签位。否则，该签位将归属洛杉矶快船，后者最终可能在第五或第六顺位进行选择。彼得森顶级的投射能力加上健康的泰雷塞·哈利伯顿 (Tyrese Haliburton) 回归，足以让步行者在下赛季重返季后赛版图。
3. 布鲁克林篮网*
凯梅伦·布泽尔 (Cameron Boozer)，大前锋/中锋，杜克大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 38场比赛，场均22.5分、10.2个篮板、4.1次助攻
虽然杜克大学遗憾未能进入最终四强，但布泽尔不负众望，横扫了各项年度最佳球员奖项，并证明了自己是史上最可靠的大一球星之一。他具备成为基石型球员和奠定球队基调的潜质，虽然有限的纵跳高度可能会限制他的上限，但在某种程度上，你很难质疑他所取得的成绩。布泽尔竞争状元的概率稍小，但各支球队对他能提供的产出感到非常放心。
布鲁克林在这次乐透中寄予厚望，因为他们仍在寻找一名年轻的基石球员来撑起球队，而且他们并不拥有自己2027年的首轮签（欠休斯顿火箭）。在这方面，布泽尔是榜单上最稳妥的选择，篮网正试图加速这支年轻阵容的竞争时间表。
4. 犹他爵士*
凯莱布·威尔逊 (Caleb Wilson)，大前锋/中锋，北卡罗来纳大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 24场比赛，场均19.8分、9.4个篮板、2.7次助攻
威尔逊的两处手部伤势并未影响他在选秀榜上的地位，乐透区球队仍在内部讨论他相对于其他顶级新秀的前景，尤其是与技术更成熟但身体天赋稍逊的布泽尔相比。他将有机会在选秀前的试训中证明自己，届时他的运动天赋应该会脱颖而出，球队也希望更好地评估他的技术水平和投射。根据乐透顺位的最终结果，他有可能在比这更高的位置被选中。
犹他在与萨克拉门托国王的选秀抽签平局决胜中获胜，这意味着其前八保护的选秀权即便掉出前八，也将解除对雷霆队的债务。爵士不拥有自己2027年的选秀权，因此在这里应该考虑选择天赋最高的球员，威尔逊作为长期核心是合理的，即使球队在截止日引进了贾伦·杰克逊 (Jaren Jackson Jr.) 来补强前场。
5. 萨克拉门托国王*
小达里乌斯·阿库夫 (Darius Acuff Jr.)，控卫，阿肯色大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 36场比赛，场均23.5分、3.1个篮板、6.4次助攻
对阿库夫的关注在三月份达到顶峰，一段火热的表现提升了他的选秀地位，并使他有望冲进前五。NBA内部对于他在这个极具天赋的后卫集体中处于什么位置意见不一——人们好奇他在联合试训中的身体测量数据，但很少有人怀疑他下赛季就能帮助掌控一支球队。外界预期阿库夫在赢球球队中需要在防守端被保护，但他技术精湛，是这届新秀中技术最成熟的控卫。
考虑到目前的阵容状况以及急需年轻人帮助球队完成迭代，这对国王来说是一次关键的选秀。萨克拉门托看起来是任何顶级后卫的理想去处。阿库夫能立即帮助提升他们的进攻，并为球队建立新的身份。
6. 孟菲斯灰熊*
基顿·瓦格勒 (Keaton Wagler)，控卫/分卫，伊利诺伊大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 37场比赛，场均17.9分、5.1个篮板、4.2次助攻
瓦格勒带领伊利诺伊大学一路杀入最终四强，完成了史上最引人注目的顺位飙升之一。赛季开始前他只是球探们好奇的对象，结束时已成为这个顶级乐透集体中公认的佼佼者。虽然球探预计他需要时间来增强力量并适应NBA的对抗，但瓦格勒身高6英尺6英寸，打球节奏感极佳，且在两个后卫位置上都能贡献价值，这预示着随着身体成熟和经验积累，他拥有巨大的长期上限。他不同寻常的成长轨迹和飞速的进步是积极的信号。
灰熊在赛季后半段的摆烂竞争中取得了显著“进展”，最后23场比赛仅2胜21负，获得了9%的状元签概率。瓦格勒将是一个极具可塑性的建队基石，灰熊正继续重组阵容，如果贾·莫兰特 (Ja Morant) 下赛季回归孟菲斯，瓦格勒也完全有能力与他并肩作战。
7. 亚特兰大老鹰（来自新奥尔良）*
金斯顿·弗莱明斯 (Kingston Flemings)，控卫，休斯顿大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 37场比赛，场均16.1分、4.1个篮板、5.2次助攻
弗莱明斯爆发性的速度和赢球特质在这一赛季打动了NBA高管，他被预测为一名能给防守端带来巨大冲击力的核心组织者，在防守端也应能贡献价值。跳投的持续进步对他至关重要，这也是他需要在球队试训中有效展示的部分，但他在休斯顿大学取得了不错的成绩（三分命中率38.7%，罚球命中率84.5%），并已在这一领域展现了成长。
老鹰在与达拉斯独行侠的7/8位平局决胜中获胜，这是一个有利的抽签，如果两队都没有在乐透之夜顺位跳升，老鹰将拥有优先选择权。由于阵容中缺乏长期控卫，老鹰是另一支会重点考察乐透区后卫的球队。他们不需要选中的球员立即挑大梁，只要老鹰相信他的投篮开发，弗莱明斯会是一个很好的培养对象。
8. 达拉斯独行侠*
小迈克尔·布朗 (Mikel Brown Jr.)，控卫，路易斯维尔大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 21场比赛，场均18.2分、3.3个篮板、4.7次助攻
布朗的背伤使他难以在赛季中提升顺位，这使得选秀前的过程变得至关重要，他需要向各队展示自己已恢复健康，并提醒他们自己拥有卓越的进攻天赋。他的位置身高、投射能力和组织技巧在试训环境下应该会很突出，但他需要一个积极的春季表现，才能在这个后卫云集的乐透区中进一步提升顺位，毕竟阿库夫、瓦格勒和弗莱明斯都经历了一个出色的赛季。仍有球探认为布朗的上限是这组球员中最高的，但他可能需要付出一些努力才能反超其他顶级后卫。
独行侠在控卫位置上有长期需求，并希望能为库珀·弗拉格 (Cooper Flagg) 找到一名搭档，因为他们在2031年之前都不再拥有自己的首轮签。如果布朗在这里还没被选走，他将是榜单上剩下的上限最高的人选，但他的背景也比其他替代方案多了一些风险。
9. 芝加哥公牛*
布雷登·伯里斯 (Brayden Burries)，分卫，亚利桑那大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 39场比赛，场均16.1分、4.9个篮板、2.4次助攻
伯里斯在赛季中凭借稳定的攻防两端表现赢得了各队的青睐，他在得分方面仍有成长空间。球探们看到了他在持球组织方面不断进步所带来的诱人上限，同时他也是一名足够出色的投手，可以胜任二号位，这赋予了他极具吸引力的多面性。他比乐透区其他大一后卫年龄稍大，身体天赋和打法也不那么华丽，但他可能更接近于直接影响比赛胜负。
目前尚不清楚最终谁将代表公牛进行选秀，该加盟店正在寻找一名高级主管来接替阿图拉斯·卡尼索瓦斯 (Arturas Karnisovas)，且随着比利·多诺万 (Billy Donovan) 选择离开，球队还需要一名新主帅。芝加哥在东部的崛起之路依然模糊，公牛在这个顺位应该瞄准天赋最高的球员。伯里斯将是乔什·吉迪 (Josh Giddey) 和马塔斯·布泽利斯 (Matas Buzelis) 身边可靠的外线搭档，也是对芝加哥当前后卫配置的长期升级。
10. 密尔沃基雄鹿*
内特·阿门特 (Nate Ament)，小前锋/大前锋，田纳西大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 35场比赛，场均16.7分、6.3个篮板、2.3次助攻
虽然阿门特的顺位已从早期的前五预测中下滑，但他在复杂的球队背景下在本赛季打出过高效表现，并有空间在试训中提升自己。尽管球探们对于他拥有球星上限还是更适合作为长期角色球员存在分歧，但在乐透末段选择这样一名水准的新秀仍然极具吸引力。作为一名拥有真实投射潜力的身材高大的技术型球员，阿门特符合球队通常喜欢豪赌的球员原型。
密尔沃基如何解决扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 的局面，可能会影响雄鹿对这个选秀权的使用方向。这个选秀权将是他们自己和新奥尔良老鹰中顺位较差的一个（如果两个签位都跳升，他们有极小的机会抽中前四）。雄鹿急需后卫线的帮助，但考虑到球队轨迹的不确定性，他们应该考虑选择天赋最高的人选。
11. 金州勇士*
卡里姆·洛佩斯 (Karim Lopez)，小前锋/大前锋，新西兰破坏者 (NBL)
2025-26赛季数据： 31场比赛，场均11.9分、6.1个篮板、2.0次助攻
作为这届薄弱的国际新秀集体中排名第一的海外球员，洛佩斯有机会在选秀前试训中证明自己。在经历了NBL的一个积极赛季后，球队将通过试训更好地了解他的身体天赋和技术水平。如果在这些场合展示出外线投篮的进步，将有助于他挤进前十，因为他正与内特·阿门特和亚克塞尔·伦德伯格这两位全能前锋竞争顺位。
金州勇士正进入一个充满不确定性的休赛期，史蒂夫·科尔 (Steve Kerr) 的未来尚不明朗，且需要考虑阵容的长期健康，目前球队仍由38岁的斯蒂芬·库里 (Stephen Curry) 支撑。选择像洛佩斯这样拥有职业经验、可能在职业生涯早期就能填补空缺的年轻球员，或许有助于兼顾短期和长期目标。
12. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆（来自洛杉矶快船）*
亚克塞尔·伦德伯格 (Yaxel Lendeborg)，小前锋/大前锋，密歇根大学
大四
2025-26赛季数据： 40场比赛，场均15.1分、6.8个篮板、3.2次助攻
伦德伯格将从他在密歇根大学夺冠历程中的关键作用中获益，他在攻防两端都展现了全能性，并在最后11场比赛中三分命中率高达52.9%。撇开年龄较大不谈，对于那些渴望明年赢球的乐透球队来说，他应该是一个极具吸引力的选择，其技术特点在任何阵容中都能产生增益。
快船队跌出附加赛意味着拥有此签位的64胜雷霆队在乐透之夜有一个微小的顺位跳升机会。雷霆还拥有第17顺位选秀权，由于休赛期阵容名额非常有限，他们有动力尝试合并部分资产。伦德伯格将是他们前场现成的补充，他的体型和全面性对于一支竞争者球队来说具有立竿见影的价值。
13. 迈阿密热火*
小拉巴伦·菲隆 (Labaron Philon Jr.)，控卫/分卫，阿拉巴马大学
大二
2025-26赛季数据： 33场比赛，场均22.0分、3.5个篮板、5.0次助攻
菲隆通过留校提升了自己的身价，对于任何需要得分创造力的球队来说，他都是乐透末段的一个有力选项。他在球探眼中可能存在两极分化，人们一直质疑他在半场进攻中组织球队的能力，但他是一名经过验证的得分手，拥有位置身高，在合适的体系中能从替补席提供真正的火花。
热火将自2019年以来首次在乐透区选人，这给了他们在核心阵容中增加一名高端天才的机会。菲隆将为他们提供另一名有创造力的后卫，帮助增强后场深度。
14. 夏洛特黄蜂*
阿戴·马拉 (Aday Mara)，中锋，密歇根大学
大三
2025-26赛季数据： 40场比赛，场均12.1分、6.8个篮板、2.4次助攻
马拉在密歇根大学夺冠过程中表现异常出色，展示了他在7英尺3英寸身高下独特的技能水平。他是一名优秀的传球手和快速的决策者，除了完成简单的终结外，还可以成为进攻的枢纽。球探们对他这种体型下体能的改善也印象深刻。为了兑现潜力，最大限度地开发身体并练就可靠的跳投至关重要——但马拉是本届选秀中技术和身材天赋最好的中锋，根据选秀形势，他有机会挤进前十。
黄蜂本赛季在组织架构上迈进了一步，打进了附加赛并培养了化学反应，康·克努佩尔 (Kon Knueppel) 的加入注入了一剂强心针。在截止日通过续约候选人科比·怀特 (Coby White) 加强后场后，增加一名能提供额外体型的前场球员应该是这里的选项。他们还持有第18顺位，这给了他们一些在榜单上移动的灵活性。
15. 芝加哥公牛（来自波特兰）
杰登·昆坦斯 (Jayden Quaintance)，中锋，肯塔基大学
大二
2025-26赛季数据： 4场比赛，场均5.0分、5.0个篮板、0.5次助攻
昆坦斯仍然是进入选秀周期最大的变数之一。在ACL手术一年后，他本赛季仅打了四场比赛，在尝试复出后膝盖问题再次出现。考虑到他还不满19岁，他的身体素质和防守上限具有长期的吸引力。他的体检结果以及他能参与多少场上试训，将决定他在目前看来跨度极大的顺位区间中最终落在何处。
公牛是四支拥有前20顺位多个选秀权的球队之一（另外三支是灰熊、雷霆、黄蜂），这为这些球队创造了潜在有趣的交易动态，也为其他球队提供了进入的机会。芝加哥需要一名长期中锋，他们可以通过这第二个选秀权来解决。昆坦斯的吃饼能力和盖帽会立即让他们的前场更具运动力。
16. 孟菲斯灰熊（来自奥兰多）
汉内斯·斯坦巴赫 (Hannes Steinbach)，大前锋/中锋，华盛顿大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 30场比赛，场均18.5分、11.8个篮板、1.6次助攻
斯坦巴赫提供的可靠产出下限在这一届大个子较少的选秀中脱颖而出，使他成为乐透末段最稳妥的选择之一。虽然不是一名华丽的球员，但他的篮板能力和进攻技巧应该能让他立即在替补席发挥作用。关于他的防守和投篮（三分命中率34%）的长期前景意见不一，球探们认为由于他的体型，他在位置上有些介于4号位和5号位之间。
灰熊拥有两个前20顺位的选秀权，且需要前场深度，他们可以考虑用这第二个选秀权来解决这个问题。
17. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆（来自费城）
小克里斯·塞纳克 (Chris Cenac Jr.)，大前锋/中锋，休斯顿大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 37场比赛，场均9.5分、7.9个篮板、0.7次助攻
塞纳克是另一名选秀顺位跨度很大的新秀：在这个缺乏像他这样年轻、运动型大个子的集体中，他的年轻和开发潜力具有吸引力。凭借身体素质和投篮手感，他是那种能在试训中显著提升身价的球员，但他距离为一支赢球的NBA球队做出贡献还有很长的路要走。因此，塞纳克需要更多的预判性，但他被视为选秀这一顺位区间内一个可行的开发型赌注。
考虑到雷霆目前的阵容拥挤，选择两名新秀可能并不合理，这意味着这个选秀权最终可能会被摆上货架。雷霆是否会利用选秀权向上交易，或者将其中一个位置换成未来的资产价值，仍有待观察，但逻辑上他们会对这些选择保持灵活性。
18. 夏洛特黄蜂（来自菲尼克斯）
凯梅伦·卡尔 (Cameron Carr)，分卫，贝勒大学
大二
2025-26赛季数据： 34场比赛，场均18.9分、5.8个篮板、2.6次助攻
经历了突破性的赛季后，卡尔结合了优秀的外线投篮、顶级的爆发力和防守闪光点，在这一届缺乏进攻型侧翼的选秀中提供了上限。他通过空切得分和拉开空间的能力应该能有效转化，使他能够承担起减轻组织压力的无球角色。卡尔拥有的那种运动天赋和三分射程（37.4%）在私人试训中应该会脱颖而出，让他有空间在球队面前展示自己并进一步提升顺位。
黄蜂正采取耐心的方式通过选秀进行重建，虽然尚不清楚14号和18号签能让他们在顶级乐透区换到什么，但在这里巩固侧翼深度是明智的。
19. 多伦多猛龙
克里斯蒂安·安德森 (Christian Anderson)，控卫，德克萨斯理工大学
大二
2025-26赛季数据： 33场比赛，场均18.5分、3.6个篮板、7.4次助攻
安德森出色的投篮（三分命中率41.5%）和稳定的挡拆组织能力使他成为寻找后场深度的球队的稳健目标。缺乏身体优势是他的主要短板，这使他在这个强大的控卫班级中更倾向于首轮后半段的选择。他也可以选择重返德克萨斯理工大学，在那里他将成为下赛季大学篮球的顶尖球员，这取决于他的参选进程如何。
增加后卫深度和额外的外线投篮应该是猛龙休赛期的任务。加入安德森——他比典型的小个后卫更具备无球作战能力——可能有助于通过提升组织和空间来平衡他们的阵容。
20. 圣安东尼奥马刺（来自亚特兰大）
小莫雷兹·约翰逊 (Morez Johnson Jr.)，大前锋/中锋，密歇根大学
大二
2025-26赛季数据： 40场比赛，场均13.7分、7.3个篮板、1.2次助攻
约翰逊将有机会利用他在密歇根大学夺冠中的角色，他的强硬球风和防守多面性对NBA具有长期吸引力。虽然作为5号位身材偏矮，但他骨架极佳，跑动积极，是一名活跃的篮板手，并具备防守多个位置和换防的能力。这使他成为那些希望提升前场运动能力的球队眼中的“胶水球员”人选。
圣安东尼奥在侧翼天赋上储备充足，应该在这个顺位考虑更年轻的前场深度。马刺的优势在于能够让维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 与前场几乎任何大个子搭档，文班的投篮和护筐能力支持广泛的阵容搭配。约翰逊在这里应该会受到考虑，他能为马刺冉冉升起的超级巨星身边增加一些肌肉。
21. 底特律活塞（来自明尼苏达）
班尼特·斯蒂尔茨 (Bennett Stirtz)，控卫，爱荷华大学
大四
2025-26赛季数据： 37场比赛，场均19.8分、2.6个篮板、4.4次助攻
斯蒂尔茨在三月份再次证明了他已做好征战NBA的准备，率领爱荷华大学出人意料地闯入精英八强。虽然他本赛季的投篮比预想的更不稳定（三分命中率35.8%），但他承担了沉重的负荷，被要求完成比职业赛场多得多的自主创造。他驾驭挡拆、减少失误和把握空位投篮的能力，让他即使作为一名23岁的新秀进入联盟，也有路径在合适的体系中担任有用的替补角色。
底特律急需在凯德·坎宁安 (Cade Cunningham) 身边增加投篮点，在这个顺位可以有多个方向。斯蒂尔茨有能力补强第二阵容，并在活塞各类组织型侧翼身边提供空间。
22. 费城76人（来自休斯顿）
艾伦·格雷夫斯 (Allen Graves)，大前锋，圣克拉拉大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 35场比赛，场均11.8分、6.5个篮板、1.8次助攻
格雷夫斯是本届选秀周期中独特的故事之一，由于其强大的高阶数据表现，他已积累了首轮行情。他保留了重返大学的能力，目前也在转校生名单中，这使得他在联合试训临近时面临一个非常有趣的去留决定。虽然在球探中仍存在一些争议，且不是顶尖的跑跳型运动员，但格雷夫斯的技术水平、球感和产出持续引起NBA的兴趣，如果他在选秀前表现出色，有路径冲进前20。
76人本赛季成功转向了更年轻的时间线，泰雷塞·马克西 (Tyrese Maxey) 和VJ·埃奇科姆 (VJ Edgecombe) 的组合将成为可预见未来的后场核心，并减轻乔尔·恩比德 (Joel Embiid) 的压力。由于恩比德经常缺阵，增加年轻的前场深度应该是费城的目标，他们可能会在这个选秀权上解决这个问题。
23. 亚特兰大老鹰（来自克利夫兰）
艾赛亚·埃文斯 (Isaiah Evans)，分卫，杜克大学
大二
2025-26赛季数据： 38场比赛，场均15.0分、3.2个篮板、1.3次助攻
埃文斯具备成为高质量侧翼射手的潜质，拥有良好的位置身高，并能在跑动中命中高难度投篮。本赛季他在杜克大学承担了更多角色，取得了长足进步，如果能保持稳定性，他拥有首发级别的上限。他需要更好地在防守端利用自己的天赋，但本赛季他在那一端展现了一些成长。
随着老鹰继续围绕崛起的杰伦·约翰逊 (Jalen Johnson) 建队，增加更多外线投篮将大有裨益。除了寻找长期控卫（他们可能在乐透区完成）外，他们没有明确的位置需求，这第二个选秀权可以考虑多个方向。
24. 纽约尼克斯
考阿·皮特 (Koa Peat)，大前锋/中锋，亚利桑那大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 36场比赛，场均14.1分、5.6个篮板、2.6次助攻
皮特选择参加选秀，并有机会通过出色的选秀前试训提升顺位。一些球队认为他是留校提升身价的极佳人选，他目前仍保留这一选择。球探认为他的外线投篮是决定其职业生涯路径的关键技能，因为在他目前的职业阶段，他在15英尺外的得分并不特别有效。但他相对于体型的力量和敏捷性，加上扎实的进攻感觉和防守外线的能力，让他有机会在合适的体系中找到自己的定位。
纽约将受益于前场体型和强硬度的增加，尤其是考虑到米切尔·罗宾逊 (Mitchell Robinson) 将进入自由市场。如果皮特能开发出投篮，他在这里会是一个有趣的阵容选项。
25. 洛杉矶湖人
亨利·维萨尔 (Henri Veesaar)，中锋，北卡罗来纳大学
大三
2025-26赛季数据： 31场比赛，场均17.0分、8.7个篮板、2.1次助攻
维萨尔在北卡罗来纳大学度过了一个高效的赛季，在这一届缺乏真正中锋的选秀中，他将提供纯粹的体型和可行的投射（三分命中率42.6%）。对于他的体型来说，他拥有中等偏上的运动能力和进攻技巧，在防守端也应能胜任沉退防守。他在攻防两端提供的功能性应能让他下赛季就进入轮换。
湖人下赛季的阵容存在不确定性，勒布朗·詹姆斯 (LeBron James) 以及可能的奥斯汀·里夫斯 (Austin Reaves)（球员选项）将进入自由市场。最明显的需求在中锋位置，他们需要进行超越反复无常的德安德烈·艾顿 (Deandre Ayton) 的升级。维萨尔将提升他们的技术水平，并增加前场所缺乏的空间元素。
26. 丹佛掘金
戴林·斯温 (Dailyn Swain)，分卫/小前锋，德克萨斯大学
大三
2025-26赛季数据： 36场比赛，场均17.3分、7.5个篮板、3.6次助攻
斯温是这届新秀中身体天赋最出众的侧翼之一，在打出了最完整的大学赛季后，他已经建立了稳固的首轮行情。他是一名强力的攻筐手，被预测为一名优秀的防守者，但在进攻端仍在摸索。球队会好奇在试训中进一步评估他并不稳定的投篮（三分命中率34.8%，但罚球命中率是令人鼓舞的81.3%），这是他长期成长的关键领域，也给了他提升顺位的空间。
掘金继续尝试在尼古拉·约基奇 (Nikola Jokic) 身边优化辅助阵容，且可能会在自由市场失去佩顿·沃森 (Peyton Watson)。斯温的位置身高和防守多面性在这里会是一个极具吸引力的补充。
27. 波士顿凯尔特人
阿马里·艾伦 (Amari Allen)，小前锋/大前锋，阿拉巴马大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 32场比赛，场均11.4分、6.9个篮板、3.1次助攻
艾伦的位置多面性以及在攻防两端增强阵容的能力，为他找到长期NBA角色提供了路径。虽然他不太可能在高水平上完成自主进攻，三分命中率也只有平庸的34.1%，但如果他的得分能力能跟上，他的组织闪光点和防守本能为他提供了一个良好的角色球员基础。作为一名赛季初并不起眼的大龄新秀，他能否从这里提升顺位还是最终重返大学仍有待观察。
凯尔特人看重像艾伦这样能与球星并肩作战的高大外线球员，并且可以给他时间去开发。
28. 明尼苏达森林狼（来自底特律）
埃布卡·奥科里 (Ebuka Okorie)，控卫，斯坦福大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 31场比赛，场均23.2分、3.6个篮板、3.6次助攻
奥科里在斯坦福大学完成了一个令人惊讶的“打一年就走”的赛季，他以一个相对默默无闻的招募身份入校，随后场均砍下23.2分并入选ACC最佳阵容。作为一名意志坚定、身手敏捷的得分手，他在同位置上身材偏矮且单薄，在这个深厚的控卫班级中能冲到多高仍有待观察，他仍保留重返校园并在2027年这个较弱的选秀年参选的机会。
森林狼需要一名替补控球手来帮助长期稳定该位置，奥科里这种“微波炉”般的得分天赋可能是替补席的理想选择。
29. 克利夫兰骑士（来自圣安东尼奥）
梅里克·托马斯 (Meleek Thomas)，控卫/分卫，阿肯色大学
大一
2025-26赛季数据： 37场比赛，场均15.6分、3.8个篮板、2.5次助攻
托马斯是一名极具天赋的得分手，拥有扎实的位置身高，本赛季三分命中率为41.6%，这使他成为需要进攻帮助的球队的一个可行的首轮选项。他可以选择重返阿肯色大学，在没有阿库夫的情况下，下赛季他将承担更大的角色，并可能在2027年稳居首轮。
在目前的竞争窗口期，克利夫兰有理由在这个顺位根据需求选人——但如果一名年轻球员掉到这里，进行一次上限豪赌也是合理的。
30. 达拉斯独行侠（来自俄克拉荷马城）
约书亚·杰斐逊 (Joshua Jefferson)，小前锋/大前锋，爱荷华州立大学
大四
2025-26赛季数据： 35场比赛，场均16.4分、7.4个篮板、4.8次助攻
Big 12锦标赛中一次不合时宜的脚踝伤势让杰斐逊的赛季戛然而止，但他凭借稳定的全能表现打入了首轮末的讨论范围。对于他的体型来说，他技术娴熟，拥有良好的视野和无私的打法，这有助于融合阵容并具有“即插即用”的吸引力。杰斐逊本赛季投出了生涯最佳的34.5%的三分命中率，但仍需成为一名更可靠的空间点，以将他的各项技能串联起来。
独行侠应该致力于在下赛季向赢球冲刺，库珀·弗拉格正在崛起，而达拉斯在2031年之前都不拥有自己的选秀权。虽然仍在重建中，但用这第二个首轮签增加一名更接近NBA水平的球员在方向上是合理的。
第二轮选秀
31. 纽约尼克斯（来自华盛顿）： 亚历克斯·卡拉班 (Alex Karaban)，小前锋/大前锋，康涅狄格大学，大四
32. 孟菲斯灰熊（来自印第安纳）： 泰勒·坦纳 (Tyler Tanner)，控卫/分卫，范德堡大学，大二
33. 布鲁克林篮网： 朱克·哈里斯 (Juke Harris)，分卫，维克森林大学，大二
34. 萨克拉门托国王： 祖比·埃乔福 (Zuby Ejiofor)，大前锋/中锋，圣约翰大学，大四
35. 圣安东尼奥马刺（来自犹他）： 汤德·耶苏富 (Tounde Yessoufou)，小前锋，贝勒大学，大一
36. 洛杉矶快船（来自孟菲斯）： 路易吉·苏伊戈 (Luigi Suigo)，中锋，Mega Basket (塞尔维亚)
37. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆（来自达拉斯）： 米兰·莫姆奇洛维奇 (Milan Momcilovic)，大前锋，爱荷华州立大学，大三
38. 芝加哥公牛（来自新奥尔良）： 塞尔吉奥·德·拉雷亚 (Sergio de Larrea)，控卫/分卫，瓦伦西亚 (西班牙)
39. 休斯顿火箭（来自芝加哥）： 瑞安·康威尔 (Ryan Conwell)，分卫，路易斯维尔大学，大四
40. 波士顿凯尔特人（来自密尔沃基）： 布雷登·史密斯 (Braden Smith)，控卫，普渡大学，大四
41. 迈阿密热火（来自金州）： 塔里斯·里德 (Tarris Reed Jr.)，大前锋/中锋，康涅狄格大学，大四
42. 圣安东尼奥马刺（来自波特兰）： 马特·埃布尔 (Matt Able)，小前锋，北卡罗来纳州立大学，大一
43. 布鲁克林篮网（来自洛杉矶快船）： 马拉奇·莫雷诺 (Malachi Moreno)，中锋，肯塔基大学，大一
44. 圣安东尼奥马刺（来自迈阿密）： 巴巴·米勒 (Baba Miller)，大前锋/中锋，辛辛那提大学，大四
45. 萨克拉门托国王（来自夏洛特）： 里奇·桑德斯 (Richie Saunders)，分卫/小前锋，杨百翰大学，大四
46. 奥兰多魔术： 弗洛里·比东加 (Flory Bidunga)，中锋，堪萨斯大学，大二
47. 菲尼克斯太阳（来自费城）： 贾登·布拉德利 (Jaden Bradley)，控卫/分卫，亚利桑那大学，大四
48. 达拉斯独行侠（来自菲尼克斯）： 特雷冯·布拉齐尔 (Trevon Brazile)，大前锋/中锋，阿肯色大学，大四
49. 丹佛掘金（来自亚特兰大）： 鲁本·奇内鲁 (Rueben Chinyelu)，中锋，佛罗里达大学，大三
50. 多伦多猛龙： 乌戈纳·奥尼恩索 (Ugonna Onyenso)，中锋，弗吉尼亚大学，大四
51. 华盛顿奇才（来自明尼苏达）： 比利·里士满三世 (Billy Richmond III)，分卫/小前锋，阿肯色大学，大二
52. 洛杉矶快船（来自克利夫兰）： 凯兰·博斯韦尔 (Kylan Boswell)，控卫/分卫，伊利诺伊大学，大四
53. 休斯顿火箭： 布鲁斯·桑顿 (Bruce Thornton)，控卫/分卫，俄亥俄州立大学，大四
54. 金州勇士（来自洛杉矶）： 安德烈·斯托亚科维奇 (Andrej Stojakovic)，分卫/小前锋，伊利诺伊大学，大三
55. 纽约尼克斯： 伊曼纽尔·夏普 (Emanuel Sharp)，分卫，休斯顿大学，大四
56. 芝加哥公牛（来自丹佛）： 泰勒·比洛多 (Tyler Bilodeau)，前锋，加州大学洛杉矶分校 (UCLA)，大四
57. 亚特兰大老鹰（来自波士顿）： 贾科比·吉莱斯皮 (Ja’Kobi Gillespie)，控卫，田纳西大学，大四
58. 明尼苏达森林狼（来自圣安东尼奥）： 米洛斯·乌赞 (Milos Uzan)，控卫，休斯顿大学，大四
59. 新奥尔良鹈鹕（来自底特律）： 塔明·利普西 (Tamin Lipsey)，控卫，爱荷华州立大学，大四
60. 华盛顿奇才（来自俄克拉荷马城）： 费利克斯·奥克帕拉 (Felix Okpara)，中锋，田纳西大学，大四
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。
点击查看原文：2026 NBA mock draft: Risers, fallers ahead of the May 10 lottery
2026 NBA mock draft: Risers, fallers ahead of the May 10 lottery
The 2026 NBA draft picture has come into focus, with the early-entry deadline passed on Friday, and the lottery less than two weeks away.
Between the unusual amount of high-impact talent atop the board and the number of teams with quite a bit riding on this year’s ping-pong balls, this draft continues to shape up as one of the more potentially consequential in recent memory. AJ Dybantsa has emerged as the front-runner for No. 1, with Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson still the top names.
The early-entry list for this class consists of just 71 players, down from 106 in 2025. It’s the fewest early declarations in more than 20 years. A flood of prospects opted to return to college, thinning the depth of this draft outside the lottery, something NBA teams anticipated all season due to the impact of NIL, allowing D-I programs to spend competitively and retain talent.
Still, only three players we projected as first-rounders – Thomas Haugh (Florida), Braylon Mullins (UConn) and Motiejus Krivas (Arizona ) – opted against entering the draft, keeping the first-round picture largely stable. How the next month plays out will determine just how deep the class becomes, with 16 of the 20 prospects we project in the 15-35 range still holding the ability to return to college if they choose.
The NBA will convene in Chicago on May 10 for the lottery and combine, formally kicking off a busy predraft cycle. Using the default lottery order, this mock serves to project what the draft might look like if teams selected today.
These projections are not a ranking of the top prospects – for that, consult ESPN’s top 100. These projections are informed by ongoing conversations with NBA executives and scouts, as well as my own evaluation process from time spent on the road at games and watching film. (*Denotes lottery pick that will be set in a drawing on May 10.)
More NBA draft coverage:
Top 100 rankings | Current order
Lottery details, date | More
Round 1 picks
1. Washington Wizards*
AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists in 35 games
Dybantsa moves atop the mock after an excellent close to the season, with NBA executives broadly viewing him as the probable No. 1 choice. Having said that, there is no true consensus, and this outcome still hangs on the decision-making process of whichever team wins the lottery. Dybantsa has elite physical traits, major scoring upside as his skills develop and room to grow into a positive defender, checking all the boxes NBA teams look for in a future star at a coveted position.
The Wizards went 1-26 in their final 27 games and secured the best possible draft positioning: This pick (which was top-eight protected to the Knicks) can drop no lower than fifth. With Trae Young and Anthony Davis on board, Dybantsa would complement the Wizards’ personnel neatly and join a team shifting gears toward competing in the East.
2. Indiana Pacers*
Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists in 24 games
Peterson remains a real candidate at No. 1 as teams continue to dig into his strange season. Recent feedback from front office sources has been largely positive, with Peterson described as a serious worker who is passionate about his craft, with questions centering more about his health. NBA teams are hoping for clarity from his medical evaluation at the combine, with a scary preseason full-body cramping episode having impacted his season physically and mentally. Teams holding top picks will want to feel comfortable that they’ll be able to get the best version of him, the one many execs viewed as a simple No. 1 choice entering the fall.
The Pacers will sweat out the next few weeks in anticipation of a lottery that will alter the path of the franchise: There is a 52.1% chance their pick lands in the top four, and they keep it. If not, it will go to the Clippers, who could wind up selecting fifth or sixth. Adding Peterson’s elite shooting and bringing back a healthy Tyrese Haliburton could easily vault the Pacers back into the playoff picture next season.
3. Brooklyn Nets*
Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists in 38 games
While Duke fell just short of a Final Four berth, Boozer lived up to his lofty expectations, cleaning up player of the year awards and proving one of the most dependable freshman stars ever. He has the makings of a foundational, tone-setting player, and while his limited vertical lift might cap some of his upside, at some point, it’s hard to argue with the results he has gotten. Boozer is a longer shot at No. 1, but teams largely feel comfortable with the production they’re going to get from him.
Brooklyn has a lot riding on this lottery, as it continues to look for a young franchise player to anchor the team and doesn’t have control of its 2027 first, which is owed to Houston. Boozer is the safest choice on the board in that respect, as the Nets try to accelerate the competitive timeline of a young roster.
4. Utah Jazz*
Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists in 24 games
Wilson’s pair of hand injuries didn’t impact his standing on draft boards, with lottery teams continuing to debate internally how he projects relative to the other top prospects, particularly the more polished but less physically gifted Boozer. He will have an opportunity to make his case in predraft workouts, where his athletic gifts should stand out, and teams will want to better assess his skill level and shooting. There are potential scenarios where he can go higher than this, depending on how the lotto order breaks.
Utah won a draft tiebreaker with Sacramento, meaning its 1-8 protected pick can fall further than No. 8 – extinguishing the Jazz’s obligation to the Thunder. They don’t control their own pick in 2027 and should be thinking best-available prospect here, with Wilson making sense as a long-term centerpiece, even with the addition of Jaren Jackson Jr. to strengthen their frontcourt at the deadline.
5. Sacramento Kings*
Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 23.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists in 36 games
Excitement around Acuff crested in March, with a torrid stretch elevating his draft status and positioning him for a potential leap into the top five. Opinions around the NBA vary on where he stacks up amid a very talented guard class – there is curiosity around how he’ll measure physically at the combine, but little doubt he has the chops to help run a team next season. There is an expectation that Acuff will need to be insulated defensively on a winning team, but he is a highly skilled and the most polished point guard in the class.
This is a critical draft for the Kings, considering the state of the current roster and the desperate need for a younger player to help transition into the next iteration of the team. Sacramento looks like a friendly landing spot for any of the top guards. Acuff would instantly help elevate their offense and establish a new identity for the team moving forward.
6. Memphis Grizzlies*
Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists in 37 games
Wagler led Illinois all the way to the Final Four to cap one of the more remarkable prospect rises ever, entering the season as a curiosity for scouts and finishing as a bona fide top talent in an exceptional lottery class. While scouts expect it will take time for him to add strength and adjust physically to the NBA, the fact that Wagler is 6-foot-6, plays with change of pace, and adds value at both guard positions points to major long-term upside as his body matures and he gains experience. His unusual trajectory and rapid improvement bode well.
Memphis made up significant ground in the race to the bottom in the second half of the season, going 2-21 in its final 23 games and landing a 9% chance at the No. 1 pick. Wagler would be a malleable building block as the Grizzlies continue to remake their roster and is capable of playing alongside Ja Morant if he returns to Memphis next season.
7. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)*
Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists in 37 games
Flemings’ explosive speed and winning intangibles swayed NBA executives this season, and he projects as a lead playmaker who puts downhill pressure on defenses and should also add value as a defender. The continued progression of his jump shot is key for him and something he’ll need to demonstrate effectively in team workouts, but he got positive results at Houston (38.7% from 3, 84.5% from the line) and has shown growth already in that area.
Atlanta won the 7/8 tiebreak with Dallas, a favorable draw that gives it higher priority if neither pick jumps on lottery night. Without a long-term point guard on the roster, the Hawks are another team that will look hard at the backcourt players in the lottery. They won’t need to rely immediately on whoever they select, and Flemings would be a good developmental fit, provided the Hawks believe in his shooting development.
8. Dallas Mavericks*
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists in 21 games
Brown’s back injury made it difficult for him to boost his stock in-season, making the predraft process critical to show teams he is healthy and remind them of his significant offensive talent. His positional size, shooting ability and playmaking skill should stand out in workout settings, but he needs a positive spring to work his way further up the board in a guard-heavy lottery, with Acuff, Wagler and Flemings all having outstanding seasons. There are still scouts who view Brown’s upside as the highest of the group, but it might take some work for him to leap ahead of the other top guards.
The Mavericks have a long-term need at the point and will be hoping to find a running mate for Cooper Flagg, as they won’t control their own first again until 2031. Brown would be the biggest upside swing left on the board if available here, but also comes with a little more risk in his profile than some alternatives.
9. Chicago Bulls*
Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists in 39 games
Burries endeared himself to teams over the course of the season as a steady two-way contributor with room to grow as a scorer. Scouts see a intriguing upside as he continues to improve as an on-ball playmaker, but he is a solid-enough shooter to play the two, giving him appealing versatility. He is older than other freshman guards in the lottery and not as toolsy or flashy, but might be closer to directly impacting winning.
It remains to be seen who will ultimately be drafting for the Bulls, with the franchise searching for a lead executive to replace Arturas Karnisovas and a new coach, with Billy Donovan choosing to depart. Chicago’s pathway to relevance in the East remains somewhat foggy, and the Bulls should be targeting the best available talent at this spot. Burries would be a solid fit on the perimeter next to Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis and a long-term upgrade on Chicago’s current backcourt options.
10. Milwaukee Bucks*
Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists in 35 games
While Ament’s stock has slipped from an early top-five projection, he had productive stretches this season within a tricky team context and has room to help himself in workouts. Although scouts are split on whether he has star upside or projects better as a long-term supporting player, there is still plenty of intrigue around the opportunity to select a prospect of his caliber later in the lottery. As a tall skill player with real shotmaking upside, Ament fits a player archetype that teams often love to swing on.
How Milwaukee resolves the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation might have a bearing on what direction the Bucks go with their pick, which will be the worst of their own and New Orleans’ (giving them a slim chance to pick in the top four if both picks jump). The Bucks desperately need backcourt help but should be thinking best available, considering the uncertainty around the team’s trajectory.
11. Golden State Warriors*
Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers
2025-26 stats: 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 31 games
The top overseas-based player in a thin international prospect class, Lopez has a chance to help himself in predraft workouts, where teams will gain a better sense of his physical traits and skill level coming off a positive year in the NBL. Showing progress as a perimeter shooter in those settings would help his case to sneak into the top 10, as he jockeys for position with Ament and Yaxel Lendeborg, two other versatile forwards.
Golden State enters an uncertain offseason, with Steve Kerr’s future unclear and a need to consider the long-term health of the roster, still anchored by 38-year-old Stephen Curry. Selecting a younger player such as Lopez, who has the experience to potentially slot in early on his rookie deal, might help mesh the short and long-term goals.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers)*
Yaxel Lendeborg, SF/PF, Michigan
Senior
2025-26 stats: 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists in 40 games
Lendeborg is set to benefit from his instrumental role in Michigan’s title run, where his versatility shone through on both sides of the ball, and he shot 52.9% from 3 in his final 11 games. Advanced age aside, he should be an attractive option for teams in the lottery that are angling to win next year, with a skill set that will be additive on any roster.
The Clippers falling out of the play-in means the 64-win Thunder, who own this pick, have a long-shot opportunity on lottery night. The Thunder also own the 17th pick and will have an incentive to try and consolidate some of their assets, with minimal roster-spot wiggle room in the offseason. Lendeborg would be a ready-made addition to their frontcourt, and his size and versatility would be valuable immediately on a contender.
13. Miami Heat*
Labaron Philon Jr., PG/SG, Alabama
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 22.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists in 33 games
Philon helped himself by returning to school and will have a case in the late lottery as an option for any team in need of shot creation. He can be polarizing for scouts, with persistent questions around his ability to run a team in the half court, but he’s a proven scorer with positional size who could provide a real spark coming off the bench in the right context.
The Heat will pick in the lottery for the first time since 2019, giving them a chance to add a higher-end talent to their nucleus. Philon would give them another creative guard to help bolster the backcourt mix.
14. Charlotte Hornets*
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Junior
2025-26 stats: 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists in 40 games
Mara played exceptionally well as Michigan rolled to the title and showcased his unique skill level at 7-3. He is an excellent passer and quick processor who can be an offensive conduit, in addition to finishing simple plays. Scouts have also been impressed with his improved conditioning at his size. To realize his upside, maximizing his body and developing a reliable jump shot will be crucial – but Mara is the most gifted center in the draft, both skill- and size-wise, with a chance to sneak into the top 10 depending on how the board falls.
Charlotte took an organizational step forward this season, making the play-in and developing chemistry, with the addition of Kon Knueppel providing a shot in the arm. After adding extension candidate Coby White at the deadline to strengthen up the backcourt, adding to a frontcourt that could use additional size should be an option here. They also hold the 18th pick, giving them some optionality to move around the board.
15. Chicago Bulls (via Portland)
Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 5.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists in four games
Quaintance remains one of the biggest wild-card prospects going into the predraft process. Now a year removed from ACL surgery, he played just four games this season, with knee issues flaring up after he attempted to return. His physicality and defensive upside carry long-term intrigue considering he has yet to turn 19. How his medicals check out and how much he’s able to participate in on-court workouts will determine where he falls in what currently feels like a very wide draft range.
The Bulls are one of four teams (Memphis, Oklahoma City, Charlotte) holding multiple picks inside the top 20, creating potentially interesting trade dynamics for those teams, and opportunities for others to move in. Chicago has a need for a long-term center, which they could potentially address with this second selection. Quaintance’s rim-running ability and shot blocking would instantly make their frontcourt more athletic.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando)
Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists in 30 games
The dependable production floor Steinbach offers stands out in a draft that’s lighter on bigs, making him one of the safer options starting in the late lottery. While not a flashy player, his rebounding ability and offensive skill level should allow him to plug in off the bench right away. There are varying opinions on how his defense and shooting (34% from 3) project long-term, and scouts view him as somewhat caught between the 4 and 5 positionally due to his size.
Memphis holds two picks inside the top 20 and has a need for frontcourt depth, something the Grizzlies could look to address with this second selection.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia)
Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 9.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists in 37 games
Cenac is another prospect with a wide draft range: His youth and developmental upside have appeal in a class that doesn’t contain many younger, athletic bigs in his mold. He is the type of player who could help his stock significantly in workouts thanks to his physical tools and shooting touch, but he is also far from contributing to a winning NBA team. As a result, Cenac requires some added projection, but he profiles as a viable developmental bet in this part of the draft.
It might not make sense for Oklahoma City to select two rookies due to its current roster crunch, meaning this pick could wind up available. Whether the Thunder can move up the board with their picks, or instead look to trade out of one of these spots for future asset value, remains to be seen, but logic follows that they will be flexible with these selections.
18. Charlotte Hornets (via Phoenix)
Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists in 34 games
Coming off a breakout season, Carr’s mix of plus perimeter shooting, elite explosiveness and defensive flashes offers upside in a draft that is light on offensive-minded wings. His ability to score off cuts and space the floor should translate effectively, allowing him to play an off-ball role that helps mitigate his lack of playmaking. Carr has the type of athleticism and 3-point range (37.4%) that should stand out in private workout settings, giving him some room to work his way up the board further as he gets in front of teams.
The Hornets are taking a patient approach, building through the draft, and while it is unclear how high 14 and 18 can get them in a top-heavy lottery, shoring up their wing depth here could be prudent.
19. Toronto Raptors
Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 18.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists in 33 games
Anderson’s stellar shooting (41.5% from 3) and steady ball-screen playmaking make him a solid target for teams in search of backcourt depth. His lack of a physical advantage is the primary knock, and it makes him more of a back-half first-round option in a strong point guard class. He has the option to return to Texas Tech, where he’d be among the top players in college basketball next season, depending on how the process goes for him.
Adding guard depth and extra perimeter shooting should be offseason tasks for the Raptors. Adding Anderson, who is more capable of playing without the ball than a typical small guard, might help balance their lineups with improved playmaking and spacing.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 13.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists in 40 games
Johnson will have a chance to capitalize on his role in Michigan’s title run, with his physical style of play and defensive versatility holding long-term NBA appeal. Though undersized for a 5, he has a great frame, runs the floor well, is an active rebounder and has the ability to guard multiple positions and switch situationally. That makes him a glue-guy candidate for teams looking to get more athletic up front.
San Antonio is heavy on perimeter talent and should be considering younger frontcourt depth at this spot. The Spurs have the advantage of being able to effectively pair Victor Wembanyama with nearly any big up front, with his shooting and rim protection enabling a wide range of lineups. Johnson should draw consideration here and would give them some added muscle next to their ascending superstar.
21. Detroit Pistons (via Minnesota)
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
Senior
2025-26 stats: 19.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists in 37 games
Stirtz helped reaffirm his NBA readiness in March, captaining Iowa to a surprise Elite Eight run. While his shooting was streakier than anticipated this season (35.8% from 3), he carried a heavy workload and was asked to create for himself far more than he’ll need to in the pros. His ability to navigate ball screens, limit mistakes and knock down open shots gives him a path to a useful bench role in the right situation, despite the fact that he will enter the league as a 23-year-old rookie.
Detroit has a need for added shooting around Cade Cunningham and can go several directions at this spot. Stirtz is capable of bolstering the second unit and also adding spacing playing off the Pistons’ various playmaking wings.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Houston)
Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists in 35 games
Graves is one of the unique stories of this draft cycle and has gathered first-round momentum, thanks in large part to his strong analytic profile. He maintains the ability to return to college, where he is also in the transfer portal, making this one of the more interesting stay-or-go decisions as the combine approaches. While still somewhat polarizing among scouts and not a top-end run-jump athlete, Graves’ skill level, feel for the game and productivity have continued to pique NBA interest, giving him a pathway to rise into the top 20 with a strong predraft process.
The 76ers successfully pivoted to a younger timeline this season, with the duo of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe set to anchor the backcourt for the foreseeable future, and taking pressure off Joel Embiid. With Embiid in and out of the lineup, adding younger frontcourt depth should be a goal for Philadelphia, something they might be able to address at this pick.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cleveland)
Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists in 38 games
Evans has the makings of a quality wing shooter, with good positional size and the ability to hit tough shots off movement. He took a leap this season with an expanded role at Duke and has starter-level upside if he can be more consistent. He needs to better apply his tools defensively but displayed some growth on that end this season.
Adding more perimeter shooting would be beneficial for the Hawks as they continue to build around the rising Jalen Johnson. They don’t have a clear positional need beyond adding a long-term point guard – something they might be able to do in the lottery – and can consider several directions with this second pick.
24. New York Knicks
Koa Peat, PF/C, Arizona
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists in 36 games
Peat opted to declare for the draft and has an opportunity to play his way up the boards with a strong predraft process. Some teams viewed him as an excellent candidate to return to school and improve his stock, an option that remains available to him. Scouts view his perimeter shooting as a critical swing skill that will impact his career path, as he is not particularly effective scoring outside 15 feet at this stage of his career. But his strength and quickness relative to his size, coupled with a solid offensive feel and ability to guard the perimeter, give him a chance to find a niche in the right situation.
New York would benefit from added size and physicality up front, particularly with Mitchell Robinson headed to free agency. If Peat can develop his jumper, he could be an interesting lineup option here.
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
Junior
2025-26 stats: 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists in 31 games
Veesaar comes off a productive season at North Carolina and will offer sheer size and viable shooting (42.6% from 3) in a draft that has become light on true centers. He has above-average athleticism and offensive skill for his size and should also be able to hold up defensively in drop coverage. The functionality he offers on both ends should allow him to plug into a rotation next season.
The Lakers have some roster uncertainty rolling into next season with LeBron James and likely Austin Reaves (player option) entering free agency. The most obvious need is at center, where they stand to upgrade beyond the mercurial Deandre Ayton. Veesaar would upgrade their skill level and add a floor-spacing element the roster lacks up front.
26. Denver Nuggets
Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas
Junior
2025-26 stats: 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists in 36 games
Swain is one of the most physically gifted wings in this class and has built a solid first-round case after putting together his most complete college season. He is a strong slasher and projects as a plus perimeter defender but is still coming into his own on the offensive end. Teams will be curious to further assess his inconsistent shooting (34.8% from 3, but an encouraging 81.3% from the line) in workouts, a key long-term area for growth that gives him room to rise up the board.
Denver continues to try to optimize its supporting cast around Nikola Jokic on the margins and could lose Peyton Watson in free agency. Swain’s positional size and defensive versatility would be an appealing fit here.
27. Boston Celtics
Amari Allen, SF/PF, Alabama
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists in 32 games
Allen’s positional versatility and ability to augment lineups on both sides of the ball give him a path to finding a long-term NBA role. While he is not likely to create his own shot at a high level and shot a middling 34.1% from 3, his playmaking flashes and defensive instincts give him a good role-player baseline to build on if his scoring ability can catch up. Whether he can work up the board from here or ultimately winds up back in college remains to be seen, as an older freshman who was unheralded to begin the season.
The Celtics value taller perimeter players in Allen’s mold who can fit in alongside their stars, and they could afford him time to develop.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit)
Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 23.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists in 31 games
Okorie put together what could wind up as a surprise one-and-done campaign at Stanford, coming in as a relatively unheralded recruit, then averaging 23.2 points per game on his way to an All-ACC selection. A tough-minded and shifty scorer who is undersized and slight for his position, it remains to be seen how high he can rise in a deep point guard class, with the option to return to school and enter a thinner 2027 draft still available to him.
The Timberwolves could use a reserve ball handler to help stabilize the position long-term, with Okorie’s microwave scoring talent a potential fit off the bench.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via San Antonio)
Meleek Thomas, PG/SG, Arkansas
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists in 37 games
Thomas is a talented scorer with solid positional size and made 41.6% of his 3s this season, making him a viable first-round option for teams in need of offensive help. He has the option to return to Arkansas, where he’d step into an even larger role next season without Darius Acuff, and could play his way firmly into the first round in 2027.
In the midst of this current competitive window, Cleveland can justify picking for need at this slot – but if a younger player winds up falling here, taking an upside swing might make sense.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via Oklahoma City)
Joshua Jefferson, SF/PF, Iowa State
Senior
2025-26 stats: 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists in 35 games
An untimely ankle injury in the Big 12 tournament ended Jefferson’s season prematurely, but he played his way into the late first-round mix as a steady all-around player. He is skilled for his size with good vision and an unselfish approach that should help blend lineups and hold plug-and-play appeal. Jefferson shot a career-best 34.5% from 3 this season but still needs to become a more reliable floor spacer to tie his skill set together.
The Mavs should be angling to kick-start toward winning next season, with Cooper Flagg on the rise and Dallas not controlling its own pick until 2031. While still rebuilding, adding a more NBA-ready player with this second first-round selection makes sense directionally.
Round 2 picks
31. New York Knicks (via Washington): Alex Karaban, SF/PF, UConn, Senior
32. Memphis Grizzlies (via Indiana): Tyler Tanner, PG/SG, Vanderbilt, Sophomore
33. Brooklyn Nets: Juke Harris, SG, Wake Forest, Sophomore
34. Sacramento Kings: Zuby Ejiofor, PF/C, St. John’s, Senior
35. San Antonio Spurs (via Utah): Tounde Yessoufou, SF, Baylor, Freshman
36. LA Clippers (via Memphis): Luigi Suigo, C, Mega Basket (Serbia)
37. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Dallas): Milan Momcilovic, PF, Iowa State, Junior
38. Chicago Bulls (via New Orleans): Sergio de Larrea, PG/SG, Valencia (Spain)
39. Houston Rockets (via Chicago): Ryan Conwell. SG, Louisville, Senior
40. Boston Celtics (via Milwaukee): Braden Smith, PG, Purdue, Senior
41. Miami Heat (via Golden State): Tarris Reed Jr., PF/C, UConn, Senior
42. San Antonio Spurs (via Portland): Matt Able, SF, NC State, Freshman
43. Brooklyn Nets (via LA Clippers): Malachi Moreno, C, Kentucky, Freshman
44. San Antonio Spurs (via Miami): Baba Miller, PF/C, Cincinnati, Senior
45. Sacramento Kings (via Charlotte): Richie Saunders, SG/SF, BYU, Senior
46. Orlando Magic: Flory Bidunga, C, Kansas, Sophomore
47. Phoenix Suns (via Philadelphia): Jaden Bradley, PG/SG, Arizona, Senior
48. Dallas Mavericks (via Phoenix): Trevon Brazile, PF/C, Arkansas, Senior
49. Denver Nuggets (via Atlanta): Rueben Chinyelu, C, Florida, Junior
50. Toronto Raptors: Ugonna Onyenso, C, Virginia, Senior
51. Washington Wizards (via Minnesota): Billy Richmond III, SG/SF, Arkansas, Sophomore
52. LA Clippers (via Cleveland): Kylan Boswell, PG/SG, Illinois, Senior
53. Houston Rockets: Bruce Thornton, PG/SG, Ohio State, Senior
54. Golden State Warriors (via Los Angeles): Andrej Stojakovic, SG/SF, Illinois, Junior
55. New York Knicks: Emanuel Sharp, SG, Houston, Senior
56. Chicago Bulls (via Denver): Tyler Bilodeau, F, UCLA, Senior
57. Atlanta Hawks (via Boston): Ja’Kobi Gillespie, PG, Tennessee, Senior
58. Minnesota Timberwolves (via San Antonio): Milos Uzan, PG, Houston, Senior
59. New Orleans Pelicans (via Detroit): Tamin Lipsey, PG, Iowa State, Senior
60. Washington Wizards (via Oklahoma City): Felix Okpara, C, Tennessee, Senior
By Jeremy Woo, via ESPN