By Sam Vecenie | The Athletic, 2026-06-18 09:30:19
距离2026年NBA选秀大会已不足一周，各路消息源透露的内幕情报开始源源不断地涌现，大家都在试图摸清各支球队在下周二（选秀首日）的意图。
本届选秀被公认为是一个“大年”，尤其是乐透区及顶端顺位人才济济，尽管不少大学球员在NIL（姓名、形象、肖像权）丰厚收益的诱惑下选择退选，这在很大程度上削弱了本届新秀的整体深度。与我交流过的大多数球队高管对大约20到25名球员给出了首轮评分，并认为首轮最后20个顺位可能会出现一些出人意料的选择。他们表示，由于排名在第45到第100位之间的球员在天赋水平上并没有太大差异，球队可能会提前与球员达成协议，用双向合同锁定他们。
在模拟选秀开始前的几点说明：
• 每个首轮签都附带了该球员在我的NBA选秀指南中详细球探报告的链接。
• 年龄数据截至下周二首轮选秀当晚。
• 身高数据来自今年5月的NBA联合试训。
• 接受采访的NBA高管、球探、经纪人、球员以及篮球生态系统中的其他消息源均要求匿名，以便畅所欲言地评价新秀。
1. 华盛顿奇才
AJ·迪班萨 | 6英尺9英寸 锋线 | 19岁 | 杨百翰大学
我在这里依然选择迪班萨，但消息源透露，华盛顿方面仍在进行尽职调查，奇才队尚未做出最终决定。最近几天可以明确的一点是，球队正在对达林·彼得森 (Darryn Peterson) 进行大量背景调查，以全面了解关于他的一切。
不过，消息源也表示，不要对彼得森目前未安排前往犹他爵士试训这一事实过度解读；他们不认为这意味着奇才已经私下承诺会选择彼得森。
奇才队总裁迈克尔·温格 (Michael Winger) 在接受华盛顿当地NBC电视台采访时表示，领袖气质是他寻找状元秀时非常看重的一项特质。所有与彼得森有接触的消息源都认为他训练极其刻苦，但他的领袖能力受到了一些质疑，因为他被认为是一个安静内敛的人。在竞争心方面，彼得森在场上是个冷酷无情的杀手。但在NBA消息源看来，迪班萨的性格更具活力，无论是在更衣室还是在社区中，都展现出了领袖潜质。
[总第1顺位 锋线第1 AJ·迪班萨 杨百翰大学
精英级别的锋线身体天赋；轻而易举就能成为NBA前十级别的球员。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](AJ Dybantsa - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
2. 犹他爵士
达林·彼得森 | 6英尺5英寸 后卫 | 19岁 | 堪萨斯大学
彼得森目前尚未前来试训的事实，并不会动摇爵士选择他们榜单首位球员的决心。这一点在去年选秀中就得到了证实，当时他们用5号签选中了艾斯·贝利 (Ace Bailey)，尽管贝利没有去犹他试训，且他的团队似乎一直在运作想让他去第6顺位的华盛顿。
除此之外，很容易联想到为什么彼得森的经纪团队“The Team”会对送他去犹他试训有所顾虑。“The Team”同时也是爵士队控卫基扬特·乔治 (Keyonte George) 的经纪团队，而乔治在今年休赛期面临续约谈判。无论是为了避免给乔治带来竞争，还是将彼得森可能的试训作为乔治续约的筹码，“The Team”可能只是在利用其手中的每一个杠杆，试图让两位客户都满意。
无论如何，消息源指出，爵士对于如何使用2号签也尚未做出决定。然而，不要指望卡梅隆·布泽尔 (Cameron Boozer) 与其父亲卡洛斯（在爵士管理层任职）的关系，或者迪班萨与杨百翰大学（BYU）校友、爵士老板莱恩·史密斯 (Ryan Smith) 的联系会成为这里的决定性因素。
[总第3顺位 后卫第1 达林·彼得森 堪萨斯大学
尽管在堪萨斯大学度过了诡异的一年，但他仍是具备最佳阵容级别得分后卫上限的精英射手。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Darryn Peterson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
3. 孟菲斯灰熊
卡梅隆·布泽尔 | 6英尺8英寸 前锋 | 18岁 | 杜克大学
如果布泽尔届时还在榜上，看到孟菲斯错过他我会感到非常震惊。在篮球运营总裁扎克·克莱曼 (Zach Kleiman) 的领导下，他完美契合了该组织多年来在选秀中所看重的所有特质。
灰熊队在选秀方面的表现一直优于联盟其他任何球队，他们不仅在20顺位之后淘到了戴斯蒙德·贝恩 (Desmond Bane)、桑蒂·阿尔达马 (Santi Aldama)、杰伦·威尔斯 (Jaylen Wells)、卡姆·斯宾塞 (Cam Spencer)，甚至还有 GG·杰克逊 (GG Jackson) 和文斯·威廉姆斯二世 (Vince Williams Jr.) 这样的好手，更不用说过去的乐透秀扎克·伊迪 (Zach Edey)、塞德里克·考沃德 (Cedric Coward)、贾伦·杰克逊 (Jaren Jackson Jr.) 和贾·莫兰特 (Ja Morant) 了。通常情况下，灰熊队青睐那些技术娴熟、在同龄人中表现优异、拥有极高篮球智商且竞争心极强的球员。布泽尔在所有这些维度上都是精英级别。在交易走杰克逊和贝恩之后，随着灰熊步入新时代，他几乎就是球队想要围绕其建队的模板球员。
[总第2顺位 前锋第1 卡梅隆·布泽尔 杜克大学
技术全面、技巧娴熟且拥有出色进攻头脑的前锋；防守端需要找到自己的定位。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Cameron Boozer - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
4. 芝加哥公牛
凯莱布·威尔逊 | 6英尺9英寸 锋线 | 19岁 | 北卡罗来纳大学
联盟消息源认为，如果威尔逊掉到第4顺位，公牛队会毫不犹豫地选择他。公牛队也试训了其他球员，包括达里厄斯·阿卡夫二世 (Darius Acuff Jr.)、金斯顿·弗莱明斯 (Kingston Flemings) 和内特·阿门特 (Nate Ament)，但如果他们中的任何一个在这里被选中，都将是一个巨大的冷门。
威尔逊非常适合在4号位上与乔希·吉迪 (Josh Giddey) 和马塔斯·布泽利斯 (Matas Buzelis) 搭档，作为球队的长期建队基石，并为公牛队提供一个坚实的框架，以便在今年夏天开始利用薪金空间引进老将，同时继续积累更多资产。
[总第4顺位 前锋第2 凯莱布·威尔逊 北卡罗来纳大学
爆发力惊人的运动型天才，上限不亚于前三顺位，但身上的缺点也更多。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Caleb Wilson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
5. 洛杉矶快船（来自步行者）
基顿·瓦格勒 | 6英尺5英寸 锋线 | 19岁 | 伊利诺伊大学
这被视为本届选秀真正开始产生变数的地方。在过去几天里，我听到与快船联系最紧密的两个名字是米克尔·布朗二世 (Mikel Brown Jr.) 和瓦格勒。为什么？快船队似乎在优先考虑在后场为达里厄斯·加兰 (Darius Garland) 寻找一些具备身材优势的搭档，而相比于其他高顺位后卫，布朗和瓦格勒是体型更大的选择。尽管两人都很瘦，但NBA高管们觉得相比于弗莱明斯和阿卡夫，他们的骨架有更大的挂肉空间，因为弗莱明斯身形更为单薄，而阿卡夫在过去几年里体型基本没有变化。
我也认为瓦格勒是这四名后卫中最适合快船的，这得益于他兼具持球和无球作战的能力。消息源透露，瓦格勒在选秀前的准备过程中增加了肌肉。他刚到伊利诺伊大学时体重仅为168磅，而在联合试训中测得188磅；在未来几年里，他的身体应该能继续增强力量。
快船队也讨论过向下交易选秀权的可能性，不过消息源指出，他们今年似乎确实倾向于保留一个高顺位选秀权。
[总第6顺位 后卫第3 基顿·瓦格勒 伊利诺伊大学
球商极高、拥有致命投射且球风无私的球场指挥官；一个让人很难不爱的后卫。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Keaton Wagler - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
6. 布鲁克林篮网
米克尔·布朗二世 | 6英尺4英寸 后卫 | 20岁 | 路易斯维尔大学
篮网队依然让联盟其他球队有些摸不着头脑，关于他们的计划，我听到了很多很可能最终被证实是烟雾弹的消息。这在一定程度上是因为篮网队让全联盟都相信，他们评估选秀新秀的方式与许多其他球队不同。在这个顺位区间内，我听说他们对所有的后卫新秀都感兴趣。关于阿门特的传闻在过去一周里有所降温。有几个消息源继续提到阿戴·马拉 (Aday Mara) 是他们的一个选择。
唯一一致的信息是，布鲁克林将选择他们榜单上评分最高的球员，而不考虑位置。尽管球队在上赛季选了三名控球后卫，但他们并没有排除继续选择该位置的可能性。篮网队认为，他们现在只需要尽可能多地引进有天赋的球员。
我在这里选择布朗而不是阿卡夫，因为消息源指出，球队对布朗进行了大量的背景调查和前期工作。布朗在整个选秀前的试训过程中给各支球队留下了深刻印象，让他们相信上赛季他在路易斯维尔大学效率低下的表现主要源于他的背伤。与我交流过的球队已经对布朗进行了体检，并表示对他的伤病没有任何担忧。
[总第10顺位 后卫第6 米克尔·布朗二世 路易斯维尔大学
一位极具爆发力、追求一击致命的主控，但有时也需要学会稳扎稳打。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Mikel Brown Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
7. 萨克拉门托国王
达里厄斯·阿卡夫二世 | 6英尺2英寸 后卫 | 19岁 | 阿肯色大学
国王队很可能会保留7号签，并选择掉到这个顺位的最强后卫。在这种情况下，他们似乎能如愿以偿地看到阿卡夫还在榜上；该顺位之下的多数球队都认为，国王队是阿卡夫选秀顺位的下限。
萨克拉门托总经理斯科特·佩里 (Scott Perry) 与阿卡夫家族颇有渊源，因为他在20世纪90年代执教东肯塔基大学时，老达里厄斯·阿卡夫 (Darius Acuff Sr.) 正是该校上校队的一员。球队急需在主控位置上引进一个进攻引擎。如果阿卡夫在这里能被选到，对国王队来说将是一个巨大的胜利。
[总第5顺位 后卫第2 达里厄斯·阿卡夫二世 阿肯色大学
近年来进入联盟的技术最成熟的年轻后卫；防守是其面临的最大疑问。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Darius Acuff Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
8. 亚特兰大老鹰（来自鹈鹕）
金斯顿·弗莱明斯 | 6英尺3英寸 后卫 | 19岁 | 休斯敦大学
老鹰队对交易这个选秀权持开放态度。消息源称，亚特兰大正在讨论向上交易和向下交易的方案。但他们也可能保留这个顺位，选下心仪的球员。
消息源还表示，老鹰队很可能会续约 C.J.·麦科勒姆 (C.J. McCollum)，这让他们可以慢慢培养年轻后卫，同时给他机会去带领第二阵容。弗莱明斯利用速度冲击篮筐的能力，将与杰伦·约翰逊 (Jalen Johnson)、乔纳森·库明加 (Jonathan Kuminga) 以及老鹰阵容中的其他高水平运动型天才完美契合。在麦科勒姆、戴森·丹尼尔斯 (Dyson Daniels) 和尼基尔·亚历山大-沃克 (Nickeil Alexander-Walker) 身边，亚特兰大确实需要一个擅长突破、运动能力出众的后卫。与本届的许多后卫一样，弗莱明斯被认为不太可能跌出前十。
[总第7顺位 后卫第4 金斯顿·弗莱明斯 休斯敦大学
拥有闪电般第一步的全明星上限；必须改善收球动作和投篮。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Kingston Flemings - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
9. 达拉斯独行侠
布雷登·巴里斯 | 6英尺4英寸 后卫 | 20岁 | 亚利桑那大学
自我的上一期模拟选秀以来，达拉斯方面没有太多新消息传出。独行侠队继续引发了消息源的诸多猜测。他们已经探索过交易这个选秀权，并且正在考虑几个不同的球员和位置，从弗莱明斯、瓦格勒、布朗、阿卡夫和克里斯蒂安·安德森 (Christian Anderson) 等主控，到阿门特，再到雅克塞尔·兰德伯格 (Yaxel Lendeborg)。
不过，巴里斯是我听到与达拉斯联系最多的名字，乐透区附近的消息源都在试图弄清楚，为什么他没有像人们预期的那样去那么多球队试训。对于那些希望在下赛季赢球的球队来说，他们对巴里斯抱有极大的热情，因为他被视为一个强硬的后卫，能运球、能传球、能投篮，同时还能利用身体对抗进行高水平的防守。
[总第8顺位 后卫第5 布雷登·巴里斯 亚利桑那大学
一位侵略性极强的得分后卫，能投篮、善于转换进攻且防守凶悍。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Brayden Burries - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
10. 密尔沃基雄鹿
内特·阿门特 | 6英尺10英寸 锋线/前锋 | 19岁 | 田纳西大学
雄鹿队一直在对主控进行尽职调查，包括弗莱明斯、安德森、拉巴伦·菲隆二世 (Labaron Philon Jr.) 和布朗。我也听说汉内斯·斯坦巴赫 (Hannes Steinbach) 的名字是这里的一个备选。但考虑到扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 未来可能通过交易离队，密尔沃基选择上限最高的球员是合乎逻辑的。
作为一名高大锋线，阿门特就是这种值得一赌的球员，而且该队在历史上非常看重这类球员。几位消息源指出了球队老板吉米·哈斯拉姆 (Jimmy Haslam) 与田纳西大学的联系，因为他是该校的大金主。6月4日，哈斯拉姆家族向该大学捐赠了1.3亿美元，这是该校历史上最大的一笔捐赠。
[总第14顺位 前锋第4 内特·阿门特 田纳西大学
身高6英尺10英寸却具备控球 and 传球能力，但缺乏力量和效率；上限令人垂涎。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Nate Ament - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
11. 金州勇士
阿戴·马拉 | 7英尺3英寸 内线 | 21岁 | 密歇根大学
马拉在我上一期模拟选秀中排名第8，这次有所下滑，但这仍在合理范围内。这位高智商中锋不仅能在篮筐之上完成终结，还能盖帽和传球，他将非常完美地融入史蒂夫·科尔 (Steve Kerr) 的进攻体系。想象一下，当球队围绕斯蒂芬·库里 (Stephen Curry) 运行空切配合（split actions）时，由他在低位担任策应内线，那画面令人兴奋。
最近，消息源更频繁地提到马拉的体能状况，怀疑他在巅峰期是否能成为一个场均出场超过25分钟的球员。密歇根大学在控制他的出场时间方面做得很好，通过短时间轮换来保持他的活力，使他能在整个赛季都发挥出最佳状态。在节奏飞快的NBA，教练们可能没有这种奢侈的轮换空间，但预计马拉不会跌出前14顺位。
[总第13顺位 内线第3 阿戴·马拉 密歇根大学
身高7英尺3英寸的独特传球手，终结效率高且能保护篮筐。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Aday Mara - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
12. 俄克拉荷马雷霆（来自快船）
莫雷兹·约翰逊二世 | 6英尺9英寸 内线 | 20岁 | 密歇根大学
约翰逊继续吸引着各支球队的浓厚兴趣。看到他成为本届第一个被选中的内线球员并不会让人感到意外，他的选秀区间最早可以追溯到亚特兰大老鹰持有的第8顺位。他的下限似乎是芝加哥公牛持有的第15顺位，但他不太可能掉到那么深的位置。球队在面试那些参加了多次试训且在选秀巡回赛中活跃了一段时间的球员时，经常会问一个问题：“还有哪位新秀给你留下了深刻印象？”这位密歇根大学的内线是一个非常普遍的答案。
俄克拉荷马城正在探索几种选择，从向上交易、向下交易到按兵不动。不过，莫雷兹·约翰逊二世 (Morez Johnson Jr.) 契合了雷霆球员的所有标准。他极其职业，深受队友喜爱，在训练中总是能带动全队，此外他还是一个强硬、能无限换防的防守者。
[总第11顺位 内线第1 莫雷兹·约翰逊二世 密歇根大学
全能的前场防守者，能换防到外线，同时在拼抢篮板上极具统治力。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Morez Johnson Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
13. 迈阿密热火
克里斯蒂安·安德森 | 6英尺1英寸 后卫 | 20岁 | 德克萨斯理工大学
很难看透迈阿密的意图。感觉热火队正在评估他们今年夏天在潜在球星交易中的位置，以及这个选秀权是否会被纳入交易中。关于他们能否得到阿德托昆博的猜测经常被提及。
安德森在选秀前的试训中凭借出色的投篮能力、球感以及在防守端的拼劲给人们留下了深刻印象。随着各支球队对他了解的深入，尽管身材受限，但他似乎为自己争取到了更好的行情。如果这个选秀权最终交易到密尔沃基，我听说他的顺位甚至可能高至第10位。热火队也确实需要像安德森这样极具活力的挡拆组织者。
[总第17顺位 后卫第7 克里斯蒂安·安德森 德克萨斯理工大学
本届最强射手；受限于身材，他能否制造篮下杀伤并做好防守？
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Christian Anderson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
14. 夏洛特黄蜂
汉内斯·斯坦巴赫 | 6英尺10英寸 内线 | 20岁 | 华盛顿大学
斯坦巴赫不太可能跌出乐透区，他将为黄蜂队在中锋位置上提供急需的强硬度和身体对抗。他现在的体重已经达到约250磅，穿鞋身高接近7英尺，而且他可以说是本届新秀中最好的篮板手。在现任管理层和教练组的领导下，黄蜂队非常看重数据分析和赢下球权争夺战，而斯坦巴赫将在这方面提供巨大帮助。
[总第12顺位 内线第2 汉内斯·斯坦巴赫 华盛顿大学
首发级别的中锋，拥有出色的手感、身架和脚步，拼抢篮板极其积极。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Hannes Steinbach - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
15. 芝加哥公牛（来自开拓者）
雅克塞尔·兰德伯格 | 6英尺9英寸 内线 | 23岁 | 密歇根大学
联盟各支球队对兰德伯格的选秀区间并不确定。到目前为止，他的选秀前试训进行得并不特别顺利，而且他一直在应对脚踝伤势，不过这并不被视为长期问题。消息源指出，他还拥有独特且鲜明的个性，精力充沛且说话直来直去。
这并不一定是坏事。兰德伯格在密歇根大学的队友们都很喜欢他。他曾公开承认，去年休赛期刚到安娜堡时，他的训练习惯并不算好，但在整个赛季中他一直在改进。我仍然将他视为前十级别的新秀，但他可能并不适合每一个NBA管理层。
他是公牛队新任篮球运营总裁拜森·格雷厄姆 (Bryson Graham) 优先考虑的全能型球员，因为兰德伯格身材高大、运动能力出色且技术娴熟。我非常看好他与吉迪、威尔逊和布泽利斯的潜在搭档，这得益于他在防守端限制对手进攻发起点的能力，以及极高水平的转换进攻能力。如果他掉到第15顺位，对公牛来说将是一个绝佳的补充。
[总第9顺位 前锋第3 雅克塞尔·兰德伯格 密歇根大学
全能的双向前锋，虽然年龄偏大，但拥有精英级的身体天赋和赢球心态。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Yaxel Lendeborg - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
16. 孟菲斯灰熊（来自太阳）
贝内特·斯蒂尔茨 | 6英尺3英寸 后卫 | 22岁 | 爱荷华大学
灰熊队在首轮中段总是有向上交易以获取心仪球员的倾向，过去他们就曾通过这种方式选到了贝恩、阿尔达马、布兰登·克拉克 (Brandon Clark) 和考沃德。鉴于在交易走杰克逊和贝恩后他们积累了大量的选秀权资产，他们今年同样拥有进行此类操作的资本。如果他们看中的某个特定后卫顺位下滑，看到他们向上交易去抢人我不会感到意外。
我在这里预测他们会按兵不动并选择斯蒂尔茨，我听说他的名字几乎与第16到第21顺位之间的每一支球队都有联系。
[总第21顺位 后卫第10 贝内特·斯蒂尔茨 爱荷华大学
完美的球场指挥官和出色的射手；他能否在NBA防守者面前创造出手空间？
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Bennett Stirtz - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
17. 俄克拉荷马雷霆（来自 76人）
戴林·斯温 | 6英尺7英寸 锋线 | 20岁 | 德克萨斯大学
如上所述，俄克拉荷马城正在探索所有可能性。但自联合试训以来，我就一直听到斯温的名字与雷霆联系在一起，这很容易理解，因为他们非常看重冲击篮筐的能力，以及球员在同位置上的身材、力量和臂展优势。斯温具备所有这些特质，尽管他的跳投仍有待开发。
[总第15顺位 锋线第2 戴林·斯温 德克萨斯大学
极具活力的突破手和终结者；若想成为首发，必须提升防守和跳投。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Dailyn Swain - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
18. 夏洛特黄蜂（来自太阳）
艾伦·格雷夫斯 | 6英尺8英寸 前锋 | 19岁 | 圣克拉拉大学
我认为对于格雷夫斯来说，这个顺位偏高了大约10个位置。但我经常听到格雷夫斯的名字与黄蜂、多伦多猛龙和圣安东尼奥马刺联系在一起，范围在第18到20顺位之间。这三支球队都非常看重数据分析和高阶指标，同时重视对球权的争夺。格雷夫斯拼抢篮板、在场上快速做决定以及定点三分投射的能力会吸引黄蜂队，同时得益于出色的手眼协调能力，他适应侵略性防守体系的能力也同样具有吸引力。这三支球队中的任何一个都会是他的绝佳去处，因为它们都拥有现成的进攻创造者，并且看重那些能最大化发挥他技能的特质。
[总第30顺位 前锋第8 艾伦·格雷夫斯 圣克拉拉大学
高智商球员和高阶数据宠儿；需要最大化开发身体潜能和进攻技巧。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Allen Graves - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
19. 多伦多猛龙
凯梅隆·卡尔 | 6英尺5英寸 后卫 | 21岁 | 贝勒大学
尽管上赛季另一位来自贝勒大学的锋线贾科比·沃尔特 (Ja’Kobe Walter) 异军突起，但猛龙队仍需要在斯科蒂·巴恩斯 (Scottie Barnes) 身边增加一些进攻活力和投射。卡尔命中投篮、参与转换进攻的能力，以及作为高水平防守组织者的角色，很容易吸引猛龙管理层，因为他们正试图围绕巴恩斯、科林·默里-博伊尔斯 (Collin Murray-Boyles) 以及阵容中的其他球员打造一支赢球队伍。
我也听说斯蒂尔茨 and 格雷夫斯是这个选秀权的潜在备选，因为在总经理鲍比·韦伯斯特 (Bobby Webster) 的领导下，猛龙管理层被认为非常看重数据分析。
[总第18顺位 锋线第3 凯梅隆·卡尔 贝勒大学
极佳的三分射手和突破手；需要增强力量并在防守端更加积极。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Cameron Carr - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
20. 圣安东尼奥马刺（来自老鹰）
卡里姆·洛佩斯 | 6英尺8英寸 锋线 | 19岁 | 新西兰破坏者
洛佩斯主要是在为该顺位区间之上的球队进行试训，他对自已成为前15顺位新秀充满信心。但我对此并不确信。当我向各支球队打听他时，得到的反馈更符合首轮中后段的定位，而不是乐透秀。尽管球探们被他的篮板球和突破禁区的能力所吸引，但他作为防守者和射手仍有一些疑问需要解答。在所有受邀进入选秀绿房子的球员中，他的选秀区间可以说是最宽的之一，从第11顺位一直延伸到第25顺位左右。
马刺队在4号位上需要一些强硬、充满身体对抗的篮板球能力，而洛佩斯可以提供这一点，同时他还具备马刺近年来在选秀中非常看重的突破杀伤能力。该组织还优先考虑同位置的身体力量，而洛佩斯的骨架看起来在未来几年能够很好地挂肉。
[总第24顺位 前锋第7 卡里姆·洛佩斯 新西兰破坏者
年纪轻轻便身材高大且技术娴熟，但移动能力和敏捷性仍有很大提升空间。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Karim Lopez - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
21. 底特律活塞（来自森林狼）
拉巴伦·菲隆二世 | 6英尺3英寸 后卫 | 20岁 | 阿拉巴马大学
活塞队会对这个结果感到欣喜若狂。菲隆的选秀区间相当宽，乐透区后半段的球队在考虑他，而20多顺位的球队也在对他进行尽职调查，以防他顺位下滑。由于本届优秀后卫的选择实在太多，极有可能至少有一位顶级后卫会掉到这个区间。
在2025年的季后赛征程中，我们看到凯德·坎宁安 (Cade Cunningham) 与身边的一位矮个后卫搭档得极其出色，丹尼斯·施罗德 (Dennis Schröder) 是他极佳的后场搭档。菲隆具备类似的特质，同时还能投篮并利用速度参与转换进攻。对于活塞队来说，今年夏天寻找另一位具备组织能力的后卫以减轻坎宁安的负担被视为重中之重。
[总第20顺位 后卫第9 拉巴伦·菲隆二世 阿拉巴马大学
技术极为娴熟、已做好职业准备的后卫，但缺乏爆发力和身材优势。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Labaron Philon Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
22. 费城 76人（来自火箭）
科阿·皮特 | 6英尺7英寸 锋线 | 19岁 | 亚利桑那大学
联盟各路消息源仍在试图摸清新任篮球运营主管迈克·甘西 (Mike Gansey) 偏爱哪种类型的球员。所以这个选择可能只是我的一厢情愿，但我无法想象有比这更适合皮特和该组织的归宿了。随着乔尔·恩比德 (Joel Embiid) 更多地在外线活动，皮特可以利用他的运动能力和力量沿底线空切，做出聪明的战术配合，同时提供强硬的防守活力。76人队急需一个球风强硬、充满力量的4号位，而皮特在这方面能提供巨大的支持。
在我个人的榜单上，皮特的排名比这要高，但联盟各路消息源并不确定他在本届新秀中的具体位置。他的选秀区间似乎相当宽，从乐透区之后开始，一直延伸到首轮后半段。
[总第16顺位 前锋第5 科阿·皮特 亚利桑那大学
投篮能力令人担忧，但他是一位久经考验的赢球者，愿意为球队做任何需要的事。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Koa Peat - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
23. 亚特兰大老鹰（来自骑士）
克里斯·塞纳克二世 | 6英尺10英寸 内线 | 19岁 | 休斯敦大学
塞纳克是一个极其难以预测去向的新秀。目前的共识似乎是他将在前20顺位被选中，并且他是第二批受邀进入绿房子的球员之一。然而，我从各支球队得到的反馈是，他更像是一个首轮末段的秀。对于那些有耐心等待他提升球商和比赛感觉的球队来说，他被视为一个上限极高的选择。
如果老鹰队在选秀前列选择了一名后卫，他们完全有资本在这样一个具备外线技术的内线身上赌一把。
[总第25顺位 内线第5 克里斯·塞纳克二世 休斯敦大学
一个拥有巨大天赋的半成品，因其极高的上限而值得用首轮签去赌。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Chris Cenac Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
24. 纽约尼克斯
塔里斯·里德二世 | 6英尺10英寸 内线 | 22岁 | 康涅狄格大学
在终结了长达53年的冠军荒之后，尼克斯队面临着一些自由市场的抉择。其中最大的一项抉择涉及米切尔·罗宾逊 (Mitchell Robinson)。毫无疑问，他们会想留住罗宾逊。但他是否回归将取决于价格，以及他是否愿意在职业生涯余下的黄金时期担任替补。
如果他们对罗宾逊的回归仍不确定，那么选择一个能在下赛季提供即战力出场时间的内线将极具价值。里德可以提供罗宾逊在季后赛中展现出的精英级篮板和整体对抗力量。祖比·埃吉奥福 (Zuby Ejiofor) 是另一个在这里符合逻辑的内线人选。
[总第27顺位 内线第6 塔里斯·里德二世 康涅狄格大学
全能的替补内线，拼抢篮板凶悍，内线终结和传球能力俱佳。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Tarris Reed Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
25. 洛杉矶湖人
祖比·埃吉奥福 | 6英尺8英寸 内线 | 22岁 | 圣约翰大学
湖人队目前处境有些微妙。他们需要理清勒布朗·詹姆斯 (LeBron James) 的自由市场前景以及奥斯汀·里夫斯 (Austin Reaves) 等人的情况，并确定他们今年夏天是否会拥有可观的薪金空间。目前尚不清楚该组织在选秀前是否能对这些问题有明确的答案。
我喜欢他们用埃吉奥福这样一位全能球员来构建前场，他是一个强硬、能换防到外线的防守者。他臂展出色、运动能力强，以他的身材而言，护筐能力相当不错。他也有一定的投射潜力，并且根据搭档的不同，他或许能够与另一位中锋并存。
[总第28顺位 内线第7 祖比·埃吉奥福 圣约翰大学
防守全能、活力十足，技术和强硬度足以胜任第三内线。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Zuby Ejiofor - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
26. 丹佛掘金
杰登·奎恩坦斯 | 6英尺9英寸 内线 | 18岁 | 肯塔基大学
奎恩坦斯被认为是选秀夜最大的谜团之一。与我交流过的每一支NBA球队都非常喜欢奎恩坦斯的防守能力，并认为只要他保持健康，他至少具备准乐透级别的天赋。然而，由于2025年3月接受前交叉韧带（ACL）手术后右膝持续肿胀，他几乎缺席了上赛季的全部比赛。
在过去一周与《The Athletic》交流过的球队预计，奎恩坦斯在选秀夜会掉到20多顺位。大多数人相信，凭借其令人垂涎的防守上限，他仍将在首轮被选中，但也有几个消息源猜测，当周三第二轮选秀开始时，奎恩坦斯可能依然在榜上。他没有进入受邀参加绿房子的24名球员名单，这可能是他行情下滑的一个信号。
掘金队长期以来一直在为尼古拉·约基奇 (Nikola Jokić) 寻找替补，我很赞成他们冒这个险。如果奎恩坦斯能保持健康，他可以为他们的替补席提供目前所缺乏的技能包，同时他也是联盟中防守维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 潜在的最佳人选之一。丹佛在过去比其他组织更愿意承担伤病风险。另一个与掘金联系在一起的名字是路易斯维尔大学的后卫莱恩·康威尔 (Ryan Conwell)。
[总第22顺位 内线第4 杰登·奎恩坦斯 肯塔基大学
具备最佳防守阵容潜力的内线，但进攻技巧有限；他健康吗？
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Jayden Quaintance - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
27. 波士顿凯尔特人
塞尔希奥·德拉雷亚 | 6英尺6英寸 锋线 | 20岁 | 瓦伦西亚
在去年选中乌戈·冈萨雷斯 (Hugo Gonzalez) 并取得成功之后，让我们再次为凯尔特人队在西班牙的选秀池中寻宝。德拉雷亚本赛季在瓦伦西亚表现强劲，且体测数据极其出色，裸足身高达到6英尺6英寸。作为一名决策迅速、传球犀利且外线投射极佳的球员，他的球风应该能很好地融入波士顿的体系。他兼具持球和无球能力，能为杰森·塔图姆 (Jayson Tatum) 和杰伦·布朗 (Jaylen Brown) 创造操作空间。
凯尔特人队也与老鹰、掘金、森林狼和独行侠处于类似的境地，我从其他球队那里听说，他们讨论过从目前20多顺位的位置向上交易。人们认为在这个区间附近会出现人才断档，各支球队正试图抢占先机。
[总第32顺位 后卫第12 塞尔希奥·德拉雷亚 瓦伦西亚
拥有身材优势的次要组织者，需要增强力量并提高控球技术。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Sergio De Larrea - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
28. 明尼苏达森林狼（来自活塞）
埃布卡·奥科里 | 6英尺1英寸 后卫 | 19岁 | 斯坦福大学
这是另一位选秀区间很宽的球员，我听到的预测从乐透区刚结束一直到首轮末段不等。不过，我不认为奥科里会跌出首轮，而这对双方来说将是一个完美的结合。
森林狼队被认为正在首轮末段探索潜在的控球后卫人选，而奥科里冲击篮筐的能力，将提供与他们几年前在乐透区选中的罗布·迪林汉姆 (Rob Dillingham) 截然不同的技能包。我很难想象奥科里会跌过这个顺位。
[总第19顺位 后卫第8 埃布卡·奥科里 斯坦福大学
擅长冲击篮筐的精英级后卫，常驻禁区；必须提升传球和防守。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Ebuka Okorie - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
29. 克利夫兰骑士（来自马刺）
亨里·维萨尔 | 6英尺11英寸 中锋 | 22岁 | 北卡罗来纳大学
骑士队必须削减薪资开支，我听到许多球队提到克利夫兰讨论过交易掉首轮签，以减少与该顺位相关的薪金空间占用。我想知道在第二轮早期选秀的球队是否会在交易中瞄准这个选秀权。
我在这里选择了维萨尔，因为骑士队可以在埃文·莫布利 (Evan Mobley) 和贾勒特·阿伦 (Jarrett Allen) 身后增加更多的内线深度。
[总第29顺位 内线第8 亨里·维萨尔 北卡罗来纳大学
能运球、传球和投篮的7英尺长人，但防守端需要做得更好。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Henri Veesaar - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
30. 达拉斯独行侠（来自雷霆）
伊赛亚·埃文斯 | 6英尺6英寸 锋线 | 20岁 | 杜克大学
埃文斯将为独行侠队提供一个极佳的空间支持和投射选择，他们需要围绕库珀·弗拉格 (Cooper Flagg) 继续积累这种类型的球员。埃文斯上赛季在杜克大学曾与弗拉格并肩作战，并且已经非常清楚这位NBA年度最佳新秀需要什么样的配合，这显然是个加分项。
[总第35顺位 锋线第6 伊赛亚·埃文斯 杜克大学
拥有身材优势的无球跑动型射手，需要增强力量。
阅读完整球探报告 ›
](Isaiah Evans - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
第二轮
31. 纽约尼克斯（来自奇才）：埃马纽埃尔·夏普 (Emanuel Sharp) | 6英尺3英寸 后卫 | 22岁 | 休斯敦大学
32. 孟菲斯灰熊（来自步行者）： 约书亚·杰斐逊 (Joshua Jefferson) | 6英尺8英寸 前锋 | 22岁 | 爱荷华州立大学
33. 布鲁克林篮网： 米里克·托马斯 (Meleek Thomas) | 6英尺3英寸 锋线 | 19岁 | 阿肯色大学
34. 萨克拉门托国王： 亚历克斯·卡拉班 (Alex Karaban) | 6英尺7英寸 锋线 | 23岁 | 康涅狄格大学
35. 圣安东尼奥马刺（来自爵士）： 杰克·卡伊尔 (Jack Kayil) | 6英尺4英寸 后卫 | 20岁 | 柏林阿尔巴
36. 洛杉矶快船（来自灰熊）： 莱恩·康威尔 | 6英尺2英寸 后卫 | 22岁 | 路易斯维尔大学
37. 俄克拉荷马雷霆（来自独行侠）： 马里克·布朗 (Maliq Brown) | 6英尺8英寸 内线 | 22岁 | 杜克大学
38. 芝加哥公牛（来自老鹰）： 布雷登·史密斯 (Braden Smith) | 5英尺10英寸 后卫 | 22岁 | 普渡大学
39. 休斯敦火箭（来自公牛）： 巴巴·米勒 (Baba Miller) | 6英尺11英寸 锋线 | 22岁 | 辛辛那提大学
40. 波士顿凯尔特人（来自雄鹿）：里奇·桑德斯 (Richie Saunders) | 6英尺5英寸 锋线 | 24岁 | 杨百翰大学
41. 迈阿密热火（来自勇士）： 伊赛亚·纳尔逊 (Izaiyah Nelson) | 6英尺8英寸 内线 | 22岁 | 南佛罗里达大学
42. 圣安东尼奥马刺（来自开拓者）： 弗塞沃洛德·伊什琴科 (Vsevolod Ishchenko) | 6英尺7英寸 锋线 | 21岁 | 库班火车头
43. 布鲁克林篮网（来自快船）： 特雷冯·布拉齐尔 (Trevon Brazile) | 6英尺10英寸 内线 | 23岁 | 阿肯色大学
44. 圣安东尼奥马刺（来自热火）： 布鲁斯·桑顿 (Bruce Thornton) | 6英尺0英寸 后卫 | 22岁 | 俄亥俄州立大学
45. 萨克拉门托国王（来自黄蜂）：尼克·博伊德 (Nick Boyd) | 6英尺1英寸 后卫 | 25岁 | 威斯康星大学
46. 奥兰多魔术： 乌戈纳·奥尼恩索 (Ugonna Onyenso) | 6英尺11英寸 内线 | 22岁 | 弗吉尼亚大学
47. 菲尼克斯太阳（来自 76人）： Tyler Nickel | 6英尺6英寸 锋线 | 22岁 | 范德堡大学
48. 达拉斯独行侠（来自太阳）：菲利克斯·奥克帕拉 (Felix Okpara) | 6英尺10英寸 内线 | 22岁 | 田纳西大学
49. 丹佛掘金（来自老鹰）：托比亚斯·延森 (Tobias Jensen) | 6英尺6英寸 锋线 | 22岁 | 乌尔姆通益制药
50. 多伦多猛龙：贾科比·吉莱斯皮 (Ja’Kobi Gillespie) | 6英尺0英寸 后卫 | 22岁 | 田纳西大学
51. 华盛顿奇才（来自森林狼）： 杰登·布拉德利 (Jaden Bradley) | 6英尺3英寸 后卫 | 22岁 | 亚利桑那大学
52. 洛杉矶快船（来自骑士）： 泰勒·比洛多 (Tyler Bilodeau) | 6英尺7英寸 前锋 | 22岁 | 加州大学洛杉矶分校 (UCLA)
53. 休斯敦火箭： 诺亚姆·雅科夫 (Noam Yaacov) | 6英尺1英寸 后卫 | 21岁 | 奥斯坦德
54. 金州勇士（来自湖人）：尼克·马蒂内利 (Nick Martinelli) | 6英尺7英寸 锋线 | 22岁 | 西北大学
55. 纽约尼克斯： 米洛斯·乌赞 (Milos Uzan) | 6英尺3英寸 后卫 | 23岁 | 休斯敦大学
56. 芝加哥公牛（来自掘金）： 奥特加·奥韦 (Otega Oweh) | 6英尺4英寸 后卫 | 23岁 | 肯塔基大学
57. 亚特兰大老鹰（来自凯尔特人）：杰登·亨利 (Jaden Henley) | 6英尺6英寸 锋线 | 22岁 | 大峡谷大学
58. 新奥尔良鹈鹕（来自活塞）： 特雷·考夫曼-雷恩 (Trey Kaufman-Renn) | 6英尺8英寸 前锋 | 23岁 | 普渡大学
59. 明尼苏达森林狼（来自马刺）：迪伦·米切尔 (Dillon Mitchell) | 6英尺7英寸 锋线 | 22岁 | 圣约翰大学
60. 华盛顿奇才（来自雷霆）： 莫哈梅德·阿米尼 (Mohammad Amini) | 6英尺7英寸 锋线 | 21岁 | 南锡
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: Intrigue remains at the top and with the guard prospects
2026 NBA mock draft: Intrigue remains at the top and with the guard prospects
The 2026 NBA Draft is less than a week away, and the intel from sources trying to figure out what teams will do on Tuesday is starting to flow.
This draft is considered a strong one at the top and throughout the lottery, although withdrawals of college players lured by NIL riches have substantially hindered the depth of the class. Most executives I’ve spoken with have first-round grades on about 20 to 25 players and think the final 20 picks of the draft could result in some interesting selections. They say teams could be making deals with players ahead of time to lock them in on two-way contracts, as they don’t see much difference in talent level between players ranked from, say, No. 45 to No. 100.
A few notes before the mock:
• Each first-round pick features a link to the in-depth scouting report in my NBA Draft Guide on that player.
• Ages are as of the night of Tuesday’s first round.
• Heights are from the NBA Draft Combine in May.
• NBA executives, scouts, agents, players and other sources across the basketball ecosystem were granted anonymity in exchange for speaking freely about prospects.
1. Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa | 6-9 wing | 19 years old | BYU
I’m sticking with Dybantsa here, but sources say that Washington continues due diligence and that the Wizards haven’t made a decision yet. One thing that has been made clear in recent days is that the team is doing a lot of research into Darryn Peterson to understand everything it needs to know about him.
However, sources have also said not to read too much into the fact that Peterson is not currently scheduled to go to the Utah Jazz to work out; they don’t think that means the Wizards have made an undisclosed promise to pick Peterson.
Washington’s lead executive Michael Winger said in an interview with the local NBC station in Washington that leadership is an attribute he looks for in a No. 1 pick. Peterson is considered an exceptionally hard worker by all sources connected to him, but his leadership ability has been questioned, as he’s regarded as a quiet introvert. Peterson is a stone-cold killer on the court in terms of competitiveness. But Dybantsa is viewed by NBA sources as a more dynamic personality with leadership tendencies, both in the locker room and in the community.
[Overall 1 Wing 1 AJ Dybantsa BYU
Elite tools for a wing; could easily become a top-10 NBA player.
Read full profile ›](AJ Dybantsa - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
2. Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson | 6-5 guard | 19 years old | Kansas
The fact that Peterson has not yet come in for a workout will not dissuade the Jazz from taking the player at the top of their board. This was proved last season, when they took Ace Bailey at No. 5 despite him not going to Utah and with his camp seemingly working to direct him to Washington at No. 6.
Beyond that, there’s an easy connection to make as to why The Team, Peterson’s representation group, would be apprehensive about sending him to Utah. The Team also represents Jazz point guard Keyonte George, who is up for a contract extension this offseason. Whether it’s wanting to avoid competition for George or using a potential Peterson visit as leverage for a George extension, The Team could simply be utilizing every lever in its arsenal to try to make both its clients happy.
Regardless, sources indicate that the Jazz are also undecided on what to do at No. 2. Do not expect, however, that connections to Cameron Boozer through his father Carlos (who works in the Jazz front office) or Dybantsa through team owner Ryan Smith at BYU will be the deciding factor here.
[Overall 3 Guard 1 Darryn Peterson Kansas
An elite shooter with All-NBA scoring guard upside, despite his strange Kansas year.
Read full profile ›](Darryn Peterson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
3. Memphis Grizzlies
Cameron Boozer | 6-8 forward | 18 years old | Duke
If Boozer is on the board, I would be stunned to see Memphis pass on him. He ticks all the boxes that the organization has looked for in its draft picks over the years under president of basketball operations Zach Kleiman.
The Grizzlies have been consistently better at drafting than any other team in the league, having hit on Desmond Bane, Santi Aldama, Jaylen Wells, Cam Spencer and even guys such as GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. beyond pick No. 20, let alone past lottery picks Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. Typically, the Grizzlies like skilled players who produce well for their age and possess high-level basketball IQ, while also being extremely competitive. Boozer is elite in all of those categories. He is almost the prototypical player Memphis wants to build around as it enters a new era following the trades of Jackson and Bane.
[Overall 2 Forward 1 Cameron Boozer Duke
Versatile, skilled forward with a brilliant offensive mind; needs to find a role on defense.
Read full profile ›](Cameron Boozer - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
4. Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson | 6-9 wing | 19 years old | North Carolina
League sources believe Wilson would be an easy pick for Chicago if he gets to No. 4. The Bulls worked out other players, including Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, and Nate Ament, but it would be a significant upset if any of them were selected here.
Wilson would fit well at the four next to Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis as the team’s long-term building blocks and give the Bulls a solid framework with which to start using their cap space this summer to acquire veterans, while also trying to accumulate more assets.
[Overall 4 Forward 2 Caleb Wilson North Carolina
Explosive athlete whose ceiling is as high as the top three, but has more flaws.
Read full profile ›](Caleb Wilson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
5. LA Clippers (via IND)
Keaton Wagler | 6-5 wing | 19 years old | Illinois
This is seen as where the draft really starts. Over the last few days, the two names I’ve heard most associated with the Clippers are Mikel Brown Jr. and Wagler. Why? The team seems to be prioritizing at least some size next to Darius Garland in the backcourt, and Brown and Wagler are bigger options than the other highly-rated guards. Even though both are skinny, NBA executives feel like they have more room to grow into their frames than Flemings and Acuff, as Flemings is more slight and Acuff has been basically the same size for the last few years.
I believe Wagler is the best fit of the four guards here, too, thanks to his ability to play both on and off the ball. Sources have indicated that Wagler has added muscle to his frame during the pre-draft process. He came to Illinois at 168 pounds and weighed 188 pounds at the combine; his frame should continue adding strength over the next few years.
The Clippers have also had discussions about trading down, although sources indicate that they do seem set on making an early draft selection this year.
[Overall 6 Guard 3 Keaton Wagler Illinois
Superb processor with lethal jumper and unselfish mindset; a hard guard not to love.
Read full profile ›](Keaton Wagler - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
6. Brooklyn Nets
Mikel Brown Jr. | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Louisville
The Nets continue to befuddle the league relatively, and I’ve heard a lot of what will likely turn out to be misinformation regarding their plans. That’s partly because the Nets have engendered a belief league-wide that they evaluate draft prospects differently than many other teams. I’ve heard all the guard prospects in this range for them. The Ament buzz has quieted down in the last week. A couple of sources continue to mention Aday Mara as an option.
The one consistent piece of information is that Brooklyn will take the highest-graded player on its board, regardless of position. Even though the team selected three point guards last season, it hasn’t ruled that position out. The Nets believe they simply need to get more talent in the door.
I’m going with Brown over Acuff, as sources have indicated that the team has done a significant amount of legwork on him. Brown has impressed teams throughout the pre-draft process, convincing teams that his struggles with efficiency last season at Louisville largely stemmed from his back injury. Teams I’ve spoken with have cleared Brown medically and seem to have no concerns about that injury.
[Overall 10 Guard 6 Mikel Brown Jr. Louisville
A home-run hitter of a lead guard who could stand to settle for singles at times.
Read full profile ›](Mikel Brown Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
7. Sacramento Kings
Darius Acuff Jr. | 6-2 guard | 19 years old | Arkansas
The Kings are likely to stay at No. 7 and select the best guard who falls to them. In this case, they seemingly get their wish of Acuff being on the board; most teams below this slot are working under the impression that the Kings are Acuff’s floor.
Sacramento general manager Scott Perry has a relationship with the Acuff family, as he coached Eastern Kentucky in the 1990s when Darius Acuff Sr. played for the Colonels. The team is in desperate need of an offensive engine at the lead guard slot. If Acuff is available here, it would be a massive win for the Kings.
[Overall 5 Guard 2 Darius Acuff Jr. Arkansas
The most polished teenage guard to enter the league in years; defense is the big question.
Read full profile ›](Darius Acuff Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
8. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP)
Kingston Flemings | 6-3 guard | 19 years old | Houston
The Hawks are open for business with this pick. Sources have said Atlanta is discussing both trade-up and trade-down scenarios. But it also could stay here and take the player it wants.
Sources also say the Hawks are likely to re-sign C.J. McCollum, allowing them to bring a young guard along slowly while also giving him opportunities to run the second unit. Flemings’ ability to pressure the rim with his speed would fit wonderfully with Jalen Johnson, Jonathan Kuminga and other high-level athletes on the Hawks’ roster. Atlanta could use a downhill, athletic guard next to McCollum, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Much like many of the guards, Flemings is seen as unlikely to fall outside the top 10.
[Overall 7 Guard 4 Kingston Flemings Houston
All-Star upside with lightning-quick first step; must improve his gathers and shooting.
Read full profile ›](Kingston Flemings - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
9. Dallas Mavericks
Brayden Burries | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Arizona
There’s not much new information out of Dallas since my previous mock draft. The Mavericks continue to conjure a lot of speculation among sources. They’ve explored trading this selection and are considering several different players and positions, from lead guards like Flemings, Wagler, Brown, Acuff and Christian Anderson to Ament to Yaxel Lendeborg.
Burries is the name I hear the most with Dallas, though, with sources around the lottery trying to determine why he’s not working out in as many places as you’d expect. There’s a lot of enthusiasm for Burries among teams who want to try to win next season, as he’s seen as a tough guard who can dribble, pass and shoot who will also defend at a high level with physicality.
[Overall 8 Guard 5 Brayden Burries Arizona
An aggressive scoring guard who makes shots, attacks in transition and defends fiercely.
Read full profile ›](Brayden Burries - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Nate Ament | 6-10 wing/forward | 19 years old | Tennessee
The Bucks have been doing due diligence into the lead guards, including Flemings, Anderson, Labaron Philon Jr. and Brown. I’ve also heard Hannes Steinbach’s name as an option here. But with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential departure via trade, it makes sense for Milwaukee to take the highest possible upside.
Ament is that kind of swing as a big wing, and the team has a lot of history valuing these types of players. Several sources have pointed to owner Jimmy Haslam’s connection to Tennessee, as he’s a large donor to the school. On June 4, the Haslam family gave $130 million to the university, the largest gift in school history.
[Overall 14 Forward 4 Nate Ament Tennessee
Can handle and pass at 6-10 but lacks strength and efficiency; upside is tantalizing.
Read full profile ›](Nate Ament - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
11. Golden State Warriors
Aday Mara | 7-3 big | 21 years old | Michigan
Mara drops from No. 8 in my last mock, but that’s within his range of potential outcomes. The high-IQ center who can finish above the rim, block shots and pass would fit exceedingly well within Steve Kerr’s offensive structure. Imagining him as the post big as the team runs split actions involving Stephen Curry is exciting.
Sources have recently brought up Mara’s conditioning more regularly, wondering if he’ll be more than a 25-minute-per-game guy at his peak. Michigan did an excellent job utilizing him in short stints to keep him fresh, allowing him to be at his best throughout the season. Coaches won’t be as excited about that luxury in the uptempo NBA, but don’t expect to see Mara slip out of the top 14.
[Overall 13 Big 3 Aday Mara Michigan
A special passer at 7-foot-3 who finishes efficiently and protects the rim.
Read full profile ›](Aday Mara - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Morez Johnson Jr. | 6-9 big | 20 years old | Michigan
Johnson continues to draw excitement from teams. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him be the top big off the board, and his range starts as early as No. 8 with Atlanta. His floor seems to be No. 15 with Chicago, but it seems unlikely he’ll get that far. One question teams often ask players who come in for workouts and have been out on the circuit for a while is, “Which other prospect has impressed you?” The Michigan big man has been a popular answer.
Oklahoma City is said to be exploring several options, from trade-ups to trade-outs to standing pat. Johnson ticks all the boxes of a Thunder player, though. He’s highly professional and beloved by his teammates as a player who elevates every practice, on top of being a tough, switchable defender.
[Overall 11 Big 1 Morez Johnson Jr. Michigan
A versatile frontcourt defender who can roam the perimeter and destroy the glass.
Read full profile ›](Morez Johnson Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
13. Miami Heat
Christian Anderson Jr. | 6-1 guard | 20 years old | Texas Tech
It’s difficult to get a read on Miami’s intentions. It feels as if the Heat are trying to figure out their standing in potential star trades this summer, and whether this selection could be involved in a deal. Speculation about whether they can acquire Antetokounmpo gets thrown around regularly.
Anderson has impressed in pre-draft workouts with his shooting ability, feel for the game and willingness to give effort on defense. He seems to have helped himself as teams get to know him, despite his lack of size. This is a name I’ve gotten as high as No. 10 if this pick were to go to Milwaukee. The Heat could also use a dynamic ball-screen playmaker like Anderson.
[Overall 17 Guard 7 Christian Anderson Texas Tech
The best shooter in the class; can he create rim pressure and defend at his size?
Read full profile ›](Christian Anderson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
14. Charlotte Hornets
Hannes Steinbach | 6-10 big | 20 years old | Washington
Steinbach is unlikely to slip out of the lottery, and he would provide the toughness and physicality that the Hornets need at center. He’s already about 250 pounds and comes in at nearly 7-foot in shoes, on top of being arguably the best rebounder in the class. The Hornets have put a premium on analytics and winning the possession battle under this front office and coaching staff, something that Steinbach would help with.
[Overall 12 Big 2 Hannes Steinbach Washington
Starting-caliber center with terrific hands, frame and footwork who will crash the glass.
Read full profile ›](Hannes Steinbach - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
15. Chicago Bulls (via POR)
Yaxel Lendeborg | 6-9 big | 23 years old | Michigan
Teams across the league are unsure of Lendeborg’s draft range. His pre-draft workouts have not gone particularly well so far, and he’s dealt with an ankle injury that is not seen as a long-term issue. He also brings a specific and unique personality type, as sources indicate he has a lot of energy and not much of a filter.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Lendeborg’s teammates at Michigan liked him. He’s been open about how his practice habits were not particularly strong when he first arrived in Ann Arbor last offseason, but they improved throughout the year. I still have him as a top-10 prospect, but he might not be a fit for every NBA front office.
He is a versatile player type that new Bulls president of basketball operations Bryson Graham is prioritizing, as Lendeborg is massive, athletic and skilled. I love his potential fit with Giddey, Wilson and Buzelis thanks to his ability to defend at the point of attack and get out in transition at a high level. This would be a tremendous match if he fell to No. 15.
[Overall 9 Forward 3 Yaxel Lendeborg Michigan
Versatile two-way forward who is older but possesses elite tools and winning mindset.
Read full profile ›](Yaxel Lendeborg - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX)
Bennett Stirtz | 6-3 guard | 22 years old | Iowa
The Grizzlies are always a threat to move up and acquire the player they want from the middle of the first round, having done so to draft Bane, Aldama, Brandon Clark and Coward in the past. Given their massive stash of draft-pick capital following the Jackson and Bane trades, they are armed with the assets to do so this year, too. If there is a specific guard they want who falls down the board, I wouldn’t be stunned to see them go get that player.
I have them standing pat here to take Stirtz, whose name I’ve heard associated with nearly every team from No. 16 through No. 21.
[Overall 21 Guard 10 Bennett Stirtz Iowa
Epitome of a floor general and a terrific shooter; can he separate from NBA defenders?
Read full profile ›](Bennett Stirtz - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI)
Dailyn Swain | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Texas
As mentioned above, OKC is exploring all options. But I’ve heard Swain’s name with the Thunder since the combine, and it’s easy to see why, given how strongly they prioritize rim pressure and players with positional size, strength and length. Swain possesses all those attributes, even if his jumper remains a work in progress.
[Overall 15 Wing 2 Dailyn Swain Texas
A dynamic driver and finisher who must improve his defense and jump shot to be a starter.
Read full profile ›](Dailyn Swain - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
18. Charlotte Hornets (via PHX)
Allen Graves | 6-8 forward | 19 years old | Santa Clara
I think this is too rich for Graves by about 10 slots. But I’ve heard Graves’ name a lot with the Hornets, Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs in the No. 18-20 range. These three teams care about analytics and numbers while valuing the possession game. Graves’ ability to rebound, make quick decisions on the court and shoot standstill 3-pointers would appeal to the Hornets, as would his ability to play in an aggressive defensive structure thanks to his hand-eye coordination.
One of these three teams would be an excellent landing spot for him, as they all have readymade creators and value the things that would accentuate his skills.
[Overall 30 Forward 8 Allen Graves Santa Clara
High-IQ player and analytics darling who needs to maximize his body and offensive skill.
Read full profile ›](Allen Graves - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
19. Toronto Raptors
Cameron Carr | 6-5 guard | 21 years old | Baylor
The Raptors need some offensive juice and shooting next to Scottie Barnes, even with last season’s emergence of another Baylor wing, Ja’Kobe Walter. Carr’s ability to knock down shots and get in transition while also being a high-level defensive playmaker could easily appeal to this Raptors front office as it tries to build a winner around Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles and the rest of the roster.
I have also gotten Stirtz and Graves as potential options for this pick, as the Raptors front office is thought to be valuing analytics under general manager Bobby Webster.
[Overall 18 Wing 3 Cameron Carr Baylor
Terrific 3-point shooter and attacker; needs to get stronger and more active on defense.
Read full profile ›](Cameron Carr - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
Karim Lopez | 6-8 wing | 19 years old | New Zealand Breakers
Lopez has largely been working out for teams ahead of this range so far, feeling confident in his status as a top-15 selection. I’m not convinced of that. When I speak to teams about him, the feedback is commensurate with a mid-to-late first-rounder, as opposed to a lottery pick. He has some questions to answer as a defender and shooter, even if scouts are enticed by his rebounding and ability to drive into the lane. His range feels like it’s anywhere from No. 11 down to No. 25 or so, among the widest in the class for the guys invited to the draft green room.
The Spurs need some tough, physical rebounding ability at the four spot, and Lopez could provide that, along with the downhill driving ability they’ve valued in their picks in recent years. The organization has also prioritized positional strength, and Lopez’s frame looks like one that will fill out well in the coming years.
[Overall 24 Forward 7 Karim Lopez NZ Breakers
Big and skilled for his young age, but movement and agility leave a lot to be desired.
Read full profile ›](Karim Lopez - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN)
Labaron Philon Jr. | 6-3 guard | 20 years old | Alabama
The Pistons would be ecstatic with this outcome. Philon’s range is fairly wide, with teams in the back half of the lottery considering him while teams in the 20s do their due diligence on him in case he slips. It’s highly likely that at least one of the top guards in this class will drop into this range just because of the sheer number of options.
We saw Cade Cunningham work exceedingly well with a smaller guard next to him during the 2025 playoff run, as Dennis Schröder was a terrific running mate for him. Philon brings similar attributes, while also being able to shoot and get in transition with speed. Finding another playmaking guard to lessen Cunningham’s burden is seen as a major priority for the Pistons this summer.
[Overall 20 Guard 9 Labaron Philon Jr. Alabama
Highly skilled guard who’s pro-ready but lacks explosiveness and size.
Read full profile ›](Labaron Philon Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU)
Koa Peat | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Arizona
Sources around the league are still trying to figure out what new head of basketball operations Mike Gansey’s type will be. So this pick might just be me wish-casting, but I can’t imagine a better fit for both Peat and an organization. With Joel Embiid playing more consistently on the perimeter, Peat could use his athleticism and strength to crash along the baseline and make smart plays while also providing tough defensive energy. The 76ers desperately need a four with some power to his game, and Peat brings that in a big way.
I have Peat higher than this on my personal board, but sources across the league are unsure where he slots into the class. His range seems to be quite wide, starting somewhere post-lottery and stretching into the back half of the first round.
[Overall 16 Forward 5 Koa Peat Arizona
The jump shot is a concern, but he’s a proven winner who’ll do whatever his team needs.
Read full profile ›](Koa Peat - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE)
Chris Cenac Jr. | 6-10 big | 19 years old | Houston
Cenac has been an exceptionally difficult prospect to find a home for. The consensus seems to be that he’s going to go somewhere in the top 20, and he was among the second batch of players invited to the green room. However, the feedback I get from teams is that he’s more like a late first-rounder. He’s seen as a high-upside swing for teams that can afford to be patient and wait for him to improve his feel for the game.
If the Hawks go with a guard at the top of the draft, they can afford to take a swing on a big with perimeter skills like this.
[Overall 25 Big 5 Chris Cenac Jr. Houston
A project with immense tools who’s worth a first-round pick because of the high upside.
Read full profile ›](Chris Cenac Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
24. New York Knicks
Tarris Reed Jr. | 6-10 big | 22 years old | Connecticut
The Knicks face some free-agency decisions after they ended their 53-year title drought. The biggest one involves Mitchell Robinson. Undoubtedly, they will want to keep Robinson. But whether he returns will depend on the price point and whether he’s comfortable being a backup for the rest of the prime of his career.
If they remain unsure about a Robinson return, selecting a big who can play real minutes next season would be highly valuable. Reed could provide the elite rebounding and overall strength that Robinson provided in the playoffs. Zuby Ejiofor is another big man who would make sense here.
[Overall 27 Big 6 Tarris Reed Jr. Connecticut
A versatile backup big who crushes the glass, finishes on the interior and passes well.
Read full profile ›](Tarris Reed Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Zuby Ejiofor | 6-8 big | 22 years old | St. John’s
The Lakers are in a funky spot. They need to figure out the free-agency situations of LeBron James and Austin Reaves — among others — and whether they’ll have a significant amount of cap space this summer. It’s unclear if the organization will even have answers about those issues before the draft.
I like them building their frontcourt with a versatile player in Ejiofor, a tough defender who can switch on the perimeter. He’s long, athletic and protects the rim well for his size. There is some shooting potential here, too, and he might be able to play next to a center, depending on who it is.
[Overall 28 Big 7 Zuby Ejiofor St. John’s
A versatile defender with a high motor who’s skilled and tough enough to be a third big.
Read full profile ›](Zuby Ejiofor - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
26. Denver Nuggets
Jayden Quaintance | 6-9 big | 18 years old | Kentucky
Quaintance is considered one of the big mysteries of draft night. Every NBA team I’ve spoken with loves Quaintance’s defensive ability and sees him as at least a borderline lottery-level talent — if he’s healthy. However, he missed nearly all of last season with lingering right knee swelling, stemming from his ACL surgery in March 2025.
Teams who have spoken with The Athletic in the last week expect Quaintance to be available in the 20s on draft night. Most believe he will still be selected in the first round because of his tantalizing defensive upside, but a couple of sources have speculated that Quaintance could still be available when the second round begins on Wednesday. He was not among the 24 players invited to the green room, a possible indication of his stock dropping.
The Nuggets have long been looking for a backup for Nikola Jokić, and I love the idea of them taking this risk. If it Quaintance could give them a skill set off the bench that they lack, as well as one of the better potential Victor Wembanyama defenders in the league. Denver has been more willing to take injury risks than other organizations in the past. Another name connected with the Nuggets is Louisville guard Ryan Conwell.
[Overall 22 Big 4 Jayden Quaintance Kentucky
Potential All-Defense big with limited offensive skill; is he healthy?
Read full profile ›](Jayden Quaintance - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
27. Boston Celtics
Sergio De Larrea | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Valencia
Let’s go back to the well in Spain for the Celtics after their success last season with Hugo Gonzalez. De Larrea had a strong season for Valencia this season and measured exceedingly well, coming in at 6 feet 6 without shoes. He also plays the kind of style that should blend well with Boston’s scheme as a quick decision-maker, a sharp passer and a terrific shooter from distance. He can play both with and without the ball, and would give Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown space to operate.
The Celtics also fall into a similar bucket as the Hawks, Nuggets, Timberwolves and Mavericks, where I’ve heard from other teams that they’ve discussed moving up from their current slot in the 20s. There is thought to be a talent dropoff somewhere in this ballpark, and teams are trying to get ahead of it.
[Overall 32 Guard 12 Sergio De Larrea Valencia
A secondary playmaker with length who needs to get stronger and tighten his handle.
Read full profile ›](Sergio De Larrea - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)
Ebuka Okorie | 6-1 guard | 19 years old | Stanford
This is another player with a wide range, as I’ve heard anywhere from right after the lottery to late first round. I don’t think Okorie will fall out of the first round, though, and this would be a home-run match for him.
The Timberwolves are thought to be exploring potential point guard options in the late first round, and Okorie’s ability to get to the rim would be a different skill set than the one they chose with Rob Dillingham a couple of years ago in the lottery. It’s hard for me to see Okorie falling past this point.
[Overall 19 Guard 8 Ebuka Okorie Stanford
An elite rim-pressure guard who lives in the paint; must work on passing and defense.
Read full profile ›](Ebuka Okorie - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS)
Henri Veesaar | 6-11 center | 22 years old | North Carolina
The Cavaliers have to cut money from their books, and I’ve heard many teams note that Cleveland has discussed trading out of the first round to reduce the cap hold associated with this pick. I wonder if teams selecting early in the second round will target this pick in a trade.
I’ve gone with Veesaar here because the Cavs could use more depth behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
[Overall 29 Big 8 Henri Veesaar North Carolina
A 7-footer who can dribble, pass and shoot, but will need to defend better.
Read full profile ›](Henri Veesaar - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC)
Isaiah Evans | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Duke
Evans would represent a terrific floor-spacing and shooting option for the Mavericks, who need to continue accumulating players in that archetype around Cooper Flagg. It probably wouldn’t hurt that Evans played with Flagg last season at Duke and has a terrific understanding already of what the NBA’s Rookie of the Year requires.
[Overall 35 Wing 6 Isaiah Evans Duke
An off-ball movement shooter with length who needs to get stronger.
Read full profile ›](Isaiah Evans - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
Second Round
31. New York Knicks (via WAS):Emanuel Sharp | 6-3 guard | 22 years old | Houston
32. Memphis Grizzlies (via IND): Joshua Jefferson | 6-8 forward | 22 years old | Iowa State
33. Brooklyn Nets: Meleek Thomas | 6-3 wing | 19 years old | Arkansas
34. Sacramento Kings: Alex Karaban | 6-7 wing | 23 years old | Connecticut
35. San Antonio Spurs (via UTA): Jack Kayil | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Alba Berlin
36. LA Clippers (via MEM): Ryan Conwell | 6-2 guard | 22 years old | Louisville
37. Oklahoma City Thunder (via DAL): Maliq Brown | 6-8 big | 22 years old | Duke
38. Chicago Bulls (via NOP): Braden Smith | 5-10 guard | 22 years old | Purdue
39. Houston Rockets (via CHI): Baba Miller | 6-11 wing | 22 years old | Cincinnati
40. Boston Celtics (via MIL):Richie Saunders | 6-5 wing | 24 years old | BYU
41. Miami Heat (via GSW): Izaiyah Nelson | 6-8 big | 22 years old | South Florida
42. San Antonio Spurs (via POR): Vsevolod Ishchenko | 6-7 wing | 21 years old | Lokomotiv Kuban
43. Brooklyn Nets (via LAC): Trevon Brazile | 6-10 big | 23 years old | Arkansas
44. San Antonio Spurs (via MIA): Bruce Thornton | 6-0 guard | 22 years old | Ohio State
45. Sacramento Kings (via CHA):Nick Boyd | 6-1 guard | 25 years old | Wisconsin
46. Orlando Magic: Ugonna Onyenso | 6-11 big | 22 years old | Virginia
47. Phoenix Suns (via PHI): Tyler Nickel | 6-6 wing | 22 years old | Vanderbilt
48. Dallas Mavericks (via PHX):Felix Okpara | 6-10 big | 22 years old | Tennessee
49. Denver Nuggets (via ATL):Tobias Jensen | 6-6 wing | 22 years old | Ratiopharm Ulm
50. Toronto Raptors:Ja’Kobi Gillespie | 6-0 guard | 22 years old | Tennessee
51. Washington Wizards (via MIN): Jaden Bradley | 6-3 guard | 22 years old | Arizona
52. LA Clippers (via CLE): Tyler Bilodeau | 6-7 forward | 22 years old | UCLA
53. Houston Rockets: Noam Yaacov | 6-1 guard | 21 years old | Oostende
54. Golden State Warriors (via LAL):Nick Martinelli | 6-7 wing | 22 years old | Northwestern
55. New York Knicks: Milos Uzan | 6-3 guard | 23 years old | Houston
**56. Chicago Bulls (via DEN):**Otega Oweh | 6-4 guard | 23 years old | Kentucky
57. Atlanta Hawks (via BOS):Jaden Henley | 6-6 wing | 22 years old | Grand Canyon
58. New Orleans Pelicans (via DET): Trey Kaufman-Renn | 6-8 forward | 23 years old | Purdue
59. Minnesota Timberwolves (via SAS):Dillon Mitchell | 6-7 wing | 22 years old | St. John’s
60. Washington Wizards (via OKC): Mohammad Amini | 6-7 wing | 21 years old | Nancy
By Sam Vecenie, via The Athletic