By Sam Vecenie | The Athletic, 2026-06-22 18:09:38
The Athletic 正在为您带来 2026年NBA选秀的实时报道，包括扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo)交易案。
NBA选秀周已经到来，又到了 The Athletic 实时NBA模拟选秀的时间。这里是您获取我对每位球员顺位预测的大本营，如果您一直在不断刷新以获取最新消息，那么这个链接绝对值得您收藏。
这届选秀被认为在顶端以及整个乐透区都非常强劲，尽管受NIL（姓名、形象和肖像权）丰厚收益吸引而退选的大学球员，在很大程度上影响了这届选秀的深度。与我交流过的大多数高管对大约20到25名球员给出了首轮评分，并认为选秀的最后20个选秀权可能会产生一些有趣的选择。他们表示，各支球队可能会提前与球员达成协议，用双向合同锁定他们，因为在他们看来，排名在第45位到第100位之间的球员在天赋水平上并没有太大差异。
在我的记忆中，今年的交易讨论似乎比以往任何时候都要活跃。不过需要指出的是，各支球队在选秀前往往会积极讨论选秀权的交易，哪怕只是为了了解自己在选秀当晚会有哪些选择。NBA球队——至少通常情况下——不会凭空想出交易框架。他们会在选秀前的几天里保持沟通，根据选秀形势的发展制定出各种应对方案。因此，当你看到球队讨论过这些选秀权时，需要明白这些谈判往往只是针对潜在情况的预案。
在模拟选秀开始前的几点说明：
• 每个首轮选秀权都附带一个链接，指向我的NBA选秀指南中对该球员的深度球探报告。
• 年龄数据截至周二。
• 身高数据来自5月的NBA联合试训。
• 整个篮球生态系统中的NBA高管、球探、经纪人、球员和其他消息源均在匿名条件下接受了采访，以便畅所欲言地谈论新秀。
1. Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa | 6-9 wing | 19 years old | BYU
目前我在这里仍然选择AJ·迪班萨 (AJ Dybantsa)，自乐透抽签之夜以来我们一直如此。奇才对达林·彼得森 (Darryn Peterson)进行了大量研究，以掌握关于他所需了解的一切。但据联盟消息人士透露，迪班萨仍然是奇才最有可能的选择，也是最符合球队需求的球员。
华盛顿的首席高管迈克尔·温格 (Michael Winger) 在接受华盛顿当地NBC电视台采访时表示，领导力是他寻找状元签人选时看重的一项特质。所有与彼得森有关的消息源都认为他是一个极其刻苦的球员，但他的领导能力受到了质疑，因为他被认为是一个安静内向的人。在竞争心方面，彼得森在场上是一个冷酷无情的杀手。但在NBA消息人士看来，迪班萨拥有更具活力的个性，无论是在更衣室还是在社区中，都展现出了领导力倾向。
[总第1 锋线1 AJ·迪班萨 杨百翰大学
顶级锋线天赋；很容易成为NBA前十级别的球员。
阅读完整档案 ›
](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nba-draft-guide-2026/player/aj-dybantsa-byu-wing/)
2. Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson | 6-5 guard | 19 years old | Kansas
目前我们仍然选择彼得森，自乐透抽签之夜以来，我们一直将他放在这个位置。消息人士指出，爵士在2号签上考虑了几个不同的选择。然而，不要指望通过卡梅隆·布泽尔 (Cameron Boozer)的父亲卡洛斯 (Carlos)（在爵士管理层工作）建立的联系，或者通过球队老板莱恩·史密斯 (Ryan Smith)与杨百翰大学的迪班萨建立的联系会成为这里的决定性因素。
在我看来，彼得森仍然是榜单上最适合的球员，他可以作为一名货真价实的副控，与基扬特·乔治 (Keyonte George)和艾斯·贝利 (Ace Bailey)这两位年轻的外线进攻手搭档。他是那种充满活力的得分手，能够非常完美地融入威尔·哈迪 (Will Hardy)的进攻体系。
[总第3 后卫1 达林·彼得森 堪萨斯大学
顶级射手，具备入选最佳阵容的得分型后卫潜力，尽管他在堪萨斯大学度过了奇怪的一年。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Darryn Peterson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
3. Memphis Grizzlies
Cameron Boozer | 6-8 forward | 18 years old | Duke
如果布泽尔还在阵中，看到孟菲斯错过他我会感到非常震惊。他符合在篮球运营总裁扎克·克莱曼 (Zach Kleiman)领导下，该机构多年来在选秀中所寻找的所有特质。
灰熊在选秀方面的表现一直优于联盟中的其他任何球队，他们在20顺位之后选中了戴斯蒙德·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.)等球员，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)、小贾伦·杰克逊 (Jaren Jackson Jr.)和贾·莫兰特 (Ja Morant)了。通常情况下，灰熊喜欢技术娴熟、在同龄人中产出高效、拥有高篮球智商且竞争心极强的球员。布泽尔在所有这些领域都是顶尖的。在交易走杰克逊和贝恩之后，随着灰熊进入新时代，他几乎就是孟菲斯想要围绕其建队的模板球员。
[总第2 前锋1 卡梅隆·布泽尔 杜克大学
技术全面、技巧娴熟的前锋，拥有出色的进攻头脑；需要在防守端找到自己的定位。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Cameron Boozer - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
4. Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson | 6-9 wing | 19 years old | North Carolina
联盟消息人士认为，如果凯莱布·威尔逊 (Caleb Wilson)掉到第4顺位，公牛会毫不犹豫地选择他。公牛还试训了其他球员，包括达里乌斯·阿库夫二世 (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号位上与约什·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，并为公牛提供一个坚实的框架，让他们在今年夏天开始利用薪金空间引进老将，同时努力积累更多资产。
[总第4 前锋2 凯莱布·威尔逊 北卡罗来纳大学
爆发力十足的运动员，其上限与前三顺位一样高，但身上的缺点也更多。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Caleb Wilson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
5. LA Clippers (via IND)
Keaton Wagler | 6-5 wing | 19 years old | Illinois
这被认为是选秀真正开始的地方。在第5顺位，我听到与快船联系最多的两个名字是米克尔·布朗二世 (Mikel Brown Jr.)和基顿·瓦格勒 (Keaton Wagler)。为什么？球队似乎在优先考虑在后场为达里乌斯·加兰 (Darius Garland)寻找至少具备一定体型的搭档，而布朗和瓦格勒是比其他高评分后卫体型更大的选择。尽管两人都很瘦，但NBA高管们觉得，与弗莱明斯和阿库夫相比，他们有更多的空间来让身体变得强壮，因为弗莱明斯更为单薄，而阿库夫在过去几年里体型基本没有变化。
我相信瓦格勒也是这四名后卫中最适合这里的，这得益于他兼具持球和无球打法的能力。消息人士指出，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为168磅，在联合试训时体重达到了188磅；在接下来的几年里，他的身体应该会继续增强力量。
快船也讨论过向下交易，尽管消息人士指出，他们今年似乎确实倾向于在靠前的顺位进行选择。多位联盟消息人士推测，如果快船寻求向下交易，不要惊讶于看到他们在今年的选秀中获得另一个选秀权——以防NBA对Aspiration丑闻的调查导致未来选秀权的丧失。如果他们真的交易了这个选秀权，我听到其他球队最想追逐的球员就是瓦格勒。如果快船向下交易，布雷登·伯里斯 (Brayden Burries)和莫雷兹·约翰逊 (Morez Johnson)将是潜在的合适人选。
[总第6 后卫3 基顿·瓦格勒 伊利诺伊大学
极佳的战术处理器，拥有致命的投篮和无私的心态；一个让人很难不喜欢的后卫。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Keaton Wagler - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
6. Brooklyn Nets
Mikel Brown Jr. | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Louisville
一个始终如一的信息是，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中了三名控球后卫，但他们并没有排除这个位置。篮网认为他们只需要引进更多有天赋的球员。最近，我听到与布鲁克林联系最紧密的名字确实是布朗。篮网在对他的评估上显然做了大量的准备工作。
田纳西大学锋线阿门特的名字在这个顺位的讨论中不断出现，我从该区间内的其他几支球队那里听说，篮网已经讨论过在乐透区向后退几个顺位。感觉阿门特即使在第6顺位也是一个切实的选择。然而，如果他们确实想要布朗，他们就不能退得太深，因为快船、亚特兰大老鹰和达拉斯独行侠似乎都对他有一定程度的兴趣。如果布朗在第5顺位去了快船，那么阿门特在这里被选中就会更合理。
在球队周一同意交易尼克·克拉克斯顿 (Nic Claxton)之后，另一个在当天晚些时候升温的名字是阿代·马拉 (Aday Mara)。马拉在早期曾因这个选秀权获得过一些关注，但这在几周前似乎消失了，直到周二下午几位情报人员向我提及。
[总第10 后卫6 米克尔·布朗二世 路易斯维尔大学
具备全垒打实力的主控，但有时也需要安于击出单打。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Mikel Brown Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
7. Sacramento Kings
Darius Acuff Jr. | 6-2 guard | 19 years old | Arkansas
国王很可能会留守第7顺位，并选择掉到他们手里的最好后卫。在这种情况下，他们似乎如愿以偿地看到阿库夫还在阵中；该顺位以下的大多数球队都认为国王是阿库夫的下限。
萨克拉门托总经理斯科特·佩里 (Scott Perry)与阿库夫家族有交情，因为他在20世纪90年代执教东肯塔基大学时，老达里乌斯·阿库夫 (Darius Acuff Sr.)曾为该校效力。球队急需在主控位置上找到一个进攻引擎。如果阿库夫在这里可用，对国王来说将是一个巨大的胜利。
[总第5 后卫2 达里乌斯·阿库夫二世 阿肯色大学
联盟多年来迎来的技术最成熟的年轻后卫；防守是最大的疑问。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Darius Acuff Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
8. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP)
Brayden Burries | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Arizona
联盟消息人士称，老鹰是讨论交易方案最活跃的球队。他们在周日晚上与俄克拉荷马雷霆达成协议，引进了亚伦·维金斯 (Aaron Wiggins)，将其放入他们在截止日将卢克·肯纳德 (Luke Kennard)交易至洛杉矶湖人时产生的交易特例中。联盟消息人士表示，亚特兰大正在讨论向上和向下交易的方案，但他们也可能只是留在这里，选择他们想要的球员。
老鹰的首席高管昂西·萨利赫 (Onsi Saleh)如果能避免的话，往往不喜欢体型偏小的球员。伯里斯将与尼基尔·亚历山大-沃克 (Nickeil Alexander-Walker)和戴森·丹尼尔斯 (Dyson Daniels)一起，为球队后场提供一个长期的解决方案，并为球队的其他球员提供投篮和防守支持。
试图弄清楚选秀之夜会发生什么，部分工作就像是做侦探，把你得到的不同情报拼凑在一起。至少对我来说，最符合逻辑的交易是老鹰利用23号签和可能的一些其他小资产，从第8顺位向上交易到第5顺位。快船希望在靠前的顺位进行选择，联盟消息人士指出他们对伯里斯感兴趣。其他球队的消息源也将老鹰与喜欢瓦格勒的球队联系在一起。联盟消息人士指出，老鹰和快船都在探索朝这些各自方向发展的交易。这只是推测，并非基于任何具体的报道，但它确实是一个合理的可能结果。
[总第8 后卫5 布雷登·伯里斯 亚利桑那大学
进攻性极强的得分后卫，能够命中投篮，在转换进攻中极具威胁，且防守凶悍。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Brayden Burries - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
9. Dallas Mavericks
Nate Ament | 6-10 wing/forward | 19 years old | Tennessee
在选秀前的几个小时里，阿门特是与独行侠联系最多的名字，这不无道理。他符合球队总裁马赛·乌杰里 (Masai Ujiri)在多伦多期间通常看重的特质——一个理论上能运球、传球和投篮的大型锋线。
随着达斯蒂·梅 (Dusty May)被聘为独行侠的新任主教练，联盟消息人士推测哪位密歇根大学的球员可能会追随他，因为莫雷兹·约翰逊、雅克塞尔·兰德伯格 (Yaxel Lendeborg)和阿代·马拉在第9顺位都是现实的选择。如果他们朝那个方向发展，马拉似乎是最有可能的选择。除了梅之外，一些联盟消息人士指出，总经理迈克·施密茨 (Mike Schmitz)在上赛季波特兰选中杨瀚森 (Yang Hansen)的过程中起到了重要作用，并且他非常喜欢传球出色的内线。
[总第14 前锋4 内特·阿门特 田纳西大学
拥有6尺10的身高，能控球和传球，但缺乏力量和效率；上限令人垂涎。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Nate Ament - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Kingston Flemings | 6-3 guard | 19 years old | Houston
在传闻已久的扬尼斯·阿德托昆博交易至迈阿密完成后，雄鹿现在拥有两个乐透签。说真的，在雄鹿试图确定他们进入全面重建后的目标时，了解选秀形势及其发展对他们来说可能极其重要。球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。最终，我认为如果顶尖主控之一掉到第10顺位，雄鹿会进行尝试。伯里斯将是另一个潜在的名字。
但如果弗莱明斯掉下来，我认为第10顺位将是他的下限。雄鹿正在寻找一位爆发力十足的年轻天才，而弗莱明斯的运动能力对他们来说会非常有趣。如果阿门特掉到第10顺位，他将是另一个值得关注的名字。一些消息人士还指出了老板吉米·哈斯拉姆 (Jimmy Haslam)与田纳西大学的联系，因为他是该校的大额捐赠者。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款。
[总第7 后卫4 金斯顿·弗莱明斯 休斯敦大学
拥有全明星上限和闪电般的第一步；必须改善他的合球和投篮。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Kingston Flemings - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
11. Golden State Warriors
Yaxel Lendeborg | 6-9 big | 23 years old | Michigan
整个联盟的球队都不确定兰德伯格的选秀顺位范围。到目前为止，他的选秀前试训进行得并不是特别顺利，而且他一直在应对脚踝伤势，不过这并不被视为长期问题。他还带有一种特定且独特的个性，消息人士指出他精力充沛，说话不太经过大脑。
这不一定是坏事。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，去年休赛期他刚到安娜堡时，他的训练习惯并不是特别好，但在一整年里都有所改善。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。
这被认为是兰德伯格顺位范围的上限，在选秀之夜可能会一直延伸到首轮中后期。他也会非常适合勇士，作为一个能够运球、传球和投篮的快节奏转换型运动员。伯里斯上周在金州进行了试训，被视为勇士的潜在人选，作为一个外线创造者，他可以帮助分担斯蒂芬·库里 (Stephen Curry)在进攻端的突破负担，同时在防守端作为一个强壮、可无限换防的后卫也非常契合。我认为如果伯里斯掉到第11顺位，这将是他的下限。
[总第9 前锋3 雅克塞尔·兰德伯格 密歇根大学
技术全面的双向锋线，虽然年龄偏大，但拥有顶级的身体天赋和赢球心态。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Yaxel Lendeborg - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Aday Mara | 7-3 big | 21 years old | Michigan
据说雷霆正在探索几种选择，从向上交易、向下交易到按兵不动。他们已经执行了一笔交易来削减即将到来的奢侈税账单，将维金斯送至老鹰以换取两个未来的次轮签。在这个顺位我也听到了很多关于戴林·斯温 (Dailyn Swain)的传闻，但我确实想知道他们是否能在第17顺位选到他。但对于一支在交易讨论中非常活跃的球队来说，马拉和莫雷兹·约翰逊将是该顺位球队真正的潜在向上交易目标。
联盟消息人士最近更频繁地提到马拉的体能状况，想知道他在巅峰期是否能成为一个每场出场超过25分钟的球员。密歇根大学在利用他进行短时间轮换以保持其活力方面做得非常好，这使他能够在整个赛季中发挥出最佳水平，但在节奏飞快的NBA中，教练们可能不会对这种奢侈感到兴奋。
[总第13 内线3 阿代·马拉 密歇根大学
7尺3寸的特殊传球手，终结效率高且能保护篮筐。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Aday Mara - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
13. Milwaukee Bucks (via MIA)
Morez Johnson Jr. | 6-9 big | 20 years old | Michigan
约翰逊继续吸引着各支球队的兴趣。看到他成为榜单上第一个被选中的内线并不会让人感到意外，他的顺位范围最早可以追溯到亚特兰大的第8顺位。他的下限似乎是芝加哥的第15顺位，但他似乎不太可能掉到那么深。对于那些来参加试训且已经在巡回赛中打了一段时间的球员，球队经常会问一个问题：“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热门答案。
他将是凯尔·威尔 (Kel’el Ware)的绝佳搭档，在篮板和防守端承担所有的脏活累活，而威尔则可以拉开空间投射三分，或者在挡拆后顺下冲击篮筐。
[总第11 内线1 莫雷兹·约翰逊二世 密歇根大学
技术全面的前场防守者，可以游走于外线并统治篮板。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Morez Johnson Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
14. Charlotte Hornets
Hannes Steinbach | 6-10 big | 20 years old | Washington
斯坦巴赫不太可能跌出乐透区，他将提供黄蜂在5号位上所需的强韧度和身体对抗。他已经有大约250磅重，穿鞋身高接近7尺，而且可以说是这届选秀中最好的篮板手。在这届管理层和教练组的带领下，黄蜂非常看重数据分析和赢得球权争夺战，而斯坦巴赫将在这方面提供帮助。
15. Chicago Bulls (via POR)
Cameron Carr | 6-5 guard | 21 years old | Baylor
卡尔的顺位范围感觉在第10到第21顺位之间。他是公牛新任篮球运营总裁赖森·格雷厄姆 (Bryson Graham)优先考虑的那种臂展长、运动能力强、技术娴熟的球员。他将非常适合公牛正在打造的这支充满运动活力的球队，在以约什·吉迪、马塔斯·布泽利斯和威尔逊为核心球员的情况下，这支球队在转换进攻中可能会成为对手的噩梦。
[总第18 锋线3 卡梅隆·卡尔 贝勒大学
极佳的三分射手和突破手；需要在防守端变得更强壮、更积极。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Cameron Carr - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX)
Christian Anderson Jr. | 6-1 guard | 20 years old | Texas Tech
灰熊总是有可能在首轮中期向上交易以获得他们想要的球员，过去他们曾通过这种方式选中了贝恩、阿尔达马、布兰登·克拉克 (Brandon Clark)和考沃德。鉴于在杰克逊和贝恩交易后他们拥有大量的选秀权资产，他们今年也拥有这样做的筹码。如果有一个他们特别想要且顺位下滑的球员，看到他们去争取该球员我不会感到惊讶。
安德森在选秀前的试训中以其投篮能力、比赛感觉以及在防守端付出的努力给人留下了深刻印象。随着各支球队对他有了更深入的了解，尽管身材矮小，但他似乎提升了自己的选秀行情。这是一个我听说最高能到第10顺位的名字，而且由于今年夏天似乎很有可能发生贾·莫兰特的交易，灰熊也可能需要多一个挡拆组织者。
[总第17 后卫7 小克里斯蒂安·安德森 德克萨斯理工大学
这届选秀中最好的射手；以他的体型，他能否在篮筐附近制造杀伤并做好防守？
阅读完整档案 ›
](Christian Anderson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI)
Dailyn Swain | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Texas
如上所述，俄克拉荷马雷霆正在探索所有选择。但自联合试训以来，我就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，以及具备位置体型、力量和臂展的球员。斯温具备所有这些特质，即使他的跳投仍有待提高。如果他没有在这里被选中，我认为他确实有可能掉到20多顺位。
[总第15 锋线2 戴林·斯温 德克萨斯大学
充满活力的突破手和终结者，必须提高防守和跳投水平才能成为首发。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Dailyn Swain - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
18. Charlotte Hornets (via PHX)
Allen Graves | 6-8 forward | 19 years old | Santa Clara
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在18-20顺位区间联系在一起。这三支球队都看重数据分析和指标，同时重视球权争夺。格雷夫斯抢篮板、在场上快速做决定以及定点投射三分球的能力会吸引黄蜂，同时得益于他出色的手眼协调能力，他在侵略性防守体系中打球的能力也会受到青睐。
这三支球队中的任何一支都会是他的绝佳去处，因为他们都拥有现成的创造者，并且看重那些能够突出他技能的特质。
[总第30 前锋8 艾伦·格雷夫斯 圣克拉拉大学
高智商球员和数据分析宠儿，需要最大化他的身体和进攻技巧。
19. Toronto Raptors
Bennett Stirtz | 6-3 guard | 22 years old | Iowa
猛龙需要在斯科蒂·巴恩斯 (Scottie Barnes)身边增加一些进攻活力和投射，并且非常需要另一个可能有助于梳理进攻的选择。我听说斯蒂尔茨的名字出现在第16到第21顺位这一狭窄区间内，几乎所有这些球队似乎都对他有很大兴趣。多伦多在这里可以从几名后卫或锋线中进行选择，包括斯蒂尔茨、安德森、菲隆和卡尔。
[总第21 后卫10 贝内特·斯蒂尔茨 爱荷华大学
场上将军的典范，出色的射手；他能摆脱NBA级别的防守者吗？
阅读完整档案 ›
](Bennett Stirtz - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
Karim Lopez | 6-8 wing | 19 years old | New Zealand Breakers
到目前为止，洛佩兹主要是在为该顺位区间以上的球队进行试训，他对自已作为前15顺位人选的地位充满信心。但我并不这么认为。当我向球队了解他时，得到的反馈更符合首轮中后期的身价，而不是乐透秀。尽管球探们被他的篮板和突破到禁区的能力所吸引，但他作为防守者和射手仍有一些问题需要解答。在受邀进入选秀绿房子的球员中，他的顺位范围感觉在第11到第25顺位左右，是这届选秀中跨度最大的球员之一。
马刺在4号位上需要一些强硬、身体对抗强的篮板球能力，而洛佩兹可以提供这一点，以及他们近年来在选秀中看重的持球突破能力。该机构还优先考虑位置力量，而洛佩兹的骨架看起来在未来几年会很好地强壮起来。
[总第24 前锋7 卡里姆·洛佩兹 新西兰破坏者
尽管年纪尚轻，但身材高大且技术娴熟，但移动和敏捷性还有很大提升空间。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Karim Lopez - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN)
Labaron Philon Jr. | 6-3 guard | 20 years old | Alabama
活塞会对这个结果感到欣喜若狂。菲隆的顺位范围相当宽，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，以防他下滑。仅仅因为选择太多，这届选秀中至少会有一名顶级后卫掉到这个区间。
在2025年的季后赛征程中，我们看到凯德·坎宁安 (Cade Cunningham)与身边的一名小个子后卫搭档得非常出色，丹尼斯·施罗德 (Dennis Schröder)是他极佳的后场搭档。菲隆带来了类似的属性，同时还能投篮并快速进行转换进攻。对于活塞来说，今年夏天寻找另一名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 后卫9 拉巴伦·菲隆二世 阿拉巴马大学
技术娴熟的后卫，已做好职业联赛准备，但缺乏爆发力和体型。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Labaron Philon Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU)
Chris Cenac Jr. | 6-10 big | 19 years old | Houston
塞纳克一直是一个极其难以找到合适归宿的新秀。目前的共识似乎是他将在前20顺位的某个地方被选中，并且他是第二批受邀进入绿房子的球员之一。然而，我从球队得到的反馈是，他更像是一个首轮末段的球员。对于那些有耐心等待他提高比赛感觉的球队来说，他被视为一个高上限的尝试。
76人需要另一个内线，如果塞纳克的比赛感觉有所提高，他有时可能会客串4号位。但与76人可以选的其他一些球员相比，他更像是一个需要长期培养的半成品。目前对这支球队进行模拟选秀非常困难，因为联盟各地的消息人士仍在试图摸清新的篮球运营主管迈克·甘西 (Mike Gansey)偏爱哪种类型的球员。
[总第25 内线5 克里斯·塞纳克二世 休斯敦大学
一个拥有巨大身体天赋的半成品，因为极高的上限而值得一个首轮签。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Chris Cenac Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE)
Tarris Reed Jr. | 6-10 big | 22 years old | Connecticut
里德的顺位范围目前似乎遍布整个20多顺位。他在选秀前的试训中表现出色，消息人士指出，他以极佳的身体状态参加了这些试训，并准备展示出比他今年在康涅狄格大学展示的更多的技术。有几支球队注意到他投篮很好。老鹰需要另一个内线，并且已经邀请里德进行了试训。他的顺位范围似乎在马刺的第20顺位到骑士的第29顺位之间。
[总第27 内线6 塔里斯·里德二世 康涅狄格大学
技术全面的替补内线，能统治篮板，在内线完成终结且传球出色。
24. New York Knicks
Zuby Ejiofor | 6-8 big | 22 years old | St. John’s
尼克斯在结束了53年的冠军荒后面临着一些自由市场决定。最大的一笔涉及米切尔·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剩余的黄金时期担任替补。
埃吉奥福是一个工作极其努力的人，他的特点非常适合在NBA中作为第三内线扮演多种角色。他能盖帽，以他的体型来说传球很好，并且可以在防守端进行换防。他甚至还有一些投篮上限，这可能会对尼克斯有所价值。纽约还拥有31号签，如果保留这两个签，他们应该以某种顺序选择一名锋线和一名内线。
[总第28 内线7 祖比·埃吉奥福 圣约翰大学
充满活力的全能防守者，技术娴熟且足够强硬，可以胜任第三内线。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Zuby Ejiofor - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Isaiah Evans | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Duke
湖人目前处境尴尬。他们需要弄清楚勒布朗·詹姆斯 (LeBron James)和奥斯汀·里夫斯 (Austin Reaves)等人的自由球员状况，以及他们今年夏天是否会拥有大量的薪金空间。目前尚不清楚该机构在选秀前是否能对这些问题得出答案。
至少，埃文斯是锋线上一个货真价实的射手，这是湖人在卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Dončić)身边一直可以利用的，即使球队最终围绕他进行彻底重组。
[总第35 锋线6 伊赛亚·埃文斯 杜克大学
具备臂展的无球跑动型射手，需要变得更强壮。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Isaiah Evans - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
26. Denver Nuggets
Koa Peat | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Arizona
在我个人的榜单上，我把皮特排在比这更高的位置，但整个联盟的消息人士都不确定他在这一届选秀中的定位。他的顺位范围似乎相当宽，从乐透区之后开始，一直延伸到首轮末段。
从长远来看，掘金会非常适合他，他可以作为阿隆·戈登 (Aaron Gordon)的潜在替补。尼古拉·约基奇 (Nikola Jokić)的投篮和传球将与他出色的无球跑动相得益彰。我为掘金得到的另一个名字是路易斯维尔大学的后卫莱恩·康威尔 (Ryan Conwell)。各支球队也表示，这个选秀权已经在交易讨论中被提及。
[总第16 前锋5 科阿·皮特 亚利桑那大学
跳投是一个令人担忧的问题，但他是一个被证明过的赢家，会为球队做任何需要的事。
阅读完整档案 ›
](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nba-draft-guide-2026/player/koa-peat-arizona-forward/)
27. Boston Celtics
Ebuka Okorie | 6-1 guard | 19 years old | Stanford
这是另一位顺位范围很宽的球员，我听到的范围从乐透区之后一直到首轮末段。不过，我不认为奥科里会跌出首轮。凯尔特人在这里可能只是在寻找有天赋的球员，而奥科里突入禁区的能力很容易被视为具有重大价值，即使队中已经有了佩顿·普里查德 (Payton Pritchard)和德里克·怀特 (Derrick White)。
凯尔特人也与老鹰、掘金、森林狼和独行侠属于类似的范畴，因为他们都讨论过向上交易。人们认为在这个区间内会出现人才断档，各支球队正试图抢占先机。
[总第19 后卫8 埃布卡·奥科里 斯坦福大学
顶级冲击篮筐型后卫，擅长在禁区内制造杀伤；必须在传球和防守上下功夫。
28. Brooklyn Nets (via DET)
Jayden Quaintance | 6-9 big | 18 years old | Kentucky
昆坦斯被认为是选秀之夜最大的谜团之一。与我交流过的每一支NBA球队都喜欢昆坦斯的防守能力，并认为他至少是一个接近乐透区水平的天才——如果他健康的话。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，他几乎错过了上赛季的所有比赛。
在上周与 The Athletic 交流过的球队预计，昆坦斯在选秀之夜将在20多顺位可供选择。大多数人相信，由于他令人垂涎的防守上限，他仍将在首轮被选中，但也有几个消息源推测，当周二次轮开始时，昆坦斯可能仍然在阵。他没有进入受邀参加绿房子的24名球员之列，这可能是他选秀行情下滑的迹象。
篮网同意在一笔交易中将尼克·克拉克斯顿送至公牛，从而从森林狼获得了这个选秀权，他们很可能会在稍后尝试寻找另一位拥有克拉克斯顿曾经展现出的防守上限的中锋。
[总第22 内线4 杰登·昆坦斯 肯塔基大学
具备入选最佳防守阵容潜力的内线，但进攻技巧有限；他健康吗？
阅读完整档案 ›
](Jayden Quaintance - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS)
Henri Veesaar | 6-11 center | 22 years old | North Carolina
骑士必须削减他们的账本开支，我听到许多球队指出，克利夫兰已经讨论过交易出首轮，以减少与该选秀权相关的薪金空间占用。我想知道在次轮早期进行选择的球队是否会在交易中瞄准这个选秀权。
我在这里选择了亨利·维萨尔 (Henri Veesaar)，因为骑士可以在埃文·莫布里 (Evan Mobley)和贾莱特·阿伦 (Jarrett Allen)身后增加更多的深度。
[总第29 内线8 亨利·维萨尔 北卡罗来纳大学
7尺高个子，能运球、传球和投篮，但需要防守得更好。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Henri Veesaar - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC)
Sergio De Larrea | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Valencia
德·拉雷亚本赛季在瓦伦西亚度过了一个出色的赛季，并且体测数据非常好，裸足身高达到6尺6寸。他的打法也应该能很好地融入波士顿的体系，作为一个快速的决策者、敏锐的传球手和出色的远距离射手。他既能持球也能无球，并且在凯里·欧文 (Kyrie Irving)伤愈复出之际，能为独行侠提供另一个控球选择。
[总第32 后卫12 塞尔希奥·德·拉雷亚 瓦伦西亚
具备臂展的副组织者，需要变得更强壮并收紧他的运球。
阅读完整档案 ›
](Sergio De Larrea - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
第二轮
31. 纽约尼克斯（来自奇才）： 梅利克·托马斯 (Meleek Thomas) | 6尺3锋线 | 19岁 | 阿肯色大学
32. 孟菲斯灰熊（来自步行者）： 约书亚·杰斐逊 (Joshua Jefferson) | 6尺8前锋 | 22岁 | 爱荷华州立大学
33. 明尼苏达森林狼（来自篮网）： 莱恩·康威尔 | 6尺2后卫 | 22岁 | 路易斯维尔大学
34. 萨克拉门托国王： 亚历克斯·卡拉班 (Alex Karaban) | 6尺7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尺4后卫 | 20岁 | 柏林阿尔巴
36. 洛杉矶快船（来自灰熊）： 布鲁斯·桑顿 (Bruce Thornton) | 6尺0后卫 | 22岁 | 俄亥俄州立大学
37. 俄克拉荷马雷霆（来自独行侠）： 埃马努埃尔·夏普 (Emanuel Sharp) | 6尺3后卫 | 22岁 | 休斯敦大学
38. 芝加哥公牛（来自鹈鹕）： 巴巴·米勒 (Baba Miller) | 6尺11锋线 | 22岁 | 辛辛那提大学
39. 休斯敦火箭（来自公牛）： 布雷登·史密斯 (Braden Smith) | 5尺10后卫 | 22岁 | 普渡大学
40. 波士顿凯尔特人（来自雄鹿）： 里奇·桑德斯 (Richie Saunders) | 6尺5锋线 | 24岁 | 杨百翰大学
41. 迈阿密热火（来自勇士）： 菲利克斯·奥克帕拉 (Felix Okpara) | 6尺10内线 | 22岁 | 田纳西大学
42. 圣安东尼奥马刺（来自开拓者）： 马利克·布朗 (Maliq Brown) | 6尺8内线 | 22岁 | 杜克大学
43. 布鲁克林篮网（来自快船）： 特雷文·布拉齐尔 (Trevon Brazile) | 6尺10内线 | 23岁 | 阿肯色大学
44. 圣安东尼奥马刺（来自热火）： 伊赛亚·尼尔森 (Izaiyah Nelson) | 6尺8内线 | 22岁 | 南佛罗里达大学
45. 萨克拉门托国王（来自黄蜂）： 尼克·博伊德 (Nick Boyd) | 6尺1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尺11内线 | 22岁 | 弗吉尼亚大学
47. 菲尼克斯太阳（来自76人）： 尼克·马蒂内利 (Nick Martinelli) | 6尺7锋线 | 22岁 | 西北大学
48. 达拉斯独行侠（来自太阳）： 弗塞沃洛德·伊什琴科 (Vsevolod Ishchenko) | 6尺7锋线 | 21岁 | 库班火车头
49. 丹佛掘金（来自老鹰）： 托比亚斯·延森 (Tobias Jensen) | 6尺6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尺0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尺3后卫 | 22岁 | 亚利桑那大学
52. 洛杉矶快船（来自骑士）： 泰勒·比洛迪奥 (Tyler Bilodeau) | 6尺7前锋 | 22岁 | 加州大学洛杉矶分校
53. 休斯敦火箭： 诺姆·雅科夫 (Noam Yaacov) | 6尺1后卫 | 21岁 | 奥斯坦德
54. 金州勇士（来自湖人）： 泰勒·尼克尔 (Tyler Nickel) | 6尺6锋线 | 22岁 | 范德堡大学
55. 纽约尼克斯： 米洛斯·乌赞 (Milos Uzan) | 6尺3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尺4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尺6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尺8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尺7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尺7锋线 | 21岁 | 南锡
由生成式 AI 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：NBA mock draft 2026: Real drama starts at No. 5 with the LA Clippers
NBA mock draft 2026: Real drama starts at No. 5 with the LA Clippers
The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NBA Draft, including the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
It’s NBA Draft week, and time for The Athletic’s live NBA mock draft*.* This is your home to find where I’m predicting each player will be taken, so if you’re repeatedly refreshing to find new information, this is the link you’ll want to bookmark.
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 impacted 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.
This year seems to be much more active with trade discussions than I can remember. Now, it’s worth noting that teams tend to be aggressive in discussing trades for draft picks before the draft, if only to understand what their options will be on the night of the event. NBA teams — typically, at least — don’t just come up with trade frameworks out of nowhere. They’re in communication with one another in the days leading up to the event, coming up with scenarios depending on how the board shakes out. So when you see that teams have discussed these picks, it’s worth understanding that these talks are oftentimes just pre-planning for potential scenarios.
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 Tuesday.
• 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 for now, as we have since lottery night. The team has done a lot of research into Peterson to understand everything it needs to know about him. But Dybantsa remains the pick as the most likely option for the Wizards and the best fit for what the team needs, according to league-wide sources.
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
We’re still sticking with Peterson, the same person we’ve had plugged in here since lottery night, for now. Sources indicate that the Jazz have considered several different options 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.
For my money, Peterson remains the best fit of any player on the board as a legit secondary ballhandler to play with Keyonte George and Ace Bailey as young offensive perimeter players. He’s the kind of dynamic scorer who would fit remarkably well in Will Hardy’s offensive scheme.
[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. The two names I’ve heard most associated with the Clippers at No. 5 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. Multiple league sources have speculated that if the Clippers look to trade down, don’t be surprised to see them get another pick in this year’s draft — just in case the NBA’s investigation into the Aspiration scandal results in the loss of future picks. If they do trade the pick, I’ve heard Wagler the most out of the players whom other teams would be chasing. If the Clippers were to move down, Brayden Burries and Morez Johnson would be potential fits.
[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 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. And recently, the name I’ve heard most connected with Brooklyn is indeed Brown’s. The Nets have certainly done a significant amount of legwork on his evaluation.
Tennessee wing Nate Ament’s name continues to pop up in conversation for this spot, and I’ve heard from a couple of other teams in this range that the Nets have discussed sliding back a few slots in the lottery. It feels like Ament is a real option even at No. 6. However, they can’t afford to move too far down if they indeed want Brown, as the Clippers, Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks all seem to have some degree of interest in him. If Brown goes to the Clippers at No. 5, that would make more sense for Ament being the pick here.
After the team agreed to trade Nic Claxton on Monday, another name that has picked up some steam late in the day has been Aday Mara. Mara had gotten some buzz early on for this pick, but that seemed to go away a couple of weeks ago before a few intel people mentioned it to me in the afternoon on Tuesday.
[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)
Brayden Burries | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Arizona
League sources say the Hawks are the most active team in discussing trade scenarios. They completed a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night to acquire Aaron Wiggins into the trade exception they generated when they dealt Luke Kennard to the Los Angeles Lakers at the deadline. League sources have said Atlanta is discussing both trade-up and trade-down scenarios, but it also could just stay here and take the player it wants.
Onsi Saleh, the Hawks’ lead executive, tends not to love smaller players if he can avoid it. Burries would give the team a long-term answer in the backcourt along with Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels, plus provide shooting and defense for the rest of the players on the team.
Part of trying to figure out what happens on draft night is being an investigator and piecing together the different intel that you get. The deal that makes the most logical sense, to me at least, is the Hawks moving up from No. 8 to No. 5, using pick No. 23 and maybe some other small asset. The Clippers want to make an early pick, and league sources indicate that they have interest in Burries. Sources for other teams have also connected the Hawks as a team that likes Wagler. Both the Hawks and Clippers have been noted by league sources to be exploring deals moving in these respective directions. This is speculative and not based on any specific reporting, but it tracks as a sensible outcome.
[Overall 8 Guard 5 Brayden Burries Arizona
An aggressive scoring guard who makes shots, attacks in transition and defends fiercely.
Read full profile ›](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nba-draft-guide-2026/player/brayden-burries-arizona-guard/)
9. Dallas Mavericks
Nate Ament | 6-10 wing/forward | 19 years old | Tennessee
Ament is the name circulating most with the Mavericks in the hours leading up to the draft, and it makes sense why. He ticks the boxes that team president Masai Ujiri typically targeted during his time in Toronto as a big wing who can theoretically dribble, pass and shoot.
And with Dusty May being hired as the Mavericks’ new coach, league sources have speculated about which Michigan player could follow him, as Morez Johnson, Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara are realistic options at No. 9. Mara seems to be the most likely option if they go that direction. In addition to May, a few league sources noted that general manager Mike Schmitz was a big part of drafting Yang Hansen in Portland last season and loves bigs who can really pass the ball.
[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)
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Kingston Flemings | 6-3 guard | 19 years old | Houston
The Bucks now have two lottery picks following the completion of the long-rumored Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to Miami. Really, this is where knowing the board and how it’ll shake out could be incredibly important to the Bucks as they try to determine who their targets are as they enter a full-scale rebuild. The team has been doing due diligence into the lead guards, including Flemings, Anderson, Labaron Philon Jr. and Brown. Ultimately, I think if one of the top lead guards were to fall to No. 10, the Bucks would take that swing. Burries would be another potential name.
But if Flemings were to fall, I think this would be his floor at No. 10. The Bucks are in the market for an explosive young talent, and Flemings athleticism would be quite interesting to them. Another name to watch for would be Ament if he falls to No. 10. Several sources have also 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 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)
11. Golden State Warriors
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.
This is seen as the top of Lendeborg’s range, with it extending all the way down into the late teens on draft night. He’d be a perfect fit with the Warriors, too, as an uptempo transition athlete who can dribble, pass and shoot. Burries worked out with Golden State last week and is seen as a potential fit with the Warriors as a perimeter creator who can help take some of the burden off Stephen Curry as an offensive driver, while also fitting in nicely on defense as a stout, switchable guard. I think this would be Burries’ floor if he fell to No. 11.
[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)
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Aday Mara | 7-3 big | 21 years old | Michigan
The Thunder are said to be exploring several options, from trade-ups to trade-outs to standing pat. They’ve already executed one deal to cut their impending luxury tax bill, moving Aaron Wiggins to the Hawks for two future second-round picks. I’ve also heard a lot of Dailyn Swain in this spot, but I do wonder if they can get him at No. 17. But Mara and Morez Johnson would be real potential trade-up targets for teams in this slot for a team that has been quite active in trade discussions.
League 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, though coaches won’t be as excited about that luxury in the uptempo NBA.
[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)
13. Milwaukee Bucks (via MIA)
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.
He would be an elite fit with Kel’el Ware, doing all of the dirty work on the glass and on the defensive end while Ware steps away and shoots from 3 or rim-runs downhill out of ball screens.
[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)
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.
15. Chicago Bulls (via POR)
Cameron Carr | 6-5 guard | 21 years old | Baylor
Carr’s range feels like it’s anywhere from No. 10 to No. 21. He is a long, athletic, skilled player type that new Bulls president of basketball operations Bryson Graham is prioritizing. He’d be a tremendous fit with the athletic team the Bulls are building that could become a terror in transition with Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis and Wilson as their core players.
[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)
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX)
Christian Anderson Jr. | 6-1 guard | 20 years old | Texas Tech
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 player they want who falls down the board, I wouldn’t be stunned to see them go get that player.
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, and the Grizzlies could also use one more ball-screen playmaker with a Ja Morant trade seemingly likely to occur this summer.
[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)
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. If he doesn’t go here, I do think there is a real shot he slips into the 20s.
[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
Bennett Stirtz | 6-3 guard | 22 years old | Iowa
The Raptors need some offensive juice and shooting next to Scottie Barnes and could really use another option who can potentially help to run the offense. I’ve heard Stirtz’s name in a tight window from No. 16 to No. 21, with virtually all those teams seeming to have a significant level of interest. Toronto could have its pick of several guards or wings here, including Stirtz, Anderson, Philon and Carr.
[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)
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. At least one of the top guards in this class will likely 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)
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.
The 76ers need another big, and Cenac could potentially slide to the four at times if his feel for the game improves. But he is more of a project than some of the other players the 76ers could take. This is a very difficult team to mock right now, as sources around the league are still trying to figure out what new head of basketball operations Mike Gansey’s type will be.
[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)
23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE)
Tarris Reed Jr. | 6-10 big | 22 years old | Connecticut
Reed’s range seems to be all over the 20s right now. He performed well in pre-draft workouts, with sources indicating he came into those in excellent shape and ready to showcase that he has more skill than he showcased this year at Connecticut. A few teams have noted that he shot the ball well. The Hawks could use another big and have had Reed in for a workout. His range seems to be anywhere from No. 20 with the Spurs down to No. 29 with the Cavaliers.
[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 ›
](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nba-draft-guide-2026/player/tarris-reed-jr.-connecticut-big/)
24. New York Knicks
Zuby Ejiofor | 6-8 big | 22 years old | St. John’s
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.
Ejiofor is a hard worker and someone who profiles well toward playing multiple roles in the NBA as a third big man. He blocks shots, passes well for his size, and can switch on defense. There is even some shooting upside that would likely be of value to the Knicks. New York also has pick No. 31 and should take a wing and a big in some order if it keeps both.
[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)
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Isaiah Evans | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Duke
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.
At the very least, Evans is a real shooter on the wing, which is something the Lakers can always use next to Luka Dončić, even if the team ends up totally reshaping things around him.
[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)
26. Denver Nuggets
Koa Peat | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Arizona
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 late first round.
The Nuggets would be a tremendous fit for him long-term as a potential understudy to Aaron Gordon. Nikola Jokić’s shooting and passing would play nicely with how well he moves without the ball. One additional name that I’ve gotten for the Nuggets is Louisville guard Ryan Conwell. Teams have also said that this pick has been discussed in trades.
[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)
27. Boston Celtics
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. The Celtics will likely just be talent-hunting here, and Okorie’s ability to get into the paint could easily be seen as a significant value even with the presence of Payton Pritchard and Derrick White.
The Celtics also fall into a similar bucket as the Hawks, Nuggets, Timberwolves and Mavericks, in that they’ve discussed moving up. There is thought to be a talent dropoff somewhere in this ballpark, and teams are trying to get ahead of it.
[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)
28. Brooklyn Nets (via DET)
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 Nets agreed to move Nic Claxton to the Bulls in a deal that saw them acquire this pick from the Timberwolves and could very easily try to find another center later on who has the kind of defensive upside that Claxton once displayed.
[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)
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)
Sergio De Larrea | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Valencia
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 the Mavericks another ballhandling option as Kyrie Irving returns from injury.
[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)
Second Round
31. New York Knicks (via WAS): Meleek Thomas | 6-3 wing | 19 years old | Arkansas
32. Memphis Grizzlies (via IND): Joshua Jefferson | 6-8 forward | 22 years old | Iowa State
33. Minnesota Timberwolves (via BKN): Ryan Conwell | 6-2 guard | 22 years old | Louisville
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): Bruce Thornton | 6-0 guard | 22 years old | Ohio State
37. Oklahoma City Thunder (via DAL): Emanuel Sharp | 6-3 guard | 22 years old | Houston
38. Chicago Bulls (via NOP): Baba Miller | 6-11 wing | 22 years old | Cincinnati
39. Houston Rockets (via CHI): Braden Smith | 5-10 guard | 22 years old | Purdue
40. Boston Celtics (via MIL): Richie Saunders | 6-5 wing | 24 years old | BYU
41. Miami Heat (via GSW): Felix Okpara | 6-10 big | 22 years old | Tennessee
42. San Antonio Spurs (via POR): Maliq Brown | 6-8 big | 22 years old | Duke
43. Brooklyn Nets (via LAC): Trevon Brazile | 6-10 big | 23 years old | Arkansas
44. San Antonio Spurs (via MIA): Izaiyah Nelson | 6-8 big | 22 years old | South Florida
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): Nick Martinelli | 6-7 wing | 22 years old | Northwestern
48. Dallas Mavericks (via PHX): Vsevolod Ishchenko | 6-7 wing | 21 years old | Lokomotiv Kuban
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): Tyler Nickel | 6-6 wing | 22 years old | Vanderbilt
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