By The Athletic NBA Staff | The Athletic, 2026-06-23 11:55:18
The Athletic 将为您带来 2026年NBA选秀的实时报道，包括扬尼斯·阿德托昆博 (Giannis Antetokounmpo) 交易。
再多一份模拟选秀又何妨，对吧？
今年5月，在NBA乐透抽签仪式结束几小时后，The Athletic 的NBA撰稿人们就对乐透区的最终归属做出了预测。在接下来的几周里，新秀们接受了面试、体测、试训，并造访了联盟各支球队。随着选秀大会终于到来，现在正是让我们的撰稿人对整个首轮进行预测的最佳时机。
前几顺位的一些选择保持不变，而另一些则发生了不小的变化。
1. 华盛顿奇才
AJ·迪班萨 (AJ Dybantsa)，锋线，6尺9寸，杨百翰大学： 对于华盛顿而言，这个选择最终将在迪班萨和达林·彼得森 (Darryn Peterson) 之间产生。我认为奇才最终会选择迪班萨，这位身材高大的锋线球员有潜力成长为建队基石。迪班萨已经展现出极具天赋且爆发力十足的得分能力，并且非常擅长制造犯规。他还拥有成为一名优秀防守者所需的一切身体条件。奇才和迪班萨未来的任务将是让他成长为一名持续输出正向影响力的防守者，并开发他的三分球投射。我认为，阵容中拥有特雷·杨 (Trae Young) 和安东尼·戴维斯 (Anthony Davis) 将会减轻迪班萨以及球队其他年轻核心的压力。—— 乔什·罗宾斯 (Josh Robbins)
[总第1顺位 锋线第1 AJ·迪班萨 杨百翰大学
锋线位置的顶级身体天赋；轻而易举就能成为NBA前十级别的球员。
阅读全文 ›
](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nba-draft-guide-2026/player/aj-dybantsa-byu-wing/)
2. 犹他爵士
达林·彼得森，后卫，6尺4寸，堪萨斯大学： 爵士简直欣喜若狂，他们非常高兴地选下了彼得森。在选秀前三顺位的球队中，这是对双方而言最契合的选择。目前阵容中缺乏首发级别得分后卫的爵士，带走了本届选秀中最好的得分后卫。彼得森将立即进入一个能获得大量出场时间并承担重大责任的环境，但由于爵士还拥有劳里·马尔卡宁 (Lauri Markkanen)、基扬特·乔治 (Keyonte George) 和小贾伦·杰克逊 (Jaren Jackson Jr.) 作为进攻枢纽，他需要承担的压力只是其中的一小部分。彼得森在威尔·哈迪 (Will Hardy) 的进攻体系中会非常令人期待。—— 托尼·琼斯 (Tony Jones)
[总第3顺位 后卫第1 达林·彼得森 堪萨斯大学
顶尖的射手，拥有入选最佳阵容级别的得分型后卫上限，尽管他在堪萨斯大学度过了奇特的一年。
阅读全文 ›
](Darryn Peterson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
3. 孟菲斯灰熊
卡梅隆·布泽尔 (Cameron Boozer)，前锋，6尺8寸，杜克大学： 布泽尔不会提供像贾·莫兰特 (Ja Morant) 那样令人瞠目结舌的精彩集锦或极具争议的个性，但随着灰熊准备与他们的明星控卫分道扬镳，拥有像布泽尔这样的年轻新秀作为重建的核心，是一个极佳的起点。他的体型和全面性应该能让他完美融入已经拥有首轮秀扎克·伊迪 (Zach Edey) 和塞德里克·考沃德 (Cedric Coward) 的前场。布泽尔在进攻端有着出色的球感，无论是在低位还是在三分线外，他都游刃有余。他作为持球创造者的发展将决定他的上限有多高。无论如何，大多数球探都预计布泽尔能在很长一段时间内成为一名可靠且高效的球员。灰熊极度需要一个能提供这种稳定性的球员。—— 威尔·吉洛里 (Will Guillory)
[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。
阅读全文 ›
](Cameron Boozer - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
4. 芝加哥公牛
凯莱布·威尔逊 (Caleb Wilson)，前锋，6尺9寸，北卡罗来纳大学： 许多人仍然认为这是一届深度极高的选秀，无论顺序如何，排在最前列的都有四位明星级新秀。公牛新任篮球运营主管布赖森·格雷厄姆 (Bryson Graham) 在这里的选择实际上已经顺理成章。芝加哥需要天赋。威尔逊是本届选秀中独一无二的爆发型运动员，这位身高6尺9寸的前锋经常在篮筐之上打球，其出色的弹跳力既能让他统治转换进攻，又能成为潜在的防守创造者。他将为公牛空虚的前场注入明确的战术定义，并与21岁的马塔斯·布泽利斯 (Matas Buzelis) 组成一对极具开发价值的年轻搭档。不过，运动能力只是他的下限。决定威尔逊上限的似乎是他的跳投，目前这在他的比赛中几乎毫无存在感。在NCAA中他几乎不需要投篮，但在录像中偶尔能看到他柔和手感的闪光点。无论如何，公牛似乎并不担心这个开发项目的难度。—— 乔尔·洛伦齐 (Joel Lorenzi)
[总第4顺位 前锋第2 凯莱布·威尔逊 北卡罗来纳大学
爆发力十足的运动员，其上限与前三名一样高，但身上的缺点也更多。
阅读全文 ›
](Caleb Wilson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
5. 洛杉矶快船
达里厄斯·阿卡夫 (Darius Acuff)，后卫，6尺2寸，阿肯色大学： 陈旧的思维是从科怀·伦纳德 (Kawhi Leonard) 的角度来思考快船的资产管理。而新颖的视角则是将这次选秀视为对达里厄斯·加兰 (Darius Garland) 的试金石。我会考虑出售这个选秀权，如果我这么做，我希望能得到达里厄斯·阿卡夫的选秀权——没错，就是那个与加兰功能最重叠的控球后卫。快船在这里面临着一个复杂的决定，在没有真正正确答案或完美契合点的情况下，这是一个甜蜜的烦恼。除非出现他们绝对应该感兴趣的交易，否则就选下最好的球员，然后再去解决适配问题。—— 洛·穆雷 (Law Murray)
[总第5顺位 后卫第2 小达里厄斯·阿卡夫 阿肯色大学
联盟多年来迎来的技术最成熟的青少年后卫；防守是最大的疑问。
阅读全文 ›
](Darius Acuff Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
6. 布鲁克林篮网
基顿·瓦格勒 (Keaton Wagler)，后卫，6尺5寸，伊利诺伊大学： 瓦格勒是一个非常值得押注的优秀模板。他有体型，有技术，能投篮，而且表现超乎预期。这些都很重要。篮网仍然需要一名主控，而瓦格勒可以胜任。他能让球队排出高大阵容——瓦格勒光脚身高就有6尺5寸——他们将获得一位传球流畅、能拉开防守空间的持球组织者。下赛季，由瓦格勒、叶戈尔·德敏 (Egor Demin) 和小迈克尔·波特 (Michael Porter Jr.) 组成的阵容可能会非常有趣。无需担心瓦格勒如何融入球队，他将为他们提供一直缺失的基石型球员。投篮能力是他与该顺位区间其他后卫拉开差距的关键。—— 迈克·沃库诺夫 (Mike Vorkunov)
[总第6顺位 后卫第3 基顿·瓦格勒 伊利诺伊大学
极佳的球商，拥有致命的跳投和无私的心态；一个让人很难不喜欢的后卫。
阅读全文 ›
](Keaton Wagler - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
7. 萨克拉门托国王
金斯顿·弗莱明斯 (Kingston Flemings)，后卫，6尺3寸，休斯敦大学： 国王在去年休赛期尝试了老将控卫路线，引进了丹尼斯·施罗德 (Dennis Schröder)（后被交易至克利夫兰）和拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克 (Russell Westbrook)。现在，是时候重新寻找一名控卫了。国王需要注入天赋，而弗莱明斯在这里最合乎逻辑。他们需要为去年交易至圣安东尼奥的达龙·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox) 寻找一个长期的替代者。对于最新版的国王重建计划而言，在一支仍然依赖扎克·拉文 (Zach LaVine)、德玛尔·德罗赞 (DeMar DeRozan) 和多曼塔斯·萨博尼斯 (Domantas Sabonis) 等老将的球队中增加更多年轻血液至关重要。随着球队逐渐告别老将，弗莱明斯的运动能力以及成为攻防兼备球星的潜力，将是对萨克拉门托一些年轻资产的极佳补充。—— 杰森·琼斯 (Jason Jones)
[总第7顺位 后卫第4 金斯顿·弗莱明斯 休斯敦大学
拥有全明星上限，第一步快如闪电；必须改善他的合球和投篮。
阅读全文 ›
](Kingston Flemings - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
8. 亚特兰大老鹰
阿代·马拉 (Aday Mara)，内线，7尺3寸，密歇根大学： 马拉在我的选秀板上并不是紧随其后的球员——那应该是布雷登·巴里斯 (Brayden Burries)。但如果前七顺位的选择如上所述，那么我认为选择马拉的想法将是完全无法抗拒的。球队可以尽情谈论“选贤不选缺”（选天赋而不选需求），但当你的首发中锋只有6尺8寸，而你在季后赛的替补是体重仅210磅的莫·盖伊 (Mo Gueye) 时，拥有一名身高7尺3寸、且手握四年可控合同的护筐者，就会变得极具吸引力。—— 约翰·霍林格 (John Hollinger)
[总第13顺位 内线第3 阿代·马拉 密歇根大学
身高7尺3寸的独特传球手，终结效率高且能保护篮筐。
阅读全文 ›
](Aday Mara - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
9. 达拉斯独行侠
布雷登·巴里斯，后卫，6尺4寸，亚利桑那大学： 上赛季，巴里斯为全美最顶尖的大学球队之一做出了多方面的贡献，场均得到16.1分、4.9个篮板、2.4次助攻和1.5次抢断。巴里斯并不是一名极具爆发力的球员，但他总能找到办法在球场的几乎任何位置得分。他拥有扎实的投篮机制，并且在篮下对抗后终结能力可靠。他的三分命中率为39.1%，两分球命中率更是高达56.2%。作为库珀·弗拉格 (Cooper Flagg) 和凯里·欧文 (Kyrie Irving) 身边的拼图球员，他非常合适。—— 克里斯蒂安·克拉克 (Christian Clark)
[总第8顺位 后卫第5 布雷登·巴里斯 亚利桑那大学
极具侵略性的得分型后卫，能投篮、善于冲击转换进攻且防守凶悍。
阅读全文 ›
](Brayden Burries - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
10. 密尔沃基雄鹿
迈克尔·布朗二世 (Mikel Brown Jr.)，后卫，6尺4寸，路易斯维尔大学： 如果选秀走势对雄鹿有利，这个选择其实非常直接。在我看来，在雄鹿第10顺位选人之前，这届选秀有两个层级：前四名，以及随后的五名后卫。在这份模拟选秀中，老鹰选择阿代·马拉让雄鹿得以选到构成第二层级新秀的五名后卫之一。布朗作为持球投篮手、组织者 and 三分射手，拥有令人难以置信的极高上限，但由于他的体型，他也是一个两极分化的新秀，存在一定的下限风险。即便存在这些问题，布朗依然是显而易见的选择。—— 埃里克·内姆 (Eric Nehm)
[总第10顺位 后卫第6 迈克尔·布朗二世 路易斯维尔大学
拥有全垒打般爆发力的主控卫，但有时也需要学会稳扎稳打。
阅读全文 ›
](Mikel Brown Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
11. 金州勇士
雅克塞尔·伦德伯格 (Yaxel Lendeborg)，前锋，6尺9寸，密歇根大学： 这位大个子非常符合勇士的诸多需求。他能从外线投篮，能在防守端提供臂展，而且他刚刚帮助密歇根大学狼獾队夺得了全国冠军。他可以即插即用提供即战力——并且对于在斯蒂芬·库里 (Stephen Curry) 身边打球感到兴奋（换作任何人都会如此）。伦德伯格满足了急需更多天赋的勇士队的各项要求——关于他唯一的真正疑问是他的年龄：新赛季开始时他将满24岁。—— 尼克·弗里德尔 (Nick Friedell)
[总第9顺位 前锋第3 雅克塞尔·伦德伯格 密歇根大学
攻防兼备的多功能前锋，虽然年龄偏大，但拥有顶级的身体天赋和赢球心态。
阅读全文 ›
](Yaxel Lendeborg - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
12. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆
莫雷兹·约翰逊 (Morez Johnson)，内线，6尺9寸，密歇根大学： 约翰逊符合雷霆看重的所有特质，也就是说，他是一个赢家，并且有望成为一名极具影响力的防守者。身高6尺9寸、体重250磅的他，应该能成为一名可塑性极强的防守者和护筐手，并且能够立即在进攻端与雷霆的空间型大个子搭档。虽然他不是一个出色的掩护者，但他顺下极其坚决，并且能在篮筐附近终结进攻。给谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大 (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) 配备尽可能多的进攻终结者吧。—— 乔尔·洛伦齐 (Joel Lorenzi)
[总第11顺位 内线第1 小莫雷兹·约翰逊 密歇根大学
多功能的前场防守者，能防到外线并统治篮板。
阅读全文 ›
](Morez Johnson Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
13. 密尔沃基雄鹿
汉内斯·斯坦巴赫 (Hannes Steinbach)，内线，华盛顿大学： 在多份模拟选秀中，我们的选秀专家萨姆·维塞尼 (Sam Vecenie) 都谈到了雄鹿对斯坦巴赫的兴趣，而这里将是选下他的绝佳位置。在这次选秀中同时带走第二层级五名后卫中的一员，以及像斯坦巴赫这样有潜力的大个子，对密尔沃基来说将是一个极其完美的结局。斯坦巴赫可能是本届选秀中最好的篮板手，尤其是在前场篮板方面，这将非常契合新任主教练泰勒·詹金斯 (Taylor Jenkins) 的理念，他在执教孟菲斯时就经常将赢得球权争夺战放在首位。—— 埃里克·内姆 (Eric Nehm)
[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，拥有极佳的手感、身架和脚步，拼抢篮板极其积极。
阅读全文 ›
](Hannes Steinbach - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
14. 夏洛特黄蜂
克里斯蒂安·安德森 (Christian Anderson)，后卫，德克萨斯理工大学： 这对黄蜂来说是一个艰难的处境。（尤其是对他们虚拟的总经理而言，在昨晚深夜雄鹿交易获得第13顺位选秀权后，他被迫更改了选择。）
在理想情况下，黄蜂应该能选到一个可用的大个子，但现实并非如此，所以让我们转向另一个方向。上赛季，几乎没有几支球队比黄蜂更看重三分球投射，所以让我们选下本届选秀中最好的射手。安德森身高只有6尺1寸，但黄蜂的其他后卫和锋线球员体型高大，因此他们应该能在防守端为他提供掩护，同时让他慢慢摸索如何在NBA级别做出贡献。—— 埃里克·内姆 (Eric Nehm)
[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
本届最顶尖的射手；以他的体型，他能否在防守端立足并对篮筐施加压力？
阅读全文 ›
](Christian Anderson - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
15. 芝加哥公牛
戴林·斯温 (Dailyn Swain)，后卫，6尺7寸，德克萨斯大学： 无论是在交易截止日前的阵容重组，还是在之后的阵容瓦解，公牛几乎没有人能够持续对篮筐施加压力。感觉他们的投篮创造者更是少之又少。斯温拥有大量非受助攻得分的录像，以他的体型，他展现出了极强的变向和创造力。此外，他还能提供扎实的防守下限。如果威尔逊和马塔斯·布泽利斯 (Matas Buzelis) 最终要成为公牛进攻的核心，那么斯温作为一个第三组织者和战术粘合剂，将是一个非常不错的选择，他可以适应不同的阵容，并在其他战术停滞时创造进攻机会。投篮确实存在疑问，但那是以后的事了。—— 乔尔·洛伦齐 (Joel Lorenzi)
[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，必须提高防守和跳投才能成为首发。
阅读全文 ›
](Dailyn Swain - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
16. 孟菲斯灰熊
内特·阿门特 (Nate Ament)，前锋，6尺10寸，田纳西大学： 阿门特曾一度被公认为前十顺位的人选，因此在乐透区之外选到他似乎是一个相当不错的结局。至少，阿门特是一个上限极高的选择，非常契合随着在第3顺位选下布泽尔而逐渐成型的球队特质。拥有布泽尔和阿门特，孟菲斯有机会建立一个在进攻端极具全面性、在防守端拥有足够长度和运动能力来覆盖大片区域的庞大前场。—— 威尔·吉洛里 (Will Guillory)
[总第14顺位 前锋第4 内特·阿门特 田纳西大学
身高6尺10寸却能控球和传球，但缺乏力量和效率；上限令人垂涎。
阅读全文 ›
](Nate Ament - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
17. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆
卡梅隆·卡尔 (Cameron Carr)，后卫，6尺4寸，贝勒大学： 这同样很有雷霆的风格。卡尔是一个能提供即插即用进攻火力的球员，这正是他们那群类型有些重叠的锋线群所需要的。他不是那种标志性的防守大闸，不过雷霆已经拥有足够多这样的人手了。但他极具破坏力，具备成为防守创造者的潜力，这对俄克拉荷马城来说已经足够好了。—— 乔尔·洛伦齐 (Joel Lorenzi)
[总第18顺位 锋线第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。
阅读全文 ›
](Cameron Carr - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
18. 夏洛特黄蜂
拉巴伦·菲隆 (Labaron Philon)，后卫，6尺3寸，阿拉巴马大学： 科比·怀特 (Coby White) 在今年休赛期将成为完全自由球员。在上赛季的两场附加赛中，他为黄蜂挺身而出，这清楚地表明黄蜂需要一名替补后卫来领导第二阵容。对于一名20岁的控球后卫来说，这可能是一个很高的要求，但菲隆具备填补这一角色的能力。他是一名高水平的组织者和射手，但他的体型和身体对抗能力仍存在疑问。—— 埃里克·内姆 (Eric Nehm)
[总第20顺位 后卫第9 小拉巴伦·菲隆 阿拉巴马大学
技术娴熟、已做好职业准备的后卫，但缺乏爆发力和体型。
阅读全文 ›
](Labaron Philon Jr. - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
19. 多伦多猛龙
本内特·斯蒂尔茨 (Bennett Stirtz)，后卫，6尺3寸，爱荷华大学： 肯塔基大学的大个子杰登·昆坦斯 (Jayden Quaintance) 可能是这里的选择，因为猛龙需要一个有开发价值的中锋。然而，他的膝伤仍然是一个问号。考虑到这一点，猛龙在内部补充更多投射能力是合乎逻辑的。随着贾马尔·谢德 (Jamal Shead) 进入他的第三个赛季，“场上将军”类型的球员并不是猛龙最迫切的需求。但在卡尔被选走的情况下，斯蒂尔茨是提供外线威胁的最佳选择。—— 埃里克·科林 (Eric Koreen)
[总第21顺位 后卫第10 本内特·斯蒂尔茨 爱荷华大学
典型的场上将军和出色的射手；他能否摆脱NBA级别的防守者？
阅读全文 ›
](Bennett Stirtz - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
20. 圣安东尼奥马刺
卡里姆·洛佩兹 (Karim Lopez)，前锋，6尺8寸，新西兰破坏者队： 马刺可以在他们富有天赋的后卫群和中锋维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 之间配备一名身材高大、对抗强悍的前锋。身高6尺8寸、体重221磅的洛佩兹正是一个符合这一描述的硬汉。这位出生于墨西哥埃莫西约的球员是一名传统型的强力前锋，上赛季在新西兰打职业联赛。洛佩兹喜欢冲击内线并拼抢篮板。他的爆发力不算特别出色，但在马刺这支已经极具运动能力的球队中，这一弱点可以得到缓解。—— 克里斯蒂安·克拉克 (Christian Clark)
[总第24顺位 前锋第7 卡里姆·洛佩兹 新西兰破坏者队
尽管年轻，但体型高大且技术娴熟，但移动和敏捷性仍有很大提升空间。
阅读全文 ›
](Karim Lopez - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
想象一下卡里姆·洛佩兹，一位对抗强悍的强力前锋，在维克托·文班亚马身边打球的场景。(Emily Barker / Getty Images)
21. 底特律活塞
伊赛亚·埃文斯 (Isaiah Evans)，锋线，6尺6寸，杜克大学： 埃文斯精通活塞急需的一个领域：三分球投射。在作为蓝魔鬼度过的两个赛季中，这位锋线球员场均出手5.8次三分，命中率达到38%。他需要增加体重，以便在篮筐附近以更稳定的效率终结进攻，并防守对方的锋线，但埃文斯的上限使他配得上一个首轮末段的选选权。如果底特律能将埃文斯塑造成一个稳定的进攻贡献者，他可能会成长为一名替补席上的空间型球员，并具备多种得分手段。—— 亨特·帕特森 (Hunter Patterson)
[总第35顺位 锋线第6 伊赛亚·埃文斯 杜克大学
拥有臂展的无球跑动型射手，需要变得更强壮。
阅读全文 ›
](Isaiah Evans - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
22. 费城76人
艾伦·格雷夫斯 (Allen Graves)，前锋，6尺8寸，圣克拉拉大学： 格雷夫斯身材高大且技术娴熟。他能抢篮板，也能投篮。上赛季，他作为全美最顶尖的大一新生之一脱颖而出，成为大学篮球界的一大焦点，并凭借这一成功获得了NBA选秀首轮的评级。76人在大前锋位置上需要他这样体型和吨位的球员。格雷夫斯的妙处在于他还能满足费城对投射的需求，他上赛季的三分球命中率超过了40%。身高6尺8寸的格雷夫斯可以在开阔地带运球。他是一名出色的传球手，对于他这种体型的球员来说，他的整体技术异常娴熟。—— 托尼·琼斯
[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，需要最大化他的身体和进攻技巧。
23. 亚特兰大老鹰
埃布卡·奥科里 (Ebuka Okorie)，后卫，6尺1寸，斯坦福大学： 如果老鹰的首个选秀权如我上面所写的那样选择了一名大个子，那么他们在第二个选秀权上可能会面临相当大的压力去选择一名控球后卫（前提是这个选秀权没有被交易，这当然也是完全可能的）。在后特雷·杨时代的亚特兰大目前没有一个真正的控球后卫，尤其是第二阵容可能会显得杂乱无章。虽然我个人选秀板上目前顺位最高的球员是西班牙后卫塞尔希奥·德·拉雷亚 (Sergio de Larrea)，但他可能与老鹰的其他锋线球员重叠过多。我认为亚特兰大会非常倾向于在这里选择奥科里或本内特·斯蒂尔茨，以利用这届控卫深度异常之高的选秀。我对奥科里的评价更高，并认为他冲击内线、得分至上的打法可能更适合需要一些自主创造得分能力的第二阵容。—— 约翰·霍林格
[总第19顺位 后卫第8 埃布卡·奥科里 斯坦福大学
顶级的冲击篮筐型后卫，常年活跃在禁区；必须在传球和防守上下功夫。
阅读全文 ›
](Ebuka Okorie - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
24. 纽约尼克斯
科阿·皮特 (Koa Peat)，前锋，6尺7寸，亚利桑那大学： 尽管刚刚夺冠，纽约的阵容依然需要另一位持球者，最好是具有一定体型的持球者，所以，来吧，皮特！需要明确的是，作为一名球员，皮特最好的特质并不是他的持球（这属于他的掩护/短顺下直觉，以及在保持克制的同时展现对抗性），但他很乐意将球运起来。这届选秀中并没有太多高大且具备持球能力的后卫，这使得皮特成为纽约一个有趣的引援目标。在职业赛场上，他可以胜任任何一个前锋位置，并且能为一支需要更多运动能力的球队带来一些高空作业能力。皮特的投篮还有很长的路要走，但并没有到无可救药的地步。他的脚步不算最快，这将在防守端考验他。不过，他身上的闪光点已经足够让我相信他能在NBA成为一名扎实的球员。—— 詹姆斯·L·爱德华兹三世 (James L. Edwards III)
[总第16顺位 前锋第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，愿意为球队做任何需要的事情。
阅读全文 ›
](Koa Peat - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
25. 洛杉矶湖人
塔里斯·里德 (Tarris Reed)，内线，6尺10寸，康涅狄格大学： 湖人正专注于为卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Dončić) 提供最适合其打法的阵容，而里德至少从表面上看，并不是一个典型的空接威胁。然而，他是一个极佳的掩护者、强悍的篮板手和赢家。从他广泛的选秀前试训中传出的消息是，他还展示了在康涅狄格大学未能展现的投篮射程。他看起来从一开始就是一个现成的替补大个子，正因如此，我的一些联盟消息源认为他在第25顺位之前就会被选走。我很幸运能在这里选到他。—— 丹·沃伊克 (Dan Woike)
[总第27顺位 内线第6 小塔里斯·里德 康涅狄格大学
多功能的替补大个子，能统治篮板、在内线终结并拥有不错的传球。
26. 丹佛掘金
塞尔希奥·德·拉雷亚，后卫，6尺6寸，瓦伦西亚： 很难说掘金是否拥有足够的阵容灵活性来使用这个选秀权，或者他们是否会通过交易将其延后。这支球队需要尼古拉·约基奇 (Nikola Jokić) 之外的进攻创造力。贾马尔·穆雷 (Jamal Murray) 更多的是一个得分手而不是创造者，他们一直缺少一个能梳理进攻的替补后卫。随着德·拉雷亚的加入，他们将在后卫位置上拥有不错的体型，并且多了一个能够更好组织进攻的人。—— 扎克·哈珀 (Zach Harper)
[总第32顺位 后卫第12 塞尔希奥·德·拉雷亚 瓦伦西亚
拥有臂展的次级组织者，需要变得更强壮并收紧运球。
阅读全文 ›
](Sergio De Larrea - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
27. 波士顿凯尔特人
杰登·昆坦斯，内线，6尺9寸，肯塔基大学： 昆坦斯的健康状况存在疑问，但本届选秀中没有人比他拥有更大的防守潜力。他高大、强壮，拥有极佳的直觉。他的脚步移动与常人不同。凯尔特人可以立即补充一些前场深度，而他可能需要时间来成长。他们不应该因此而止步不前。在首轮末段，波士顿管理层在其他任何地方都找不到如此高的上限。昆坦斯在某种程度上让人想起了罗伯特·威廉姆斯 (Robert Williams)，凯尔特人当年也是用第27顺位选中了他的。—— 杰·金 (Jay King)
[总第22顺位 内线第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？
阅读全文 ›
](Jayden Quaintance - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
28. 明尼苏达森林狼
米利克·托马斯 (Meleek Thomas)，后卫，6尺3寸，阿肯色大学： 这个选秀权将作为周一达成的明尼苏达交易朱利叶斯·兰德尔 (Julius Randle) 方案的一部分送往布鲁克林。篮网确实需要在后场获得一些帮助，一个能投篮和得分的球员对这套阵容会很有好处。托马斯是一名年轻球员，他刚刚在阿肯色大学与阿卡夫搭档得相当不错，并且在外线投射方面极具爆发力。他在决策上需要稍微收敛一些，但他纯粹的天赋将在布鲁克林大放异彩。篮网此前刚刚拥有过一名类似的球员卡姆·托马斯 (Cam Thomas)，但这位托马斯应该会更容易管理。—— 扎克·哈珀
[总第31顺位 后卫第11 米利克·托马斯 阿肯色大学
极具天赋的得分手和射手，但糟糕的防守和鲁莽的决策令人担忧。
阅读全文 ›
](Meleek Thomas - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
29. 克利夫兰骑士
亨利·维萨尔 (Henri Veesaar)，内线，6尺11寸，北卡罗来纳大学： 这是一份模拟选秀，而不是劳资协议讲座或第二土豪线研讨会。你可能大致了解，骑士上赛季拥有NBA最昂贵的阵容，并且正朝着总薪资远超2亿美元、跨越土豪线门槛的方向狂飙。他们必须在某些地方削减开支，对吧？这个问题的答案，在一定程度上解释了为什么我认为他们会交易这个选秀权，并将这个阵容名额留给一个更便宜的老将。但他们也可能会选择让迪恩·韦德 (Dean Wade) 在自由市场上离队，这将对维萨尔这样的球员产生真正的需求。如果他们决定给韦德付钱，基本上保留去年的核心阵容，而不考虑阵容成本，那么他们仍然需要找一个大个子来给贾勒特·阿伦 (Jarrett Allen) 和埃文·莫布里 (Evan Mobley) 当替补。维萨尔可能很适合。他是一个身高7尺、投篮极佳的球员，而且作为一名欧洲球员，他进入NBA时比那些“打一年就走”的美国大学球员拥有更丰富的经验。他也像莫布里一样瘦。也许他们可以成为训练伙伴，一起增重。—— 乔·瓦尔登 (Joe Vardon)
[总第29顺位 内线第8 亨利·维萨尔 北卡罗来纳大学
身高7尺却能控球、传球 and 投篮，但需要提高防守。
阅读全文 ›
](Henri Veesaar - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
30. 达拉斯独行侠
亚历克斯·卡拉班 (Alex Karaban)，锋线，6尺7寸，康涅狄格大学： 卡拉班在康涅狄格大学的四年大学生涯中首发了150场比赛。很容易理解为什么丹·赫利 (Dan Hurley) 从不想让他下场。卡拉班是一个身材高大的锋线球员，投篮极其精准，而且很少犯错。在哈士奇队期间，他场均出手超过五次三分，命中率达到37.4%。他懂得如何进行无球移动，并且是一名出色的团队防守者。身高6尺6.5寸，臂展6尺11寸，他拥有不错的体型。最大的问题是，卡拉班在职业赛场上的运动能力能否支撑得住？—— 克里斯蒂安·克拉克
[总第34顺位 锋线第5 亚历克斯·卡拉班 康涅狄格大学
冠军拼图型球员，防守扎实，擅长在移动中完成投篮。
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：Who will go No. 1? NBA mock draft reveals biggest risers, fallers and predictions
Who will go No. 1? NBA mock draft reveals biggest risers, fallers and predictions
The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NBA Draft, including the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
What’s one more mock draft, right?
In May, hours after the NBA Draft Lottery, The Athletic NBA writers made their predictions on how they saw the lottery shaking out. In the weeks that followed, prospects have been interviewed, measured, put through drills and visited various teams across the league. With the draft finally here, what better time than now to have our writers make their picks for the entire first round?
Some picks at the top stayed the same; others not so much.
1. Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa, wing, 6-9, BYU: For Washington, this choice comes down to Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson, and I think the Wizards will go here with Dybantsa, a jumbo wing who has the potential to develop into a foundational player. Dybantsa already is a gifted, explosive scorer with a knack for drawing fouls. He also possesses all the physical capabilities to be an excellent defender. Tasks for the Wizards and Dybantsa will include developing into a consistently plus defender and developing his 3-point shooting. I think having Trae Young and Anthony Davis on the roster will take pressure off Dybantsa and the rest of the team’s young nucleus. — Josh Robbins
[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, guard, 6-4, Kansas: The Jazz are over the moon, as they happily take Peterson. Of the three teams at the top of the draft, this is the cleanest fit for both sides. The Jazz, who don’t currently have a starting-level shooting guard on their roster, take the best shooting guard in the draft. Peterson immediately steps into a situation where he plays a bunch of minutes and takes on a bunch of responsibility but inherits only a fraction of the pressure that comes with it, seeing the Jazz also have Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and Jaren Jackson Jr. as offensive hubs. Peterson in Will Hardy’s offense is very intriguing. — Tony Jones
[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, forward, 6-8, Duke: Boozer won’t provide the jaw-dropping highlights or polarizing attitude that made Ja Morant such a sensation, but as the Grizzlies prepare for the inevitable breakup with their star point guard, having a prospect like Boozer at the head of the rebuild is an excellent place to start. His size and versatility should make him a great fit in a frontcourt that already features first-round picks Zach Edey and Cedric Coward. Boozer has an excellent feel on the offensive end, and he’s comfortable playing on the low block or beyond the 3-point line. His development as an on-ball creator will dictate how high his ceiling will be. Either way, most scouts expect Boozer to be a reliable, productive player for a long time. The Grizzlies are in desperate need of someone who provides that kind of stability. — Will Guillory
[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, forward, 6-9, North Carolina: Many people still view this as a deep draft with four star prospects at the top, no matter the order. New lead Bulls executive Bryson Graham makes a selection here that’s effectively decided for him. Chicago needs talent. Wilson is an explosive athlete unlike any in this draft, a 6-foot-9 forward who lives above the rim and possesses the leaping ability to both dominate transition and be a potential defensive playmaker. He’d give the Bulls some definition in a hollow frontcourt, as well as a developmental pairing with 21-year-old Matas Buzelis. The athleticism, though, is the baseline. What seemingly dictates Wilson’s ceiling is his jump shot, currently a non-factor in his game. He hardly needed one in the NCAA, but sprinkled throughout the tape are signs of touch. The Bulls, for what it’s worth, don’t seem worried about the difficulty of that project. — Joel Lorenzi
[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
Darius Acuff, guard, 6-2, Arkansas: Tired is thinking of Clippers asset management through the lens of Kawhi Leonard. Wired is seeing that this draft works as a litmus test for Darius Garland. I would put this pick up for sale, and if I’m doing that, I’m getting the draft rights to Darius Acuff — yes, the one point guard who is most in conflict with duplicating Garland. The Clippers have a complicated decision here, and with no real right answer or perfect fit, it’s a good problem to have. Take the best player and figure it out, barring a trade they should absolutely be interested in. — Law Murray
[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)
6. Brooklyn Nets
Keaton Wagler, guard, 6-5, Illinois: Wagler is a great archetype for the Nets to bet on. He has size, he has skill, he can shoot, and he’s an overachiever. All of that matters. The Nets still need a lead guard, and Wagler can be that. He’d allow them to play big lineups — Wagler is 6-5 without shoes — and they would get a smooth passer and playmaker on the ball who can stretch defenses. Lineups with Wagler, Egor Demin and Michael Porter Jr. might be pretty interesting next season. There’s no concern about how Wagler would fit on the team, and he’d offer them the foundational player they’ve been missing. The shooting is what sets him apart from the other guards in this range. — Mike Vorkunov
[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)
7. Sacramento Kings
Kingston Flemings, guard, 6-3, Houston: The Kings tried the veteran point guard route last offseason with Dennis Schröder (who was traded to Cleveland) and Russell Westbrook. Now it’s time to find a point guard again. The Kings need an infusion of talent, and Flemings makes the most sense here. They need a long-term replacement for De’Aaron Fox, whom they traded to San Antonio last year. Adding more youth to a team that still leans on veterans like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis is essential for the latest version of the Kings’ rebuild. Flemings’ athleticism and potential to be a two-way standout are a good addition to some of Sacramento’s young pieces as the team shifts away from its veterans. — Jason Jones
[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)
8. Atlanta Hawks
Aday Mara, big, 7-3, Michigan: Mara is not the next-ranked player on my board — that would be Brayden Burries. But if the top seven go as above, then I think the idea of drafting Mara will be utterly irresistible. Teams can talk about drafting for talent and not for need all they want, but when your starting center is 6-8, and your playoff backup was 210-pound Mo Gueye, the idea of having a 7-3 rim protector on a controlled contract for four years becomes extremely compelling. — John Hollinger
[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)
9. Dallas Mavericks
Brayden Burries, guard, 6-4, Arizona: Burries contributed in a lot of different ways for one of college basketball’s best teams last season, averaging 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals. Burries isn’t an extremely explosive player, but he found ways to score from practically everywhere on the court. He’s got sound shooting mechanics and reliably finishes through contact at the rim. He shot 39.1 percent from 3 and an extremely healthy 56.2 percent on 2s. He makes a lot of sense as a complementary piece alongside Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. — Christian Clark
[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
Mikel Brown Jr., guard, 6-4, Louisville: This selection is pretty straightforward … if the draft falls the right way for the Bucks. From my perspective, this draft has two tiers before Milwaukee gets to pick at No. 10: the top four and then five guards. In this mock draft, the Hawks taking Aday Mara allows the Bucks to get one of the five guards who make up the second tier of prospects. Brown has incredibly high upside as an off-the-dribble shooter, playmaker and 3-point shooter, but he is a polarizing prospect with some downside risk as well because of his size. Even with those issues, Brown is the obvious pick. — Eric Nehm
[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)
11. Golden State Warriors
Yaxel Lendeborg, forward, 6-9, Michigan: The big man fits a lot of needs for the Warriors. He can shoot from the outside, he can provide length defensively and he just helped the Wolverines win a national title. He can come in and help right away — and is excited (just like anybody else would be) about playing off Stephen Curry. Lendeborg checks boxes for a Warriors team in need of more talent — the only real question mark about him is his age: He will be 24 when the season begins. — Nick Friedell
[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
Morez Johnson, big, 6-9, Michigan: Johnson fits the Thunder boxes that matter, which is to say he’s a winner and projects as an impactful defender. At 6-9 and 250 pounds, he should also be a scalable defender and rim protector and able to share the floor offensively with OKC’s stretch bigs immediately. While he’s not a remarkable screener, he’s a hard roller and finishes plays at the rim. Give Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as many play finishers as possible. — Joel Lorenzi
[Overall 11 Big 1 Morez Johnson Jr. Michigan
A versatile frontcourt defender who can roam the perimeter and destroy the glass.
Read full profile ›](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nba-draft-guide-2026/player/morez-johnson-jr.-michigan-big/)
13. Milwaukee Bucks
Hannes Steinbach, big, Washington: Throughout his various mock drafts, our draft expert Sam Vecenie has talked about the interest the Bucks have in Steinbach and this would be a great spot to take him. Leaving this draft with one of the five guards in the draft’s second tier and a big man with upside like Steinbach would be a spectacular outcome for Milwaukee. Steinbach might be the draft’s best rebounder, especially on the offensive glass, and that will be a great fit for new head coach Taylor Jenkins, who regularly prioritized winning the possession battle in Memphis. — Eric Nehm
[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)
14. Charlotte Hornets
Christian Anderson, guard, Texas Tech: This is a tough spot for the Hornets. (And especially tough for their fake general manager, who was forced to change his pick after the Bucks acquired the 13th pick late last night.)
In an ideal world, there would be a big man available for the Hornets, but that isn’t the case, so let’s go in a different direction. Last season, few teams placed a greater importance on 3-point shooting than the Hornets, so let’s take the best shooter in the draft. Anderson is only 6-foot-1, but the Hornets have great size among the rest of their guards and wings, so they should be able to cover for him on the defensive end, while he figures out how to contribute at the NBA level.— Eric Nehm
[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 ›](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nba-draft-guide-2026/player/christian-anderson-texas-tech-guard/)
15. Chicago Bulls
Dailyn Swain, guard, 6-7, Texas: The Bulls, both pre- and post-trade deadline decimation, had close to no one who could consistently put pressure on the rim. It felt like they had even fewer shot creators. Swain boasts what feels like hours of film of unassisted buckets, with so much wiggle and creativity at his size. Plus, he gives you a solid defensive baseline. If Wilson and Matas Buzelis are to eventually be central to the Bulls’ offense, Swain feels like a good bet as a tertiary playmaker and gap-filler who can mold to different lineups and create offense when other actions die. The shot is questionable, yes, but let’s worry about that later. — Joel Lorenzi
[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)
16. Memphis Grizzlies
Nate Ament, forward, 6-10, Tennessee: Ament was considered a consensus top-10 pick at one point, so getting him after the lottery seems like a pretty good outcome. At the very least, Ament is a high upside swing who fits into the identity that’s coming together with the addition of Boozer at No. 3. With Boozer and Ament, Memphis has the chance to build a massive frontcourt with versatility on the offensive end and enough length and athleticism to cover a lot of ground on defense. — Will Guillory
[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)
17. Oklahoma City Thunder
Cameron Carr, guard, 6-4, Baylor: This, too, feels Thundery. Carr is a guy who should give you instant offense, something they could use out of a wing group that’s seen redundancy in archetype. He’s not a trademark stopper, though the Thunder have an abundance of those. But he’s disruptive with potential as a defensive playmaker, which should be good enough for OKC. — Joel Lorenzi
[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)
18. Charlotte Hornets
Labaron Philon, guard, 6-3, Alabama: Coby White is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. He stepped up in a major way for the Hornets in their two Play-In games this past season, which makes it clear that the Hornets could use a guard off the bench to run the second unit. That might be a big ask of a 20-year-old point guard, but Philon has the skill to fill that role. He is a high-level playmaker and shooter, but there are questions about his size and physicality. — Eric Nehm
[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)
19. Toronto Raptors
Bennett Stirtz, guard, 6-3, Iowa: Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance could be the pick here, as the Raptors could use a developmental center. However, his knee injury remains a question mark. With that in mind, it makes sense for the Raptors to get more shooting in-house. A “floor-general” type isn’t the Raptors biggest need with Jamal Shead entering his third season. But with Carr gone, Stirtz is the best bet to provide a perimeter threat. — Eric Koreen
[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
Karim Lopez, forward, 6-8, New Zealand Breakers: The Spurs could use a big, physical forward between their talented guards and center Victor Wembanyama. Lopez, who’s 6-8 and weighs 221 pounds, is a bruiser who fits this description. The Hermosillo, Mexico native is a throwback power forward who spent last season playing professionally in New Zealand. Lopez likes to drive downhill and crash the glass. He’s not terribly explosive, but that weakness could be mitigated on this already athletic Spurs team. — Christian Clark
[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 ›](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/nba-draft-guide-2026/player/karim-lopez-nz-breakers-forward/)
Imagine Karim Lopez, a bruising power forward, playing next to Victor Wembanyama. (Emily Barker / Getty Images)
21. Detroit Pistons
Isaiah Evans, wing, 6-6, Duke: Evans is proficient in an area of need for the Pistons: 3-point shooting. The wing shot 38 percent from behind the arc on 5.8 attempts per game during his two seasons as a Blue Devil. He’ll need to add weight to finish at a more consistent rate around the rim and guard opposing wings, but Evans’ upside makes him worthy of a late first-round selection. If Detroit molds Evans into a consistent offensive contributor, he could blossom into a floor-spacer off the bench with the ability to score in multiple ways. — Hunter Patterson
[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)
22. Philadelphia 76ers
Allen Graves, forward, 6-8, Santa Clara: Graves is big and skilled. He can rebound and shoot the basketball. His emergence as one of the top freshmen in the country became a big story in college basketball last season, and he parlayed that success into a first-round NBA Draft grade. The Sixers need someone of his size and girth at the power forward spot. The beauty of Graves is that he also helps Philadelphia’s need for shooting, as he knocked down over 40 percent of his 3-point attempts last season. At 6-8, Graves can handle the ball in the open floor. He’s a good passer and uncommonly skilled overall for someone of his size. — Tony Jones
[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)
23. Atlanta Hawks
Ebuka Okorie, guard, 6-1, Stanford: If the Hawks’ first pick is a big, as I have it above, then they will likely feel pretty heavy pressure to take a point guard with the second one (That’s if the pick isn’t traded, which is also definitely possible). Atlanta doesn’t have a true point guard at the moment in its post-Trae Young incarnation, and the second units in particular could look disorganized. While the highest-rated player left on my personal board here is Spanish guard Sergio de Larrea, he likely overlaps too much with the Hawks’ other wings. I think Atlanta would be strongly tempted to take either Okorie or Bennett Stirtz here instead, taking advantage of an unusually deep point guard draft. I have Okorie rated higher and think his downhill, scoring game might fit better with a second group that could use some shot-creation punch. — John Hollinger
[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)
24. New York Knicks
Koa Peat, forward, 6-7, Arizona: Despite just winning the championship, New York’s roster could use another ballhandler, preferably one with some size, so come on down, Peat! To be clear, Peat’s best trait as a player isn’t his ballhandling (that’s reserved for his screening/short-roll instincts and being physical while also being controlled), but he’s comfortable putting the ball on the ground. This draft class isn’t stocked with big, ballhandling guards, making Peat an interesting target for New York. He can play either forward spot at the next level and would also bring some up-top athleticism to a team that could use a little more. Peat’s shot has a ways to go, but it’s not broken. And he doesn’t have the quickest feet, which will test him defensively. There’s enough there, though, to make me believe he can be a solid player in the NBA. — James L. Edwards III
[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)
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Tarris Reed, big, 6-10, Connecticut: The Lakers are focused on giving Luka Dončić the best possible roster that fits his game, and Reed, at least on the surface, isn’t a prototypical lob threat. He is, though, a tremendous screen-setter, a tough rebounder and a winner. Word from his extensive pre-draft workouts is that he’s also shown shooting range that he didn’t get to showcase at UConn. He seems like a ready-made backup big from the jump, and because of that, a handful of my league sources believe he’ll be off the board by No. 25. I’m lucky to have gotten him here. — Dan Woike
[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)
26. Denver Nuggets
Sergio de Larrea, guard, 6-6, Valencia: It’s hard to say whether the Nuggets will have the roster flexibility to use this pick or if they kick it down the road by trading it. This team needs offensive creation outside of what Nikola Jokić does. Jamal Murray is more of a scorer than a creator, and they’ve been missing that guard off the bench to run some offense through. With de Larrea in the mix, they’ll have good size at the guard position and someone who can orchestrate more. — Zach Harper
[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)
27. Boston Celtics
Jayden Quaintance, big, 6-9, Kentucky: Quaintance’s health is in question, but nobody in this draft has more defensive potential. He is big. He is strong. He has great instincts. His feet don’t move like everybody else’s. The Celtics could use some frontcourt depth right away, and he could take time to develop. They shouldn’t let that stop them. Near the end of the first round, the Boston front office won’t find this much upside anywhere else. Quaintance is somewhat reminiscent of Robert Williams, whom the Celtics also landed with the 27th pick. — Jay King
[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)
28. Minnesota Timberwolves
Meleek Thomas, guard, 6-3, Arkansas: This pick is headed to Brooklyn as part of Monday’s agreed-upon trade for Minnesota’s Julius Randle. The Nets really need some help in the backcourt, and a guy who can shoot and score would be good for this roster. Thomas is a young player who just paired pretty well with Acuff at Arkansas and can really fill it up from deep. He needs to be reined in a bit with decision-making, but his pure talent would put on a show in Brooklyn. The Nets just had a similar player with Cam Thomas, but this Thomas should be more manageable. — Zach Harper
[Overall 31 Guard 11 Meleek Thomas Arkansas
A gifted scorer and shooter whose poor defense and wild decision-making raise questions.
Read full profile ›](Meleek Thomas - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
29. Cleveland Cavaliers
Henri Veesaar, big, 6-11, North Carolina: This is a mock draft, not a collective bargaining agreement lecture or second-apron seminar. You’re likely generally aware that the Cavs had the most expensive roster in the NBA last season and are barreling toward a roster that costs way over $200 million and crosses the apron threshold. They have to cut costs somewhere, right? The answer to that question is partially why I think they would trade this pick and use the roster spot on a cheaper veteran. But they also might instead allow Dean Wade to walk in free agency, which would create a real need for a player like Veesaar. And if they decide to pay Wade and basically go all in on last year’s core, with no care for roster cost, well, they still need to find a big to back up Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Veesaar could fit there. He’s a 7-footer who can really shoot and is a European coming into the NBA with more experience than the one-and-done American college players. He is also skinny like Mobley. Perhaps they can become workout partners and bulk up as a tandem. — Joe Vardon
[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
Alex Karaban, wing, 6-7, Connecticut: Karaban started 150 games in his four-year college career at Connecticut. It’s easy to understand why Dan Hurley never wanted to take him off the court. Karaban is a big wing who can shoot the heck out of the basketball and who doesn’t make many mistakes. Karaban shot 37.4 percent from behind the arc on more than five attempts per game with the Huskies. He understands how to move without the ball and is a strong team defender. At 6-6 1/2 with a 6-11 wingspan, he’s got good size. The big question is how does Karaban hold up athletically at the next level? — Christian Clark
[Overall 34 Wing 5 Alex Karaban Connecticut
A winning role player who is sound on defense and knocks down shots off movement.
Read full profile ›
](Alex Karaban - 2026 NBA Draft Guide - The Athletic)
By The Athletic NBA Staff, via The Athletic