2026 NBA mock draft top 10: Which player emerges at No. 1?

While much can and will change over the next 16 months, the top of the 2026 NBA draft is starting to come together where we find a banner group of players flush with all-star-caliber talent.

After a much-maligned 2024 class, followed by what appears to be a strong 2025 draft, NBA scouts are already excited about what they are seeing early on from the cream of the 2026 crop with four players who are worthy of consideration at No. 1: Nate Ament, Cameron Boozer, A.J. Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson.

The depth of the 2026 class remains to be determined. We’re likely looking at one of the weakest classes of European prospects in quite some time. And outside of the four players mentioned above, the rest of the incoming freshmen class does not appear to be especially strong, leaving question marks regarding the strength of the class as a whole.

That’s not particularly surprising considering how early in the process we are, as there will undoubtedly be many new faces emerging from obscurity over the next year. There are sure to be plenty of 2025 NBA draft candidates who will withdraw their names, or not even enter the draft to begin with, which will also add eventual heft to this group.

With that in mind, we have focused on only 10 players for our 2026 NBA draft look-ahead. We will do a more extended analysis in June after we get a clearer picture of which 2025 draft prospects will return to college or back to their international teams.

After we take a deeper look at why Peterson is the early No. 1 candidate for 2026, we’ll unveil the rest of the 10 prospects. The draft order, as updated through Tuesday morning, is based on ESPN projections and which teams currently own or control those picks.

See more from :
2025 mock draft | 15 freshmen, 15 questions

Jump to a section:
Who is No. 1? | Top 10 list
Who else could contend for top pick?
Reasons for players to return

Who is No. 1 and why?

While Dybantsa has long been heavily presumed to be the favorite for the No. 1 pick in 2026, Peterson has made a strong push the past few months to make it an open conversation at the top, with plenty of runway still left to determine who is ultimately picked first.

Peterson has been on another level all season for Napa, California-based Prolific Prep (22-2), scoring 30.4 points with 7.1 assists per game, shooting 44% for 3. Two wins in head-to-head matchups against Dybantsa and Utah Prep in December and February made the case quite convincingly for him as the best prospect in the high school game, scoring 61 points in 36 minutes and hitting the game-winning 3-pointer in the second outing between the two, in what will likely go down as a legendary performance for the Kansas commit.

Drawing some comparisons from NBA scouts to a bigger Damian Lillard (who measured 6-foot-3 in shoes and189 pounds with a 6-8 wingspan just prior to turning 22 at the NBA draft combine in 2012), Peterson is the best shot-creator in the class. He is able to get anywhere he wants on the court with an explosive first step, the ability to change speeds powerfully and has exquisite ballhandling, pace and body control. He generates paint touches at will, finishes skillfully with both hands and from difficult vantage points in and around the paint, and lives at the free-throw line.

He’s also developed into an incredible outside shooter, both with his feet set and pulling up off the dribble. He boasts deep range and the ability to come off screens with outstanding footwork getting into side-step and step-back 3s — making him difficult to defend when paired with his shot-creation prowess.

What has separated Peterson from Dybantsa this season is the fact he rarely appears to be forcing the issue, getting to his spots more effortlessly and keeping his head up to find teammates on the move unselfishly. He’s made significant improvement as a playmaker this season, with more room to grow still.

His future position appears clearly on the ball, despite measuring 6-foot-6 with a 6-11 wingspan and weighing 200 pounds — outstanding dimensions for a guard — helping him make a significant impact defensively and as a rebounder as well.

Peterson being ranked No. 1 says more about him than it does about Dybantsa, who is also an outstanding player and prospect in his own right. He’s going to be more appealing to some NBA teams in part because of his size — standing over 6-foot-9 with a near 7-1 wingspan and an absolutely chiseled frame.

Dybantsa also sees significant time on the ball, shouldering shot-creation responsibility for Utah Prep and long proving capable of scoring relentlessly from anywhere on the floor. He is a force in the open court, difficult to slow down in the mid or low post, and has a wide arsenal of moves operating out of isolation and pick and roll with powerful rip-throughs, devastating hesitation moves and long strides. He has a knack for seeking out contact aggressively in the lane, getting him to the free throw line prolifically.

When dialed in, Dybansta is also one of the best on-ball defenders in this class, which made Peterson’s scoring exploits (including that 61-point explosion) against him all the more impressive. Dybantsa spent quite a bit of time trying to slow him down unsuccessfully.

Shooting 36% for 3 this season, Dybantsa is more of a volume scorer than Peterson. But he also shows flashes of passing and diverse shot-making versatility when he’s operating under control and trusting his teammates, which isn’t always the case. Dybantsa’s tunnel vision and inconsistent decision-making and shot-selection has caused scouts to question at times whether his style of play can drive winning as much as Peterson’s.

It’s a debate that will continue for some time moving forward. Luckily for us, we should get several rematches between the two as Kansas and BYU face off in the Big 12 next season. — Givony

2026 NBA mock draft: Top 10 picks

And here’s our unveiling of our 2026 top 10 draft prospects. The draft order, as updated through Tuesday morning, is based on ESPN BPI projections and reflects the current state of picks owed and owned:

1. Washington Wizards

Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, 6-6, Age: 18
Committed to Kansas

Peterson has emerged as the best player in high school basketball this season, bringing an enviable combination of size, length, and shot-creation prowess. He also possesses elite passing, shot-making versatility, defensive playmaking instincts, and all-around scoring talent. Headed to play for a Basketball Hall of Fame coach in Bill Self, Peterson will be the centerpiece of a Kansas roster that could use a player in his mold now, giving him every opportunity to solidify his standing as the No. 1 prospect in next year’s draft. — Givony

Note: Top-8 protected, will go to the New York Knicks if the pick is 9 through 30.

2. New Orleans Pelicans

A.J. Dybantsa, SG/SF, 6-9, Age: 18
Committed to BYU

Averaging 26.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists per game, Dybantsa is filling up the stat sheet consistently for Utah Prep (18-10). Every NBA team is searching for 6-foot-9 wings in Dybantsa’s mold who can score from anywhere on the floor, pass on the move, defend multiple positions, and bring nonstop intensity and competitiveness to every matchup. Headed to BYU, where he’ll have the keys to the offense and will likely be surrounded by a veteran group, Dybantsa will have every opportunity to show he’s worthy of being the No. 1 pick. — Givony

play1:20Top 2025 prospect A.J. Dybantsa announces his college decision

No. 1 2025 men’s college basketball prospect A.J. Dybantsa announces his commitment on “First Take.”

3. Utah Jazz

Cameron Boozer, PF, 6-9, Age: 17.5
Committed to Duke

Boozer is the most productive player in the high school game and has a winning résumé unmatched by any prospect in recent memory. He has an elite feel for the game and skill level, with the ability to handle, pass, shoot and guard every position on the floor. He also brings insatiable physicality, crashing the glass and dominating his matchups inside. Next season, Boozer could rival the year Cooper Flagg is having at Duke and will ultimately likely emerge as a strong candidate for National Player of the Year honors. — Givony

Note: Top-8 protected, will go to the Oklahoma City Thunder if the pick is 9 through 30.

4. Charlotte Hornets

Nate Ament, SF, 6-11, Age: 18.2
Uncommitted

A relative unknown 18 months ago, Ament has grown significantly, filled out his frame, and become a devastating matchup at 6-foot-11 with an exceptionally high skill level. His tremendous shot-making prowess, intriguing passing and defensive versatility, and ability to get his shot off almost whenever he pleases give him perhaps the highest upside of any prospect in this class. Duke, Kentucky, and Louisville are vying for his services next season, and a decision is expected in the next month or so. — Givony

5. Toronto Raptors

Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, 6-10, Age: 17.6
Freshman, Arizona State

Younger than several highly touted high school juniors, Quaintance is improbably in the middle of a productive NCAA freshman season, ranking as one of the best shot-blockers in college basketball despite not turning 18 until mid-July. He has a chiseled frame, huge hands, a 7-foot-5 wingspan and is exceptionally mobile, giving him a great framework to build off long-term. NBA teams hope to see him take the next step with his feel for the game, technique and skill level next season. — Givony

6. Brooklyn Nets

Karim Lopez, SF/PF, 6-9, Age: 17.8
New Zealand Breakers (NBL)

Lopez had an outstanding season with the New Zealand Breakers as part of the NBL Next Star program, filling up the stat sheet while showing significant improvement with his outside shooting. At 6-foot-9, he has guard skills, the physicality and intensity needed to put a body on big men, and an excellent motor and feel for the game. Scouts are excited to see what kind of progress he can make in his second season in the Australian league. — Givony

7. San Antonio Spurs

Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, 6-10, Age: 18
Committed to Houston

Cenac has been up and down this season from a productivity standpoint, but has everything NBA scouts are looking for long-term in a big man. At 6-foot-11 with a 7-4 wingspan, he combines a tremendous frame with mobility, defensive versatility, finishing prowess and outside shooting touch. In short, he’s got tools, talent and upside. Heading to play for coach Kelvin Sampson, Cenac will be pushed daily to improve his physicality, motor and efficiency, which should be highly beneficial for his outlook. — Givony

8. Philadelphia 76ers

Caleb Wilson, PF, 6-9, Age: 18.5
Committed to North Carolina

At 6-foot-9, Wilson looks the part and then some with an outstanding frame, length and developing two-way versatility that could be harnessed into a very intriguing package long-term. He can push off the defensive glass, make plays all over the floor defensively, and pass on the move. Wilson is still figuring out his identity and leaves something to be desired with his intensity level and outside shooting, but has many attributes you can’t teach and is clearly loaded with upside. — Givony

Note: Philadelphia’s 2025 first-round pick is top-6 protected and top-4 protected in 2026. It will be conveyed to Oklahoma City if it’s pick 7 through 30 in 2025 and pick 5 through 30 in 2026.

9. Chicago Bulls

Dash Daniels, SG, 6-6, Age: 17.1
Melbourne United (NBL)

Daniels will likely be the youngest prospect in the 2026 draft class — not turning 18 until mid-December — making it difficult to project exactly how he’ll handle the rigors of the Australian NBL next season. The 17-year-old brings many of the same strengths and weaknesses as his brother Dyson, but is bigger, stronger and longer at the same age, which certainly won’t hurt his NBA projection. He’s an outstanding defender who is somewhat of a work in progress as a ball handler, shooter and overall scorer, but has a strong feel for the game, pace and unselfishness, with significant long-term upside to tap into. — Givony

10. Portland Trail Blazers

Mikel Brown Jr., PG, 6-4, Age: 18.8
Committed to Louisville

A late-bloomer who sprouted from 5-foot-10 to 6-4 throughout his time at DME Academy (Florida), Brown shows impressive scoring instincts and talent as a ball handler, passer, and outside shooter. Thin-framed at 173 pounds and inconsistent as a finisher and defender, Brown’s ability to gain strength and handle the physicality of the college game will play a significant role in his productivity as a freshman at Louisville and ultimate draft outlook. — Givony

Note: Top-14 protected, will go to Chicago if the pick is 15 through 30.

Who else will contend for the No. 1 pick?

Peterson and Dybantsa have the early leads in our first 2026 look-ahead, in no small part due to their favorable NBA archetypes. Peterson is an oversized, offensive engine who can score from anywhere on the floor while handling primary playmaking responsibilities. Dybantsa is a big, two-way playmaking wing in the Jayson Tatum mold — both positions are highly coveted in today’s NBA.

That’s not to say things can’t change still in the next 16 months. Boozer is the player most college coaches would pick if they want to win a game tonight, and could very well be the favorite to be named NBA Rookie of the Year in 26 months. Skilled, highly intelligent big men with significant defensive versatility certainly aren’t easy to come by. Boozer doesn’t have outlier positional size, length, or explosiveness, and some scouts feel he projects as the second-best player on an NBA team instead of a true franchise cornerstone — which might be premature to ascertain.

Boozer, a two-time gold medalist and MVP at the U16 and U17 FIBA levels, three-time Nike EYBL champion, and Florida state champion, is a model of consistency, efficiency and productivity. No one should be surprised if he emerges as the best player in college basketball next season. He’s also the youngest of the four top prospects, turning 18 in July, and has the most NBA-ready body, weighing over 250 pounds.

His profile has led to comparisons to Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero. Boozer started playing as a bruising big man who dominated the interior with physicality and fundamentals but has significantly improved as a ball handler, playmaker, and outside shooter. Boozer is far ahead of him defensively as he can switch onto smaller players with strong agility and lateral quickness while protecting the rim with instincts, timing, and technique — helping him guard everyone from point guards through centers.

There’s a strong case for Boozer at No. 1 (and we’ve certainly debated it), but being ranked third is more of an indication of the strength of the top of this class rather than a knock on Boozer’s talent level.

Ament, our No. 4 prospect, is the furthest of the group from reaching his long-term ceiling. He has the most room for growth in the long run, but also the most uncertain outcomes in terms of his ultimate floor. At 6-11, he’s the tallest of the four but also the lightest at 190 pounds, while possessing next to no high-level experience compared with some of his peers due to his late-blooming status.

With his high release point and diverse shot-making prowess coming off screens or pulling up off the dribble, Ament can get his jumper off whenever he pleases. That can be a good or a bad thing, depending on what night you catch him on from an efficiency standpoint. He’s made a huge leap in the past year with his ballhandling, passing, and defensive intensity, and may not be done growing. How much stronger, tougher, and more explosive he can get over the next 16 months will play a significant role in how he is viewed as a prospect, but he’s oozing talent, and there’s quite a bit to like here regarding his long-term upside. — Givony

Why some top prospects could stay in college, prep for ’26 draft

While it’s still too early to know which players will decide to return to college this year, what we do know is that evolving NIL market dynamics are going to make these choices more complex for many NBA draft prospects who have eligibility remaining.

It has traditionally been a much simpler call for players whose draft value sits solidly in the top-40 pick territory. But the landscape now provides seven-figure opportunities for elite college players to remain in school. That levels the financial playing field to some extent for projected late first-rounders — for example, freshmen such as Michigan State’s Jase Richardson (No. 29 on ESPN’s 2025 Top 100) or the North Carolina duo of Drake Powell (No. 23) and Ian Jackson (No. 32). Georgetown freshman Thomas Sorber (No. 24) was shut down on Tuesday with a foot injury that will require surgery, likely making his NBA decision trickier.

There’s a case to be made for younger players who have more to prove to stay in school — develop there, make comparable, or superior, short-term money — and then be better prepared for 2026.

Where we might see the greatest NIL-related impact is in the depth of the draft: productive college players who are not regarded as clear-cut NBA roster players now earn significantly more money by staying in school. In the 2024-25 season, a two-way contract pays NBA players $578,577, which only becomes fully guaranteed at midseason. From a financial standpoint, there’s little argument for prospects of that caliber to leave school early, when they can be repeat earners making significantly more money by returning and utilizing their full college eligibility over time. Players such as Illinois’ Tomislav Ivisic (No. 62 on our 2025 list) Houston’s JoJo Tugler (No. 52) or Texas Tech’s JT Toppin (No. 60) and Darrion Williams (No. 44) — who contribute quite a bit to their respective programs, and whom we currently project outside the first round — might have an easier decision than they would have had in an earlier era of college basketball.

While this dynamic might continue to cull from the quality and depth of the draft’s second round each year, NBA teams don’t seem to mind. Players who might get lost in the shuffle on the fringe of an NBA roster have greater incentive to take their time, and in theory, arrive more fully-formed when they do turn pro. The second round might end up full of super-seniors who have exhausted their eligibility, and more time to evaluate these players should lead to better decision-making and readiness to play an immediate role, albeit in many cases at the expense of perceived long-term upside.

So while we’re still likely to see the annual landslide of players testing the draft waters by the April 26 declaration deadline, a shorter final early-entry list might benefit all parties in the long run. — Woo

Source: espn.com