2026 NBA mock draft: Which prospects are gaining or losing momentum before March Madness?

Whether you have been tracking the 2026 NBA draft class throughout the season or are just starting to pay attention during March Madness, it is worth noting: This draft class is proving to be exceptionally skilled.

Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson have emerged as the standout players. Additionally, a strong group of guard prospects — Kingston Flemings, Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr., and Mikel Brown Jr. — significantly enhances the depth in the mid-lottery range.

Within the NBA, discussions regarding tanking and the league’s initiatives to address it persist, and the caliber of this draft has undoubtedly influenced the unusually high number of teams currently descending in the standings. There is a widespread belief that many promising prospects will opt to return to college next season, particularly among those not firmly positioned in the first round, as NIL payments alter financial motivations. This mock draft aims to forecast what the selections might look like if NBA teams were to choose today. These projections do not serve as a ranking of the top prospects — for that, refer to ESPN’s top 100.

They are based on ongoing discussions with NBA executives and scouts, along with my own assessment from attending games and reviewing film.

With conference tournaments commencing and a prospect-rich NCAA tournament approaching in a week, here are our latest projections for the 2026 draft.

The draft order was determined using ESPN’s BPI projections as of March 8.

More NBA draft coverage:
Top 100 rankings of the 2026 prospects | More

Round 1 picks

1. Sacramento Kings

Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 19.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists in 20 games

Much has been said about Peterson and his bid for the No. 1 pick throughout a challenging season. His struggles with cramping and inconsistent performance have increased the perceived risk associated with selecting him first, yet he remains the most talented offensive player in the draft. NBA teams have varying degrees of concern but will not have complete insights into his long-term health or other intangible factors until later in the evaluation process.

The competition for the top spot is tight enough between Peterson and AJ Dybantsa that league sources generally believe it will depend on which team ultimately makes the selection. Cameron Boozer’s impressive season has also kept him in the conversation.

It is crucial to remember how highly many evaluators regarded Peterson at the start of the season, especially scouts who observed him during high school. Although his role at Kansas has largely shifted him off the ball, there is still optimism regarding his playmaking and capacity to function as a primary ball handler. It is difficult to envision Peterson falling out of the top three, and he appeared significantly healthier over the weekend against Kansas State. A strong postseason performance could help reshape the narrative surrounding his season.

Sacramento, seeking a new face for the franchise, has considerable stakes in this lottery. With five rotation players currently sidelined, they appear to be a safe bet for top-three odds.

play0:22Darryn Peterson drops in the smooth bucket

Darryn Peterson drops in the smooth bucket

2. Washington Wizards

AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 24.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists in 31 games

A significant NBA contingent was present at the Big 12 tournament in Kansas City on Tuesday to observe Dybantsa and BYU face Kansas State, with decision-makers from most lottery teams in attendance. Dybantsa performed admirably, scoring 40 points in various ways on 15-of-21 shooting, leading to a 105-91 victory for the Cougars. He will have another prominent opportunity Wednesday night against West Virginia, with Houston awaiting if he can secure another win.

The Big 12’s Freshman of the Year has contributed to making the No. 1 pick race intriguing, currently leading the NCAA in scoring while also demonstrating improvement as a decision-maker. He was playing his best basketball of the season before teammate Richie Saunders suffered an ACL tear on February 14, an injury that caused BYU to experience a late-season decline. In what has become a genuine debate for the top pick, some in the NBA have started to view Dybantsa as a more secure choice than Peterson. He may not be as skilled a ball handler or shooter but could possess greater untapped potential from both a physical and skill standpoint, as well as defensively.

The Wizards retain this pick (which would otherwise go to the New York Knicks) if it falls within the top eight. Trae Young made his debut last week, and Anthony Davis’ return remains uncertain, but this could be Washington’s last chance to access the high lottery for some time.

3. Indiana Pacers

Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 22.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists in 31 games

Boozer, the ACC Player and Rookie of the Year, has made a compelling case for himself as the top player in college basketball and would provide excellent value if he were to fall to No. 3.

He is having a historically productive season as the centerpiece of a Duke team with championship aspirations. He excels in nearly every offensive aspect. However, his average explosiveness, combined with slower defensive mobility, has raised questions about his potential ceiling.

Some scouts are uncertain whether he can be the leading player on a championship-caliber NBA team or if he is better suited as a secondary star.

Indiana’s trade for Ivica Zubac at the deadline raises the stakes for next season and this selection, as they will send it to the LA Clippers if it falls in the 5-9 range. Adding Boozer to the roster alongside a healthy Tyrese Haliburton could ignite the Pacers’ playoff ambitions.

play3:39The Boozer twins: Making their own legacy

Rece Davis sits down with fraternal twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer to find out how they are forging their own paths at Duke.

4. Brooklyn Nets

Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists in 24 games

Wilson chose to undergo surgery after fracturing his thumb last week during practice, concluding his season and preventing him from participating in the NCAA tournament.

A first-team All-ACC selection, he has done enough to remain firmly among the top picks even without playing again, demonstrating his ability to perform above the rim and his two-way potential at power forward. Evaluators are interested in how much he can enhance his 3-point shooting (25.9%) and ball-handling skills, but Wilson plays with exceptional effort, having recorded 11 double-doubles and distinguishing himself as an elite prospect. NBA teams have marked him as a top-four selection.

Brooklyn has built its roster patiently, retaining Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton at the trade deadline and will be looking to add star talent to the youngest roster in the NBA, regardless of where this pick lands.

play0:58How far can UNC go without Caleb Wilson?

Jay Williams and Jay Bilas discuss UNC’s chances to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament without Caleb Wilson.

5. Utah Jazz

Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 16.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists in 31 games

With a strong group of backcourt players projected in the middle of the lottery, and front offices valuing them differently, there is significant opportunity for these players to improve their stock in the coming weeks.

Flemings is the most dynamic guard in the draft, with his aggressive style and developing playmaking skills keeping him high on team boards. Evaluators have some concerns regarding his shooting mechanics, but he has produced results (84% from the free-throw line, 37.6% from beyond the arc) and has shown improvement in his shooting over the past year.

Houston’s success will largely depend on how far the first-team All-Big 12 selection can lead them in March, starting Thursday in the conference tournament.

The Jazz need this pick to remain in the top eight, or they will have to convey it to Oklahoma City. Utah strengthened its frontcourt with Jaren Jackson Jr. at the trade deadline and is a team that should be actively considering guard options as they aim for playoff contention next season.

6. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)

Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 17.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists in 31 games

Wagler’s unexpected ascent from an overlooked recruit to Big Ten Freshman of the Year has positioned him to potentially be the second guard selected. His size — 6-foot-6 — combined with his 3-point shooting (41%) and excellent playmaking skills provide him with developmental potential.

Continuing to build strength to better maneuver in the paint and improving his defensive capabilities are essential long-term goals. He may not be the most explosive athlete among the guards in this group, but the foundation is there for him to become a fixture in an NBA backcourt.

Atlanta will be searching for a long-term point guard after parting ways with Trae Young, and can address that need in this draft, even if its pick does not land in the top four.

7. Dallas Mavericks

Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 22.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists in 30 games

Acuff was named SEC Player of the Year following an outstanding season that established him as a lottery prospect. His ability to navigate tight spaces on the court, create his own scoring opportunities, and assist teammates has set him apart.

NBA teams have concerns regarding his defensive skills, but it is hard to overlook Acuff’s scoring ability. There is a range of opinions on how he compares to his peers in the long term, but Acuff is the most NBA-ready among the four guards.

Dallas is another potential landing spot for a point guard, with Kyrie Irving now 33 and the Mavericks focusing on building around the emerging Cooper Flagg. Securing a long-term starter at the position would be advantageous for their future.

play2:05Darius Acuff Jr. explains No. 20 Arkansas’ determination to avenge loss

Acuff Jr. discusses the mindset in the win over Texas as they bounced back from a gruesome loss to Florida, describing the electric offense and chemistry between the Razorbacks.

8. Memphis Grizzlies

Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists in 21 games

Brown has been officially ruled out for the ACC tournament Tuesday as he continues to deal with back issues that have troubled him for much of the season. A return for the NCAA tournament has not been dismissed, but this situation has become one that NBA teams want to investigate further when he completes his medical evaluations at the combine in May.

Despite shooting only 41% from the field this season, scouts are confident in his history and believe his dynamic perimeter shot-creation (34% from 3) remains a valuable asset. The ups and downs of his season have not helped his draft profile, however. He performed better after returning from injury in February. Brown still projects to be somewhere within the top 10, with evaluators optimistic about his potential as a tall (6-5) backcourt playmaker.

Memphis traded Jaren Jackson Jr. at the deadline as it continues to rebuild primarily through the draft. The Grizzlies should be in best-available mode, especially with Ja Morant’s long-term future uncertain.

9. Chicago Bulls

Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 17.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists in 29 games

Ament sustained an injury to his right leg against Alabama on February 28 and has not played since, but he resumed basketball activities this week. His status remains uncertain heading into Tennessee’s SEC tournament game on Thursday.

He turned his season around during conference play after a slow start, averaging 19 points in 16 league games and reminding teams why he was highly regarded entering the season. At times, he has left evaluators wanting more, but he possesses valuable size and skill attributes that should make him a long-term NBA player. Whether Ament can make a significant leap depends on the development of his shot-creation abilities.

The Bulls cleared out their roster at the trade deadline and should be focused on selecting the best available talent moving forward, with a clear need for improved perimeter shooting.

10. Milwaukee Bucks

Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists in 31 games

Burries has seen a significant rise since the beginning of the calendar year, turning around a slow start to the season and earning first-team All-Big 12 honors on an Arizona team that excelled throughout the conference schedule. He has been effective both on and off the ball, serving as a capable screen operator who can also catch and shoot (37% from 3), providing a solid foundation for his future as a backcourt player. While he is a year older than many of his freshman peers and slightly undersized for a shooting guard at 6-4, he is gaining traction as a late-lottery prospect, adding yet another freshman to this group.

It remains unclear to rival teams which direction the Bucks are heading, with Giannis Antetokounmpo returning to action this month and a potential offseason trade still uncertain. If Milwaukee intends to retain him, it may be wise to target a more NBA-ready player with this pick (the lesser of its own and Atlanta’s). However, Giannis’s in-season return might ultimately hinder the Bucks’ chances of improving their draft position.

play0:16Brayden Burries drills 3-pointer vs. Colorado Buffaloes

Brayden Burries drills 3-pointer vs. Colorado Buffaloes

11. Portland Trail Blazers

Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers
2025-26 stats: 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 31 games

Lopez concluded a strong individual season in the NBL, achieving the highest totals for points, steals, and blocks ever