The 2026 NBA Draft has many different players from various colleges and international programs. However, prospects from Duke have always been a mainstay in the draft, and it is no different this year. At the top, Duke forward Cameron Boozer has been one of the most hyped prospects and has dominated college basketball. Other Duke prospects in this class include Dame Sarr and Isaiah Evans, both of whom will attract interested teams in the draft. However, one prominent prospect that has been a standout is Patrick Ngongba II, one of the best big men in the 2026 draft. Ngongba has demonstrated himself as an impressive center who can make impactful plays on both ends of the floor. As of January 26th, let’s dive into a ranking of the best fits for Ngongba among teams currently projected to be in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery.
Best Fits For Duke Center Patrick Ngongba II Among Lottery Teams
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers)
The value of the Clippers’ pick for the Thunder has dropped from its top-five potential. However, they can still find talent in the lottery with it. In particular, they can use it to find additional depth at the center position. They will certainly face tough decisions in the off-season, which will include the fate of Isaiah Hartenstein. There is a real possibility that they will have to move off of Hartenstein’s contract to avoid the second apron. Not only that, but they need more center depth to act as injury insurance for someone like Chet Holmgren. To be sure, the Thunder already have a young big in Thomas Sorber. However, he is also out for the season due to an ACL injury. Considering those points, getting someone like Ngongba can help alleviate those issues.
Unquestionably, Ngongba can step in and give the Thunder more depth. He has the skills to be a fit with their current squad while giving them size and defense. Specifically, Ngongba can provide interior defense and rim protection that the Thunder need in the middle. Plus, he can also give them solid rim scoring as he has demonstrated great footwork and touch around the rim. Ngongba has also shown positive flashes as a shooter and Facilitator, which is important in the Thunder’s system. The Thunder themselves can help cover Ngongba’s underwhelming mobility with their incredible perimeter defense. They can also give him the spacing he needs to be even more effective as a paint scorer. Ngongba would be an excellent fit for the Thunder and their needs.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are another team looking for a successor at the center spot. The current Bulls starting center, Nikola Vucevic, is the oldest player on the roster at 35 years old. Unquestionably, he doesn’t fit with the current timeline of the Bulls and their young core. Chicago absolutely needs to find someone who can be the long-term solution in the middle.
With that in mind, Ngongba has the skill and talent to be that for the Bulls. They certainly need additional help defensively in the interior, which is something Ngongba can help fix. He is a great rim protector who has the strength to contend with opposing bigs in the paint. Plus, on the offensive end, Ngongba would be a great target for Josh Giddey as he possesses great touch around the rim. He is even a solid passer for his position while also having upside as a shooter.
For Ngongba, the Bulls have the personnel to be a good fit for him. The Aforementioned Giddey has the playmaking ability to consistently find Ngongba and get him easy looks. The Bulls also have multiple athletic wings to place around Ngongba, which would hide his lack of speed. Also, guys like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, should they stay on the roster, have the shooting to give Ngongba space in the paint. The Bulls would get a great replacement for Vucevic in Ngongba. He is someone who can be in Chicago for the long haul.
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