Now that the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery has passed and the draft order is finalized, now is the perfect time to release an updated version of the 2026 NBA Mock Draft. Factoring in results from the NBA Draft Combine and team needs, let’s dive into LWOS’ 2026 NBA Mock Draft of the first round.
2026 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Post-Lottery Edition
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, BYU, SF
Lady Luck favored the Washington Wizards during the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery as Washington ended up with the first overall pick. That pick can truly give the Wizards their face of the franchise as they transition into a more competitive phase of their timeline. Someone who can be their franchise cornerstone and fit perfectly with their current squad is BYU forward AJ Dybantsa.
Standing at six-foot-eight and a half barefoot, Dybantsa slots in perfectly at the three next to Trae Young, Kyshawn George, Anthony Davis, and Alex Sarr in the starting lineup. The athletic forward is an elite scoring prospect who can provide Washington with impressive downhill pressure and mid-range mastery. Not only that, but he has demonstrated improved playmaking ability and flashes of defensive upside. Other prospects have great arguments to be the first overall pick, but Dybantsa slots in perfectly as the starting small forward without causing roster disruption in the backcourt or frontcourt. He can certainly give a major boost to next year’s Wizards squad while also providing a long-term foundation for Washington’s front office to build.
2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, Kansas, SG/PG
As one of the three teams that jumped up into the top four, the Utah Jazz also have their chance to get themselves a star prospect to build around. Just like Washington, they have a major spot in the backcourt that needs to be filled, which is where Kansas guard Darryn Peterson comes into the picture. At six-foot-four and a half barefoot, Peterson is one of the better guard prospects in recent times. He has a great blend of size, athleticism, and skill that makes him an elite two-way star.
For the Jazz, his excellent shooting, high-level shot-making, and impactful defense would fit well in the starting backcourt next to Keyonte George. Peterson’s shooting in particular would be extremely important due to the need for spacing with Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Walker Kessler all making up a massive frontcourt. He can take Utah’s offense to another level while giving them much-needed defense at the guard spot. Peterson would truly thrive in head coach Will Hardy’s offensive system, and he could blossom into the star guard that the Jazz hasn’t seen since Donovan Mitchell.
3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, Duke, PF
Ending up with the third overall pick in this specific draft is a major win for a Memphis Grizzlies team going through a major transformation. With Ja Morant potentially exiting the franchise, they must look to add a player who can be their star of the future. Luckily for Memphis, they can find that in Duke forward Cameron Boozer, the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer.
The six-foot-eight forward is truly a multi-faceted prospect whose skill set allows him to be extremely versatile, excelling in almost every aspect of the game. Pairing Boozer with Zach Edey will grant Memphis one of the most incredibly dominant and physically imposing frontcourts in the league. Players like Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells will benefit immensely from a centerpiece like Boozer, elevating their game due to his gravity. For a team that is currently transitioning from one era to another, getting a star prospect like Boozer is a massive positive in the right direction for the future of the franchise.
4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, UNC, PF
Out of every team in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, no team jumped up higher than the Chicago Bulls. They are currently going through their own rebuild, and getting the fourth overall pick can certainly help them in their effort. Considering their proclivity for positional size and athleticism, UNC forward Caleb Wilson would fit right in with the Bulls.
The six-foot-nine prospect is easily one of the more athletic and physically gifted players in the draft. He has high upside as an elite two-way star who can throw down dunks on one end and block shots on the other. Together with other athletic and rangy wings like Matas Buzelis, Noa Essengue, and Leonard Miller, Wilson can be a part of a highly athletic team that can run opposing teams off the court with their size, length, and verticality. He has the star upside to be the face of the Chicago Bulls for a long time, with his skills and physical gifts serving as a foundation to their team identity.
5. Los Angeles Clippers (via Indiana Pacers): Kingston Flemings, Houston, PG/SG
Despite a difficult season that eventually led to the Los Angeles Clippers missing the playoffs, Los Angeles does have a silver lining. Specifically, they ended up with a top-five pick from the Indiana Pacers after it landed outside the top four, as the pick was top-four protected. They received this pick from a mid-season trade that sent Ivica Zubac to Indiana.
As the Clippers pivot in a new direction as a franchise, this pick can help provide them with long-term security as they navigate the future. With the acquisition of Darius Garland in the James Harden trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Clippers can use that pick to form their backcourt of the future, considering the guard depth in the 2026 NBA Draft.
A great option who would bounce off well next to Garland is Houston guard Kingston Flemings. Standing at six-foot-two and a half barefoot, Flemings is an explosively quick guard who can effectively score on all three levels, play-make for others, and be an aggressive defender at the point of attack. He can easily serve as a secondary ball-handler next to Garland and Kawhi Leonard, while also having the upside to be a primary lead guard. His defensive abilities also help to bolster the defense in the backcourt. In Flemings, the Clippers can come away from the 2026 NBA Draft with a guard who possesses the two-way upside to be a major building piece of the future.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville, PG
Despite being one of the major fallers in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, there is still plenty of talent that the Brooklyn Nets can obtain. In fact, for the purposes of this 2026 NBA mock draft, they will take Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., one of the best point guard prospects in the class. For a team that desperately needs more talent on the roster, selecting Brown is a step in the right direction.
While his season was hampered by injuries, Brown has shown flashes of his upside as an offensive engine. Standing at six-foot-three and a half barefoot, he is capable of scoring on all three levels, and his passing vision is extremely advanced. The Nets did take multiple guards during the 2025 NBA Draft. However, Brown provides different skills than what the Nets currently have. He is a far more capable shooter and shot creator than any of Brooklyn’s rookie guards. His ability to space the floor allows Brown to fit next to other ball-dominant guards while still being a threat. Brown can give the Nets a real lead guard who can be their starting guard of the future.
7. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas, PG
For a team that had a dismal season, dropping to the seventh overall pick is yet another blow to a struggling Sacramento Kings franchise. However, with the depth of this class, they can still find a talented player to add to their young core. One player that can be a foundational piece of their franchise going forward is Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., one of the best offensive players in the 2026 NBA draft.
Standing at six-foot-two, Acuff is an elite scorer and playmaker who can hit shots at a high level. He is an excellent three-level scorer who can obliterate opposing teams with his ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the court. He can also pick apart defenses with his strong playmaking abilities, which are elevated by his scoring.
For the Kings, Acuff provides a skill set that they do not have among their younger players. Acuff can help guys like Keegan Murray, Maxime Raynaud, and Nique Clifford get easier looks, and he can be relied on as the primary creator. While it is a lofty expectation, Acuff does have the talent to be the type of guard who can fill the shoes left behind by De’Aaron Fox and what he provided to Sacramento for years.
8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans): Keaton Wagler, Illinois, SG/PG
While the Atlanta Hawks were bounced out of the first round in an embarrassing fashion by the New York Knicks, they at least have a lottery pick from the New Orleans Pelicans that they can look forward to. With Trae Young traded to the Wizards, as well as what the playoffs revealed about the roster, it is clear that the Hawks need a long-term solution at the guard spot. Furthermore, they need someone who can knock down three-pointers at a high level. Someone who matches that description and provides great positional size is Illinois guard Keaton Wagler.
Standing at six-foot-five barefoot, Wagler is one of the taller guards in the draft while also demonstrating strong scoring and playmaking abilities. He is a great ball-handler who has the vision and passing ability to find open teammates. Additionally, Wagler is an effective scorer on all three levels, especially from beyond the arc. For a Hawks team that needs more spacing, Wagler would be an ideal partner for Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He would fit into the team identity of having positional size at most positions while giving them the extra shooting and ball-handling they desperately need. His level of talent and skill can help Atlanta take the next step as a franchise looking to contend.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Labaron Philon, Alabama, PG/SG
Unquestionably, the Dallas Mavericks received immense luck in the 2025 NBA Draft when they got Cooper Flagg. Based on his play this past season, Flagg is exactly the star prospect that he was hyped up to be. However, Flagg does need more help around him to get Dallas back into contending territory. In particular, the Mavericks need to find a long-term solution at the point guard spot to pair next to Flagg. To that end, one of the best guards remaining for this 2026 NBA mock draft is Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon.
At six-foot-two and a half barefoot, Philon has demonstrated major improvement as an offensive player. He has developed into a real threat from beyond the arc while remaining a skilled slasher who can effectively break down opposing defenses. He has also proven himself effective as a lead ball-handler and playmaker for the Crimson Tide.
Next to Flagg, Philon has the upside to be a secondary offensive option. Philon’s ability to adjust his role and still produce allows him to be an effective floor spacer off the ball and a capable lead guard when playing on the ball. His offensive skill set, as well as the defensive upside he showed in his freshman year, make him a great building piece for the Mavericks and their future.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Brayden Burries, Arizona, SG/PG
The Milwaukee Bucks will face an uncertain offseason that could radically change the future of the franchise. Specifically, the current team cornerstone, Giannis Antetokounmpo, may be exiting the franchise after spending the entirety of his career with the Bucks. This puts Milwaukee in a difficult position that must account for the future and the present situation with their current superstar.
They can look to flip this pick to find immediate help and to build a contender around Antetokounmpo. They can also look to move off the Greek Freak and transition the team to a new era. One way to balance both sides would be to take a prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft who can be impactful with Antetokounmpo and who has the upside to be a building block for the future. A prospect who can be part of Milwaukee’s long-term future and provide something to the current team is Arizona guard Brayden Burries.
Burries is a sturdy guard at around six-foot-four barefoot, who is a great two-way prospect. He is an effective scorer on all three levels while also providing great defense at the guard spot. Next to Antetokounmpo, should he stay with the team, Burries can be a great tertiary scorer and ball-handler. However, if the Bucks head into a rebuild, Burries has experience playing as the lead guard for his team. No matter the team context, Burries can be a great piece for Milwaukee.
11. Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan, PF
The Golden State Warriors sit at an interesting spot in their team’s timeline. Specifically, they sit at a point where the team as a whole doesn’t have much time to be a championship contender, and it can be argued that they are not anymore. Nevertheless, with head coach Steve Kerr being extended on a two-year contract, Golden State will see the Stephen Curry era come to its conclusion. Considering that development, they will undoubtedly look to either move this pick or to use it for NBA-ready draft prospects. Fortunately for the Warriors, the 2026 NBA Draft has an extremely talented upperclassman in Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg whom they can select.
Standing around six-foot-nine barefoot, Lendeborg can provide a versatile skill set that would fit within their system. He is an excellent defender who has the size and athleticism to defend positions across the board. Offensively, he has a well-rounded scoring game and has the vision to keep the ball moving. Unquestionably, selecting him will give the Warriors someone who can bolster their flagging frontcourt and grant them critical depth on the wings. Lendeborg is the exact type of player who can contribute immediately to a Golden State team looking for one last title.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers): Hannes Steinbach, Washington, PF/C
It’s difficult to find any specific area that the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder needs to fill, but they can stand to add to their frontcourt. With several extensions kicking in for Oklahoma City, they may see multiple players leave the franchise due to tax apron complications, including starting center Isaiah Hartenstein. With that in mind, the Thunder can use more frontcourt depth on their roster, which is why Washington big man Hannes Steinbach would be a great fit for them.
At around six-foot-ten barefoot, Steinbach is a major presence in the paint, both as a scorer and rebounder. In fact, Steinbach is arguably the best rebounding prospect in the class, being extremely potent on both ends. Not only that, but he has also shown potential as a floor spacer, which can raise his offensive ceiling. Steinbach does have his struggles as a rim protector and overall defender. However, with Oklahoma City, they have the exact personnel who can hide his weaknesses while showcasing his strengths. He can be the depth they need as the Thunder push to make the current iteration of the team a dynasty.
13. Miami Heat: Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan, PF/C
With the 13th overall pick, this 2026 NBA mock draft will have the Miami Heat selecting Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr., one of the better defenders in the class. The second Michigan Wolverine off the board, the six-foot-nine Johnson has shown himself to be an elite two-way forward who can provide major impact on both ends of the floor.
In both the college season and at the NBA Draft Combine, Johnson has demonstrated his excellent athleticism and physical tools. He utilizes those aspects about him to be a great defensive prospect with high versatility in his ability to guard up and down the lineup. Furthermore, plays with a relentless energy and motor that screams Heat culture. Pairing next to Bam Adebayo, they can form an extremely formidable defensive frontcourt that would drive opposing offenses mad. Johnson also showed upside on the offensive end, demonstrating great touch and shooting potential. Overall, Johnson would be an amazing fit for a Miami team that needs more frontcourt help.
14. Charlotte Hornets: Aday Mara, Michigan, C
The Charlotte Hornets have the chance to add lottery-level talent after having one of their best seasons in years. They have shown themselves as an exciting, young team built on a high-octane offense. However, it is clear that they need two things. The first thing they need is a bigger center, since Moussa Diabate is on the shorter side as a starting center. The Hornets also need more pieces who can bolster their defense even further. One prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft who fits that mold is Michigan center Aday Mara.
The massive seven-foot-three center is one of the premier rim protectors in the class, while having upside as a passing big with great touch. Not only will Mara give Charlotte a boost defensively, given his strong shot-blocking skills, but his ability to read the floor will help make their offense even more potent. Mara himself would greatly benefit from playing next to the caliber of playmaker that LaMelo Ball is, and the spacing Charlotte provides will help keep the paint open for him. Mara can be the piece that helps Charlotte take the next step towards postseason contention.
15. Chicago Bulls (via Portland Trail Blazers): Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky, C/PF
After taking Wilson with the fourth overall pick, Chicago can add even more to their frontcourt by taking Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance. Chicago needs to find a long-term solution at the center position after trading away Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics. Quaintance has the potential and talent to be that solution for Chicago, giving them high-level defense and athleticism.
While injuries have been a hindrance to his career, Quaintance is easily one of the best defensive prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft. He is excellent at creating defensive plays while also having the versatility to guard multiple positions as a six-foot-nine big man. Quaintance has also shown offensive upside as a driver and face-up scorer. Alongside the current forward core and Wilson, Chicago can create a highly athletic team that can also make major plays on both ends of the floor.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Phoenix Suns): Ebuka Okorie, Stanford, PG
With the Grizzlies taking Boozer at three, they can use this pick to find a long-term solution at point guard. If Morant finds himself leaving the organization, the Grizzlies will need to find someone who can be the point guard of the future. There are plenty of talented point guards in this draft, but one talented prospect who has gone under the radar can be the player for them. That player in particular is Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie, one of the most electric scorers in the entire draft.
To be fair, Okorie is a shorter guard at around six-foot-one, and his shot can still find more consistency. However, he is one of the best drivers in the class, creating paint touches at will using his excellent ball-handling, footwork, and quickness. He has also shown potential as a shooter, taking many threes off the dribble. Okorie has a long wingspan of around six-foot-eight, which will help him be disruptive as a defensive playmaker. He does need to improve as a passer and shooter, but Okorie can be the dynamic guard around Boozer, Edey, Coward, and Wells to form an intriguing young core for Memphis.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia 76ers): Nate Ament, Tennessee, SF
With their second first-round pick in this 2026 NBA mock draft, the Thunder will take a swing at Tennessee forward Nate Ament. Standing at six-foot-nine and a half barefoot, Ament possesses the dribble, pass, and shoot skill set that Oklahoma City built their roster around. He has demonstrated intriguing flashes of three-level scoring and shot-making while being comfortable as a ball-handler. His size and length grant him great positional size that helps him be a defender who can guard multiple positions. Furthermore, he can also be disruptive using that length.
Ament certainly has significant development ahead of him, especially in terms of his body and offense. However, the Thunder is the best-equipped to get the most out of him. Considering the strength of the current roster, Ament can be allowed to develop in the background into the player that his skills, tools, and size suggest he could be. If he does so, then Oklahoma City will have found a bigger wing that they can stand to use.
18. Charlotte Hornets (via Orlando Magic): Dailyn Swain, Texas, SF
The Hornets added Mara earlier in the lottery, granting them a player who can further bolster their defense. With this pick, they can do so again by selecting two-way Texas forward Dailyn Swain. The six-foot-seven Swain is one of the most intriguing wing prospects in the class, being an elite driver with great passing skills and defensive ability.
While he isn’t a consistent shooter, Swain’s shot creation and playmaking will only keep Charlotte’s offense flowing, and he will be a valuable asset to their transition game. With his size and basketball IQ, Swain can be a versatile wing defender who can cover multiple positions and be disruptive as a defensive playmaker. He would be a perfect fit as a two-way wing for an ascending Hornets team looking to finally make the playoffs for the first time in years.
19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz, Iowa, PG
The Toronto Raptors had an exciting series versus the Cleveland Cavaliers, where they were defeated in seven games despite their valiant efforts. However, that series only demonstrated that Toronto needs more depth at the point guard position and additional shooting. In general, they need someone who can orchestrate the offense and provide more floor spacing. One of the best point guard options who can fulfill both of those needs is Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz.
The six-foot-three guard is a premier ball-handler who has fantastic court vision and passing ability, fully capable of finding teammates in traffic. Stirtz is also a highly skilled three-level scorer who can play with or without the ball. He is the exact type of point guard that the Raptors need around guys like Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles. He can be the floor spacer they need to free up the floor and someone who can set them up with easier looks.
Toronto’s level of athleticism and defensive personnel can hide Stirtz’s lack of size and athleticism. His skill set as a floor general would be extremely valuable for a Raptors team that needs a big boost on the offensive end to reach another level.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta Hawks): Allen Graves, Santa Clara, PF/SF
As one of the best young teams in the NBA and one of the best teams in the Western Conference, the San Antonio Spurs possess tremendous amounts of talent. With that being said, they do need to add another big forward to their roster, especially with an aging Harrison Barnes. They already built a formidable defense that is anchored by Victor Wembanyama, but they need another player who can defend bigger wings. One of the best options in the 2026 NBA Draft remaining on the board is Santa Clara forward Allen Graves, one of the big risers in the class.
Standing at around six-foot-eight barefoot, Graves has shown himself to be one of the better defenders in the NBA Draft, standing out as an elite defensive playmaker with great versatility. He has demonstrated strong flashes on the offensive end, showing great flashes as a scorer from all three levels. Graves has also shown solid passing ability for his position.
Graves has the upside to be an elite 3-and-D wing next to Wembanyama in the frontcourt. He would only fortify one of the best defenses in the NBA while also being a great floor-spacer and connective passer. The two-way skill set and potential he provides will give the Spurs another weapon in their arsenal as they look to bring a championship back to San Antonio.
21. Detroit Pistons (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Cameron Carr, Baylor, SG/SF
What has been made clear with the Detroit Pistons all throughout the season and on their playoff run is that they desperately need more perimeter shooting. They have done well as a defensive-minded team, but the poor spacing has significantly hindered their offensive potential. Getting another wing who can provide spacing for guys like Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson is a must for the Pistons. That is why drafting Baylor guard Cameron Carr is a good move for Detroit.
Standing at six-foot-four and a half barefoot with an impressive wingspan of around seven-foot-one, Carr can provide elite athleticism and shooting on the wings. Not only can he be deployed as a spot-up shooter, but he has also shown that he is capable of being a movement shooter. Carr can also attack the rim and throw down thunderous dunks. Defensively, he has the length and athleticism to fit into Detroit’s identity. With further defensive development, Carr can be an excellent 3-and-D wing for Detroit. His two-way impact would be a major relief for a Pistons team that needs a role player who can hit shots.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Houston Rockets): Koa Peat, Arizona, PF
The Philadelphia 76ers lost in the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. However, they acquitted themselves well against the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. Nevertheless, the Sixers clearly need more depth in the frontcourt. With Joel Embiid in and out of the lineup and having a general lack of forward depth, Philadelphia can use another big body. One player who can help with that is Arizona forward Koa Peat.
Standing at six-foot-seven barefoot, Peat is a sturdy and well-built forward who has two-way upside. He is a strong interior scorer who has solid passing chops for his size and position. At his size, Peat is a versatile defender who can cover multiple positions and hold up well against contact. His complete lack of shooting is a major detriment, but his combination of size, finishing, and defensive upside is worth taking a bet on.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cleveland Cavaliers): Henri Veesaar, UNC, C/PF
The Atlanta Hawks, after selecting Wagler earlier in the draft, can use this pick to find another center for their rotation. Onyeka Okongwu has performed admirably as Atlanta’s starting big man, but his overall size can be detrimental at times. One of the remaining big men on the board in the 2026 NBA Draft, UNC center Henri Veesaar, can be a bigger body at the center position while providing skilled play.
At around six-foot-eleven barefoot, Veesaar is a highly skilled offensive big man who can finish well around the basket and space the floor. He is also a solid passing center who has solid court vision. On the defensive end, Veesaar can stand to improve his strength to better handle contact, but he is a strong rebounder who uses his length well. Veesaar would be a great center to provide extra spacing around Johnson and the team in general.
24. New York Knicks: Chris Cenac Jr., Houston, PF/C
While the New York Knicks are a team with significant depth, they can use another bigger forward. To that end, New York can go for a long-term bet in Houston forward Chris Cenac Jr., a 2026 NBA Draft prospect with great athleticism and physical tools. To be sure, Cenac certainly needs to improve his all-around game as well as his frame. However, he has demonstrated strong flashes of his two-way upside. C
enac is a forward who can use his athleticism to be a powerful finisher at the rim, and he has shown potential as a shooter from both the mid-range and from three. At around six-foot-ten barefoot with a seven-foot-five wingspan, Cenac has the tools to be a versatile defensive piece who can guard multiple positions and be impactful on the boards. Cenac will need more development to improve his overall game. However, the strength of New York’s roster will allow him to develop at his own pace until he can be a contributor.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s, PF/C
The Los Angeles Lakers did the best that they could in the playoffs without Luka Doncic for the entire postseason and Austin Reaves for a part of it. Something that the playoffs and the entire regular season demonstrated is that the Lakers do need to find more big man depth for their roster. Deandre Ayton‘s impact constantly fluctuates based on his motor, and Jaxson Hayes is a thin and limited center, despite being solid for the season. They need someone who has the skill and athleticism to be a long-term fit in the frontcourt next to Doncic and Reaves. A great option that is left on the board for Los Angeles is St. John’s forward, Zuby Ejiofor.
Standing at six-foot-seven and a half barefoot with a seven-foot-two wingspan, Ejiofor is an athletic, though undersized, big man. He has great instincts as a defensive playmaker, consistently generating steals and blocks at a high rate. While on the shorter side as a big man, Ejiofor has a strong frame, allowing him to physically contend with bigger forwards and centers. He also has the quickness to keep up with opposing guards. Offensively, he is a strong playmaker for his position, and he can consistently keep possessions alive with his offensive rebounding. Ejiofor can stand to refine his scoring game, but he can offer many things that the Lakers badly need for a big man.
26. Denver Nuggets: Amari Allen, Alabama, SF
If there is something that the Denver Nuggets can use more of, it is having more wing depth. Denver will have to make difficult decisions in the offseason, which involves retaining breakout wing Peyton Watson in restricted free agency. If they keep Watson, the Nuggets will likely have to move off of Cameron Johnson to make the money work with their salary cap. Should they move off Johnson, Denver can use the 2026 NBA Draft to find another wing to serve as a reserve behind Watson and Christian Braun. Someone who can be a great wing option for them is Alabama wing Amari Allen.
At around six-foot-five barefoot, Allen is a versatile wing who is solid in many aspects of the game. He is a decent scorer who can play on or off the ball. Allen is capable of handling the ball and making great passing reads. While the combine revealed that Allen isn’t as tall as he was listed in college, he is still a solid-sized wing who can be impactful as a defensive playmaker and rebounder. His versatility as a wing can be a major benefit for a Nuggets team that needs more depth on the wings.
27. Boston Celtics: Tarris Reed Jr., UConn, C/PF
The Boston Celtics possess a deep team across multiple positions, but one area that they must look to improve at is the center position. Nikola Vucevic isn’t a long-term solution, and Neemias Queta, while an extremely solid big, has his limits. A prospect that would fit well in Boston, and how they play is UConn big man Tarris Reed Jr., a strong, bruising big man who can score, rebound, and defend at a high level.
At around six-foot-ten barefoot with an approximate seven-foot-four wingspan, Reed is a major interior presence as both a scorer and rebounder. He is a great passer for his size and position. While not the most athletic player, Reed is a sturdy defensive presence who can hang with opposing bigs physically. Reed would be a great option for a Celtics team that needs another center.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit Pistons): Christian Anderson, Texas Tech, PG
Trading for Ayo Dosunmu has been a home run move for the Minnesota Timberwolves, highlighting their need for point guard depth. In fact, the Wolves do need another point guard on the roster as Mike Conley continues to age out of the league. They need a guard who can orchestrate the offense when the ball is in his hands and who can space the floor in an off-ball role. One player who can be that for the Wolves is Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson.
At around six-foot-one barefoot, Anderson is one of the better offensive players in the class, being a strong shooter and playmaker. He can efficiently score on all three levels, but excels as a three-point shooter. Anderson is a skilled playmaker as well, having great vision and passing ability. He is on the shorter side for a point guard, and Anderson isn’t the best defender. However, he will be going to a team that can cover his weakness while needing what he brings offensively. Anderson would be a great fit for the Wolves, bringing them the offensive punch from the point guard spot.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via San Antonio Spurs): Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers, PF/SF
One area that the Cleveland Cavaliers can add to is their frontcourt depth. In particular, they can use another forward behind guys like Evan Mobley and Max Strus. Someone who can develop as a long-term piece for the Cavaliers is New Zealand Breakers forward Karim Lopez. At around six-foot-eight with a six-foot-eleven and a half wingspan, Lopez is a sturdy forward with great physical gifts. He uses his strength and mobility to be a great transition scorer and driver. He has also shown flashes of shooting, but he must find consistency in his shot.
While not the best defensively, Lopez does use his length well to be a disruptive defensive playmaker. Plus, Lopez does fight and make his presence known on the boards. He is definitely a prospect who will need time to develop, but his upside can pay off massively for Cleveland if they select him.
30. Dallas Mavericks (via Oklahoma City Thunder): Isaiah Evans, Duke, SG/SF
With the final pick in the first round of this 2026 NBA mock draft, the Mavericks will look to add more shooting around Flagg by taking Duke wing Isaiah Evans. At six-foot-five and a half, Evans possesses solid size on the wings, allowing him to defend guards and smaller wings. His best attribute as a prospect is his ability to shoot from long range. He can be used in various shooting contexts, which will help open up the floor for Dallas. He can also score at the rim and in the mid-range, which highlights his scoring prowess.
While he is not the best defensive prospect, Evans does use his length well to bother shot attempts made by opposing players. Evans can be a dynamic scoring tool around Flagg, making the Mavericks’ offense more potent and dangerous.
Featured Image: David Banks-Imagn Images
