The 2026 NBA Draft is a class that has been dominated by headlines surrounding the top prospects such as AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. While most of the attention is focused on the elite prospects at the top, the guard prospects outside the top five should not be overlooked. These players still possess the upside, skill, and long-term potential to change the trajectory of a franchise. Whether through shot creation, playmaking, defensive versatility, or leadership in the backcourt, these guards could become major building blocks for teams willing to bet on their development.
2026 NBA Draft: Top Point Guard Prospects Outside The Top Five
#6 The Brooklyn Nets- Kingston Flemings
With the sixth pick in the draft, the Brooklyn Nets select Kingston Flemings. The six-foot-four Houston Cougars guard brings a dynamic blend of speed, shot-making, playmaking, and defensive activity, making him one of the most exciting guard prospects available in this range. After averaging 16 points, five assists, and 1.5 steals, Flemings has shown that he can impact the game as both a creator and an on-ball defender.
The foundation of Flemings’ game is his quickness. He is an incredibly fast guard who puts constant pressure on the rim, using his speed, footwork, and balance to get defenders out of position. His ability to change direction and attack gaps allows him to create advantages early in possessions, and when he gets downhill, he forces defenses to react. As a shooter, Flemings has real upside. He shot 38.7 percent from three, though on a relatively low volume of just three attempts per game. The more encouraging number is his off-the-dribble shooting, where he scored 1.02 points on those possessions.
Defensively, Flemings stands out because of his instincts and hands. He is an active, competitive defender who creates plays with his ball pressure and timing. His hands may be among the best in the class, and his ability to make the right play offensively translates to the defensive end as well. He reads situations quickly, jumps passing lanes, and creates transition chances through steals and deflections. However, he will need to improve at navigating screens, especially if he is going to defend NBA guards consistently.
It seems appropriate for the Nets to select Flemings, for a team without a true number one to build around, Flemings possess star potential. With a coach such as Jordi Fernandez, Flemings will be able to reach such potential.
#7 The Sacramento Kings- Darius Acuff Jr.
With the seventh overall pick, the Sacramento Kings select Darius Acuff Jr. Standing at six foot three, the Arkansas Razorbacks guard is one of the most effective offensive players in the class, with a game built around shot creation and making plays for others. As a 19-year-old freshman, Acuff averaged 23.5 points per game, highlighting the quality available in this section of the draft.
Acuff’s shot profile reflects his ability to score the ball at all three levels, with him taking 35% of his shots at the rim, 30% in the mid range, and 35% beyond the arc. This balanced offensive diet speaks volumes in regard to his ability to score the ball. Although he was not expected to be the most effective three-point scorer coming into the year, Acuff shot 44% on 5.8 attempts per game. This level of volume and efficiency raises his ceiling as a guard prospect. One of Acuff’s most lethal weapons is his floater, which may be the best in the draft.
Although he occasionally relies on it too much, it provides him with a valuable counter when he cannot get to the rim. Acuff has also proved himself as more than a scorer, averaging 6.4 assists. His handle and offensive gravity forces the defense to collapse, and when they do, he has the vision to make the correct reads.
Acuff’s primary deficiency lies on the defensive end of the floor, with the concern largely being related to his smaller frame. Despite this, his build suggests he could become more capable, especially in physical defensive situations. For the Kings, Acuff provides a direction to build in. For a team that has been stuck in mediocrity for several years, Acuff could be the beginning of a new chapter in Sacramento.
#8 The Atlanta Hawks- Mikel Brown Jr.
With the eighth pick, the Atlanta Hawks select Mikel Brown Jr. The Louisville Cardinals guard is one of the most intriguing lead guard prospects in the class. Standing at six-foot-five, Brown is the tallest point guard in the draft. Brown averaged 18.2 points and 4.7 assists, but his profile is not as straightforward as the numbers suggest. His combination of size and vertical athleticism immediately stands out. He has some of the best bounce in the class, which helps him get downhill, finish at the rim, and create pressure as a lead ball handler.
The shooting is one of the main reasons Brown has lottery appeal. He attempted 7.6 threes per game and connected on 34.4 percent of them. The efficiency is not elite, but the volume, range, and confidence are encouraging. He can shoot off the catch or create space for himself off the dribble, giving him real pull-up shooting potential. However, while he has shown the ability to get to the mid-range, he has been hesitant to use that area consistently, which can make his shot profile feel slightly predictable.
The most polarizing part of Brown’s evaluation is his passing and decision-making. He has real vision, especially in pick-and-roll situations, where his height allows him to see over the defense and make advanced reads. At the same time, his 3.1 turnovers per game cannot be ignored. Some of those mistakes can be attributed to youth and responsibility, but there are moments where his decision-making issues overshadow his talent. He will flash high-level playmaking one possession, then force a pass or take an unnecessary shot the next.
Brown fits in perfectly with the Hawks; he can be used as a scorer working in the pick and roll alongside Jalen Johnson. With the departure of Trae Young, Brown possesses all the attributes to become Atlanta’s next lead guard.
Featured Image: David Banks-Imagn Images
