{"id":171591,"date":"2026-01-09T08:00:54","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T13:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=171591"},"modified":"2026-01-08T23:32:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T04:32:34","slug":"2026-nba-mock-draft-2-0-new-year-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/01\/09\/2026-nba-mock-draft-2-0-new-year-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: New Year Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the arrival of the new year and the start of conference play, now is the perfect time to release a new 2026 NBA mock draft<\/a>. With radical changes from the previous mock, the prospects of the 2026 NBA Draft have certainly shown plenty of promise this season. Based on the draft order from Tankathon as of January 5th, 2026, let’s delve into the second LWOS 2026 NBA mock draft of the first round.<\/p>\n

2026 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: New Year Edition<\/h2>\n
1. Indiana Pacers: Darryn Peterson, Kansas, SG\/PG<\/h3>\n
The Indiana Pacers have to deal with a lost season this year, but they do get something out of the losing as they get to select high in the draft. For this mock, they have the opportunity to cement their backcourt of the future by taking Kansas star Darryn Peterson<\/a>. To be sure, Peterson<\/a> has dealt with a hamstring injury that has kept him from playing extended minutes. However, each time the six-foot-five guard stepped out on the floor, he has been the best player on the court. He possesses a well-rounded skill set that lends itself well to elite two-way play.<\/p>\n
On the offensive end, Peterson is an excellent three-level scorer who has shown that he can score well both on and off the ball. Furthermore, he is a skilled playmaker who leverages his scoring to create shots for others. Defensively, Peterson is an active defender who uses his physical tools well to generate steals and blocks. Unquestionably, Peterson would be an amazing addition to this Pacers team next to Tyrese Haliburton<\/a>, Pascal Siakam<\/a>, and Andrew Nembhard<\/a>. He would give them a truly talented two-way star who can be one of the faces of the franchise next to Haliburton for years to come. Additionally, should Haliburton’s Achilles injury greatly reduce his effectiveness once he returns, Peterson has the potential to be the leading man for Indiana.<\/p>\n
2. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans): Cameron Boozer, Duke, PF<\/h3>\n
With the news of Trae Young<\/a>\u00a0being traded to Washington<\/a>, Atlanta’s future is heading into murky waters. However, one thing they can be sure of is a top-three pick in this mock. With this pick, they certainly can get an incredible talent who can be the cornerstone of the franchise going forward. Duke forward Cameron Boozer<\/a>, one of the most talented and productive players in this year’s class, can be that player for the Hawks.<\/p>\n
Standing at six-foot-nine, the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer<\/a> is one of the most versatile players in the draft, being able to impact winning on both ends of the floor. Despite his lack of explosiveness and verticality, Boozer<\/a> is a talented paint scorer who can extend his range to the three-point line. Not only that, but Boozer is a talented passer as well. He can outbattle opposing big men for rebounds and is extremely disruptive as a defensive playmaker. Boozer would undoubtedly be an excellent co-star next to Jalen Johnson<\/a>, forming a formidable forward tandem. Together, they would give the Hawks an extremely versatile frontcourt that can help Atlanta be a contender in the Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n
3. Sacramento Kings: AJ Dybantsa, BYU, SF<\/h3>\n
The Sacramento Kings are clearly heading towards a rebuild as their current roster isn’t taking them to the playoffs anytime soon. They unquestionably need to move on from players like DeMar DeRozan<\/a>, Zach LaVine<\/a>, and Domantas Sabonis<\/a>. With a top-three pick in this mock, Sacramento has the chance to gain its new franchise centerpiece as they enter into a new era. They can certainly find that in BYU forward AJ Dybantsa<\/a>.<\/p>\n
The six-foot-nine Dybantsa is one of the best scorers in this year’s draft, combining his size, skill, and athleticism to be a lethal three-level scorer. He does his best work in the mid-range, but he is also a talented driver, foul drawer, and solid three-point shooter. He has all the tools to be a versatile defender, having shown flashes throughout this season. Dybantsa is certainly capable of defending multiple positions and being switchable on the perimeter. Dybantsa would give Sacramento a true number one option to build around. He can form an intriguing wing combo next to Keegan Murray<\/a>, and his skill set would fit with Sacramento’s other young talent. For a team without much hope for the future, Dybantsa would be a shining star for them.<\/p>\n
4. Washington Wizards: Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky, C\/PF<\/h3>\n
The Wizards miss out on the top three prospects, but there is plenty of talent remaining amongst the class. One of those talented prospects who can be a significant addition to the team is Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance<\/a>. In Quaintance, the Wizards will get to add an insane defensive piece to their frontcourt. He is easily one of the best defenders in the overall class, despite his lack of playing time due to injury.<\/p>\n
The six-foot-nine center combines athleticism, length, and skill to be a ridiculous interior defender and excellent rebounder. Quaintance has shown he can generate steals and blocks like it’s nothing, especially as a shot blocker. While his offense is significant behind his defense, he is a skilled rim runner and lob threat. Plus, he has shown flashes of on-ball skill and passing, which would raise his offensive ceiling considerably. Quaintance would give the Wizards the size they need in the frontcourt next to Alex Sarr<\/a>. The two of them would create an incredible defensive frontcourt, making the paint a no-fly zone. With further offensive development, Quaintance can provide Washington with elite two-way play.<\/p>\n
5. Brooklyn Nets: Caleb Wilson, UNC, PF<\/h3>\n
The Brooklyn Nets have the chance to add more talent to their frontcourt by taking UNC forward Caleb Wilson<\/a> in this 2026 NBA mock draft. Standing at six-foot-ten, Wilson<\/a> has been extremely productive as an athletic wing for North Carolina. He has demonstrated himself as an elite play-finisher and transition monster, utilizing his athleticism to throw down explosive dunks over opposing players. Plus, he has shown flashes in terms of shot-making, connective passing, and three-point shooting. Wilson has also displayed high motor as a rebounder and defender, constantly looking to make a play. He would give Brooklyn the athleticism and motor they can use on the wings. Wilson has the potential to be a highly talented two-way player for Brooklyn if he can improve his outside shooting.<\/p>\n
6. Utah Jazz: Kingston Flemings, Houston, PG<\/h3>\n
It is a tough sell for the Utah Jazz to draft another point guard, but passing on the talent of Houston guard Kingston Flemings<\/a> would be a mistake. The six-foot-four guard has shown himself to be one of the most efficient and well-rounded guards in college basketball. As a scorer, Flemings<\/a> has the burst and ball-handling to break down defenders and score at the rim well. Not only that, but he is a highly efficient shooter who can knock down shots both on and off the ball. Flemings also has solid vision and knows how to use his scoring threat to set up teammates.<\/p>\n
What sets him apart from the other offensive guards on the Jazz is Flemings’ skill as a defender. He can give the Jazz a highly aggressive point-of-attack defender who can rack up steals. While he can form an offensively dangerous guard lineup with Keyonte George<\/a>, Flemings has the off-ball skills and defense to give the Jazz the two-way impact they’ve been looking for in the backcourt.<\/p>\n
7. Dallas Mavericks: Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville, PG\/SG<\/h3>\n
The Dallas Mavericks have their franchise cornerstone in Cooper Flagg<\/a>, but they need another long-term building block to go alongside him. In particular, they can use a long-term solution at the point guard position, considering Kyrie Irving<\/a>‘s age of 33. One player who can fill that need is Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr.<\/a>, who is one of the better guard prospects in the draft.<\/p>\n
Brown<\/a> isn’t the most efficient scorer, but he is a threat to shoot threes from well beyond the arc with the confidence to take them regularly. He is also a crafty ball-handler, which allows him to dictate the pace of the game and break down defenses. One of his better offensive attributes is his passing ability, as he has the vision and skill to find teammates for great shots. He isn’t much of a defender, but if he can refine his offensive game, he would be a good complement next to Flagg at point guard. He can give Flagg and the Mavericks the spacing and playmaking they have desperately needed this season.<\/p>\n
8. Charlotte Hornets: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan, PF<\/h3>\n
For this 2026 NBA Mock Draft, the Charlotte Hornets will take one of the best upperclassmen in the draft, Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg<\/a>. With Lendeborg<\/a>, the Hornets get one of the most productive players in the country, who has a high degree of versatility. Offensively, he gives the Hornets a player who can score on and off the ball as well as one who can space the floor. Plus, Lendeborg can also serve as a tertiary ball-handler who has the feel and court vision to be a solid playmaker.<\/p>\n
Defensively, Lendeborg’s athleticism and basketball IQ shine as he is highly disruptive as a defensive playmaker who can guard multiple positions. Furthermore, Lendeborg is a strong rebounder who can keep plays alive. He would give Charlotte another high-feel player who can serve in any role they need from him. Lendeborg can serve as a Miles Bridges replacement and bring more seriousness to the Hornets organization. His combination of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ would be a perfect fit next to guys like Kon Knueppel<\/a>, Sion James<\/a>, Brandon Miller<\/a>, Ryan Kalkbrenner<\/a>, and LaMelo Ball<\/a>, giving them a level of grit and talent that they need at the forward spot.<\/p>\n
9. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers): Patrick Ngongba II, Duke, C\/PF<\/h3>\n
The Oklahoma City Thunder currently possesses its championship-winning roster, but they will have to make tough decisions in the off-season due to the salary cap. There is a real chance they move on from multiple players, including Luguentz Dort<\/a>, Alex Caruso<\/a>, and Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a>. They certainly have plenty of perimeter defenders who can replace Dort and Caruso, but losing Isaiah Hartenstein would be a major hit to their frontcourt. Considering that, they can add more depth at the center position by taking one of the better big men in the draft, Duke big Patrick Ngongba II<\/a>.<\/p>\n
What Ngongba brings as a prospect is high-level defense, great rebounding, strong interior finishing, and solid passing flashes. He can serve as a steady presence in the paint who can bang with other bigs and rebound the ball solidly. Offensively, he can provide what Hartenstein has provided as a strong finisher who can thrive off of rolls and cuts to the basket. Not only that, but he can be a strong passer with further development, and he has also shown some flashes as a shooter. His combination of skills fits into the mold that the Thunder seek from their bigs. He certainly can provide the Thunder with consistent production as a high-level role player.<\/p>\n
10. Memphis Grizzlies: Labaron Philon, Alabama, PG\/SG<\/h3>\n
The Memphis Grizzlies face an uncertain future, especially concerning Ja Morant<\/a> and his time in Memphis. With that being said, one way to safeguard the franchise is to select one of the best guards in this year’s class, Alabama guard Labaron Philon<\/a>. Not only can he be a backup plan if Morant leaves, but he can also fit next to Morant as a two-way guard. He has demonstrated himself this season as a skilled three-level scorer with an improved jumper, an impactful defender, and a great playmaker in his own right. Philon can provide Memphis with strong defensive play from the point guard spot while also giving them impactful shot creation as well. Regardless of whether or not Morant leaves, Philon can step into this team and give them skill and motor in equal measure.<\/p>\n
11. Milwaukee Bucks: Bennett Stirtz, Iowa, PG<\/h3>\n
While the Milwaukee Bucks have talented guards like Ryan Rollins, Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz<\/a> would be a fantastic fit on the team. Stirtz is a high-IQ basketball player who can both run an offense and score efficiently. With the ball in his hands, Stirtz has the court vision and passing skills to be the offensive engine for his team. Not only that, but Stirtz is capable of efficiently scoring on all three levels. Additionally, Stirtz is more than capable of playing off the ball as a floor spacer and connective piece. He can serve as another shot creator within the Bucks’ offense and provide the floor spacing Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a> needs, if he stays on the roster.<\/p>\n
12. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta Hawks): Hannes Steinbach, Washington, PF\/C<\/h3>\n
The San Antonio Spurs have proven to the league that they’re ready to take the next step and be a major postseason threat going forward. They have a number of excellent guards who can carve up defenses with their slashing. Of course, they also have Victor Wembanyama<\/a>, who has already turned into one of the best players in the league. They have an extremely solid roster, but the Spurs can add more. In particular, they can use additional depth in the frontcourt that can serve as both a long-term piece and injury insurance. One talented prospect who can fill that need is Washington Huskies big man Hannes Steinbach<\/a>.<\/p>\n
The six-foot-eleven big man is a skilled interior and masterful rebounder who can provide the Spurs with solid size in the middle. Not only that, but Steinbach has upside as a passer, which can significantly raise his ceiling if he continues to develop in that area. He can be a long-term player next to Wembanyama in the frontcourt.<\/p>\n
13. Portland Trail Blazers: Thomas Haugh, Florida, SF\/PF<\/h3>\n
While the Portland Trail Blazers have cooled down from their hot start this season, they are still an exciting young team. They combine great defense and amazing athleticism to create a strong Blazers culture. However, one area that they can stand to improve upon is at their forward spots. They can use another big forward who can provide athleticism, defense, and skill for the long haul. For this mock, they will find that player in Florida forward Thomas Haugh<\/a>. Standing at six-foot-nine, Haugh<\/a> is another energetic forward who can provide great defense, strong rebounding, and excellent off-ball rim scoring. With further development as a shooter, Haugh can be a real two-way forward for the Blazers and their athletic core.<\/p>\n
14. Chicago Bulls: Cameron Carr, Baylor, SG\/SF<\/h3>\n
The Chicago Bulls possess a strong group of players in their backcourt, helmed by Josh Giddey<\/a>. They also have intriguing young frontcourt talent in Matas Buzelis<\/a> and Noa Essengue<\/a>. However, they do need more talent on the wings, especially prospects who can shoot and play defense. That is where Baylor wing Cameron Carr<\/a> comes into the picture. This season, Carr has shown himself to be an efficient scorer and shooter on the wings while also having huge upside as a defender. Combined with his innate athleticism, Carr would be a tremendous fit on the Bulls, giving them a real 3-and-D wing who can be with the Bulls’ young core long-term.<\/p>\n
15. Golden State Warriors: Keaton Wagler, Illinois, SG\/SF<\/h3>\n
Back-to-back wings will go for this 2026 NBA mock draft as the Golden State Warriors will take Illinois wing Keaton Wagler<\/a>. The six-foot-six wing has surprised positively this season, displaying himself as a talented defensive wing with efficient shooting. He can certainly make life harder for opposing players defensively, being able to defend various positions. Wagler offensively is an amazing shooter off the catch who has also shown flashes as a playmaker and off-ball mover. That combination of skills is a perfect match for what Golden State needs on its roster. His defense would fit well next to Stephen Curry<\/a>, and stylistically, his offense fits into their three-point-heavy offense. If he can develop his passing further, Wagler can be a big-time contributor to the Warriors in the future.<\/p>\n
$\"Illinois$
Dec 29, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) drives to the basket during the first hafl against the Southern University Jaguars f at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
16. Atlanta Hawks (via Cleveland Cavaliers): Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas, PG<\/h3>\n
Now that Young has left the franchise, the Hawks need a long-term fit at the point guard position. Not only that, but they need more offense on the roster. Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr.<\/a> can fill both needs as he is one of the better offensive point guards in the draft. The six-foot-three guard thrives off of his downhill drives, where he can weaponize burst and ball-handling to break down defenses. Not only that, but Acuff can also score in the mid-range and from three, improving his range and efficiency from those areas. Plus, his ability to score also helps in his playmaking skills, as he can leverage his scoring to open up good looks. Though, the standout thing about Acuff as an offensive player is his ability to take and make tough shots. Acuff would give the Hawks another true shot creator for the long haul.<\/p>\n
17. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando Magic): Neoklis Avdalas, Virginia Tech, PG\/SF<\/h3>\n
After taking Philon earlier, the Grizzlies will get to add a jumbo-sized initiator in Virginia Tech wing Neoklis Avdalas<\/a> in this 2026 NBA mock draft. Standing at six-foot-nine, Avdalas has demonstrated himself as a skilled ball-handler and playmaker who has upside as a scorer and defender. He is one of the elite passers in this year’s draft, possessing excellent court vision and passing skills. While inconsistent, Avdalas has also shown multiple flashes of tough shot-making and impressive overall scoring. Likewise, Avdalas has shown defensive flashes as well, but he still needs significant improvement. Nevertheless, the Grizzlies would get an intriguing wing initiator who has upside offensively. He can add a level of dynamism to Memphis’ wing room with his great passing.<\/p>\n
18. Miami Heat: Koa Peat, Arizona, PF<\/h3>\n
The Miami Heat has had an up-and-down season, but what’s clear is that they need to add talent. One way they can do that is by adding Arizona standout Koa Peat<\/a> to the roster. Peat<\/a> has been one of the more productive freshmen this college season. He has impressed with his ability to be a physical scorer in the paint who can also knock down mid-range shots and grab rebounds. Plus, he has flashed potential as a passer and shown skill as a defender as well. Peat can give the Heat additional size in the frontcourt while also providing additional shot creation. If he can continue to develop in Miami’s system, Peat can provide the Heat with consistent production as a two-way forward.<\/p>\n
19. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia 76ers): Braylon Mullins, UConn, SG<\/h3>\n
With the Thunder taking Ngongba earlier to add to their frontcourt, they can use another wing in their rotation. UConn guard Braylon Mullins<\/a> would be an excellent fit for the Thunder, providing them with another great off-ball shooter who has upside as a passer and defender. While Mullins<\/a> hasn’t shot as well as expected, he is still one of the better shooters in the class, being able to shoot in various contexts. Furthermore, Mullins moves well without the ball and knows how to be a connective passer in an offense. Defensively, Mullins has shown strong flashes as a versatile defender who has the athleticism and motor to defend at a high level. Mullins would be a great fit in Oklahoma City, giving them a great floor spacer who has the potential to be an impactful two-way wing for them.<\/p>\n
20. Charlotte Hornets\u00a0 (via Phoenix Suns): Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor, SG\/SF<\/h3>\n
The Hornets took a big forward in Lendeborg, but they do need more athleticism and defense in the backcourt. That is where Baylor wing Tounde Yessoufou<\/a> comes into the picture, as the six-foot-five guard can provide both in spades. Yessoufou<\/a> is one of the more athletic players in the draft, possessing a combination of verticality, quickness, and strength that few have.<\/p>\n
With his strong build and physical gifts, Yessoufou has displayed strong defensive versatility and playmaking. Furthermore, he uses his physical traits and motor to be a strong rebounder on both ends. Offensively, Yessoufou still needs to work on his three-point shot. However, he has shown clear ability as a rim scorer, and he can knock down shots in the mid-range. Considering his strong defensive ability, he would be a great addition to the Hornets. He can provide the defensive versatility and toughness they desperately need on the wings while having upside offensively.<\/p>\n
21. Toronto Raptors: Christian Anderson, Texas Tech, PG<\/h3>\n
The Raptors have had a great season after being in the lottery last year. They are unquestionably one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. However, they still clearly need more in the way of shooting and facilitating, e