2026 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Latest AJ Dybantsa vs. Darryn Peterson intel, all 60 picks post-combine

The 2026 NBA Draft is less than a month away, and teams around the league continue to gather intel on what is a heavily talented top end of the draft with several potential future All-Stars. Of course, what happens at the very top of the draft with AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson will dictate how the top four plays out, especially with Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson to round out the first four names to be called.

After that, this year’s draft features a second strong tier of players that is heavily dominated by guard prospects, like Keaton Wagler, Brayden Burries, Mikel Brown Jr., Kingston Flemings, and freshman phenom Darius Acuff Jr. And then there are several other highly talented draft prospects, such as Nate Ament, Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., Karim Lopez, Cameron Carr, and Aday Mara, who are all attempting to lock in their status as lottery picks.

Given how talented this draft class is, there will be a few high-level prospects who end up falling in the 2026 NBA Draft, which is why intel across the league is changing every week. Not to mention, new names are emerging for each team with first-round picks, especially as trade chatter surrounding superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard continues to dominate dialogue among league circles.

That is why each new mock draft here at ClutchPoints will deliver you with the latest projections for all 60 picks, as well as the latest intel for each team in every spot of the draft.

The NBA Draft withdrawal deadline for those who want to retain NCAA eligibility is on Wednesday, May 27, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Obviously, NIL will play a role in a handful of late-first-round projected players returning to college, which will significantly change this year’s draft.

Regardless, this is a very talented draft class that has several teams locked in and ready for June 23.

From the debate at the top of the draft with the Washington Wizards deciding between AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson to a few lottery teams already having a major impact on how this year’s draft will play out, here is all the latest intel in our latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft 2.0, filled with breakdowns for all 60 picks in this year’s draft.

Previous ClutchPoints 2026 NBA Draft Big Boards: 2.0 | 1.0
Previous ClutchPoints 2026 NBA Mock Drafts: 1.0

1. Washington Wizards – SF AJ Dybantsa – BYU, Freshman

While the Wizards have made it clear to teams that they are willing to hear out offers for the No. 1 pick, nobody believes Washington will actually trade this pick. However, many teams are still of the belief that the Wizards are not fully locked into who they will take with the No. 1 pick quite yet.

Even though the widespread belief is that AJ Dybantsa will be the Wizards’ selection, Darryn Peterson’s dynamic play and upside as a potential All-Star guard down the road are hard to ignore. Should Dybantsa be the pick, which seems to be the consensus answer among rival league personnel, he will immediately be a focal offensive option alongside Trae Young and Anthony Davis on a team that expects to take a massive step toward the playoffs.

As previously reported in our Mock Draft 1.0 before the draft combine, both the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets have held discussions with the Wizards about the No. 1 pick. Sources say the Chicago Bulls have also reached out to the Wizards since the start of the combine, along with the Atlanta Hawks.

No matter what happens over the course of the next few weeks during the Wizards’ pre-draft interviews and workouts, the overarching belief around the NBA is that the No. 1 pick will be either Dybantsa or Peterson.

2. Utah Jazz – PG Darryn Peterson – Kansas, Freshman

The Utah Jazz want AJ Dybantsa. This is the worst-kept draft secret around the NBA, other than the Sacramento Kings wanting Darius Acuff Jr. Although the Jazz do have the assets to put together a lucrative trade offer for the No. 1 pick, it doesn’t appear (at least as of right now) that owner Ryan Smith, Danny Ainge, and Austin Ainge will be willing to sacrifice Ace Bailey and a slew of draft picks to move up and guarantee themselves Dybantsa.

No matter who the Wizards take, the Jazz will be ending up with a top-tier talent in this draft who can immediately contribute and help this organization take a step toward getting back to the playoffs in the Western Conference. In Peterson’s case, he is the best fit for this team, especially since Keyonte George would be a terrific combo guard to play alongside him.

Talent-wise, Peterson is everything the Jazz need in a true floor commander and dynamic scorer to complement George in the backcourt. Already having established contributors like Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Walker Kessler — who the franchise is fully expected to bring back as a restricted free agent this offseason — the Jazz would create a logjam in their frontcourt if they were to select Boozer. That is why all signs point to Utah ending up with either Dybantsa or Peterson.

3. Memphis Grizzlies – PF Cameron Boozer – Duke, Freshman

Out of all the teams that could select Boozer, the Memphis Grizzlies stand out as an ideal fit for the young forward for a multitude of reasons. Not only does this team already have established young pieces Boozer can play off of during their rebuild, like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward, but he would enter a system that already has an established big man in Zach Edey. Memphis would be elite on the glass, Edey would support Boozer’s all-around skill on both ends, and the Grizzlies would all of a sudden have a lot of length and athleticism.

All indications from rival executives who have held direct contact with the Grizzlies are that it’s a forgone conclusion that Ja Morant will be traded this offseason, signaling a massive shift to that next era for this franchise. Boozer would enter as one of the young faces of this rebuild that already has strong pieces in place, as well as the potential to add more value by trading Morant.

It would not come as a shock if GM Zach Kleiman fell in love with Caleb Wilson and opted to take him instead, given his long-term upside compared to Boozer, but it’s clear that the Naismith Player of the Year is the most NBA-ready of the top-four prospects in this draft. Boozer is the exact type of player the Grizzlies need at the power forward position after trading Jaren Jackson Jr to Utah.

4. Chicago Bulls – SF/PF Caleb Wilson – North Carolina, Freshman

New executive vice president of basketball operations, Bryson Graham, made it clear that he is searching for certain types of players during his introduction with the Chicago Bulls. Graham described the mold of a player as guys who have SLAP: size, length, athleticism, and physicality. Well, the Bulls will be getting plenty of SLAP with Caleb Wilson at No. 4 overall, as he is the picture-perfect prospect for Chicago to continue their rebuild.

Some executives and scouts believe Wilson’s upside is the highest in this draft, only behind Dybantsa’s, which has led to him ranking higher than both Peterson and Boozer on some teams’ early draft boards. What makes Wilson so special is his dynamic play in the open court, his length that leads to defensive versatility, and his explosive play going from perimeter to rim on offense in the blink of an eye.

The Bulls have no interest in trading the No. 4 pick unless they were to move up, sources said, and Graham is focused on building a young, dynamic team with a head coach who can bring energy and relate to his young players. Interviews for the head coaching role in Chicago are ongoing, as sources say the organization will move to the next stage of the process entering the first week of June.

Chris Quinn (Miami Heat), Micah Nori (Minnesota Timberwolves), Sean Sweeney (San Antonio Spurs), Dave Bliss (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Tiago Splitter (Portland Trail Blazers) are all names ClutchPoints has confirmed as candidates for the Bulls’ opening. As for former Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, he has already held conversations with the Orlando Magic since they fired Jamahl Mosley, sources said.

5. Los Angeles Clippers – PG/SG Keaton Wagler – Illinois, Freshman

This is where the draft truly begins, as the LA Clippers are certainly a wild card that will set the stage for the rest of the lottery. Not only do questions about Kawhi Leonard’s future stand out for the Clippers this offseason, but so do questions about whether Darius Garland is the organization’s true long-term answer at the point guard position.

It is clear that the Clippers’ window to compete for a championship with Leonard has closed, which is why several playoff-contending organizations will have their eyes on him, along with Giannis, this offseason. One of the teams expected to inquire about Leonard’s availability, outside of those already mentioned as suitors from the trade deadline in February, is the Detroit Pistons, sources said.

Although Aday Mara’s name has come up for the Clippers in draft rumors after they traded Ivica Zubac, multiple sources say the Clippers will be targeting one of the top guards in this class should they keep the fifth pick. While he is certainly not a lock in this spot, Keaton Wagler is gaining serious momentum to be the Clippers’ pick, with the combo guard emerging as the best talent on several teams’ draft boards after the top four.

Maybe the Clippers could go with a young, dynamic lead guard like Darius Acuff Jr. or Kingston Flemings to replace Garland, but the best fit for them in terms of pairing the All-Star guard with another young backcourt piece is Wagler. Even though Wagler makes the most sense for LA, Mikel Brown Jr., Brayden Burries, Acuff, and Flemings are all in play for this spot.

Right now, there isn’t a feel around the league as to what the Clippers will ultimately decide, likely because they are still figuring out their plans pertaining to Garland and Leonard this offseason.

6. Brooklyn Nets – PG Mikel Brown Jr. – Louisville, Freshman

Despite drafting a handful of guards last year, none have proven to have the capability to become the Brooklyn Nets’ true lead guard. Nolan Traore and Ben Saraf will be secondary facilitators and bench options, and Egor Demin would really thrive next to another guard who is a capable scorer. That is what makes Mikel Brown Jr. such an intriguing option here for the Nets.

Brown can come in from Day 1 and not only be a floor general for those around him, but he can also be a dynamic No. 2 scoring option alongside Michael Porter Jr., for whom the organization has not signaled that they want to trade entering the offseason. While an argument can be made here for Acuff, given his scoring upside, the Nets need someone who is going to compete and play hard on both ends of the court.

“I love to be coached hard. I appreciate being held accountable,” Brown told the media at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. “I love that type of coaching, and that’s how I’ve been raised all my life, and every single coach that I’ve played for has done that and got me to this point. So I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Doesn’t this just sound like a guy who would fit in perfectly with Jordi Fernandez in Brooklyn? The Nets proved last year that they aren’t afraid to take who they want at any spot in the draft when they took Demin with the eighth pick. That is why going after Brown before other guards wouldn’t be shocking whatsoever.

7. Sacramento Kings – PG Darius Acuff Jr. – Arkansas, Freshman

There is no denying that Darius Acuff Jr.’s floor in this draft is the Sacramento Kings with the No. 7 pick. Whether or not he will be on the board in this spot is the big question, as both the Clippers and Nets are expected to pursue backcourt talents as well. Plus, there is always the possibility of another team seeing Acuff fall past No. 5 and wanting to strike a deal with the Nets to move up in front of the Kings, who everyone knows want to draft Acuff.

As previously mentioned, one of the worst-kept secrets in the league is that the Kings want Acuff, so will they be the ones looking to move up and secure him? The Clippers and Nets will look to force the Kings’ hand and have them trade up to No. 5 or No. 6 overall to get Acuff, knowing that the Arkansas product is at the top of their draft board.

Another interesting aspect of all this chatter between Acuff and the Kings is whether GM Scott Perry and his staff are playing everyone to hide their true intentions. Could wanting to draft Acuff be a smokescreen for Sacramento to end up with someone like Brown or another player they have their eyes on?

Although it still feels like Acuff or bust for the Kings right now, especially since he would become their No. 1 scoring option, it is worth keeping in mind that every leak happens for a certain reason. Maybe this one with Acuff and the Kings is simply to mask their true draft intentions and actually throw a wrench in everyone else’s plans.

8. Atlanta Hawks – C Aday Mara – Michigan, Junior

This is another spot in the 2026 NBA Draft where things will get interesting. The Atlanta Hawks have interest in finding their long-term pillar at the point guard position after trading Trae Young to the Wizards, but Aday Mara is a name gaining a lot of steam for Atlanta with the eighth pick.

CJ McCollum is expected to return on a new contract slightly north of the mid-level exception (roughly $15 million), and the Hawks have both Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker under contract. It became clear in the playoffs that the Hawks needed more size and rim protection, and they can get that with Mara.

Since the draft combine, many scouts and executives have been mentioning Mara as a lock for the lottery, with many linking him to the Hawks. His size, shot-blocking abilities, and pick-and-roll play would create a strong one-two-punch next to Onyeka Okongwu in the frontcourt.

Again, could this be a possible smokescreen for the Hawks to hide what they actually want to do? Aside from having a level of interest in trading up for the No. 1 pick, which won’t be happening, the Hawks have plenty of avenues to jump around with this pick, the No. 23 pick, and former first-overall pick Zaccharie Risacher.

9. Dallas Mavericks – PG Kingston Flemings – Houston, Freshman

A new era has already begun for the Dallas Mavericks, as Masai Ujiri is searching for a new head coach after Jason Kidd and the organization parted ways. The Mavs made it clear they wanted to put all the Luka Doncic stuff behind them, and moving on from Kidd was one of the last moves to make to finally flip the page.

Now, the Mavericks enter the 2026 NBA Draft searching for ways to continue building long-term depth and potential alongside Cooper Flagg, the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year. Even with Kyrie Irving returning from his ACL injury, the Mavericks need a long-term option in their backcourt, which makes Kingston Flemings still being on the board in this spot a blessing for Dallas.

Flemings has great speed and checks off all the boxes for scouts when it comes to his ability to read defenses and make the right play, either as a scorer or a willing passer. Efficiency is what stands out with Flemings on the court, as he never seems rattled and utilizes his length and strength to gain advantages on both sides of the ball.

As far as Irving’s future goes, early indications are that he wants to remain with the Mavs and play alongside Flagg. Whether Ujiri will truly entertain offers coming his way for the former NBA champion is the big question. Also, it’s worth mentioning that Ujiri has always targeted players with length and athleticism in the draft. That is why league sources have also quietly linked Nate Ament and Cameron Carr to the Mavs with this ninth pick.

10. Milwaukee Bucks – SF Nate Ament – Tennessee, Freshman

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks will be decided before the NBA Draft, with a growing expectation among front-office personnel around the NBA that the two-time MVP will be traded. Regardless of all the uncertainty surrounding Giannis, this is an opportunity for the Bucks to cement their future and a direction for years to come.

With the top guards off the board in this spot, the Bucks can take a chance on a high-potential wing in Nate Ament, who possesses top-five potential in this draft class but has fallen on some boards due to his inconsistencies on offense.

Size and instincts are two things you cannot teach, and Ament possesses both of these, especially his pure-scoring instincts on offense when it comes to getting to his spots in the mid-range area. The Bucks aren’t afraid of taking risks on high-potential guys in the draft, and Ament is certainly worth the risk in this spot. League personnel do not envision Ament falling out of the lottery.

11. Golden State Warriors – PG/SG Brayden Burries – Arizona, Freshman

Other than Brooklyn and Atlanta, the third team that will really set the stage for what’s to come after them in the NBA Draft is the Golden State Warriors at No. 11 overall. For starters, the Warriors are not 100% locked in to actually using this pick. GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and his front office will evaluate the landscape for possibly adding an All-Star in a trade, and they will also consider moving down a few spots to gather future assets.

If the Dubs do keep this pick, sources said the franchise will be prioritizing talents ready to play immediately during their rookie season. The Warriors do not want to run into another James Wiseman or Jonathan Kuminga situation with this draft pick. Brayden Burries is among several prospects the Warriors have been scouting and gathering more information on since the start of 2026, along with Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., Karim Lopez, Nate Ament, Darius Acuff Jr., Hannes Steinbach, and Cameron Carr.

Burries has taken a major step up a lot of teams’ draft boards lately due to his high IQ, versatility on defense, and ability to wear multiple hats alongside star players. Golden State will still look to make a major upgrade this offseason, but sources say the team is comfortable with the idea of keeping this pick and setting up its future. If any player fits this description, it’s Burries, and coming from Arizona would make Steve Kerr happy.

Should the Warriors opt to focus on wings or frontcourt talents in the draft — Lendeborg, Johnson, Steinbach, Lopez, etc. — then they will address their backcourt in free agency. Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton are two early names league sources have described as key Warriors targets as unrestricted free agents this summer utilizing the mid-level exception. The Dubs intend to add an impactful guard who can play on or off the ball alongside Steph Curry.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder – PF Yaxel Lendeborg – Michigan, Senior

League sources expect the Oklahoma City Thunder to be aggressive when it comes to trade talks regarding the No. 12 and No. 17 picks in this year’s draft. Given the franchise’s roster crunch and upcoming financial decisions with Isaiah Hartenstein and Luguentz Dort, the overwhelming belief is that the Thunder will not be remaining in these spots.

As of right now, the likeliest scenario involves the Thunder trading one of these picks for future draft compensation, something Sam Presti has done countless times through the years. However, two executives who spoke with ClutchPoints envision Presti attempting to use both picks, along with other assets, to try and trade up into the lottery, possibly as high as the top four, and pursue Cam Boozer.

A lot could happen for the Thunder over the next few weeks, especially if the defending champions fall short in their Western Conference Finals series against the San Antonio Spurs. In terms of this pick after the Warriors, if Yaxel Lendeborg is still on the board, multiple teams will be attempting to trade up and grab the 23-year-old forward because of his versatility and win-now tendencies.

From the Thunder’s perspective, Lendeborg could fall in their lap and immediately fill gaps between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. This is 100% a spot where the Thunder could either replace Luguentz Dort, who has an $18.2 million team option, or they could trade the pick to someone attempting to move up and take either Lendeborg, Johnson, or Carr. It is worth mentioning that Lendeborg did meet with and work out for the Thunder recently.

Lendeborg is also drawing interest from the Warriors and Hornets in the lottery. Both the Pistons and Spurs hold interest in Lendeborg as well in a potential trade-up scenario, sources said.

13. Miami Heat – PF/C Morez Johnson Jr. – Michigan, Sophomore

Whether this pick actually belongs to the Miami Heat come time for the NBA Draft is dependent on a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade with the Bucks. It is possible Milwaukee could end up with the No. 10 and No. 13 picks, as Miami is one of the top suitors for Giannis.

If the Heat do find themselves on the clock, they will have the luxury of seeing how the top 10 plays out, which could result in a scenario where a top-rated prospect falls their way. Adding another guard to their roster may make some sense, but not as much as adding more size and physicality next to Bam Adebayo in the frontcourt does.

Morez Johnson Jr. is a classic Erik Spoelstra type of prospect for the Heat to want simply because of his effort, intensity, and physicality on both sides of the court. The Heat have been lacking gritty play, and Kel’el Ware isn’t a physical big man like Adebayo. By bringing in Johnson, the Heat would be adding an impactful secondary frontcourt talent capable of expanding his offensive game to the perimeter.

14. Charlotte Hornets – SF/PF Karim Lopez – Mexico (New Zealand Breakers – NBL)

What the Charlotte Hornets do here will set the stage for pretty much the rest of the first round, as there are already 7-8 names being floated around for this organization with the last pick in the lottery. Not to mention, the Hornets owning the 14th and 18th picks gives them plenty of trade-up options to explore. Multiple sources have told ClutchPoints that the Hornets’ interest in Lendeborg is real and that they will explore ways to move up to either No. 11 or No. 12 to potentially draft him.

It is hard to project who ends up with the No. 14 pick on June 23 as of right now. However, with how this mock draft has shaped up to this point, Karim Lopez is an intriguing name who could fit in well with the Hornets. Lopez can immediately make a difference early in his career as a pesky on-ball wing defender, and scouts have been raving about his measurements from the combine.

Addressing the forward positions is a must for the Hornets this offseason, with Miles Bridges entering the final year of his contract and the uncertainty surrounding both Grant Williams and Josh Green. Lopez still needs time to develop, but his near 7-foot wingspan and IQ make him a lottery-projected talent.

15. Chicago Bulls – SG Cameron Carr – Baylor, Sophomore

Cameron Carr’s draft stock has boomed since the combine, and several sources from multiple teams told ClutchPoints they would be comfortable taking him in the lottery at this point. Not only is Carr projected to be an excellent 3-and-D wing at the next level after shooting 37.4 percent from three at Baylor this past year, but he has also shown flashes of his star-like potential when it comes to attacking in one-on-one situations.

After already taking Caleb Wilson, the Bulls can expand on their athleticism and dynamic play with a talent like Carr, who would immediately be thrown into a starting role alongside Wilson. While targeting a big man like Steinbach, Chris Cenac Jr., or Jayden Quaintance remains a possibility in this spot, Carr is the exact mold of player Bryson Graham wants to target.

Carr is expected to draw serious lottery consideration, starting with the Mavs at No. 9 overall.

16. Memphis Grizzlies – PG Labaron Philon Jr. – Alabama, Sophomore

All indications are that Morant will be traded this summer, which leads to questions about the Memphis Grizzlies’ backcourt. Scotty Pippen Jr., Ty Jerome, and Walter Clayton Jr. are under contract for the 2026-27 season, but with Labaron Philon Jr. still on the board, it is hard to imagine that the Grizzlies would pass on him here.

Philon is a very strong scorer off the dribble, and he has great instincts for moving the ball around, especially when there are cutters around him. As far as his all-around game goes, many scouts believe Philon is the best two-way guard in this draft class when it comes to making an impact right away. Although he is not as explosive as Morant or other guards in this class, Philon can provide stability and a path forward in Memphis.

Already drafting Boozer and having Edey in the frontcourt, the Grizzlies need young scorers who thrive in pick-and-roll situations and can create for themselves. Philon could come in right away alongside Boozer and make a difference in this aspect. If the Grizzlies do not look to add a guard in this spot, then they will undoubtedly attempt to trade down and gather more future assets. After all, Memphis could still grab a guard like Christian Anderson Jr., Bennett Stirtz, or Ebuka Okorie later in the first round.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder – PF/C Hannes Steinbach – Washington, Freshman

Outside of possibly finding a replacement for Lu Dort with either the No. 12 or No. 17 pick in this year’s draft, the Thunder may also look to add insurance if Isaiah Hartenstein is not willing to take a pay cut and leaves once his team option is declined for cap reasons. Hannes Steinbach would be an obvious replacement for Hartenstein in this spot because he’s a proven professional player who decided to come overseas and play a year of college ball.

Steinbach measured like a true center at the NBA Draft Combine, and his fundamentals in the paint make him a better frontcourt prospect than many give him credit for. Next to Holmgren, Steinbach would actually provide more upside than Hartenstein offensively due to his ability to spread the court and not only be a passer from the perimeter but also a pick-and-pop big man as well.

The overwhelming expectation around the NBA is that the Thunder will either trade the No. 12 pick and utilize this selection or vice versa. If the Thunder do trade out of No. 12, it’s likely that they will use this pick for a forward or wing.

18. Charlotte Hornets – C Chris Cenac Jr. – Houston, Freshman

Even after Ryan Kalkbrenner put together a solid rookie year and Moussa Diabate emerged as a key frontcourt option, the Hornets still lack skill and a true pick-and-roll threat at the center position. That is what makes Chris Cenac such an appealing option for the Hornets if he’s available at this spot.

While Cenac still needs time to reach his full potential, which could very well be a similar skillset to Jalen Duren, he would immediately benefit from playing alongside dynamic scorers like LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller. His mobility and versatility on defense are also what head coach Charles Lee prioritizes from frontcourt players.

Charlotte needs to make a decision about keeping both of their first round picks since they could run into a roster crunch and could eventually run into a financial problem a year or so from now with Miller up for an extension and Bridges’ contract expiring. Trades involving Tre Mann and Josh Green are likely this offseason, but it may take attaching future draft assets to get out of their deals.

19. Toronto Raptors – PG Christian Anderson Jr. – Texas Tech, Sophomore

The Toronto Raptors must find ways to add more backcourt production this offseason. Immanuel Quickley’s time with the team appears to be coming to an end, and not having a scoring guard in the playoffs ultimately sank the Raptors’ chances of advancing. This team needs a point guard, which makes Christian Anderson’s experience and shooting abilities vital in this spot in the draft.

It isn’t hard to call Anderson the best perimeter scorer in this draft class, and his ability to not only score but pass out of pick-and-roll sets presents a lot of upside for the future. Alongside Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, Anderson would provide the perfect blend of shooting and secondary playmaking off the dribble.

If there is a long-term center GM Bobby Webster likes in this spot, do not be surprised if the Raptors ultimately look to replace Jakob Poeltl instead. There is no doubt that Toronto will be making some sort of trade this offseason to add talent around Barnes and Ingram.

20. San Antonio Spurs – C Jayden Quaintance – Kentucky, Sophomore

Looking at the San Antonio Spurs’ roster, the only questions that stand out are in the frontcourt alongside Victor Wembanyama. This team could very well advance past the Thunder to the NBA Finals, which makes this No. 20 spot in the NBA Draft a luxury for them to add for the future and potentially draft a prospect who fell out of the lottery.

That player could very well be Jayden Quaintance, who some scouts have ranked as a lottery-level player, but concerns surrounding his overall health and motor continue to pop up. There are a lot of similarities in his game to a young Robert Williams III early in his career with the Boston Celtics, which makes him the ideal type of young big to have in the frontcourt next to Wemby.

By drafting Quaintance and working on his overall mechanics behind the scenes, the Spurs would have extra insurance outside of Luke Kornet at center, and the Kentucky big man could wind up becoming one of the steals of the draft for them if he remains in good health.

21. Detroit Pistons -PG Ebuka Okorie – Stanford, Freshman

Will the Detroit Pistons reach a little bit here in the first round for a polarizing prospect at the guard position? Cade Cunningham clearly needs some help when it comes to secondary playmaking and scoring, so why not target a youthful, dynamic option in the backcourt like Ebuka Okorie here?

There is a shiftiness, craftiness, and confidence to Okorie’s game that, at times, has flashes of a young Kemba Walker. This is not to say Okorie is the same high-level talent Kemba was coming out of UConn, but the Stanford guard has the quickness, shot-making, and playmaking potential Walker did.

At this point in the draft, the Pistons shouldn’t prioritize the “best available” when they have clear needs to become a true title contender in the East. Although Okorie is a smaller guard, Cunningham’s length and overall offensive game would offset the insecurities in Okorie’s game. And at the end of the day, he’s only 19 years old with plenty of upside to grow, especially as a featured scoring weapon.

22. Philadelphia 76ers – SG/SF Dailyn Swain – Texas, Junior

What the Philadelphia 76ers decide to do in the NBA Draft will be contingent on who Bob Myers hires to lead this front office after firing Daryl Morey. Maybe whoever joins the Sixers will want to find a long-term replacement for Joel Embiid, but the 76ers have found success through the years when it comes to adding athleticism and length on the perimeter.

The 76ers did so last year with VJ Edgecombe, and they could do so again with Dailyn Swain, should he remain in the draft past the withdrawal deadline. Swain would certainly be a wild-card pick in this spot, but his blend of a 6’10” wingspan and pure athletic abilities in the open court pairs well with Maxey and Edgecombe. Philadelphia also doesn’t have a lot of depth on the wing with Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes entering free agency.

With Cenac, Steinbach, and Quaintance off the board, would the 76ers pass on the guards and wings still available in this spot and reach for a center like Henri Veesaar, Tarris Reed Jr., and Luigi Suigo in this spot? After all, it may make more sense to trade down and gather some future picks if the 76ers want to go after a big man here.

23. Atlanta Hawks – PG Bennett Stirtz – Iowa, Senior

Bennett Stirtz could go anywhere from 16th to mid-20s in this draft. There is no denying that he is one of the better offensive weapons at the point guard position, especially when it comes to 3-point shooting, but he will turn 23 during the 2026-27 season and has little upside for growth when it comes to other guard prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Already adding Mara in the frontcourt and having established guards in their backcourt, Stirtz ending up with the Atlanta Hawks may not be the worst thing for him. He would assume a key secondary role immediately off the bench due to his shooting abilities, and Stirtz would not be thrown into the fire like he would with another team currently rebuilding.

The Hawks have stars and legitimate scorers already in place, which would open a ton of space for Stirtz to operate on the perimeter as a complementary player to CJ McCollum and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Despite being an older draft prospect, Stirtz would represent the Hawks’ long-term solution at the point guard position.

24. New York Knicks – PF Allen Graves – Santa Clara, Freshman

The biggest draft decision remaining is Allen Graves, who could return to college and transfer to a power-five program. As of right now, Graves’ range seems to be in the 15-25 region of the draft, which is why NIL could play a major factor in him returning to college and becoming a lottery pick next year.

However, should he stay in the draft, Graves’ overall feel for the game and ability to wear multiple hats on both ends of the court would make him the ideal prospect for an already established playoff team like the New York Knicks. Before college and growing into a true power forward, Graves was a point guard who was an excellent facilitator.

In New York, Graves would fill a void the Knicks have behind Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, supplying key bench depth in a position the Knicks don’t really have anyone at right now. The analytics have Graves ranked as one of the best draft prospects, which is exactly why he would fit in with the Knicks.

25. Los Angeles Lakers – C Tarris Reed Jr. – UConn, Senior

One key area of need for the Los Angeles Lakers this summer is at the center position, where Deandre Ayton clearly wasn’t the team’s long-term solution. The Lakers want to add a rim-running big who thrives in pick-and-roll situations so that they can build their own version of what Luka Doncic had in Dallas with Dereck Lively III and Daniel Gafford.

That is why Tarris Reed Jr. could wind up finding his way into the first round of the draft as an experienced bruiser-like center who dominates the paint and exceeds expectations, especially in pick-and-roll situations, at the combine. While Reed has shown small flashes of shooting potential on the perimeter, the Lakers would be drafting him here for his above-the-rim skills and lob-threat abilities.

Several teams with late first-round picks have registered interest in Reed, along with almost every team at the top of the second round. It is also worth mentioning that Reed shares the same agent as Austin Reaves, who is entering unrestricted free agency as one of the best players available this summer.

26. Denver Nuggets – SG/SF Isaiah Evans – Duke, Sophomore

With the Denver Nuggets expected to trade Cam Johnson this summer and the possibility of losing Tim Hardaway Jr. in free agency, this team will need some extra shooting help on the wing. Isaiah Evans enters the 2026 NBA Draft as one of the best wing shooters available, and he possesses a lot of long-term upside when it comes to evolving into a true 3-and-D weapon.

Evans can knock down shots from anywhere on the perimeter, and at Duke, he showed flashes of his ability to put the ball on the floor and explode to the rim. Should the Nuggets bring Peyton Watson back, as they plan on doing, pairing him with Evans on the wing would be exactly what Denver needs in terms of athletic slashers alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Right now, NBA personnel believe interest in Evans starts with the Thunder at the No. 18 pick.

27. Boston Celtics – PF Koa Peat – Arizona, Freshman

All the talk from the NBA Draft Combine was that Koa Peat should return to Arizona and work on his offensive game. However, Peat has made it clear that the draft is his priority and that he could very well forgo his NCAA eligibility. From a financial standpoint, this may not be the best decision for Peat, as he is projected to be a late first-round pick right now.

When it comes to physicality and strength, Peat checks off the boxes to be in the league right now. However, his shooting and shot-making abilities are highly questionable. A sure-thing playoff team like the Boston Celtics may honestly be the best spot for Peat to develop and work on his craft at the NBA level since they already have established All-Stars and one of the best developmental staffs in the league.

There is definitely a lot of long-term potential that exists with Peat, especially since he can be molded into whatever his professional team wants. That may be enough for Brad Stevens to pull the trigger in this spot and take a chance on a lottery-level prospect with questions about his offensive impact.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves – PG/SG Meleek Thomas – Arkansas, Freshman

One of the more underrated, high-potential guards in this year’s draft class is Meleek Thomas, and that is because of his positional versatility and ability to still get his own while playing next to another ball-dominant guard. At Arkansas, Thomas still averaged over 15 points per game while shooting over 40% from deep despite Acuff running the show offensively.

If he were to join a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have Anthony Edwards as their established star guard, Thomas would fit in perfectly because he’s capable of playing and scoring with or without initiating the offense. Not to mention, he can be a spark of energy for a team off the bench by being an electric sixth-man-like combo guard.

With Donte DiVincenzo expected to miss a vast majority of, if not all of, the 2026-27 season rehabbing his Achilles injury, and also with Ayo Dosunmu being a free agent, the Timberwolves must find ways to add more dynamic, athletic scorers to their team. Landing Thomas in this spot would be one of the best picks of the entire draft in terms of fit and style of play, alongside Edwards.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers – SF/PF Joshua Jefferson – Iowa State, Senior

While he is an older prospect with little room to grow, Joshua Jefferson is the type of versatile forward that teams know what they will be getting — physical toughness, playmaking at either forward position, a high understanding of where to be on the floor, and the ability to guard multiple positions. The Cleveland Cavaliers are missing this type of player alongside their stars, and it’s showing in the Eastern Conference Finals.

With Dean Wade entering free agency in the summer and the Cavs needing extra forward depth, Jefferson would immediately slide into a key secondary role for an organization that expects to compete at the top of the East.

Should the Cavs get swept by the Knicks in the ECF, major changes could be coming for this organization, starting with Kenny Atkinson and his job security.

30. Dallas Mavericks – SG/SF Tounde Yessoufou – Baylor, Freshman

Tounde Yessoufou is another player with lottery-like potential, but questions about his shot selection and overall shooting abilities have lessened his draft projections. Now, there are some who don’t even have Yessoufou rated as a first-round prospect.

However, his physical tools and athleticism stand out, which makes the Baylor freshman an intriguing option for the Dallas Mavericks at the end of the first round, especially since they already took Kingston Flemings earlier in this mock draft.

This pick is very symbolic of the types of prospects Ujiri tends to target in the NBA Draft, as Yessoufou’s 6’10” wingspan and physicality as a driver make him an intriguing upside pick for a team with established stars like Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving.

2026 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Picks No. 31-60 (Second Round)

31. New York Knicks – C Henri Veesaar – North Carolina, Junior

If Henri Veesaar slips out of the first round, several teams will be making calls to the Knicks with the 31st pick to potentially grab him. Veesaar measured as one of the tallest bigs at the combine (6’11.25″), and his shooting abilities as a stretch center make up for his lack of athleticism and pop. Whether or not he can truly make an impact defensively at the next level is the big question surrounding Veesaar, but he easily fits in as a replacement for Mitchell Robinson in New York, especially since he opens up and spreads the floor in a similar way as Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt.

32. Memphis Grizzlies – SF Amari Allen – Alabama, Freshman

It is very possible that Amari Allen returns to college after an underwhelming showing at the NBA Draft Combine. Once viewed as a potential lottery pick, Allen has since been surpassed and could be a late first-round pick at best. Doing a little bit of everything on the wing, Allen could fill the role of a well-rounded forward with strong instincts to become a two-way threat. His versatility and shooting potential stand out for the Grizzlies in this spot.

33. Brooklyn Nets – C Luigi Suigo – Italy (Mega Superbet – ABL)

Luigi Suigo made it clear he will remain in the NBA Draft if he can be a sure-thing first-round pick. If not, he will go the college route and likely attend Villanova or BYU. Nearly 7’3″ with a 7’5.5″ wingspan, Suigo’s measurements intrigued a lot of NBA personnel in Chicago, and his growing shooting abilities on the perimeter make the 19-year-old Italian intriguing. There is a lot to like about the long-term potential Suigo possesses, and he could join a Nets franchise eager to take a step forward.

34. Sacramento Kings – SF/PF Alex Karaban – UConn, Senior

Alex Karaban is a winner, as proven by his two national championships and his runner-up finish this year at UConn. The Kings need players who understand what it means to win, which is why Karaban could instantly become a leader for this rebuilding franchise. Karaban is an extremely high-IQ player who was among the better shooters at the NBA Draft Combine. That is why he is drawing some late first-round consideration from already established playoff teams like Boston and Cleveland.

35. San Antonio Spurs – SF/PF Milan Momcilovic – Iowa State, Junior

Milan Momcilovic is also facing a stay-or-return decision regarding his NCAA eligibility, as he could easily receive a new NIL deal north of $4 million. Out of all the wings in the draft right now, Momcilovic is the best 3-point shooter and would’ve been a factor off the bench for several playoff teams this year. The Spurs would benefit greatly from adding a wing shooter in the second round of the draft since Harrison Barnes will be a free agent. Momcilovic’s size and shooting at the forward positions is exactly what San Antonio needs.

36. Los Angeles Clippers – C Malachi Moreno – Kentucky, Freshman

After taking Wagler in the lottery, the LA Clippers would now shift their attention to adding frontcourt size and athleticism in the second round, since Yanic Konan Niederhauser may not be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season after undergoing foot surgery. At 6’11” with a near 7’2″ wingspan, Malachi Moreno is an interesting freshman prospect who is a very strong rebounder and finisher in the paint. However, returning to Kentucky and becoming a first-round lock next year seems to be the best option for Moreno at this time.

37. Oklahoma City Thunder – PG/SG Sergio De Larrea – Spain (Valencia – Liga ACB)

Initially, the expectation was that Sergio De Larrea would be in attendance for the NBA Draft Combine, but he remained overseas playing in premier games for Valencia. Not only does De Larrea see the court really well as a lengthy, tall guard and primary ball-handler, but he also shoots over 40% from 3-point range as well. If he’s available here, this is a classic Sam Presti selection who will immediately outplay his draft ranking. De Larrea is ready to come over and contribute in the NBA right away as a lengthy guard who can thrive off the ball.

38. Chicago Bulls – PG Jack Kayil – Germany (Alba Berlin – Basketball Bundesliga)

Jack Kayil deciding to remain in the NBA Draft instead of attending Gonzaga surprised a handful of NBA personnel and led some to believe he may have a late first-round promise in play. However, Kayil is rated as a second-round prospect who ends up with the Bulls in this mock draft. Kayil possesses a bigger frame for a guard, checking off the boxes for him to be an impact defender later in his career. The Bulls have time to devote to the development and maturity of someone like Kayil, especially since he was named the Bundesliga U-22 Player of the Year.

39. Houston Rockets – PF/C Zuby Ejiofor – St. John’s, Senior

A lot of teams have shown interest in Zuby Ejiofor throughout the pre-draft process, and he’s already worked out for over a third of the league. What makes Ejiofor intriguing as an early second-round prospect is his physicality in the paint and don’t-back-down demeanor. His high motor and defensive intensity will be valued by several teams, some of which will attempt to trade up and land him. The Houston Rockets could use more frontcourt help behind Alperen Sengun, especially from a big-bodied option like Ejiofor, since Clint Capela’s impact was abysmal, and Steven Adams is still recovering from a severe season-ending ankle injury.

40. Boston Celtics – PF Baba Miller – Cincinnati, Senior

Baba Miller was one of the biggest winners from the NBA Draft Combine, as teams walked away impressed by his measurements and effort on both ends of the court during the scrimmages. Some scouts shared with ClutchPoints that they believe he could be considered by teams with late first-round picks. While he is not the same player, Miller’s athleticism and length are somewhat comparable to Jaden McDaniels when he was first entering the league as a defensive contributor. The Celtics need another lengthy option who can hold his own as a versatile two-way forward.

41. Miami Heat – SF Matt Able – NC State, Freshman

Many expect Matt Able to return to college and attend North Carolina, where he will undoubtedly become a first-round pick as Michael Malone’s best option. Able has a solid blend of length and athleticism on the wing, as well as scoring potential, but he needs more time to prove his skill as a No. 1 scoring option on the wing. There is certainly something here with Able, and he could blossom into a top-15 draft prospect with another year of college hoops.

42. San Antonio Spurs – PG Tyler Tanner – Vanderbilt, Sophomore

Confidence oozes from Tyler Tanner despite standing under six feet tall. Do not let his size fool you, as Tanner is extremely talented and tends to break down opposing defenses with his crafty play both as a playmaker and facilitator. A specific team, like the Spurs, that can mold Tanner into what they want, will need to take a chance on the Vanderbilt guard in this draft. Many will pass on him because he’s undersized, but there will also be some teams that look to trade up for Tanner should he fall into the second round.

43. Brooklyn Nets – SF Dillon Mitchell – St. John’s, Senior

At the NBA Draft Combine, Dillon Mitchell stood out in the scrimmages as a Swiss-Army-Knife-like player who was grabbing rebounds, dishing out assists, and switching onto multiple positions defensively. He may not be a stand-out scoring option, but Mitchell proved to NBA personnel that he makes winning plays. That is what the Nets are lacking on the wing right now, which makes Mitchell an intriguing mid-second-round option.

44. San Antonio Spurs – PF Trevon Brazile – Arkansas, Senior

Why not continue adding size, length, and athleticism if you are the Spurs? It is unlikely that the Spurs keep all of their second-round picks, but in this spot, Brazile can bring defensive versatility at multiple positions as a 6’10” forward with a near 7’4″ wingspan. He would figure to be a stretch-four with paint-protecting abilities in San Antonio.

45. Sacramento Kings – SG/SF Andrej Stojakovic – Illinois, Junior

Andrej Stojakovic, the son of former NBA All-Star Peja Stojakovic, made a name for himself at Illinois this past year due to his awareness and feel for the game, especially on defense. But as a limited athlete, concerns about Stojakovic’s impact on offense stand out, especially since he isn’t the same shooter his father was. Maybe the Kings would be willing to take a chance on Andrej in the second round, assuming he doesn’t return to college, since they are rebuilding and can work on adjusting his jumper.

46. Orlando Magic – PG/SG Ryan Conwell – Louisville

In four years with four different programs, Ryan Conwell finished his collegiate career at Louisville as a 3-point shooting threat known for his on-ball defensive skills. As he prepares for the NBA Draft, Conwell is being viewed as an above-average combo guard who competes hard on both ends of the court. It is clear that the Orlando Magic need some backcourt help, and an experienced combo guard like Conwell can provide much-needed depth behind Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black.

47. Phoenix Suns – SG/SF Nick Martinelli – Northwestern, Senior

Nick Martinelli was another prospect who appeared to lock in his second-round status during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago with his scoring and shooting display during the scrimmages. Aside from shooting on the perimeter, Martinelli also uses his 6’7″ frame well to get to his mid-range spots and take advantage of smaller opponents in the post. The Phoenix Suns are said to be searching for ways to add versatile wings this offseason, making Martinelli a perfect addition in this spot.

48. Dallas Mavericks – PG Jaden Bradley – Arizona, Senior

Jaden Bradley is a winner, and he makes winning plays. Not to mention, he always seemed to have the ball in his hands late in the shot clock at Arizona and never backed down from taking the clutch shots. The Mavericks need an established collegiate talent like Bradley so they can begin to grow as an organization around Flagg. This team already has talent in place, so now it’s about filling in the gaps with players who understand their roles and what it means to contribute to a winning team. Bradley proved to do that this year with all the young talent Arizona had.

49. Denver Nuggets – C Flory Bidguna – Kansas, Sophomore

If he returns to college, Flory Bidunga is set to transfer to Louisville and be a key factor in what the Cardinals hope is a national championship-quality roster. If he stays in the draft, Bidunga will be a second-round pick. Bidunga could provide key depth to the Nuggets with the 49th pick since Jonas Valanciunas is likely leaving Denver, and the team needs a stout rebounding threat behind Jokic. His shot-blocking potential and ability to switch in pick-and-roll sets make him intriguing, but Bidunga still has a lot of room to grow.

50. Toronto Raptors – C Ugonna Onyenso – Virginia, Senior

At Virginia, Ugonna Onyenso emerged as one of the nation’s best shot blockers. After going with Christian Anderson in the first round instead of a frontcourt talent, the Raptors could now find a long-term replacement for Poeltl. Between Onyenso’s athleticism at the rim and his ability to contribute right away defensively, he would be the ideal plug-and-play center in Toronto with a 7’5″ wingspan.

51. Washington Wizards – PG Braden Smith – Purdue, Senior

Braden Smith finished his collegiate career as the NCAA’s all-time leader in assists. While undersized, there is no doubt that Smith could contribute as a pure point guard at the next level on a team with size and proven scorers. Behind Trae Young in Washington, Smith would provide essential point guard depth for a team that will also have AJ Dybantsa, Alex Sarr, and Anthony Davis. Not to mention, the Wizards finished 25th in assists last year, so Smith’s biggest strength has been this team’s biggest weakness.

52. Los Angeles Clippers – SG/SF Billy Richmond – Arkansas, Sophomore

The Clippers are always searching for agile, explosive wings in the NBA Draft, and Billy Richmond could fall into their lap in this spot during the second round. His skills as an explosive athlete who runs well in transition are why scouts and executives are intrigued by his potential long-term upside in a system with established scorers around him. It will take time for Richmond to tap into his full potential, but his length and burst on the wing could eventually replace Derrick Jones Jr.

53. Houston Rockets – PG Ja’Kobi Gillespie – Tennessee, Senior

Despite standing 5’11.75″ without shoes, Ja’Kobi Gillespie was outstanding at the NBA Draft Combine and will likely be a second-round selection, with a handful of players expected to return to college due to NIL. Gillespie can shoot and create for his teammates off the dribble, making him an ideal backup point guard for a team like the Houston Rockets, who desperately need backcourt help with Fred VanVleet returning from his ACL injury.

54. Golden State Warriors – SG Emanuel Sharp – Houston, Senior

Emanuel Sharp was one of a handful of players the Warriors recently got a look at in a pre-draft workout featuring several second-round-rated prospects. At Houston, Sharp knocked down 309 threes in his career. The Warriors have always had a lot of luck drafting experienced collegiate shooters late in the second round, and Sharp could be yet another. Aaron Nkrumah, who was a standout at the NBA Draft Combine, is another player worth keeping an eye on for the Warriors in the second round of this year’s draft.

55. New York Knicks – SG Richie Saunders – BYU, Senior

Unfortunately for Richie Saunders, he suffered a torn ACL in February and will likely begin his rookie season in the NBA working his way back from injury. However, this injury doesn’t take away from the fact that Saunders shot 37.6% from deep this past season and 38.7% from 3-point range over his four years at BYU. The Knicks could use extra shooting depth and a lengthy guard like Saunders, who could eventually become a do-it-all swingman like Donte DiVincenzo was for them.

56. Chicago Bulls – PF Tobi Lawal – Virginia Tech, Senior

Although he could very well go undrafted, Tobi Lawal’s 6’7″ frame and 6’11” wingspan mixed with his athleticism at the power forward position are hard to ignore. In the scrimmages at the combine, Lawal stood out as an above-the-rim option who runs well in the open court. Not to mention, his 45.5″ max vertical raised a lot of eyebrows. The Bulls are rebuilding and have time to devote to the development of young athletes like Lawal.

57. Atlanta Hawks – SG Otega Oweh – Kentucky, Senior

It is unlikely that Otega Oweh will be a ball-dominant swingman at the next level, but his slashing and cutting abilities, along with his athleticism running in transition, make him an intriguing prospect for a team like the Hawks. Oweh shot 34.7 percent from deep during his college career and has shown glimpses of his scoring prowess off the ball.

58. New Orleans Pelicans – PG Jeremy Fears Jr. – Michigan State, Sophomore

Jeremiah Fears just made the All-Rookie Second Team, so why not add another Fears brother if you are the New Orleans Pelicans? Jeremiah Fears Jr. will likely return to college, but his defensive intensity and ability to lead in the backcourt stand out. While the Pelicans own just this one second-round pick, sources say New Orleans is exploring ways to move up in the back end of the first round. The Pelicans have called both the Lakers and Cavs about trading into the first round.

However, potentially leveraging Herb Jones in an offseason trade could result in the Pelicans securing a top-20 pick in this year’s draft. At this time, the Pelicans have yet to make Jones, Trey Murphy III, or Zion Williamson available in trade talks. Jordan Poole is the player New Orleans would like to move this summer.

59. Minnesota Timberwolves – PF Maliq Brown – Duke, Senior

Defensive versatility and effort are what you get with Maliq Brown. His 6’8″ frame and 7-foot wingspan allow him to guard multiple positions in pick-and-roll sets, and Brown has a high understanding of where to be defensively. The Timberwolves could utilize another frontcourt talent with defensive upside, especially with Rudy Gobert’s future being questioned.

60. Washington Wizards – C Izaiyah Nelson – South Florida, Senior

At 6’8″ with a 7’3″ wingspan, Izaiyah Nelson can add key frontcourt depth to the Wizards’ roster behind Alex Sarr and Anthony Davis. What stands out about Nelson’s game and what makes him an intriguing second-round prospect is the fact that he runs the court really well for a big man, he is an avid shot-blocker, and he’s a menace in the paint. The Wizards lack big-man depth, making Nelson an ideal fit at the end of the draft.

The post 2026 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Latest AJ Dybantsa vs. Darryn Peterson intel, all 60 picks post-combine appeared first on ClutchPoints.