NBA Mock Draft 2026: Edition 3 (Final Edition)

 

Cam Boozer, Duke

1. Washington Wizards

A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU

There has been a surprising lack of drama surrounding Washington and the No. 1 overall pick, suggesting they are comfortable moving forward with A.J. Dybantsa. Dybantsa's athleticism and versatility suggest he'll make an immediate impact, but the Wizards are hopeful he can be the connective tissue that brings all their disparate pieces together into a winner. With him in the fold and fresh off a massive extension for Trae Young, this organization is likely thinking about the postseason in 2026-27.

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson, G/F, Kansas

Is the buzz around Cam Boozer potentially being the pick at No. 2 real or manufactured drama so late in the process? I have a hard time believing the Jazz stomach passing on a talent like Darryn Peterson, even if you believe Boozer fits their needs more directly. Peterson's complete skillset is among the most impressive I've seen coming out of the college ranks in years.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Cam Boozer, F, Duke

If I'm the Grizzlies, I'm just fine sticking at pick three and taking whoever manages to drop from the trio of Dybantsa, Peterson, or Cam Boozer. My suspicion is it will be Boozer, which is quite the consolation prize for Memphis. He provides them an NBA legacy with potential to play the three or four at a high level in the pros. Most important, he provides direction for an organization that needs some after the Ja Morant era went sideways.

4. Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina

There's no reason for Chicago to overthink this one at pick No. 4. They should be racing to get their selection in, locking in a chance to get a supremely talented Caleb Wilson. I'm not sure I can recall a draft with a talent like this available so late, and it seems like Wilson is just scratching the surface. I would not be shocked if he ends up being the best player in the class when this is all said and done.

5. Los Angeles Clippers

Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois

NBA Draft 2026: Top 30 Big Board

A.J. Dybantsa, BYU

 1. Darryn Peterson, G/F, Kansas

Strengths: 

• Elite three-level scoring ability from all areas on the court
• Ideal wing build for the modern NBA
• Not afraid of the moment - seemed to play his best basketball in the biggest moments and most important games for Kansas
• Underrated as a defender; averaged 1.4 steals per game with the Jayhawks

Weaknesses / Questions:

• Is he 100 percent after an injury-riddled season in Lawrence? Was that season an aberration or the ongoing norm?
• Real questions about his conditioning - even when he did play, he averaged under 30 minutes in his one season of college ball. Is he ready for longer, more physical games in the NBA with even less rest?
• Can he grow as a playmaker? He wasn't asked to pass or distribute the ball much at Kansas, but his assist numbers were still shockingly low for a lead guard

Bust Potential: Moderate

The Take: Darryn Peterson takes the cake as the best of the best in a loaded draft class. It's rare you see a player at his age, just 19 years old, who is this polished as an offensive player. He can get to the rim with his size, he's crafty in the mid-range, and he shot 38% from three in college. Add in the fact he gets to the foul line and shoots over 80% there, you can imagine Peterson coming into the NBA and immediately carrying the scoring load. It was a strange one-season pit stop at Kansas given how many games he sat out, and how many games he was played from early. It's fair if NBA teams have concerns about that, but this is the type of prospect you can't pass on. If he is healthy, I have little doubt he grows into a perennial All-Star, potential even a superstar, in the pros.

2. A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU

Strengths:

• Jaw-dropping athleticism - almost sure to be an instant highlight reel regular
• Impacts the game in just about every way, as he can score, set up his teammates, and is a relentless rebounder
• Seems to still be growing into his frame at 6'10" and 215 pounds, with a seven-foot wingspan

Weaknesses / Questions:

• Can he grow as a shooter? He may not need to, but if he can bump up his 33% shooting from three, he becomes even more dangerous offensively
• Needs to grow as a decision-maker, after averaging three turnovers per game in college. With how much the ball was in his hands that was expected, but it must improve

Bust Potential: Low

The Take: In just about any other NBA Draft, sans the Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James years, A.J. Dybantsa would almost surely be the consensus No. 1 prospect. He lived up to the hype during his lone season at BYU, averaging 25.5 points per game on 51% shooting. His athleticism and finishing ability should make him an instant sensation in the pros, but he can impact the game in so many different ways. The scoring is one thing, but Dybantsa's rebounding, passing, and defensive ability are going to upgrade any roster he lands on - with the Wizards the overwhelming favorite. 

3. Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina

NBA Mock Draft 2026: Edition 2 (NBA Finals Edition)

Caleb Wilson, North Carolina

 1. Washington Wizards

A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU

The Wizards are one of the most intriguing teams we've had draft No. 1 in some time. They've established a young core with real promise, and acquiring Trae Young and Anthony Davis over the last year seems to indicate they are making a run at the postseason. It also means this selection could certainly be trade bait, especially with the Jazz sitting at No. 2. However, if they stick firm here, it's hard to imagine them not taking a talent like A.J. Dybantsa, who could be the missing piece they need as the undeniable franchise centerpiece.

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson, G/F, Kansas

As strange of a lone season at Kansas as it was for Darryn Peterson, he's still one of the most impressive NBA Draft prospects we've seen in recent years. It's rare you see a player at his age who is so polished, has such a superb feel for the game, and can score anywhere on the court. Assuming Dybantsa does indeed come off the board first, Peterson would be quite the consolation prize for Utah.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer, F, Duke

In most drafts, Cam Boozer would be a consensus top overall pick with a bit of a throwback, back-to-the-basket game. Instead, he slots in as the likely third player off the board, a real testament to just how loaded this 2026 group is. For a Memphis organization aiming for some direction, Boozer gets them a building block in the low post who has all the looks of a steady, long-time pro.

4. Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina