NBA · 7 hours ago

CBS Sports Reveals Updated 2026 NBA Mock Draft, Wizards Pivot to Darryn Peterson

John Canady

Host · Writer

30) Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): C Zuby Ejiofor, St. John's
If Zuby Ejiofor is available at the end of the first round, Dallas could be getting tremendous value. The St. John's standout established himself as one of the nation's premier defenders and played a major role in the Red Storm's success. His toughness and defensive versatility should translate quickly.

"He was one of the best defenders in college basketball this past season." — Cameron Salerno
1) Washington Wizards: G Darryn Peterson, Kansas
The Wizards would be getting a player many evaluators still view as the best talent in the class, despite a freshman season that featured its share of bumps. Darryn Peterson has the size, scoring instincts, and shot-making ability to become the centerpiece of a rebuild, giving Washington a potential franchise cornerstone to grow alongside its young core.

"He has legit superstar potential." — Cameron Salerno
2) Utah Jazz: F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
This would be a dream outcome for Utah. AJ Dybantsa already has deep ties to the state, but more importantly, he arrives as one of the most gifted offensive players in recent memory after a dominant freshman campaign. His ability to create his own shot at 6-foot-9 gives the Jazz a player capable of carrying an offense for years to come.

"He was the best scorer in college basketball and has the upside to be one of the best scorers in the NBA by the end of this decade." — Cameron Salerno
3) Memphis Grizzlies: F Cameron Boozer, Duke
Cameron Boozer continues to be overlooked in conversations about the top of this draft despite producing at an elite level all season. His feel for the game, rebounding, and playmaking would fit seamlessly next to Memphis' existing core, while his winning pedigree suggests he'll impact games from Day 1.

"He produced one of the best statistical one-and-done seasons in college basketball history." — Cameron Salerno
4) Chicago Bulls: F Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
If Caleb Wilson is still available at No. 4, the Bulls shouldn't hesitate. The former North Carolina standout brings versatility on both ends of the floor and has the tools to become one of the foundational pieces of Chicago's next era. His long-term upside makes this an easy selection.

"Wilson would be a foundational building block for Chicago as the franchise enters a new era." — Cameron Salerno
5) LA Clippers: G Keaton Wagler, Illinois
Keaton Wagler's skill set makes plenty of sense for a Clippers team looking to add another dynamic backcourt piece. He's comfortable playing on or off the ball, can stretch defenses from deep, and has shown the ability to impact winning in multiple ways. The fit alongside established creators is easy to envision.

"Wagler can play off the ball and would complement Darius Garland in the backcourt." — Cameron Salerno
6) Sacramento Kings: G Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
Sacramento has been connected to Darius Acuff Jr. throughout the pre-draft process, and it's easy to understand why. Few guards in this class can match his blend of scoring, passing, and perimeter shooting, giving the Kings another offensive weapon capable of making an immediate impact.

"I've been on record to say Acuff is a tier above the other guards in this range." — Cameron Salerno
7) Brooklyn Nets (Mock Trade with SAC): G Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
Mikel Brown Jr.'s season was interrupted by injury, but his talent is undeniable when healthy. The Louisville product is an advanced shot creator with plenty of room to grow, and Brooklyn could afford to be patient while developing one of the highest-upside guards in the class.

"Brown has one of the highest upside potentials in the class." — Cameron Salerno
8) Atlanta Hawks (via NO): G Kingston Flemings, Houston
Atlanta could use another guard who can create offense while also competing defensively, and Kingston Flemings checks both boxes. His ability to operate in the mid-range and consistently pressure defenses off the bounce would add another dimension to the Hawks' backcourt rotation.

"Flemings is an elite mid-range shooter and uses his speed to put pressure on the defense." — Cameron Salerno
9) Oklahoma City Thunder (Mock Trade with DAL): C Aday Mara, Michigan
Aday Mara's combination of size and rim protection would make him an intriguing addition for a Thunder team that may be looking ahead in its frontcourt. At 7-foot-3, he alters shots at a high level and has steadily developed into a more complete player around the basket.

"Mara was one of the best shot blockers in college basketball and was efficient around the rim." — Cameron Salerno
10) Milwaukee Bucks: F Nate Ament, Tennessee
The tools are still enticing with Nate Ament, even after an inconsistent freshman season at Tennessee. Milwaukee would be betting on upside here, hoping the versatile forward can put everything together at the next level. If his offensive game becomes more efficient, Ament has the talent to outperform this draft slot.

"Someone will take a chance on him in the early/mid-first round." — Cameron Salerno
11) Golden State Warriors: F Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Few players in this range offer the combination of strength, athleticism, and versatility that Yaxel Lendeborg brings to the table. Golden State has always valued high-IQ players who can impact games without needing plays called for them, and Lendeborg fits that mold. His experience should enable him to contribute immediately to a team still focused on winning.

"Lendeborg will slot into any NBA rotation immediately and make an impact." — Cameron Salerno
12) Dallas Mavericks: G Brayden Burries, Arizona
Adding another perimeter scoring threat around Cooper Flagg would be a smart move, and Brayden Burries checks that box. The Arizona product proved he could knock down shots consistently while carrying a significant offensive workload. His ability to space the floor should make him an attractive option for Dallas.

"He's an older freshman and will turn 21 before the start of the NBA season. Still, I'm a big believer in his talent." — Cameron Salerno
13) Miami Heat: G Labaron Philon, Alabama
Miami has built its reputation on finding competitive guards who thrive under pressure, and Labaron Philon feels like a natural fit. After a breakout season at Alabama, Philon enters the draft as one of the most productive guards available. His scoring punch and playmaking ability could make him one of the steals of the lottery.

"I can see Philon going higher than 13 on draft night." — Cameron Salerno
14) Charlotte Hornets: F Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan
The rise of Morez Johnson Jr. has been one of the biggest stories of the pre-draft process. His physicality, defensive versatility, and improving offensive game give Charlotte another young frontcourt piece to develop. Johnson plays with the type of toughness every rebuilding team covets.

"He's a versatile forward who can defend at a high level inside and outside the arc." — Cameron Salerno
15) Chicago Bulls (via POR): G Cameron Carr, Baylor
After barely seeing the floor at Tennessee, Cameron Carr reinvented himself at Baylor and emerged as one of the nation's most improved players. Chicago could use another perimeter scorer, and Carr showed he can fill that role while continuing to expand his offensive game. His growth over the last year makes him one of the more intriguing prospects in this range.

"His offensive upside is worth the swing here for Chicago." — Cameron Salerno
16) Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX): G Ebuka Okorie, Stanford
There may not be a more explosive downhill guard available in the middle of the first round than Ebuka Okorie. The Stanford standout consistently got into the paint and finished against bigger defenders throughout the season. If Memphis is looking for another shot creator, Okorie would be difficult to pass on.

"He was one of the best scorers in college basketball, and his ability to get to the rim as a guard is special." — Cameron Salerno
17) Dallas Mavericks (Mock Trade from OKC): C Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky
The medical evaluations will ultimately determine where Jayden Quaintance lands, but the upside is obvious. Even in limited action, Quaintance flashed the defensive instincts that made him one of the most intriguing young big men in college basketball. Dallas could afford to take a long-term swing on his potential.

"His defensive tape from his freshman season at Arizona State was unbelievable." — Cameron Salerno
18) Charlotte Hornets (via ORL): G Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
The path from Division II basketball to the first round is rare, but Bennett Stirtz has earned every bit of the attention he's receiving. His poise, decision-making, and efficiency make him one of the safest guard prospects available. Charlotte could use another steady playmaker to help guide its young roster.

"He has had an incredible rise from Division II basketball to being a likely first-round pick." — Cameron Salerno
19) Toronto Raptors: F Karim Lopez, Mexico
International prospects often require patience, but Karim Lopez has the physical tools and upside that teams look for in the first round. Toronto has never shied away from betting on long-term development, making this a logical pairing. Lopez could become one of the more fascinating projects in the class.

"Lopez is the only non-college player selected in the first round." — Cameron Salerno
20) San Antonio Spurs (via ATL): F Hannes Steinbach, Washington
Finding frontcourt depth behind Victor Wembanyama remains a priority, and Hannes Steinbach would address that need. The former Washington standout was a double-double threat every night and consistently made winning plays around the basket. His toughness and rebounding would fit nicely in San Antonio's rotation.

"Steinbach has some of the best hands in college basketball." — Cameron Salerno
21) Detroit Pistons (via MIN): F Allen Graves, Santa Clara
The box score may not fully capture what Allen Graves brings to a team, but NBA front offices have taken notice. His shooting ability, versatility, and advanced metrics all point toward a player capable of carving out a valuable role. Detroit could be getting one of the biggest value picks in the draft.

"Graves is an analytic darling." — Cameron Salerno
22) Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU): F Koa Peat, Arizona
The decision to stay in the draft was a significant one for Koa Peat, but the talent is undeniable. His physical style of play and ability to impact games in multiple ways should translate well to the next level. If the jump shot continues to improve, Peat could outperform expectations.

"It's hard to see Peat falling out of the first round." — Cameron Salerno
23) Atlanta Hawks (via CLE): F Dailyn Swain, Texas
Some prospects look built for the modern NBA, and Dailyn Swain falls into that category. His size, athleticism, and ability to create offense make him an appealing option for teams searching for versatile wings. Atlanta would be adding a player who could contribute on both ends of the floor.

"Every NBA decision maker covets his archetype." — Cameron Salerno
24) New York Knicks: G Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
The Knicks could use another playmaker, and Christian Anderson brings both scoring and distribution to the table. His ability to create shots off the dribble separates him from many guards in this range. Anderson has the skill set to carve out a role quickly.

"Sixty-five of Anderson's 108 3-point shots were non-catch-and-shoot makes." — Cameron Salerno
25) Los Angeles Lakers: F Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
The upside with Chris Cenac Jr. is easy to see. His size, athleticism, and motor give him the foundation to develop into a productive NBA big man. For a Lakers team searching for frontcourt help, Cenac would be an intriguing developmental piece.

"Cenac has untapped potential because of his frame, athleticism, and motor." — Cameron Salerno
26) Denver Nuggets: G Isaiah Evans, Duke
The growth shown by Isaiah Evans during his sophomore season at Duke should have NBA teams excited. What began as a reputation as a shooter evolved into a much more complete offensive profile. Denver would be adding another scorer capable of thriving alongside elite talent.

"Evans went from almost strictly a pure catch-and-shoot 3-point specialist to a legit No. 2 scoring option." — Cameron Salerno
27) Boston Celtics: C Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
Boston has built a roster around versatility and floor spacing, which makes Henri Veesaar an intriguing fit. The North Carolina big man expanded his game significantly and showed he can stretch defenses while protecting the paint. His skill set aligns well with today's NBA.

"His floor is somewhere in the late 20s." — Cameron Salerno
28) Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET): G Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
The offensive firepower of Meleek Thomas should draw plenty of attention late in the first round. He consistently knocked down shots and proved capable of taking over stretches offensively. Minnesota could use another young scorer, making Thomas a strong value pick.

"I see him having that kind of impact in the NBA." — Cameron Salerno
29) Cleveland Browns (via SAS): C Tarris Reed Jr., UConn
There aren't many traditional big men left in today's game, but Tarris Reed Jr. embraces that role. He dominated during UConn's postseason run and consistently controlled the paint on both ends. Cleveland would be getting a physical interior presence ready to contribute immediately.

"He is a throwback big man who thrives in the post and causes havoc on the defensive end." — Cameron Salerno
30) Dallas Mavericks (via OKC): C Zuby Ejiofor, St. John's
If Zuby Ejiofor is available at the end of the first round, Dallas could be getting tremendous value. The St. John's standout established himself as one of the nation's premier defenders and played a major role in the Red Storm's success. His toughness and defensive versatility should translate quickly.

"He was one of the best defenders in college basketball this past season." — Cameron Salerno
1) Washington Wizards: G Darryn Peterson, Kansas
The Wizards would be getting a player many evaluators still view as the best talent in the class, despite a freshman season that featured its share of bumps. Darryn Peterson has the size, scoring instincts, and shot-making ability to become the centerpiece of a rebuild, giving Washington a potential franchise cornerstone to grow alongside its young core.

"He has legit superstar potential." — Cameron Salerno

CBS Sports Reveals Updated 2026 NBA Mock Draft, Wizards Pivot to Darryn Peterson

BETTING NEWS

FUTURES

EDITOR'S PICKS

For the Best of SportsGrid, Grab the App

BETTING NEWS

FUTURES