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ESPN’s 2026 NBA Post Lottery Mock Draft: Predicting Every 1st Round Pick

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

Have Your Say! What Does Your NBA Mock Draft Look Like?
NBA Fans, Let's Hear It

Whether you’re a Wizards fan finally feeling some hope or a Mavericks supporter hyped for the Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz era, there is plenty to argue about. This class is loaded with franchise-altering talent, but as we know, the transition from college star to pro staple is never a guarantee. Who do you think snagged the steal of the first round, and which team is going to regret their pick by Christmas?
- The Big Question: Which predicted pick do you agree with and disagree with most?
- The Debate: Is AJ Dybantsa a lock for Rookie of the Year, or is someone like Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer going to steal the show?
- Your Turn: Drop your thoughts and full mock draft in the comments. Did your team win the lottery, or are you already looking ahead to the 2027 mock?
ESPN's Jeremy Woo's 2026 NBA Mock Draft - Post Lottery
They Got Next?

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is over, and most of the balls fell where expected. Next up is the 2026 NBA Draft, going down at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 26. Before we get there, we are diving into predictions for all 30 first-round picks, as mock season is officially in full gear.

Let's dive into ESPN's Jeremy Woo's mock draft.
1. Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa | SF | BYU | Freshman

The Wizards finally caught a break. After a season that was basically one long losing streak, they land a franchise-altering wing to pair with Trae Young and Anthony Davis. AJ Dybantsa is a physical specimen who spent his freshman year treating college defenders like speed bumps.

"Dybantsa is a strong fit for Washington on paper, even with the Wizards' collection of younger wings, with his physicality and athletic tools giving him major two-way upside. NBA teams view his excellent size and powerful, physical style as hallmarks of a potential franchise-level talent."
- The Fit: A massive two-way wing who provides the star power needed to lead D.C.'s new era.
- 2025-26 Stats: 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists
2. Utah Jazz
2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson | PG/SG | Kansas | Freshman

The Jazz are low-key building a juggernaut out in Salt Lake. By moving up to No. 2, they get to pair a walking bucket like Darryn Peterson with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ace Bailey. There were some health questions regarding his time at Kansas, but if he’s 100%, Utah just stole the best pure scorer in the draft.

"Utah has talented young perimeter players on the roster, including Ace Bailey and Keyonte George, but Peterson's shot creation and elite long-range shooting would give the Jazz a potential top-tier scorer to build around. A clean bill of health would help assuage lingering concerns and allow teams atop the draft to make a pure basketball decision."
- The Fit: An elite shot-creator who gives the backcourt a high-end scoring punch.
- 2025-26 Stats: 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists
3. Memphis Grizzlies
3. Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer | PF/C | Duke | Freshman

The Grizzlies pivoted into a tank late in the season, and boy, did it pay off. Cameron Boozer is the most pro-ready player in this class, carrying Duke almost single-handedly to the Final Four. Whether Ja Morant is the long-term answer or not, Memphis now has a foundational big man who plays like a ten-year vet.

"Boozer lived up to lofty expectations this season, cleaning up player of the year awards and nearly leading Duke to the Final Four, largely carrying the team all season. He has the makings of a foundational, tone-setting player, and while his limited vertical lift might cap some of his upside at some point, it's hard to argue with the results."
- The Fit: A high-IQ, ultra-reliable offensive hub who sets the tone from day one.
- 2025-26 Stats: 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists
4. Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson | PF/C | North Carolina | Freshman

Chicago fans needed a win, and the lottery gods delivered. Caleb Wilson is a pogo-stick athlete who treats the rim with zero respect. He had some bad luck with hand injuries at North Carolina, but the Bulls are betting on his motor and his potential to become an elite two-way force under Bryson Graham.

"In addition to being viewed as a consensus top-four prospect, Wilson is an excellent fit with Chicago's existing talent, representing a high-flying frontcourt option with room to grow. Teams fell in love with his motor, explosiveness and potential as a two-way impact player."
- The Fit: A high-flying frontcourt anchor for a team finally embracing a youth movement.
- 2025-26 Stats: 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists
5. LA Clippers
Keaton Wagler | PG/SG | Illinois | Freshman

The Clippers just pulled off the heist of the year by keeping this pick. Keaton Wagler is a massive guard who went from a maybe to a must-have after an incredible run with Illinois. He should perfectly complement Darius Garland in the backcourt.

"Wagler led Illinois all the way to the Final Four to cap one of the more remarkable prospect rises ever, entering the season as a curiosity for scouts and finishing as a bona fide top talent in an exceptional lottery class. The fact that Wagler is 6-foot-6, plays with change of pace and adds value at both guard positions points to major long-term upside."
- The Fit: A versatile, big-bodied playmaker who can stabilize the backcourt long-term.
- 2025-26 Stats: 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists
6. Brooklyn Nets
Darius Acuff Jr. | PG | Arkansas | Freshman

The Nets didn't get the lottery luck they wanted, but Darius Acuff Jr. is a fantastic consolation prize. He’s arguably the most polished floor general in this draft. Brooklyn needs someone who can actually run an offense, and Acuff showed at Arkansas that he’s ready to handle the keys to a franchise.

"Acuff put together an individually dominant one-and-done season and put himself in position to be the next guard off the board behind Darryn Peterson. There is an expectation that Acuff will need to be insulated defensively on a winning team, but he is highly skilled and the most polished point guard in this group."
- The Fit: A highly skilled, polished point guard who can run the show immediately.
- 2025-26 Stats: 23.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists
7. Sacramento Kings
Kingston Flemings | PG | Houston | Freshman

The Kings are at a bit of a crossroads, and Kingston Flemings is exactly the kind of high-octane playmaker they need. He’s got elite speed and a defensive motor that never stops running. If his jumper continues to improve as it did at Houston, he’s going to be a nightmare in transition.

"Flemings' explosive speed and winning intangibles swayed NBA executives this season, and he projects as a lead playmaker who puts downhill pressure on defenses and should also add value as a defender. He got positive results at Houston (38.7% from 3, 84.5% from the line) and has shown growth already in that area."
- The Fit: A high-speed lead guard who brings winning intangibles and defensive grit.
- 2025-26 Stats: 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists
8. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP)
Mikel Brown Jr. | PG | Louisville | Freshman

The Hawks moved on from Trae Young, and Mikel Brown Jr. is the project they’re betting on to fill that void. He’s got incredible size for a guard and a silky smooth shooting stroke. He dealt with a back injury at Louisville, but his ceiling is as high as anyone’s in this lottery class.

"Brown's positional size, shooting ability and passing skills should stand out in workout settings, but he needs a positive spring to work his way further up the board in a guard-heavy lottery. There are still scouts who view Brown's upside as the highest of the group, but it might take some work for him to leap ahead of the other top guards."
- The Fit: A tall, high-ceiling playmaker who can shoot over the top of defenses.
- 2025-26 Stats: 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists
9. Dallas Mavericks
Brayden Burries | SG | Arizona | Freshman

Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz are looking to surround Cooper Flagg with winning" players, and Brayden Burries is exactly that. He’s a steady, two-way guard who doesn’t need the ball to be effective. He’s the perfect adult in the room to help the Mavericks accelerate their rebuild.

"Burries endeared himself to teams over the course of the season as a steady two-way contributor with room to grow as a scorer. Scouts see an intriguing upside as he continues to improve as an on-ball playmaker, but he is a solid enough shooter to play the 2, giving him appealing versatility."
- The Fit: A high-IQ, versatile connector who fits perfectly next to Cooper Flagg.
- 2025-26 Stats: 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Nate Ament | SF/PF | Tennessee | Freshman

The Bucks are facing an uncertain future with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nate Ament is the kind of modern forward you take a swing on. He’s a tall, fluid athlete who can really shoot it. Even if his stock dipped a bit at Tennessee, his archetype is exactly what the modern NBA craves.

"While Ament's stock has slipped from an early top-five projection, he had productive stretches this season within a tricky team context and has room to help himself in workouts. As a tall skill player with shotmaking upside, Ament fits a player archetype that teams often love to swing on."
- The Fit: A malleable, tall skill player who can provide floor spacing at the forward spots.
- 2025-26 Stats: 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists
11. Golden State Warriors
Karim Lopez | SF/PF | New Zealand Breakers

The Warriors are trying to squeeze every last drop out of Stephen Curry, and Karim Lopez is the type of international pro who can help right now. He’s already played high-level ball in the NBL and has the kind of versatile skill set that Steve Kerr loves in a wing.

"The top player in a thin international prospect class, Lopez has a chance to help himself in pre-draft workouts, where teams will gain a better sense of his physical traits and skill level coming off a positive year in the NBL. Showing progress as a perimeter shooter in those settings would help his case to sneak into the top 10."
- The Fit: A seasoned international wing with the IQ to play in the Warriors' system.
- 2025-26 Stats: 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Yaxel Lendeborg | PF/SF | Michigan | Senior

The Thunder already have a roster full of stars, so adding a 24-year-old rookie like Yaxel Lendeborg is a brilliant move. He was the engine behind Michigan’s title run and is a lights-out shooter. He’s the definition of plug-and-play for a team that wants to win it all right now.

"Lendeborg is set to benefit from his instrumental role in Michigan's title run, where his versatility shone through on both sides of the ball, and he shot 52.9% from 3 in his final 11 games. He'll be a 24-year-old rookie, but he's ready for the NBA and should be a plug-and-play rotation piece."
- The Fit: An NBA-ready floor spacer who brings championship experience from the college ranks.
- 2025-26 Stats: 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists
13. Miami Heat
Labaron Philon Jr. | PG/SG | Alabama | Sophomore

Miami culture is all about tough, scoring guards, and Labaron Philon Jr. fits that mold perfectly. He’s a microwave scorer who can get a bucket whenever the offense stalls. The Heat need more shot creation, and Philon proved at Alabama that he isn't afraid of the big moments.

"Philon had an outstanding season at Alabama and proved himself as a potent scorer who can generate offense in spurts, helping him earn looks in the back half of the lottery. He's a proven scorer with positional size who could provide a real spark coming off the bench in the right context."
- The Fit: A potent bench spark and scoring guard who fits the Heat's competitive DNA.
- 2025-26 Stats: 22.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists
14. Charlotte Hornets
Aday Mara | C | Michigan | Junior

Charlotte is finally moving in the right direction, and adding a 7-foot-3 passing wizard like Aday Mara is a huge win. He was a massive part of the Michigan championship squad and gives the Hornets a unique offensive hub they’ve never really had before.

"Mara has given himself a runway to be the first center off the board, possessing an unusual skill level for his 7-3 frame and building momentum during Michigan's title run. He is an excellent passer and quick processor who can be an offensive conduit, in addition to finishing simple plays."
- The Fit: A 7'3" offensive hub with elite passing vision and post skill.
- 2025-26 Stats: 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists
15. Chicago Bulls (via POR)
Jayden Quaintance | C | Kentucky | Sophomore

The Bulls are doubling down on big and athletic. Pairing Jayden Quaintance with Caleb Wilson gives Chicago one of the most physically imposing young frontlines in the league. He’s a raw but terrifying rim protector who can finish anything around the basket.

"Quaintance's physicality as a play-finisher and shot blocker should make him an appealing consideration for Chicago at this spot. A hypothetical pairing with Caleb Wilson would give them an extremely physical young frontline to build around."
- The Fit: A physical, rim-running big man who provides elite defensive upside.
- 2025-26 Stats: 5.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists (4 games)
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL)
Christian Anderson | PG | Texas Tech | Sophomore

The Grizzlies grab some backcourt insurance here with Christian Anderson. He’s a knockdown shooter who thrived in a tough system at Texas Tech. If Memphis does end up moving on from their current guard situation, Anderson provides a steady hand and elite spacing.

"Coming off a tremendous season at Texas Tech, Anderson's stellar shooting (41.5% from 3) and steady ball-screen playmaking would make him an interesting addition for Memphis as it weighs the look of the roster long-term."
- The Fit: A knockdown shooter and reliable playmaker to strengthen the guard rotation.
- 2025-26 Stats: 18.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI)
Hannes Steinbach | PF/C | Washington | Freshman

The Thunder love guys who are efficient and know their role. Hannes Steinbach is a beast on the boards and doesn't need plays called for him to be effective. He’s the kind of "safe" pick that helps a team like OKC maintain their depth without breaking the rotation.

"Steinbach's dependable production and excellent rebounding stand out in a draft that's lighter on bigs, with many teams viewing him as a safe option. While not a flashy player, he's advanced enough offensively to plug into a rotation next season."
- The Fit: A high-level rebounder and efficient finisher to bolster the frontcourt depth.
- 2025-26 Stats: 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists
18. Charlotte Hornets (via NOP)
Cameron Carr | SG/SF | Baylor | Sophomore

Cameron Carr is a total spark plug. He’s got elite bounce and a jumper that’s only getting better. Charlotte has two picks in this range, so taking a swing on a high-upside wing like Carr makes all the sense in the world for a team that needs more explosiveness.

"Coming off a breakout season, his mix of perimeter shooting, elite explosiveness and defensive flashes points to long-term upside. His ability to score off cuts and space the floor should translate effectively, allowing him to play an off-ball role that helps mitigate his lack of playmaking."
- The Fit: An explosive, off-ball scorer who can space the floor and finish at the rim.
- 2025-26 Stats: 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists
19. Toronto Raptors
Chris Cenac Jr. | PF/C | Houston | Freshman

The Raptors have a type: long, fluid, and versatile. Chris Cenac Jr. fits that to a T. He showed some serious toughness at Houston, and while he’s still a work in progress, his shooting flashes make him a very enticing project for a Toronto staff that knows how to develop bigs.

"Cenac requires some added projection, but he profiles as a viable developmental bet in this part of the draft. His fluidity at his size and flashes of shooting touch set him apart from most of the other bigs in this class as a long-term bet."
- The Fit: A high-upside developmental forward with elite physical tools and shooting touch.
- 2025-26 Stats: 9.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists
20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
Morez Johnson Jr. | PF/C | Michigan | Sophomore

San Antonio is building around a literal alien, and Morez Johnson Jr. is the perfect human shield to put next to him. He’s a physical, switchable defender who just won a title with Michigan. He’ll do all the dirty work so Victor Wembanyama can stay out of foul trouble.

"Johnson will have a chance to capitalize on his role in Michigan's title run, with his physical style of play and defensive versatility holding long-term NBA appeal. He has a great frame, runs the floor well, is an active rebounder and has the ability to guard multiple positions and switch situationally."
- The Fit: A physical, defensive-minded "glue guy" to pair with Victor Wembanyama.
- 2025-26 Stats: 13.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists
21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN)
Bennett Stirtz | PG | Iowa | Senior

Detroit needs more shooting and veteran leadership in that backcourt. Bennett Stirtz is a winner who carried Iowa to an Elite Eight run. He’s a 23-year-old rookie who won’t be rattled by the NBA speed and can help stabilize the Pistons' second unit immediately.

"His ability to navigate ball screens, limit mistakes and knock down open shots gives him a path to a useful bench role in the right situation. Stirtz is capable of bolstering the second unit and also adding spacing playing off the Pistons' various playmaking wings."
- The Fit: A mature, high-IQ floor general who provides floor spacing and bench stability.
- 2025-26 Stats: 19.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU)
Allen Graves | PF | Santa Clara | Freshman

Allen Graves is the analytics darling of this class. He’s incredibly productive for his age and has a feel for the game that scouts love. For the 76ers, getting a high-IQ forward who can fill in when Joel Embiid needs a breather is a smart, low-risk move.

"Graves' skill level, feel for the game and productivity have continued to pique NBA interest, giving him a pathway to rise into the top 20 with a strong predraft process. With Embiid in and out of the lineup, adding younger frontcourt depth should be a goal for Philadelphia."
- The Fit: A high-feel, productive frontcourt player with a strong statistical profile.
- 2025-26 Stats: 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists
23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE)
Isaiah Evans | SG | Duke | Sophomore

Isaiah Evans is a pure bucket. He’s got great size for a wing and can hit some truly ridiculous shots off movement. The Hawks need more shooting to surround Jalen Johnson, and Evans provides exactly that with some serious starter-level upside.

"Evans has the makings of a quality wing shooter, with good positional size and the ability to hit tough shots off movement. He took a leap this season with an expanded role at Duke and has starter-level upside if he can be more consistent."
- The Fit: A quality wing shooter and movement scorer with long-term starter potential.
- 2025-26 Stats: 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists
24. New York Knicks
Koa Peat | PF/SF | Arizona | Freshman

New York is going to love Koa Peat. He’s strong, physical, and doesn't back down from anyone. While his jumper still needs work, his ability to guard the perimeter and dominate inside 15 feet makes him a classic Knicks player from day one.

"His strength and quickness relative to his size, coupled with a solid offensive feel and ability to guard the perimeter, give him a chance to find a niche in the right situation. New York would benefit from added size and physicality up front, particularly with Mitchell Robinson headed to free agency."
- The Fit: A physical, defensive-minded forward who adds toughness to the Knicks' frontline.
- 2025-26 Stats: 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Henri Veesaar | C | North Carolina | Junior

The Lakers finally address their center situation with a guy who can actually stretch the floor. Henri Veesaar shot over 42% from deep at North Carolina and provides a level of skill that Deandre Ayton just doesn't offer. He’s a perfect fit for a team that needs to maximize spacing.

"Veesaar comes off a productive season at North Carolina and will offer sheer size and viable shooting (42.6% from 3) in a draft that has become light on true centers. The functionality he offers on offense and defense should allow him to plug into a rotation next season."
- The Fit: A floor-spacing center who adds elite shooting and size to the Lakers' frontcourt.
- 2025-26 Stats: 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists
26. Denver Nuggets
Dailyn Swain | SG/SF | Texas | Junior

Denver is always looking for athletic wings to put around Nikola Jokic, and Dailyn Swain is an absolute freak of nature physically. He’s a lockdown defender and a relentless slasher who just needs to stabilize his jumper to become a high-end rotation player for the Nuggets.

"Swain is one of the most physically gifted wings in this class and has built a solid first-round case after putting together his most complete college season. Swain's positional size and defensive versatility would be an appealing fit here."
- The Fit: A physically gifted, defensive-minded wing who thrives in transition.
- 2025-26 Stats: 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists
27. Boston Celtics
Amari Allen | SF/PF | Alabama | Freshman

The Celtics love versatile wings, and Amari Allen is the latest edition of that archetype. He’s a high-feel role player who makes the right pass and competes on defense. Boston doesn't need him to be a star; they just need him to fit their winning culture.

"Allen's positional versatility and ability to augment lineups on both sides of the ball give him a path to finding a long-term NBA role. The Celtics value taller perimeter players in Allen's mold who can fit in alongside their stars, and they could afford him time to develop."
- The Fit: A versatile, high-IQ wing who provides lineup flexibility for a championship roster.
- 2025-26 Stats: 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)
Ebuka Okorie | PG | Stanford | Freshman

The Timberwolves need a scoring punch off the bench, and Ebuka Okorie is a walking microwave. He came out of nowhere at Stanford to average over 23 points per game. He’s shifty, tough, and isn't afraid to take the big shot when the clock is winding down.

"Okorie put together what could wind up as a surprise one-and-done campaign at Stanford, coming in as a relatively unheralded recruit then averaging 23.2 points on his way to an All-ACC selection. A tough-minded and shifty scorer who is undersized and slight for his position."
- The Fit: A shifty, high-volume scorer who can lead the second unit.
- 2025-26 Stats: 23.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS)
Meleek Thomas | PG/SG | Arkansas | Freshman

Meleek Thomas is a pure shot-maker who provides some serious backcourt insurance for the Cavaliers. He was a knockdown shooter at Arkansas and has the size to play multiple guard spots. For Cleveland, this is a classic best available talent play.

"Thomas is a talented scorer with solid positional size and made 41.6% of his 3s this season, making him a viable first-round option for teams in need of offensive help. In the midst of this current competitive window, Cleveland can justify picking for need at this slot."
- The Fit: A talented perimeter scorer and elite floor spacer for the Cavs' rotation.
- 2025-26 Stats: 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists
30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC)
Joshua Jefferson | SF/PF | Iowa State | Senior

The Mavericks close out the night with a grown-up. Joshua Jefferson is an unselfish, high-IQ veteran who just knows how to play winning basketball. Even with a late-season ankle injury at Iowa State, he’s the perfect plug-and-play piece for a team ready to win right now.

"He is skilled for his size with good vision and an unselfish approach that should help blend lineups and hold plug-and-play appeal. Jefferson shot a career-best 34.5% from 3 this season but still needs to become a more reliable floor spacer to tie his skill set together."
- The Fit: A mature, high-IQ forward who provides depth and playmaking for a contender.
- 2025-26 Stats: 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists
Have Your Say! What Does Your NBA Mock Draft Look Like?
NBA Fans, Let's Hear It

Whether you’re a Wizards fan finally feeling some hope or a Mavericks supporter hyped for the Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz era, there is plenty to argue about. This class is loaded with franchise-altering talent, but as we know, the transition from college star to pro staple is never a guarantee. Who do you think snagged the steal of the first round, and which team is going to regret their pick by Christmas?
- The Big Question: Which predicted pick do you agree with and disagree with most?
- The Debate: Is AJ Dybantsa a lock for Rookie of the Year, or is someone like Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer going to steal the show?
- Your Turn: Drop your thoughts and full mock draft in the comments. Did your team win the lottery, or are you already looking ahead to the 2027 mock?
ESPN's Jeremy Woo's 2026 NBA Mock Draft - Post Lottery
They Got Next?

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is over, and most of the balls fell where expected. Next up is the 2026 NBA Draft, going down at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 26. Before we get there, we are diving into predictions for all 30 first-round picks, as mock season is officially in full gear.

Let's dive into ESPN's Jeremy Woo's mock draft.