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Sports Illustrated Predicts 2026 NBA Draft Lottery Picks Featuring Fantasy Basketball Upside Swings

John Canady

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14) Charlotte Hornets: G Cameron Carr, Baylor
Cameron Carr helped himself as much as anyone during the pre-draft process, showcasing his athleticism and versatility at the NBA Combine. The Baylor product has the physical tools teams look for in a modern wing and flashed the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Charlotte's depth on the wing could make consistent minutes difficult to find right away, but the long-term upside is easy to see.

"He looked all the part of an NBA wing that can have a long career." — Gray Deyo
1) Washington Wizards: F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
AJ Dybantsa has the kind of offensive arsenal that teams build around, making him an easy choice at the top of the draft. Washington already has established scorers in place, but that shouldn't overshadow the long-term upside he brings as a potential franchise centerpiece. Even if the counting stats aren't massive right away, the talent is undeniable.

"He could still be a valuable fantasy player, but with Trae Young and Anthony Davis on the roster, his fantasy ceiling in his first season is capped below his talent level." — Gray Deyo
2) Utah Jazz: G Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Darryn Peterson would give the Jazz another high-level scorer to add to an already promising young core. His ability to create offense for himself is among the best in this draft class, and that skill should translate quickly at the next level. A crowded offensive hierarchy could limit his fantasy ceiling early, but the talent is there for a productive rookie campaign.

"Peterson can fill that role of SG for the Jazz and bring them the best bucket-getting skillset out of anyone in the draft." — Gray Deyo
3) Memphis Grizzlies: F Cameron Boozer, Duke
Cameron Boozer landing in Memphis could be a dream scenario for fantasy managers. The Duke star consistently impacts the game as a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator, and there would be plenty of opportunities for him to showcase that versatility. If the Grizzlies need offensive production from day one, Boozer has the tools to answer the call.

"He is definitely a rookie fantasy managers should go after, especially if he ends up in Memphis." — Gray Deyo
4) Chicago Bulls: F Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
Caleb Wilson has the athleticism to make an immediate impact and could benefit greatly from playing alongside a gifted passer like Josh Giddey. His offensive game is still developing, particularly as a shooter, but there is plenty to like about his long-term upside. Chicago feels like a spot where he could grow into a significant role.

"His highly athletic playstyle next to a pass-first point guard in Josh Giddey could be a lethal combination." — Gray Deyo
5) LA Clippers: G Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
Darius Acuff Jr. is one of the most polished offensive guards in this class and has a game that looks ready for the NBA. The Arkansas standout can score in bunches, create for teammates, and stretch the floor, making him a strong fit regardless of roster construction. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on him if he lands in a situation where he can handle the ball early.

"Acuff Jr., as a true PG, is the best offensive PG in his entire draft class." — Gray Deyo
6) Brooklyn Nets: G Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
Mikel Brown Jr. brings the type of versatility modern teams covet from a backcourt player. He can operate with the ball in his hands or play off another creator, which would give Brooklyn plenty of lineup flexibility moving forward. Opportunity is everything for fantasy rookies, and the Nets could offer plenty of it.

"Brown Jr. would be one of the top rookies to go after if he got taken by the Nets." — Gray Deyo
7) Sacramento Kings: G Keaton Wagler, Illinois
Keaton Wagler has been one of the biggest risers in this class thanks to his poise and ability to dictate tempo. Sacramento could view him as a long-term answer in the backcourt, though his rookie fantasy outlook may depend on whether the Kings keep their veteran core intact. The talent is intriguing, but the path to immediate production is less straightforward.

"His game, although not at the same level, does show shades of back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander." — Gray Deyo
8) Atlanta Hawks: G Kingston Flemings, Houston
Kingston Flemings would step into Atlanta with a chance to carve out a meaningful role immediately. The Houston product impacts the game on both ends of the floor and brings a level of toughness that should help him earn minutes early. For fantasy managers looking for late-round value, Flemings could be one of the more interesting rookie targets.

"In fantasy, if he lands with Atlanta, he would be a day one starter." — Gray Deyo
9) Dallas Mavericks: G Brayden Burries, Arizona
Brayden Burries would be an excellent fit alongside Dallas' young core thanks to his ability to score both on and off the ball. His outside shooting would complement the attention that players like Cooper Flagg draw from opposing defenses, while his shot creation gives him another avenue to contribute. If the Mavericks are looking for long-term scoring help in the backcourt, Burries checks a lot of boxes.

"Burries next to Cooper Flagg would be an ideal fit." — Gray Deyo
10) Milwaukee Bucks: C Aday Mara, Michigan
Aday Mara is one of the more fascinating prospects in this class because of his size and old-school center skill set. The Michigan standout can protect the rim, score inside, and facilitate at a level that isn't common for players his size. While his fantasy upside may be limited early due to workload concerns, there's little doubt he can help a winning team.

"Mara can play the role of being a team's anchor defensively, provide paint scoring, and also has above-average playmaking skills as a center." — Gray Deyo
11) Golden State Warriors: F Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Yaxel Lendeborg feels tailor-made for the Warriors' style of play. His energy, toughness, and versatility would allow him to contribute immediately, while his improving perimeter shot makes him even more intriguing. Age may keep him from climbing higher on draft boards, but Golden State could end up with one of the most NBA-ready players in the class.

"He would have the potential to start for the Warriors right away and is worth a late-round swing in a fantasy draft." — Gray Deyo
12) Oklahoma City Thunder: F Nate Ament, Tennessee
Nate Ament remains one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in the lottery conversation. There were stretches at Tennessee where he looked like a future star, but there were also moments where consistency became an issue. Oklahoma City would provide the perfect environment for him to develop without the pressure of contributing immediately, which could pay off down the road.

"Ament landing in OKC would be an ideal place for him to get drafted." — Gray Deyo
13) Miami Heat: G Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama
Labaron Philon Jr. made a strong case to be one of the fastest-rising guards in this draft after an impressive season at Alabama. His ability to create offense and take over games against elite competition should have teams paying close attention. Miami has a history of maximizing the talent of guards, making this a potentially strong fit for both sides.

"He is built for big moments and is able to show up for them because he can create space off the dribble with ease." — Gray Deyo
14) Charlotte Hornets: G Cameron Carr, Baylor
Cameron Carr helped himself as much as anyone during the pre-draft process, showcasing his athleticism and versatility at the NBA Combine. The Baylor product has the physical tools teams look for in a modern wing and flashed the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Charlotte's depth on the wing could make consistent minutes difficult to find right away, but the long-term upside is easy to see.

"He looked all the part of an NBA wing that can have a long career." — Gray Deyo
1) Washington Wizards: F AJ Dybantsa, BYU
AJ Dybantsa has the kind of offensive arsenal that teams build around, making him an easy choice at the top of the draft. Washington already has established scorers in place, but that shouldn't overshadow the long-term upside he brings as a potential franchise centerpiece. Even if the counting stats aren't massive right away, the talent is undeniable.

"He could still be a valuable fantasy player, but with Trae Young and Anthony Davis on the roster, his fantasy ceiling in his first season is capped below his talent level." — Gray Deyo

Sports Illustrated Predicts 2026 NBA Draft Lottery Picks Featuring Fantasy Basketball Upside Swings

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