WELCOME TO THE BIG SHOW.
February mock drafts always seem to hit different.
The Super Bowl is over. NFL fans are slowly flocking to basketball season.
Diehard hoop fans are foaming at the mouth, realizing March Madness is so close we can taste it.
Draft Sickos know this is where things start to get FUN.
We’re reaching the belly of the beast in the NBA Draft cycle. This is the final push for a lot of prospects to make some noise in the scouting world, cementing themselves as serious candidates for the upcoming draft class.
But an important reminder: while March is near, there’s still PLENTY of time for things to change.
We’ve seen just how exciting this NBA Draft class is shaping up to be. The hype has delivered. But now, we are finding out that it has the chance to be even more special than we dreamed.
The heavy hitters are delivering suspense. Other freshmen are starting to play their best basketball at the perfect time. While the collegiate regular season is inching toward the end, the draft cycle has just begun.
In case you’re new here, let us break it down for you.
Our entire No Ceilings team comes together for a “War Room” style Mock Draft. We take the current standings of the NBA on that given day and go pick by pick. Each member of our team shares a “nomination” for every pick. From there, after lengthy discussions, we take it to a vote.
These are the results.
Reminders:
Measurements are based off team websites. As tradition, take it with a grain of salt.
No Ceilings+ members get access to our Video of the War Room to see who was discussed for each pick. Video, as always, will be posted later today.
Analysis from our team on each first round selection. FYI, that doesn’t mean that the person who did the write-up made the pick.
Standings below are as of 2/8/26.
Let’s get after it.
#1. SACRAMENTO KINGS — Darryn Peterson | G | Kansas
Profile: 6’6”, 205
Year: Freshman (18)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
20.5 PTS | 4.2 REB | 1.7 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.5 BLK
48.9 FG% | 41.9 3P% | 79.1 FT%
13 Games | 27.8 MIN
Nick: In a miserable season, even by the standards of Sacramento Kings basketball, the one shining light at the end of the tunnel is their shot at one of the superstars of the 2026 NBA Draft class. This time around, they landed at the top of the heap and are fortunate enough to make the difficult decision of who to take with the #1 overall pick. Health concerns (and weird videos of someone sending a text that they definitely thought wouldn’t make it into the wider world) aside, Peterson has shown pretty much everything that one could have wanted to see from him. His silky-smooth offensive game, top-tier efficiency on high volume (20.5 PPG on 49/42/79 shooting splits), and an ability to force everyone else to play at his pace that would make many veteran guards jealous, Darryn Peterson is the prize of an exceptionally loaded draft class. The Kings may be guard-heavy, but Peterson will still command that guard room immediately–and may even have a chance to learn from a future Hall of Famer if Russell Westbrook sticks around.
#2. INDIANA PACERS — AJ Dybantsa | F | BYU
Profile: 6’9”, 210
Year: Freshman (18)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
24.0 PTS | 6.3 REB | 3.5 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.4 BLK
54.0 FG% | 37.8 3P% | 74.9 FT%
23 Games | 32.6 MIN
Rucker: The Indiana Pacers opened some eyes with a big-time move ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring Ivica Zubac while sending out a protected 2026 pick. It’s a heck of a swing for the Pacers, who will be hoping that the lottery plays in their favor, allowing this pick to stay home and pair alongside their new big man. If that happens, there’s a world in which things get interesting quickly for the Pacers. In this scenario, adding AJ Dybantsa to the mix seems like a tremendous fit. Indiana could roll out a lineup of Zubac, Siakam, and Dybantsa (alongside a certain superstar returning next year) and intriguing depth. Dybantsa has started to really take some strides forward in his development these last couple of weeks, and the talent is still incredible.
#3. ATLANTA HAWKS (via NOLA) — Cameron Boozer | F | Duke
Profile: 6’9”, 250
Year: Freshman (18)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
23.3 PTS | 10.0 REB | 4.0 AST | 1.9 STL | 0.5 BLK
57.6 FG% | 38.0 3P% | 76.2 FT%
23 Games | 32.7 MIN
Corey: While Atlanta’s forward/wing room is undeniably crowded after adding Jonathan Kuminga at the deadline to join All-Star Jalen Johnson and former #1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, Boozer simply represents the best player available. He’s arguably not only the top talent in this draft, but the best American-born prospect in recent memory. His game may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but neither was Luka Doncic’s. Though Boozer lacks superhuman athleticism (his athletic limitations are frequently overstated), he processes the game like a quantum computer and combines fundamental skill with ox-like strength, allowing him to play with both finesse and physicality. All Boozer has done at every level is dominate individually while leading his teams to trophies. It may not be the cleanest fit on paper, but who cares about fit when Atlanta could very well walk away with the best player in the class here?
#4. BROOKLYN NETS — Caleb Wilson | F | North Carolina
Profile: 6’10”, 215
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
20.2 PTS | 9.6 REB | 2.8 AST | 1.6 STL | 1.3 BLK
58.5 FG% | 26.9 3P% | 71.4 FT%
23 Games | 31.5 MIN
Nathan: Even after landing at this point in the top half of the draft, the Brooklyn Nets would still walk away with a potential franchise-changing player in Caleb Wilson. The forward out of UNC is arguably the most athletic player in the entire draft, and he has started to put aspects of his game on display that don’t require said gifts—including passing vision and mid-range shooting touch. Wilson’s long strides to the basket present matchup problems in transition, and even against certain matchups in the halfcourt. His motor and nose for the ball on the glass help to establish Wilson as one of the most well-rounded prospects in the field. He’d immediately make a difference for the Nets on both ends of the floor.
#5. WASHINGTON WIZARDS — Keaton Wagler | G | Illinois
Profile: 6’6”, 180
Year: Freshman (18)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
17.8 PTS | 5.1 REB | 4.2 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.2 BLK
45.9 FG% | 43.3 3P% | 80.9 FT%
24 Games | 32.5 MIN
Jam: Wagler’s sensational rise lands him in the Top 5 with a Wizards team that appears to be transitioning from their assessment/deconstruction phase to now laying the foundation after trading for Trae Young and Anthony Davis. His near seamless in-season move to the lead/point guard role due to injuries in the Illinois backcourt has allowed Wagler to show evaluators the valuable ability to thrive oscillating on and off the ball between the lead and ancillary guard roles.
At 6’6”, Wagler brings positional size and three-point shooting (43.3% 3P on 5.9 3PA) that slots perfectly in the backcourt alongside Trae Young and the young Wizards perimeter core while being able to shine operating pick-and-rolls with A.D. and Alex Sarr. GM Will Dawkins recently spoke on wanting multiple decision-makers on the floor and not having one dominant handler. Wagler fits the description as a versatile offensive threat (17.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.2 APG) with a coveted blend of size, feel, shooting, and playmaking ability.
#6. UTAH JAZZ — Kingston Flemings | G | Houston
Profile: 6’4”, 190
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
17.1 PTS | 3.5 REB | 5.4 AST | 1.8 STL | 0.3 BLK
51.6 FG% | 36.5 3P% | 82.6 FT%
23 Games | 31.3 MIN
Stephen: It’s at around this point of the NBA Draft where things can get a little interesting. I’ve long thought that teams are going to reckon with taking need vs. BPA pretty early in this draft, due to the depth of quality guards in this class–and the Jazz are the first team where things can get a little tricky. Keyonte George is having a breakout season, they’ve traded for Jaren Jackson Jr., this is another season where they have kept Lari Markkanen and Walker Kessler, they drafted Ace Bailey and Kyle Filipowski in recent drafts, and they are still working on quality depth. While some may think a wing could be in play, the Jazz are going with Kingston Flemings here as the BPA.
The movement of playing two smaller guards together seems to be on a downswing, but Flemings joining Utah could give them another player to take pressure off of Keonte, while also allowing him to focus more on scoring. Flemings leads his position group in Block Percentage–while also having a very high Steal Percentage. His three-point efficiency has been fairly high, but there could be a bit of a false floor attached to it. Still, the floor spacing within the frontcourt of Utah would give Kingston the ability to get downhill and swing the ball around the way that Houston has allowed him to be able to do. Plus, the shot blocking that would be behind him would give the Jazz the chance to play smaller in the backcourt.
#7. DALLAS MAVERICKS — Mikel Brown Jr. | G | Louisville
Profile: 6’5”, 190
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
17.3 PTS | 3.3 REB | 5.1 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.1 BLK
39.3 FG% | 31.7 3P% | 81.6 FT%
16 Games | 28.5 MIN
Albert: Cooper Flagg has been exactly what we thought he was going to be: nothing short of awesome. The mission now is to build a contender around him. With Anthony Davis now shipped to Washington, it really feels like the Mavs are fully locked in on building this team up from the ground floor. With that in mind, grabbing Mikel Brown Jr. here is a great first step in the right direction. Brown is coming off a monster performance against NC State, where he had 45 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and hit 10 threes. Critics may say that it was a flash in the pan and a one-off, but it’s important to note that Mikel has struggled with injury to start the season and is now starting to get into a true groove. Mikel may always be a streaky shooter, but his dynamic ability as a scorer and playmaker makes him way too enticing to pass up as a future building block for the Mavs.
#8. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES — Nate Ament | F | Tennessee
Profile: 6’10”, 207
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
17.6 PTS | 6.5 REB | 2.5 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.3 BLK
42.8 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 76.8 FT%
23 Games | 29.9 MIN
Jam: Ament’s progressive development this season and continued production surge are reasserting him as a Top 10 lock. Over his last ten games, Ament is averaging 20.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, and 1.5 stocks on 40.5% three-point shooting (3.7 3PA) and 75.9% from the free-throw line (8.7 FTA).
The toolsy 6’10” big wing is showing more comfort and decisiveness in addition to stronger drives and shotmaking versatility. With the need for patience and alignment on Ament’s development plan, Memphis offers one of the best matches because of the team’s status as a rebuilding team with a history of positive development stories and draft success. Adding Ament brings Memphis arguably the highest upside wing in the class outside of Dybantsa and raises the team’s long-term ceiling.
#9. MILWAUKEE BUCKS — Jayden Quaintance | F/C | Kentucky
Profile: 6’10”, 255
Year: Sophomore (18)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
5.0 PTS | 5.0 REB | 0.5 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.8 BLK
57.1 FG% | 0 3P% | 30.8 FT%
4 Games | 16.8 MIN
Albert: The Bucks are in a bit of an awkward position. The rumors around Giannis and his future with the team will continue to swirl, and by the time we get to the draft, who knows how crazy things might get. All that to say, the Bucks are still a flawed roster and need to be building for the future. Adding a player like Quaintance is the right move, regardless of whether they keep Giannis past this season. In Quaintance, the Bucks would be getting a very young, dynamic frontcourt player with supreme defensive versatility. He has unique measurables and tools that make him a one-of-a-kind prospect. From Day One, he’ll be able to walk in and defend multiple positions and offer a ton of impact on the defensive end of the floor. As an offensive player, he’s got a bit of a journey ahead of him as he’s very raw on this end. Early on, he’ll be an effective play-finisher with soft hands and touch, but he’s going to need some time to round out the rest of his offensive game. At the very least, you’ll get a reliable rim-runner who can offer monster potential on the defensive end. A player like that is a strong addition to a team with or without Giannis.
#10. CHICAGO BULLS — Koa Peat | F | Arizona
Profile: 6’8”, 235
Year: Freshman (18)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
14.3 PTS | 5.6 REB | 2.6 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.7 BLK
54.2 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 61.0 FT%
24 Games | 27.8 MIN
Corey: Arizona freshman Koa Peat feels like the most archetypal prospect in the class for a Bulls front office led by Artūras Karnišovas. Built like a football player, Peat moves with the fluidity, grace, and explosive power of a top edge rusher. He can play above the rim, create his own shot in the midrange, defend multiple positions, and be a vital, versatile contributor. He has played whatever role his team needs, for the best team in the country, even if he often sacrifices his own stats in the process. While his outside jumper requires significant development, as he often lacks the confidence to shoot unless he is completely wide the F open—NBA teams have shown patience with talented prospects whose main flaw is a developable jump shot. As Chicago finally commits to a rebuild, Peat could become a foundational frontcourt piece for years to come.
#11. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS — Braylon Mullins | G | UConn
Profile: 6’6”, 196
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
11.7 PTS | 3.3 REB | 1.4 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.5 BLK
47.4 FG% | 38.4 3P% | 81.3 FT%
17 Games | 26.1 MIN
Stephen: Braylon Mullins hasn’t lit up box scores in a way that some of the other players within the lottery have, but being able to be a reliable option for a team like UConn carries a ton of weight. The Trail Blazers feature a roster that has some good depth at the point guard position. They have some depth in the frontcourt. Where the Blazers could stand to get a little deeper is along the perimeter. Mullins entered this season as one of the preeminent shooters within the class, and he has lived up to the billing.
Braylon is shooting over 38% from deep while getting up more than 13 attempts per 100 possessions. He has also done a great job of converting his two-pointers as well, boasting a two-point percentage of 63.2%. Something that may catch people off guard is his competency on defense. Mullins moves his feet and is capable of defending on the ball remarkably well. This may surprise people, but he is one of 35 freshmen who have a Block and Steal Percentage of at least 2.0. There are some things that Braylon is going to have to improve–notably drawing fouls–but he is a non-stop shooter who can defend, can move the ball, and even rebound. Opening up the floor for Deni-Clingan pick-and-roll looks could be the move here.
#12. CHARLOTTE HORNETS — Yaxel Lendeborg | F | Michigan
Profile: 6’9”, 240
Year: Senior (23)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
14.3 PTS | 7.5 REB | 3.2 AST | 1.3 STL | 1.4 BLK
50.5 FG% | 29.9 3P% | 84.5 FT%
23 Games | 28.0 MIN
Nick: The Charlotte Hornets have been blisteringly hot for the last month and a half, and are on pace to make the play-in tournament for the first time in nearly half a decade. However, they could use some size in the frontcourt going forward, and their dead-last rankings in steals could stand to improve with the right defensive playmaker. Enter Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan’s do-it-all forward, who would be a massive defensive upgrade for the Charlotte frontline. Lendeborg might be going through a bit of a cold spell shooting-wise at the moment, but he has more than doubled his volume from distance this season and should provide spacing value. The shooting is also the last note in the log line for Lendeborg; his absurd 67.2% mark on his shots inside the arc should be driving much more of the conversation about his offense (let alone his sensational passing for his position), and his defensive versatility would allow the Hornets to throw out a bunch of different looks defensively that they can’t match with their current forwards.
#13. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via LAC) — Karim Lopez | F | NZ Breakers
Profile: 6’8”, 220
Year: 2007 Born (18)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
11.8 PTS | 6.1 REB | 1.9 AST | 1.2 STL | 1.1 BLK
50.0 FG% | 31.5 3P% | 73.8 FT%
29 Games | 25.6 MIN
Rucker: Oklahoma City continues to feature one of the most talented rosters in the NBA with legit depth for the foreseeable future. This franchise has always done a great job of trusting their board and stressing patience when it comes to developing talent. After a slow start to the year, International prospect Karim Lopez has started to really find his groove overseas in the NBL with New Zealand. Lopez is still extremely young, but has the tools of a versatile forward with potential two-way ability. For a team like the Thunder, investing in the long-term potential of Lopez gives them a versatile piece they can allow to blossom with time.
#14. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (via ATL) — Chris Cenac Jr. | F/C | Houston
Profile: 6’11”, 240
Year: Freshman (18)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
9.8 PTS | 7.7 REB | 0.8 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.5 BLK
50.5 FG% | 37.5 3P% | 63.3 FT%
23 Games | 25.0 MIN
Nathan: Perhaps no player has helped their draft stock more over the last month than Chris Cenac Jr. Viewed as more of a face-up big man who could stretch the floor and make opponents have to guard him on the perimeter, Cenac has asserted himself in recent games as an interior presence both from a finishing perspective, and on the boards where he’s been Houston’s most consistent rebounder of late. Cenac has all of the physical tools to become a versatile NBA defender, with a clear pathway to offensive production via putbacks, pick-and-pop shooting, and transition runouts. Cenac would fit well alongside Victor Wembanyama and provide plenty of spacing for a trio of backcourt slashers in De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper.
#15. MIAMI HEAT — Darius Acuff | G | Arkansas
Profile: 6’3”, 190
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
20.5 PTS | 3.0 REB | 6.3 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.4 BLK
49.0 FG% | 41.6 3P% | 77.9 FT%
23 Games | 33.8 MIN
Nick: The Miami Heat benefit here from Darius Acuff sliding out of the lottery, in no small part due to the extraordinary point guard depth in this class. Acuff has answered every reasonable question that could have been asked about his proficiency as a shooter and as a playmaker. He still has work to do on the defensive end, but he has the athletic tools to be honed into a solid player on that end of the floor under Erik Spoelstra and the rest of the Heat’s coaching staff.
#16. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (via ORL) — Morez Johnson Jr. | F/C | Michigan
Profile: 6’9”, 250
Year: Sophomore (19)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
13.6 PTS | 7.3 REB | 1.2 AST | 0.7 STL | 1.1 BLK
67.0 FG% | 38.5 3P% | 80.0 FT%
23 Games | 23.5 MIN
Albert: Morez Johnson Jr. will be a highly coveted asset in the 2026 NBA Draft. Johnson is easy to root for because of his style of play and the impact he has on both sides of the ball. Playing on a loaded Michigan team, one could argue that Johnson has been the most valuable player on the squad this season. On the offensive side of the ball, Johnson has shown some real flashes of extending his range out past the three-point line. He hasn’t taken a ton of threes this season, but he’s taking more than he did last season, and that alone is a big step in the right direction for him. Johnson is also very efficient around the rim and is a monster on the offensive glass. As a defender Joihnson is a monster rim protector, can guard smaller defenders, and gives supreme effort on this side of the ball at all times. For the Grizzlies, who are also looking to mix things up and potentially rebuild their team, adding a hard-nosed player like Johnson would be a welcome addition.
#17. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS — Brayden Burries | G | Arizona
Profile: 6’4”, 205
Year: Freshman (20)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
15.7 PTS | 4.7 REB | 2.6 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.3 BLK
50.8 FG% | 38.1 3P% | 78.8 FT%
24 Games | 28.9 MIN
Rucker: You could make an argument that Arizona Wildcats freshman guard Brayden Burries has been one of the most impressive prospects in terms of revamping his draft stock. After a slow start to the season, Burries has been one of the most impressive freshman prospects in the country, especially during conference play. Listed at 6’4”, Burries is a strong guard who plays with great poise and has a mature understanding of the game. He’s got the potential to become a legit three-level scoring guard and would be a dream to get here for Golden State. Burries has shown the ability to play on and off the ball this year for Arizona alongside upperclassman Jaden Bradley. For a team like Golden State, Burries would be a home run get, as he’s trending as a prospect who could start hearing his name much earlier than this spot.
#18. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via PHI) — Hannes Steinbach | F/C | Washington
Profile: 6’11”, 220
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
17.5 PTS | 11.2 REB | 1.5 AST | 1.1 STL | 1.0 BLK
54.2 FG% | 35.1 3P% | 75.9 FT%
21 Games | 33.5 MIN
Corey: After using their lottery selection on a high upside wing in Karim López, the defending champions now target the draft’s most productive and relentless rebounder in German big man Hannes Steinbach. Steinbach doesn’t possess a flashy bag, but he sets great screens, has a reliable back-to-the-basket game, plays with motor, and cleans the glass on both ends of the floor. Steinbach doesn’t need plays called for him, but he will create endless extra possessions and do all the gritty, dirty work that allows stars to shine. For a team with dynastic aspirations, Steinbach is the perfect value pick who fills an immediate and long-term need.
#19. TORONTO RAPTORS — Cameron Carr | G | Baylor
Profile: 6’5”, 175
Year: Sophomore (21)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
19.6 PTS | 5.8 REB | 2.8 AST | 0.9 STL | 1.3 BLK
52.1 FG% | 41.3 3P% | 76.8 FT%
23 Games | 32.8 MIN
Nathan: The Toronto Raptors still could use some help in the shooting department, and Cameron Carr is the most dynamic long-range sharpshooter in the 2026 NBA Draft due to his blend of silky-smooth athleticism with a clean, repeatable shot from the outside. Carr can hit shots on the move, off the dribble, and as a catch-and-shoot outlet. The Raptors organization leans heavily on several slashing threats to get downhill and spray out to shooters. While Toronto has a few quality perimeter shooters, none are as dynamic as Carr, who also presents real upside on the defensive end given his quickness and recoverability—even if he’s beaten off the bounce or caught on a screen.
#20. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (via PHX) — Amari Allen | F | Alabama
Profile: 6’8”, 205
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
11.7 PTS | 7.4 REB | 3.5 AST | 1.1 STL | 0.8 BLK
45.1 FG% | 36.1 3P% | 74.3 FT%
20 Games | 28.5 MIN
Stephen: It would appear that the Charlotte Hornets have placed a heavy emphasis on drafting players who are good at basketball. Seriously, last year’s draft has forced a bit of an identity shift for the Hornets. With players like Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner sparking this shift, it would be hard to imagine Charlotte going the route of project players. An area on the depth chart the Hornets could address in the draft is the forward spot. Amari Allen being available seems like easy money.
Amari is a freshman and the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year for Wisconsin (do yourself a favor and look up the lineage there). Playing for Alabama, Amari has been a point forward for the Tide, posting an Assist Percentage of 19.4. He also spaces the floor at good size (listed at 6’8” and 208 pounds), shooting over 36% from deep on just under eight three-pointers per 100 possessions. He is a strong and unrelenting rebounder as well. Defensively, he has a little bit to do in order to improve, but he has a Block and Steal Percentage of at least 2.0. He gets to the free-throw line due to his style of play and already-strong frame. There is a little bit of a usage conversation to be had (19.2 Usage Rate), but he should be able to come in and play off already established players on this team–similar to what he has done with Labaron Philon at Alabama.
#21. ATLANTA HAWKS (via CLE) — Labaron Philon | G | Alabama
Profile: 6’4”, 185
Year: Sophomore (20)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
21.5 PTS | 3.5 REB | 4.9 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.3 BLK
50.9 FG% | 39.1 3P% | 76.4 FT%
22 Games | 29.9 MIN
Jam: Led by his jump from shooting 31.5% from three (3.4 3PA) last season to 39.1% on 5.8 3PA, Philon Jr. has been one of the most improved sophomores and productive guards in all of the country with 21.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.9 APG, and 1.6 stocks per game. The very real leap in shooting in conjunction with his multi-level scoring, advanced playmaking, and tenacious two-way ability gives him the profile of a quality NBA lead guard that can contribute in Atlanta over both the short and long term.
Philon Jr. can alleviate some of the primary handling and decision-making duties from Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker while generating paint touches and scoring opportunities. With Trae Young traded to Washington and McCollum and Vincent on expiring contracts, the opportunity to select a lead guard of Philon Jr.’s caliber is too good to pass up.
#22. DETROIT PISTONS (via MIN) — Thomas Haugh | F | Florida
Profile: 6’9”, 215
Year: Junior (22)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
17.8 PTS | 6.4 REB | 2.0 AST | 1.0 STL | 0.9 BLK
47.6 FG% | 35.2 3P% | 74.0 FT%
23 Games | 33.8 MIN
Stephen: The Detroit Pistons have done such a good job of identifying players who can come in and fill a role on their team without sacrificing the rough-and-tumble persona they carry. Adding Thomas Haugh to this team honestly feels a little unfair to the rest of the league. Haugh is a collegiate champion. Last season, he played a role as a battering ram on offense and an enforcer on defense. When players like Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and Alijah Martin left for the NBA, the Gators made the decision to slide Haugh up to play small forward, which was a decision that left some feeling a little concerned.
The choice has proven to be a solid one for Haugh’s development. While playing further away from the basket this season, Haugh has still been an effective rebounder–ranking in the 69th percentile on putback opportunities. His strength and motor have allowed him to continue to be super solid around the rim, but he has also grown as a shooter. Thomas is attempting almost nine threes per 100 possessions, and doing so while shooting over 35%. The fact that Thomas has shown more confidence in attacking on drives has to have impressed NBA front offices. Haugh’s ability to be a strong defender and rebounder, while improving his touch from deep, has helped him to become a more well-rounded player. Considering his motor may burn the hottest within this class, the Pistons would be foaming at the mouth to take him should he make it this far in the draft.
#23. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (via HOU) — Dailyn Swain | G/F | Texas
Profile: 6’8”, 220
Year: Junior (20)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
17.3 PTS | 7.3 REB | 3.5 AST | 1.9 STL | 0.3 BLK
57.4 FG% | 31.3 3P% | 79.8 FT%
24 Games | 31.4 MIN
Corey: Texas’s Dailyn Swain is a quintessential modern wing prospect, blending connective playmaking with versatile defense in a mold that fits seamlessly next to Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. While not a primary creator at the NBA level, as Swain can be a bit turnover-prone, he has excelled at attacking downhill and finishing at the rim, utilizing his unique blend of bend and strength. His outside shot remains a HUGE swing skill (career 26.3% 3PT), though flashes of late-clock shot-making (38% with <4 seconds) and a solid career FT% (80.8%) offer a pathway to shooting development if you consider yourself a glass-half-full kinda person. Defensively, he’s a smart and active presence, navigating screens fluidly, moving well laterally, and generating steals with active hands. While he has limitations, Swain projects as an ideal two-way connector who makes quick reads, attacks closeouts, and guards multiple positions.
#24. LOS ANGELES LAKERS — Pat Ngongba II | C | Duke
Profile: 6’11”, 250
Year: Sophomore (19)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
10.7 PTS | 6.1 REB | 2.0 AST | 0.7 STL | 1.3 BLK
61.4 FG% | 28.0 3P% | 68.4 FT%
23 Games | 22.6 MIN
Jam: The Lakers are in search of talented bigs that can excel operating the two-man game with Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves. Enters Ngonba II, a big man with positional size and an evolving modern game. Ngonba doesn’t have the ideal vertical pop of a big that Luka is accustomed to playing with, but he’s a capable playfinisher and lob threat with feel that can also work the short roll and dribble hand-off game for both scoring and playmaking chances.
Furthermore, his touch flashes add to his offensive upside—plus there is enough defensive playmaking (2.0 stocks per game) to believe in despite lacking true defensive anchor qualities. Ngonba II would have an opportunity to become the starting big long-term in L.A., and at worst, become an impactful rotation big.
#25. DENVER NUGGETS — Christian Anderson | G | Texas Tech
Profile: 6’3”, 188
Year: Sophomore (19)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
19.3 PTS | 3.3 REB | 7.7 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.2 BLK
48.4 FG% | 43.6 3P% | 78.3 FT%
22 Games | 38.7 MIN
Nathan: Christian Anderson ending up with the Denver Nuggets would be fitting, given his most popular public comparison is Jamal Murray. Even though they aren’t similar in terms of physical frame, both Anderson and Murray do their best work operating in pick-and-roll and hand-off sets that free them up to shoot off the bounce, or create mismatches where they can attack slower defenders and make them pay in the midrange or on kick-out passes to open shooters. Anderson is arguably the most complete point guard shooter in the entire draft and has more scoring punch than meets the eye. He’s having a career season as a playmaker and is one of the best on-ball pick-and-roll playmakers to enter the NBA in quite some time. Despite concerns about his size and athleticism, Anderson has produced in a big way for Texas Tech and is a leader in the entire country in points created. Texas Tech’s offense benefits greatly from his ability to make the right read and pass guys open, and he’d be a great fit alongside bigs like Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon.
#26. NEW YORK KNICKS — Tounde Yessoufou | G | Baylor
Profile: 6’5”, 215
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
17.7 PTS | 5.7 REB | 1.7 AST | 2.1 STL | 0.6 BLK
47.8 FG% | 30.8 3P% | 76.2 FT%
23 Games | 31.2 MIN
Albert: Any player drafted in this spot for the Knicks is most likely looking at very minimal minutes with the team in their rookie season. The Knicks are one of the best teams in the East and have a veteran-laden roster with very little opportunity for young players to come in and grab minutes. With that being said, that might be the perfect situation for a player like Tounde Yessoufou. Yessoufou is a raw player on both ends of the floor, but he’s got a boatload of talent and, with a long enough runway and development, could become a very good NBA player. Yessoufou brings strong athleticism, an NBA-ready frame, and a budding offensive game. As a freshman playing for the Baylor Bears, Yessoufou is averaging over 17 points per game and just under 6 rebounds per game. That’s real production for a raw guard like him. With a couple of years of development in Westchester with the Knicks’ G-League affiliate, Yessoufou could become a tantalizing guard option for a team with an ageing Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
#27. BOSTON CELTICS — Joshua Jefferson | F/C | Iowa State
Profile: 6’9”, 240
Year: Senior (22)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
17.2 PTS | 7.7 REB | 5.1 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.8 BLK
50.0 FG% | 40.9 3P% | 70.3 FT%
23 Games | 31.3 MIN
Rucker: The Boston Celtics made a number of intriguing moves at the NBA trade deadline, especially when it came to navigating some potential luxury tax issues moving forward. Still, Boston continues to be a team that will be foaming at the mouth for the upcoming season once a certain superstar returns. Although the team acquired Nikola Vucevic at the deadline, who is on an expiring contract, there’s a good chance Vucevic could be back after the season. Despite that, Boston looks like they could use some more depth in their frontcourt. Iowa State senior Joshua Jefferson seems to be a potentially perfect fit when it comes to the Celtics. He’s a floor spacing forward with sensational playmaking ability offensively and a great feel for the game. Boston could use him as a great asset in their halfcourt to continue to open up the floor for a number of bucket-getters on the roster.
#28. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (via SAS) — Bennett Stirtz | G | Iowa
Profile: 6’4”, 190
Year: Senior (22)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
19.9 PTS | 2.3 REB | 4.8 AST | 1.5 STL | 0.1 BLK
50.7 FG% | 40.6 3P% | 84.2 FT%
23 Games | 36.4 MIN
Nick: The Cleveland Cavaliers made a clear win-now move at the deadline by taking the other side of the Darius Garland bet and picking up James Harden, so they could be looking for longer-term guard depth here near the end of the first round. With Bennett Stirtz, Cleveland picks up a spectacular shooter and excellent playmaker in Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz. Stirtz was a controversial prospect last year for Drake; some bought into his ridiculous scoring, while others wanted to see him prove it against a higher level of competition. He has responded by somehow improving both his scoring (19.2 PPG last year to 19.9 PPG this year) and his efficiency (50/40/79 last year to 51/41/84 this year) against a higher level of competition. Stirtz could very well go higher than this, depending on how teams feel about his defense, and he would be a great pickup here for the Cavaliers.
#29. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (via DET) — Isaiah Evans | G | Duke
Profile: 6’6”, 180
Year: Sophomore (20)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
14.0 PTS | 3.1 REB | 1.3 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.9 BLK
40.7 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 88.3 FT%
23 Games | 27.9 MIN
Corey: In the pursuit of championship depth, the Minnesota Timberwolves add a dynamic microwave scorer to their backcourt in Isaiah Evans from Duke. Evans is arguably the most aggressive three-point shooter in this class, launching with supreme confidence from anywhere, at any time, flying off screens with relentless off-ball movement. While his role was largely as a high-volume three-point shooting play-finisher as a freshman (18.1 3PT/100), Evans has expanded his role more as a sophomore, flashing tough shot-making self-creation on the ball. Defensively, he plays his ass off and has been an effective playmaker, with a STL% of 1.9 and BLK% of 4. He has clear limitations on both sides from a strength perspective, but he plays tougher than his lack of strength might indicate. He doesn’t have the most versatile game, but his immediate role is clear: provide instant, high-octane bench scoring as a movement shooter in the mold of a Malik Monk or Jordan Hawkins, backing up Anthony Edwards and helping to space the floor.
#30. DALLAS MAVERICKS (via OKC) — Flory Bidunga | F/C | Kansas
Profile: 6’10”, 235
Year: Sophomore (20)
Stats (as of 2/10/26):
14.9 PTS | 9.0 REB | 1.7 AST | 0.7 STL | 2.8 BLK
68.6 FG% | 0.0 3P% | 67.5 FT%
24 Games | 31.4 MIN
Nick: After showing flashes in minimal playing time last year, Flory Bidunga had a lot to prove heading into this season. He has passed every test on the court this year with flying colors, from having a lot of offense run through him with Darryn Peterson out early in the season to Bidunga’s master class on Monday night, putting up 23 and 10 with three blocks and a steal in an upset win over previously undefeated Arizona–also without Peterson. Bidunga’s insane athleticism was responsible for most of the flashes he showed last season, but he has taken his defense to another level by finding a way to play with more control. In truly absurd fashion, Bidunga has jumped up from 1.6 BPG to 2.8 BPG while reducing his fouling. Oh, and he’s also averaging 14.9 PPG on 68.6% shooting from the floor. Bidunga might not provide the stretch factor on offense as a non-shooter, but his improved playmaking and nearly-unparalleled rim gravity should be more than enough offensive output to get his incredible defense on the floor. If Dereck Lively II can return to health, the Flagg-Bidunga-Lively frontline would quickly become one of the best defensive frontcourts in the NBA.
SECOND ROUND
#31. SACRAMENTO KINGS — Aday Mara | C | Michigan
Profile: 7’3”, 255
Year: Junior (20)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
11.3 PTS | 6.9 REB | 2.2 AST | 0.4 STL | 2.7 BLK
66.7 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 49.0 FT%
23 Games | 22.6 MIN
#32. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (via IND) — Tyler Tanner | G | Vanderbilt
Profile: 6’0”, 173
Year: Sophomore (19)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
18.6 PTS | 3.5 REB | 5.3 AST | 2.5 STL | 0.5 BLK
48.6 FG% | 38.7 3P% | 84.9 FT%
23 Games | 31.6 MIN
#33. CHICAGO BULLS (via NOLA) — Motiejas Krivas | C | Arizona
Profile: 7’2”, 260
Year: Junior (21)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
11.1 PTS | 8.6 REB | 1.1 AST | 0.7 STL | 2.0 BLK
59.9 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 79.6 FT%
24 Games | 24.1 MIN
#34. BROOKLYN NETS — Henri Veesaar | C | North Carolina
Profile: 7’0”, 225
Year: Junior (21)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
16.6 PTS | 9.1 REB | 2.0 AST | 0.6 STL | 1.3 BLK
62.6 FG% | 46.0 3P% | 62.1 FT%
23 Games | 30.8 MIN
#35. NEW YORK KNICKS (via WAS) — Zuby Ejiofor | F/C | St. John’s
Profile: 6’9”, 245
Year: Senior (21)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
16.3 PTS | 7.5 REB | 3.5 AST | 1.3 STL | 2.0 BLK
53.9 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 70.2 FT%
24 Games | 30.0 MIN
#36. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (via UTA) — Joseph Tugler | F | Houston
Profile: 6’8”, 230
Year: Junior (20)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
8.0 PTS | 5.6 REB | 1.2 AST | 1.6 STL | 1.5 BLK
58.3 FG% | 100 3P% | 68.3 FT%
23 Games | 22.4 MIN
#37. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (via DAL) — Allen Graves | F | Santa Clara
Profile: 6’9”, 225
Year: Freshman
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
11.2 PTS | 7.1 REB | 1.8 AST | 2.1 STL | 1.0 BLK
51.4 FG% | 39.3 3P% | 69.6 FT%
26 Games | 22.7 MIN
#38. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (via MEM) — Meleek Thomas | G | Arkansas
Profile: 6’5”, 185
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
15.0 PTS | 3.4 REB | 2.7 AST | 1.4 STL | 0.1 BLK
42.2 FG% | 39.1 3P% | 84.2 FT%
23 Games | 27.7 MIN
#39. BOSTON CELTICS (via MIL) — Ivan Kharchenkov | F | Arizona
Profile: 6’7”, 220
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
9.5 PTS | 3.6 REB | 2.2 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.4 BLK
50.3 FG% | 30.0 3P% | 71.7 FT%
24 Games | 25.7 MIN
#40. SACRAMENTO KINGS (via CHA) — Dame Sarr | G/F | Duke
Profile: 6’8”, 190
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
5.9 PTS | 3.3 REB | 0.9 AST | 1.0 STL | 0.3 BLK
40.2 FG% | 31.5 3P% | 54.8 FT%
23 Games | 20.3 MIN
#41. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (via POR) — Neoklis Avdalas | G/F | Virginia Tech
Profile: 6’9”, 215
Year: Freshman (19)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
12.6 PTS | 3.1 REB | 4.7 AST | 0.7 STL | 0.6 BLK
38.8 FG% | 29.1 3P% | 67.4 FT%
23 Games | 31.9 MIN
#42. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via CHI) — JT Toppin | F | Texas Tech
Profile: 6’9”, 230
Year: Junior (20)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
21.8 PTS | 10.5 REB | 2.0 AST | 1.3 STL | 1.6 BLK
55.1 FG% | 27.5 3P% | 54.3 FT%
22 Games | 34.6 MIN
#43. BROOKLYN NETS (via ATL) — Ryan Conwell | G | Louisville
Profile: 6’4”, 215
Year: Senior (21)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
18.9 PTS | 5.0 REB | 2.7 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.2 BLK
41.0 FG% | 36.3 3P% | 83.5 FT%
23 Games | 29.9 MIN
#44. DENVER NUGGETS (via LAC) — Dillon Mitchell | F | St. John’s
Profile: 6’8”, 210
Year: Senior (22)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
9.4 PTS | 7.2 REB | 2.6 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.8 BLK
56.6 FG% | 0.0 3P% | 56.1 FT%
24 Games | 26.9 MIN
#45. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (via MIA) — Jaden Bradley | G | Arizona
Profile: 6’3”, 200
Year: Senior (22)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
13.5 PTS | 3.5 REB | 4.5 AST | 1.9 STL | 0.0 BLK
50.0 FG% | 42.1 3P% | 80.0 FT%
24 Games | 28.8 MIN
#46. ORLANDO MAGIC — Richie Saunders | G | BYU
Profile: 6’5", 200
Year: Senior (24)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
19.0 PTS | 5.9 REB | 2.2 AST | 1.8 STL | 0.3 BLK
49.1 FG% | 38.8 3P% | 81.9 FT%
23 Games | 32.6 MIN
#47. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (via GSW) — Braden Smith | G | Purdue
Profile: 6’0”, 170
Year: Senior (22)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
15.2 PTS | 3.7 REB | 8.7 AST | 1.8 STL | 0.2 BLK
49.6 FG% | 42.7 3P% | 78.1 FT%
23 Games | 33.5 MIN
#48. HOUSTON ROCKETS (via PHI) — Amani Hansberry | F/C | Virginia Tech
Profile: 6’8”, 240
Year: Junior
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
15.2 PTS | 8.2 REB | 2.7 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.7 BLK
49.0 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 71.9 FT%
23 Games | 31.6 MIN
#49. TORONTO RAPTORS — Zvonimir Ivisic | C | Illinois
Profile: 7’2”, 245
Year: Junior (22)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
10.0 PTS | 5.5 REB | 1.5 AST | 0.3 STL | 0.6 BLK
48.4 FG% | 34.7 3P% | 67.9 FT%
21 Games | 24.7 MIN
#50. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (via CLE) - Tarris Reed Jr. | C | UConn
Profile: 6’11”, 265
Year: Senior (22)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
14.0 PTS | 7.7 REB | 2.1 AST | 1.1 STL | 2.0 BLK
64.0 FG% | 0.0 3P% | 54.8 FT%
19 Games | 25.8 MIN
#51. DALLAS MAVERICKS (via PHX) — Alex Karaban | F | UConn
Profile: 6’8”, 230
Year: Senior (23)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
13.5 PTS | 5.5 REB | 2.3 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.9 BLK
47.8 FG% | 42.1 3P% | 81.8 FT%
24 Games | 33.6 MIN
#52. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via MIN) — Juke Harris | G | Wake Forest
Profile: 6’7”, 200
Year: Sophomore (20)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
21.1 PTS | 6.4 REB | 1.6 AST | 1.6 STL | 0.3 BLK
45.7 FG% | 36.1 3P% | 77.1 FT%
23 Games | 33.3 MIN
#53. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (via LAL) - Milan Momcilovic | F | Iowa State
Profile: 6’8”, 225
Year: Junior (21)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
18.7 PTS | 3.2 REB | 0.9 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.3 BLK
55.0 FG% | 53.3 3P% | 90.0 FT%
23 Games | 29.3 MIN
#54. HOUSTON ROCKETS — John Blackwell | G | Wisconsin
Profile: 6’4”, 203
Year: Junior (20)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
18.5 PTS | 5.1 REB | 2.3 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.0 BLK
40.8 FG% | 36.7 3P% | 85.3 FT%
22 Games | 33.1 MIN
#55. NEW YORK KNICKS — Rueben Chinyelu | C | Florida
Profile: 6’10”, 265
Year: Junior (22)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
12.0 PTS | 11.5 REB | 0.7 AST | 0.7 STL | 1.1 BLK
61.6 FG% | 0.0 3P% | 68.2 FT%
23 Games | 24.5 MIN
#56. CHICAGO BULLS (via DEN) — Jeremy Fears Jr. | G | Michigan State
Profile: 6’2”, 190
Year: Junior (20)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
15.1 PTS | 2.7 REB | 9.1 AST | 1.3 STL | 0.0 BLK
44..2 FG% | 25.4 3P% | 89.9 FT%
24 Games | 31.5 MIN
#57. ATLANTA HAWKS (via BOS) — Emanuel Sharp | G | Houston
Profile: 6’3”, 205
Year: Senior (21)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
15.8 PTS | 3.0 REB | 2.0 AST | 1.2 STL | 0.1 BLK
42.6 FG% | 36.5 3P% | 87.7 FT%
23 Games | 29.3 MIN
#58. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (via SAS) — Duke Miles | G | Vanderbilt
Profile: 6’2”, 180
Year: Senior (24)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
16.6 PTS | 3.0 REB | 4.3 AST | 2.8 STL | 0.3 BLK
45.1 FG% | 34.1 3P% | 88.7 FT%
18 Games | 29.0 MIN
#59. NEW YORK KNICKS (via DET) — Billy Richmond III | G | Arkansas
Profile: 6’6”, 205
Year: Sophomore (19)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
8.8 PTS | 3.7 REB | 1.7 AST | 0.8 STL | 0.6 BLK
56.7 FG% | 22.9 3P% | 75.6 FT%
23 Games | 22.5 MIN
#60. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (via OKC) — Keyshawn Hall | F | Auburn
Profile: 6’7”, 225
Year: Senior (22)
Stats (as of 2/2/26):
21.0 PTS | 7.0 REB | 2.7 AST | 0.9 STL | 0.8 BLK
46.5 FG% | 39.6 3P% | 85.6 FT%
22 Games | 33.4 MIN
Momcolivic and Hall going way too late
Gotta get Donnie Freeman, Malik Reneau, and Trevon Brazile on here over Duke Miles, Dillon Mitchell, and John Blackwell. Also if Haugh is at 22, then Keyshawn Hall should be within the top 40. They're both tearing it up in the SEC but Hall hasn't been on mocks most of the year. Ivan Kharchenkov is a great callout though, he plays with great intensity on defense and it's a huge part of Arizona's success.