Projecting the NBA’s 30 first-round picks after combine

From AJ Dybantsa’s scoring surge to Aday Mara’s rim protection and Henri Veesaar’s post-transfer lift, these are the latest, pick-by-pick predictions for the 2026 NBA Draft’s first round—timed to draft-night decision-making at Barclays Center on June 23 and Ju

When the 2026 NBA Finals gave front offices a clearer look at what actually survives late in the season. the weeks after have felt less like watching and more like counting. Teams are now using combine results. workouts. and college production to shape how the night at Barclays Center unfolds on June 23 and June 24—pencil in the right rotation pieces. and maybe change the direction of entire rebuilds.

What follows is a complete projection of the 30 first-round picks discussed in the source. with a detail-heavy focus on measurement and fit. Heights and wingspans—and the distance between the two—are listed to the nearest inch. and players were measured without shoes. The draft age is also included where provided.

The first big name in this set of scenarios lands in Washington.

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa (BYU)
Position: Wing. Born: Massachusetts. Height: 6-9. Wingspan: 7-1 (+4). Draft age: 19. Washington. coming off the worst record in the NBA. benefited from a lottery win and already had the second-worst offense in the league. The projection is that AJ Dybantsa—described as the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner—could inject new life into that offense.

His March Madness showing for BYU is cited as central: one game in the tournament put up 35 points and 10 rebounds. with further emphasis on his Big 12 performance. He led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The outline also points to 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10. plus 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances.

Fit is part of the pitch: Dybantsa would be a “fascinating” pairing next to Trae Young and Anthony Davis, giving Washington a chance to put veteran talent beside a new scoring engine early.

2. Utah Jazz: Cameron Boozer (Duke)
Position: Forward. Born: Florida. Height: 6-8. Wingspan: 7-2 (+5). Draft age: 18. This projection leans against the idea that Utah’s selection is locked in. While nearly every mainstream mock draft has the Jazz selecting Darryn Peterson. the source frames that as “far from a foregone conclusion. ” placing Cameron Boozer from Duke into the slot.

Boozer’s sole NCAA season is described as dominant enough to earn national collegiate player of the year honors, plus Duke’s ACC Player of the Year distinction. His combine testing in Chicago is also used as a key data point: he performed better than expected during athletic testing.

There’s also a human thread inside the roster math. The source notes that Boozer’s father, former Jazz player Carlos Boozer, currently works as a scout for Utah. It also acknowledges a potential awkward positional fit with a crowded frontcourt—while still concluding that Utah is building a stronger core and that. as of now. fans “should operate under the assumption” the pick is not yet decided.

3. (The source’s next listed pick) Chicago/Grizzlies scenario for Darryn Peterson
The draft line states: “TEAM: Kansas. POSITION: Guard. BORN: Ohio. HEIGHT: 6-5. WINGSPAN: 6-10 (+5). DRAFT AGE: 19.”

Even with Peterson no longer viewed as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick, scouts and evaluators still rate him as the most talented player in the class in this projection. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo is cited for feedback from the pre-draft process at the combine in Chicago: Peterson received “largely positive” feedback and was “quiet but serious” during pre-draft interviews.

The case here is the combination of scoring efficiency and usage. The source emphasizes it as rare to find a prospect able to score as efficiently as Peterson while holding a usage rate as high as his was this season.

A specific league consequence is included: if the Grizzlies draft Peterson, the source says it would give them a fresh start with a new floor general to run the offense, plus incentive to potentially trade longtime franchise star point guard Ja Morant.

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson (North Carolina)
Team: North Carolina. Position: Big. Born: Georgia. Height: 6-9. Wingspan: 7-0 (+3). Draft age: 19. The source ties this selection to Bryson Graham. who it says was recently hired as the new executive vice president of basketball operations for the Bulls. His described task is straightforward: select whichever of four players is still available.

Caleb Wilson, a North Carolina freshman, is framed as not merely a backup. The projection calls him a “perfect fit” for a build that values size, length, athleticism, and physicality. It also notes he earned the placement before an injury.

Bart Torvik is cited for production pre-injury: before the injury. Wilson led the nation with 67 dunks recorded and was one of the best vertical athletes at the combine in Chicago. It also says he was the only player under 20 to reach specific thresholds in block, steal, and defensive rebound percentage.

5. Los Angeles Clippers (via Indiana Pacers): Keaton Wagler (Illinois)
Team: Illinois. Position: Guard. Born: Kansas. Height: 6-5. Wingspan: 6-6 (+1). Draft age: 19. This projection starts with the draft mechanics. The Clippers reportedly received this pick from the Indiana Pacers as part of a package involving Ivica Zubac. Jake Fischer is cited as reporting “considerable curiosity” about whether the Clippers will actually use the pick or trade it for a win-now player.

In either case—keeping it or trading—Illinois standout Keaton Wagler is framed as a plausible target, specifically as an ideal fit next to Darius Garland.

Wagler’s own words are included in full: “I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder,” Wagler told USA TODAY Sports. “Just trying to go out each game and prove myself and do whatever it takes to win.”

His tournament résumé is described as pivotal: he helped the Fighting Illini reach the Final Four with 20 points and eight rebounds against UConn in the national semifinals after scoring 25 points in the Elite Eight. His three-point projection is also tied to concrete numbers: 39.7% from beyond the arc as a freshman. including as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. His season averages are listed as 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists.

6. (The source’s numbering skips to 20s in the middle but continues the list in the same projection set)
A Louisville guard fit for Brooklyn
Team: Louisville. Position: Guard. Born: Florida. Height: 6-4. Wingspan: 6-8 (+4). The projection describes the Nets’ rebuilding chapter as a place where they would “love to add” Mikel Brown Jr. The source emphasizes that Brooklyn drafted three point guards last season but still wants Brown Jr.

His production in the tail end of the season is quantified: he averaged 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including a 45-point outing against NC State on Feb. 9 where he hit 10 3-pointers. It notes an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness.

Brown Jr.’s status update is quoted: “I got cleared by the medical staff from the league at the Combine, so we’re all green,” Brown Jr. told USA TODAY Sports. “I feel like myself again.”

The source adds that Brown Jr. has deep range and ranked among freshman leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27), per CBB Analytics, and that some scouts believe he has the highest “upside” of the guards in this range, per ESPN’s Jeremy Woo.

7. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
Position: Guard. Born: Michigan. Height: 6-2. Wingspan: 6-7 (+5). Draft age: 19. The projection says the Kings need a potential star and that people around the league “widely believe” they are targeting Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. in this class, citing Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor.

His path to the Sweet 16 is used to reinforce offensive appeal. He led the nation for points created (1,394) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. The source also credits him for leading freshmen in field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. with alley-oop assists among freshmen leaders (17).

The projection is candid about limitations: he has significant defensive deficiencies. But it calls him one of the most exciting offensive prospects in recent memory.

An additional connection is included: the source says Kings executive Scott Perry coached Acuff’s father in college.

8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans): Brayden Burries (Arizona)
Position: Wing. Born: California. Height: 6-4. Wingspan: 6-6 (+2). Draft age: 20. The projection is anchored to the pick Atlanta received from New Orleans. With that capital. the source says Atlanta is expected to pick a guard. and one target is Arizona freshman Brayden Burries.

His Big Dance run is specific: he made it all the way to the Final Four and dropped 23 points against Arkansas. The source also points to two breakout games in January that helped solidify his draft stock.

Further production is cited with dates: 31 points with seven rebounds and five steals against Colorado on March 7; and 20 points with 12 rebounds and five assists during a victory against No. 14 Kansas on Feb. 28.

The skill picture is broad but concrete: productivity, defense, relocation, moving the ball, and making 3-pointers off the dribble.

9. Dallas Mavericks: Kingston Flemings (Houston)
Position: Guard. Born: Texas. Height: 6-3. Wingspan: 6-4 (+1). Draft age: 19. The source ties Dallas’s direction to front-office leadership changes: it says Masai Ujiri was hired as president of basketball operations and Mike Schmitz was hired as general manager.

Within that framework, it suggests Kingston Flemings from Houston. It describes his defensive habits with numbers: games with at least three steals, including eight against Arizona State earlier this season. His scoring is anchored by 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24.

His Sweet 16 run is cited. and the projection notes it won’t take long for teams to hear his name based on his season highs. It also points to a combine measurement: despite his smaller wingspan. he posted a 40.5-inch max vertical and elite speed across agility testing. projecting him as one of the fastest guards since De’Aaron Fox.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Aday Mara (Michigan)
Position: Big. Born: Spain. Height: 7-3. Wingspan: 7-6 (+3). Draft age: 21.
This projection is built on defensive impact during the NCAA championship run. Mara is described as a 7-foot-3 rim protector who transferred from UCLA.

The source quantifies his protection: opponents only attempted 20.4 percent of their field goals at the rim when Mara was on the court, per CBB Analytics, ranking near the lowest among all NCAA players.

It adds a league-need angle: teams value larger defenders to challenge near Victor Wembanyama, and it notes Mara measured with a 9-foot-9 standing reach.

11. Golden State Warriors: Karim López (International)
Position: Forward. Born: Mexico. Height: 6-8. Wingspan: 7-0 (+3). Draft age: 19. The Warriors projection focuses on overseas productivity and combine measurements. Karim López had a low usage rate and played fewer minutes than other players in this range. but was still productive for the NBL Next Stars program in Australia.

The source provides a breakout stat line: on Jan. 30 against Melbourne, he exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. It says despite his age, he played a huge role defensively for the team that won the NBL Ignite Cup.

Testing numbers are listed: just shy of 222 pounds and a 38-inch max vertical. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie is cited saying his “range” starts at this pick to Golden State.

12. (The source continues with a different slot tied to Oklahoma City)
Tennessee freshman Nate Ament as a Thunder possibility
Team: Tennessee. Position: Wing. Born: Virginia. Height: 6-10. Wingspan: 7-0 (+2). Draft age: 19. This projection says the Thunder may not use the pick because of roster abundance. but still places Tennessee freshman Nate Ament in the range. It says Ament has reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization.

It also includes his reported decision path: he reportedly considered returning to college to aim for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. By declaring for this class instead, the source says he is likely comfortable with the pre-draft feedback.

Production numbers are given: averaged 21.6 points per game while shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers during a 13-game stretch before an injury against Alabama on Feb. 28. After that. it lists 27 points (4-of-6 on 3-pointers) with eight rebounds. four assists. three blocks and a steal against Auburn on March 12. March Madness efficiency dips are mentioned, but the projection insists one team’s love can move him.

The combine note is specific about size: a standing reach exceeding 9-foot-1 near the lottery.

13. Miami Heat: Hannes Steinbach (Washington)
Position: Big. Born: Germany. Height: 6-10. Wingspan: 7-2 (+4). Draft age: 20.
The source describes Steinbach as a fit for Miami, with looks starting “as early as around No. 10 overall.”

It says he reportedly turned down NIL opportunities “worth up to $10 million” rather than return to college. It also ties his profile to rebounding and hands, including 24 rebounds against USC on March 4.

Steinbach’s pick-and-roll finishing is highlighted as well. It says he impressed during the FIBA U19 World Cup and that scouts love he is a smart player who can make great reads.

14. Charlotte Hornets: Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan)
Position: Big. Born: Illinois. Height: 6-9. Wingspan: 7-4 (+7). Draft age: 20. This projection calls Johnson Jr. one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. It describes how he was crucial to Michigan’s identity and how he thrived after transferring from Illinois.

The source points to free-throw form and scoring near the rim, plus his defensive playmaking trustworthiness. It adds credentials: former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man.

Combine measurements are used as a proof point: 39-inch max vertical and elite agility for his position.

15. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers): Cameron Carr (Baylor)
Position: Wing. Born: Minnesota. Height: 6-5. Wingspan: 7-1 (+8). Draft age: 21. The source says the Bulls received this additional pick because the Portland Trail Blazers advanced past the play-in tournament. It describes Cameron Carr as the player who improved his draft stock the most during the combine.

The data includes a 5-on-5 scrimmage with 30 points, a 42.5-inch max vertical, and great physical measurements. The source ties the fit to the Bulls’ new executive Bryson Graham, who indicated an interest in athletic prospects.

It also includes season and on-floor impact numbers from Bart Torvik and CBB Analytics. Carr. per Torvik. was the only player to make at least 40 field goals that were dunks and more than 60 field goals that were 3-pointers this season. It says Baylor outscored opponents by an additional 28.5 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor relative to when he was not. via CBB Analytics. ranked as the fourth-most of any high-major player in the NCAA.

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns): Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan)
Position: Forward. Born: New Jersey. Height: 6-9. Wingspan: 7-3 (+7). Draft age: 23.
The source calls Lendeborg perhaps the most NBA-ready player in the draft class based on his path to winning the national championship.

But it includes the caution: The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie reported there is potential for him to slip out of the lottery on draft night.

It frames the Memphis interest with age despite the risk, noting the Grizzlies have another first-round pick thanks to the Desmond Bane trade and have shown willingness to pick older, more experienced players.

A research-backed team lean is included: it says research indicated Memphis tends to value statistical similarities like efficient shot selection. added value beyond scoring. and defensive playmaking. For the second year in a row. Big Ten Player of the Year is described as an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward matching those qualifications.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston)
Position: Big. Born: Louisiana. Height: 6-10. Wingspan: 7-5 (+7). Draft age: 19.
If OKC doesn’t trade this pick, the projection suggests Chris Cenac Jr. comes into play around No. 14 overall.

Despite an up-and-down season, the source emphasizes tournament timing. In his first NCAA tournament game. he recorded a season-high 18 rebounds while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. In the Round of 32, he showed scoring touch by finishing cuts and scoring 17 points against Texas A&M.

The Sweet 16 is described as quieter but still active with 10 rebounds. Combine testing is also quantified: 37-inch max vertical and strong agility numbers for his size.

18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Labaron Philon (Alabama)
Position: Guard. Born: Alabama. Height: 6-3. Wingspan: 6-6 (+4). Draft age: 20.
This projection calls Philon a compelling option even with him not playing at 100 percent during March Madness due to injury issues.

It cites specific tournament performances: 35 points during a loss against Michigan. 29 points in his first-round game and 12 assists in his second. It also lists his season numbers: 22.0 points per game and improved 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.9 percent as a sophomore. while also managing 5.0 assists per game.

19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz (Iowa)
Position: Guard. Born: Missouri. Height: 6-3. Wingspan: 6-6 (+4). Draft age: 22.
The source frames Toronto’s need as another guard and places Bennett Stirtz at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick-and-roll.

The projection also notes his path from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program. It says he can finish plays from dribble handoffs.

March Madness performances are given as proof: 24 points against Illinois and 20 points against Nebraska, earning him a spot in the Elite Eight.

It adds a stylistic fit: the Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who did the same at Iowa.

20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Ebuka Okorie (Stanford)
Position: Guard. Born: New Hampshire. Height: 6-1. Wingspan: 6-8 (+7). Draft age: 19. This is described as an early entry candidate in the 2026 draft. The source says Okorie is a first-team All-ACC guard and a day-one starter in the NCAA who could be capable of rotation minutes for a team like the 76ers.

His scoring is supported by numbers: 23.2 points per game, including a 40-point game against conference rival Virginia Tech and seven other games with at least 30 points.

The projection ties his buzz to a specific stat the Spurs like: his assist-to-turnover ratio was 2.3 last season.

It also says the Spurs could consider Allen Graves, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization.

21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Dailyn Swain (Texas)
Position: Wing. Born: Ohio. Height: 6-7. Wingspan: 6-10 (+4). Draft age: 20. The source describes Dailyn Swain as a breakout player after transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and helping lead the Longhorns to the Sweet 16.

It calls him versatile on both ends, scoring efficiently in the paint and in transition, with effectiveness in isolation against defenders. It lists traits: quick, bouncy, and a solid rebounder, plus an 81.5% free-throw percentage suggesting promising shooting touch.

His age is included: he is 20 years old, the same age as several NCAA freshmen.

The projection adds that Detroit will strongly consider shooters like Christian Anderson and Isaiah Evans.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State)
Position: Wing. Born: Nevada. Height: 6-8. Wingspan: 6-11 (+3). Draft age: 22. The source places Jefferson in a context of leadership change: it says the 76ers have a new front office led by president of basketball operations Mike Gansey and vice president of basketball operations Jameer Nelson.

It also notes this first-round pick was acquired after trading Jared McCain.

Jefferson is described as an All-Big 12 standout and a dribble-pass-shoot forward. The source says he got hurt during March Madness and otherwise could have had even more hype and momentum due to his unique skill set.

23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky)
Position: Big. Born: Ohio. Height: 6-9. Wingspan: 7-5 (+8). Draft age: 18. Health becomes the main concern in this projection. The source says Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign while recovering from a torn ACL. meniscus. and fractured knee.

It still frames him as among the youngest in the class and notes he has shown flashes at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, it says he is arguably the most talented defender in the draft class.

The source gives a freshman-era stat: during his freshman year at 17 years old, per CBB Analytics, he led all D-I players in blocks per 40 minutes (0.7) on 3-pointers, regularly swatting shots on the perimeter.

The projection acknowledges his draft stock is not what it once was due to health concerns, but it ties his chance to youth and frame.

24. New York Knicks: Allen Graves (Santa Clara)
Position: Forward. Born: Louisiana. Height: 6-8. Wingspan: 7-0 (+4). Draft age: 20.
Graves is presented as one of the most under-the-radar prospects this season. The source says he came close to becoming a March Madness hero.

It lists honors: WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year. It also provides a standout performance: 30 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and two steals on Feb. 7 against Washington State.

The Knicks fit is described around scrappy, high-motor play—winning the possession battle through rebounds and turnovers—traits where Graves stands out. The source also says he chose to turn pro rather than return to college.

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Koa Peat (Arizona)
Position: Wing. Born: Arizona. Height: 6-7. Wingspan: 6-11 (+4). Draft age: 19.
This projection presents Peat as an appealing option for the Lakers. It describes him as naturally bouncy and athletic with good positional size and a near 7-foot wingspan.

It also includes his strengths as a solid rebounder and passer for his position. The source points out the key question: he will need to improve his jumper to carve out consistent, high-impact minutes.

Still, it says he is worth first-round consideration based on his body of work so far.

26. Denver Nuggets: Christian Anderson (Texas Tech)
Position: Guard. Born: Georgia. Height: 6-1. Wingspan: 6-6 (+5). Draft age: 20. The projection emphasizes fit with Denver’s offensive system. It says the Nuggets tend to look for players with a strong assist-to-usage ratio because they rely on high-efficiency passing and off-ball movement.

Anderson is described as a potentially perfect fit. After moving from the two-guard to point guard, the source says he averaged more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore compared to when he was a freshman. It adds he still scored well on spot-up possessions and handoffs.

Undersized is acknowledged, but the source says there are few better offensive creators in this class than Anderson.

27. Boston Celtics: Isaiah Evans (Duke)
Position: Wing. Born: North Carolina. Height: 6-6. Wingspan: 6-9 (+3). Draft age: 20. The Celtics are framed as valuing high effective field goal percentage, low turnover percentage, and low usage rate. It also says they like players who make quick decisions on catch-and-shoot opportunities and corner 3-pointers.

Evans is listed with Synergy numbers: he scored 218 points when shooting off the catch, third-best among ACC players last season. The projection also includes corner shooting: 30 corner 3-pointers, per CBB Analytics, trailing the top-ranked high-major player (34) by just four field goals made.

The source says Evans could end up higher on Boston’s board than other teams might. It also notes UConn’s Alex Karaban, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization, fits the same bill.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Meleek Thomas (Arkansas)
Position: Guard. Born: Pennsylvania. Height: 6-3. Wingspan: 6-7 (+4). Draft age: 19. This projection anchors on a stat line and a decision. It says Thomas averaged 16.0 points. 4.4 rebounds. 2.5 assists. and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 43.2 percent on 3-pointers during his 21 games as a starter last season.

It also emphasizes efficiency: his off-ball screening and handoff play, plus occasional on-ball flashes as a pick-and-roll ball handler. The source says he led the SEC in corner 3-pointers made (32) last season, per CBB Analytics.

His plus-four wingspan is treated as part of the reason he can provide length, as a young guard still improving on both sides.

The source frames the biggest question he answered: he turned pro rather than return to the NCAA.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Henri Veesaar (North Carolina)
Position: Forward. Born: Estonia. Height: 6-11. Wingspan: 7-2 (+3). Draft age: 22. This projection emphasizes improvement after transferring from Arizona to North Carolina. Henri Veesaar is described as having an excellent shot diet on offense.

The source says the All-ACC big man is scoring efficiently at the rim, especially when cutting or rolling, and also on 3-pointers. It also credits him as a rebounder and passer.

It includes a money marker from the transfer portal: the source says he was reportedly offered “at least $6 million” in the transfer portal, per CBS Sports, which is framed as a sign he was comfortable with his draft range.

30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Tarris Reed Jr. (Connecticut)
Position: Big. Born: Missouri. Height: 6-10. Wingspan: 7-4 (+7). Draft age: 22. Reed is projected as a pick tied to role readiness. The source says UConn senior Tarris Reed Jr. helped himself during the NCAA tournament on the way to an appearance in the national championship game.

The tournament stat lines are extensive: four double-doubles during March Madness, including 31 points and 27 rebounds against Furman; and 26 points with 9 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 steals during a win over Duke.

Combine performance is included too: in his first game he recorded 5 rebounds with 1 steal and 1 block, then in the second he scored 17 points (7-of-9 FG) with 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. The source also notes he tested with elite agility for his position.

The projection closes with the expectation he’ll come into the league and find a role sooner because of paint dominance.

This is the version of the draft the source builds—measurement without shoes. workshop notes from workouts. and production mapped to what NBA teams tend to reward. With draft night at Barclays Center on June 23 and June 24. the only thing that will ultimately matter is what teams decide when the board finally turns—starting with whether Washington pushes for Dybantsa and how quickly the rest of the lottery chain begins to rearrange itself.

NBA Draft 2026 Barclays Center NBA combine winners first-round projections AJ Dybantsa Cameron Boozer Aday Mara Trae Young Victor Wembanyama