Wizards ponder No. 1 swing, reshaping whole lottery

2026 NBA – With the NBA Draft set for June 23 and the May 27 NCAA-eligibility deadline looming, the 2026 top of the board tightens around AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. Around them, the mock draft crystalizes a cascade of fits, from Cameron Boozer landing with Memphis

When the NBA Draft is less than a month away, the league doesn’t just talk talent — it races to figure out who controls the first domino. For the 2026 class, that starts with the Washington Wizards and a single, uncomfortable question: AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson at No. 1.

The Wizards have made it clear they’re willing to hear offers for the top pick. Still, there’s a widespread belief inside the league that Washington won’t actually trade the No. 1 selection. Yet the doubt won’t go away, because both prospects fit the kind of ceiling teams dream about. And how Washington answers doesn’t just decide the first name called — it decides who lands where. and how fast multiple franchises can turn their rebuilds into something tangible.

The draft itself is scheduled for June 23, with the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline for players trying to retain NCAA eligibility set for Wednesday, May 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET. NIL is expected to influence a number of late-first-round projections, potentially changing who shows up — and when.

From there, the mock draft landscape takes shape with AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson as the hinge for the top four, with Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson rounding out the first quartet in this projection.

1. Washington Wizards — SF AJ Dybantsa (BYU. Freshman) OR PG Darryn Peterson (Kansas. Freshman)
The Wizards are expected to keep the No. 1 pick, but rival league personnel still believe it’s either Dybantsa or Peterson. If Dybantsa is selected. the Wizards would immediately place him as a focal offensive option alongside Trae Young and Anthony Davis. with the expectation of a major step toward the playoffs.

There’s also trade chatter tied to the top of the lottery, with both the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets having held discussions with Washington about the No. 1 pick, and the Chicago Bulls reaching out since the start of the combine along with the Atlanta Hawks.

Peterson’s case in this mock draft is simpler: his dynamic play and upside as a potential All-Star guard are hard to ignore, especially given what the rest of Washington’s roster looks like after it moves forward.

2. Utah Jazz — PG Darryn Peterson (Kansas. Freshman)
The projection here is that the Jazz want AJ Dybantsa — a reputation described as among the NBA’s “worst-kept” secrets. But the mock draft also leans on the idea that owner Ryan Smith. Danny Ainge. and Austin Ainge won’t sacrifice Ace Bailey and multiple draft picks just to guarantee Dybantsa.

If Utah can’t get Dybantsa, Peterson becomes the best fit anyway. The Jazz already have Lauri Markkanen. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler. and they’re expected to bring Kessler back as a restricted free agent this offseason. Selecting Boozer would create a frontcourt logjam, which is why Utah’s path points toward either Dybantsa or Peterson.

Peterson is described as a true floor commander and dynamic scorer to complement Keyonte George as a combo guard pairing.

3. Memphis Grizzlies — PF Cameron Boozer (Duke. Freshman)
Memphis gets Boozer in this version of the lottery. and the argument is fit: the Grizzlies already have young pieces Boozer can play off during their rebuild — Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward are specifically named. Zach Edey is positioned as an anchor inside. with the mock draft pointing to Memphis becoming elite on the glass and gaining length and athleticism.

A major offseason storyline is also folded in: the indications from rival executives who have held direct contact with the Grizzlies are that Ja Morant will be traded this offseason. In that scenario, Boozer would be one of the young faces of Memphis’ next era.

The mock draft notes a competing possibility: it would not shock anyone if GM Zach Kleiman fell in love with Caleb Wilson instead of Boozer, given Wilson’s long-term upside compared to Boozer. Still, the projection leans toward Boozer as the most NBA-ready of the top four prospects in this class.

4. Chicago Bulls — SF/PF Caleb Wilson (North Carolina, Freshman)
The Bulls land Caleb Wilson at No. 4. shaping the rebuild around a specific player mold described by the team’s new executive vice president of basketball operations. Bryson Graham. Graham, introduced to the organization, said he’s searching for players with SLAP: size, length, athleticism, and physicality.

Wilson is presented as the “picture-perfect prospect” for that plan. Some executives and scouts believe his upside is the highest in the draft after Dybantsa’s, which leads to him ranking higher than both Peterson and Boozer on some early boards.

The mock draft stresses Wilson’s open-court play, defensive versatility from his length, and explosive offense when he goes from perimeter to rim quickly.

It also adds a roster and coaching timeline: the Bulls have no interest in trading the No. 4 pick unless they move up. and Graham is focused on building a young. dynamic team with a head coach who can relate to and energize young players. Interviews for the Chicago coaching role are ongoing. and the organization is expected to enter the next stage of the process in the first week of June.

Several coaching candidates are named: Chris Quinn (Miami Heat). Micah Nori (Minnesota Timberwolves). Sean Sweeney (San Antonio Spurs). Dave Bliss (Oklahoma City Thunder). and Tiago Splitter (Portland Trail Blazers). Former Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has already held conversations with the Orlando Magic since they fired Jamahl Mosley.

From there, the rest of the first round is built like a reaction chain — one team’s uncertainty becomes another team’s opening.

5. Los Angeles Clippers — PG/SG Keaton Wagler (Illinois, Freshman)
The Clippers are described as the lottery’s wild card because of questions surrounding Kawhi Leonard’s future and whether Darius Garland is the long-term answer at point guard.

The mock draft ties this to a wider summer focus: Leonard and Giannis are flagged as names playoff-contending organizations could inquire about. with the Detroit Pistons specifically named as one team expected to inquire about Leonard. It also notes that, outside of already-mentioned February trade deadline suitors, Detroit is on the list.

The mock draft also states that Aday Mara’s name has come up in rumors after the Clippers traded Ivica Zubac, but multiple sources say the Clippers will target one of the top guards in the class if they keep the fifth pick.

Keaton Wagler is gaining momentum, presented as the best talent on several teams’ boards after the top four. Options like Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, Mikel Brown Jr., and Brayden Burries are described as in play.

6. Brooklyn Nets — PG Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville. Freshman)
The Nets are projected to take Mikel Brown Jr. with a clear problem identified: after drafting several guards last year. none have proven capable of becoming the team’s true lead guard. Nolan Traore and Ben Saraf are positioned as secondary facilitators and bench options. while Egor Demin would thrive next to a guard who can both score and create.

Brown is presented as a Day 1 floor general and potential No. 2 scoring option alongside Michael Porter Jr., with the mock draft stating Brooklyn has not signaled it wants to trade Porter entering the offseason.

One direct quote is included from Brown at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago: “I love to be coached hard. I appreciate being held accountable,” he said. “I love that type of coaching. and that’s how I’ve been raised all my life. and every single coach that I’ve played for has done that and got me to this point. So I wouldn’t have it any other way.”.

7. Sacramento Kings — PG Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas, Freshman)
The Kings’ projection is Acuff at No. 7, with the mock draft framing it as “Acuff or bust” because Sacramento’s floor is tied to its interest in him.

The uncertainty is whether he’s still on the board. with the Clippers and Nets expected to pursue backcourt talent as well. The mock draft also describes another potential hinge: if Acuff falls past No. 5, another team could strike a deal with the Nets to move up in front of the Kings, who want Acuff.

The projection adds a smokescreen possibility: it questions whether GM Scott Perry and his staff could be playing everyone to hide true intentions, especially if the Acuff interest is a diversion meant to lead to Brown or someone else still on the board.

8. Atlanta Hawks — C Aday Mara (Michigan, Junior)
Atlanta is linked to Aday Mara with the mock draft stating he’s gaining steam with the eighth pick as the Hawks search for their long-term point guard pillar after trading Trae Young to the Wizards.

The mock draft names CJ McCollum expected to return on a new contract slightly north of the mid-level exception (roughly $15 million). It also states Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are under contract.

The playoffs revealed a size and rim-protection need, and Mara is positioned to provide it. His size, shot-blocking ability, and pick-and-roll play are described as creating a strong one-two punch next to Onyeka Okongwu.

9. Dallas Mavericks — PG Kingston Flemings (Houston, Freshman)
Dallas is entering this draft looking for depth while building alongside Cooper Flagg, the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year.

Masai Ujiri is searching for a new head coach after Jason Kidd and the Mavericks parted ways, and the mock draft stresses that Dallas wanted to push Luka Doncic chapter behind it.

Kingston Flemings fits the need for a long-term backcourt option even with Kyrie Irving returning from his ACL injury. Irving’s early indications are that he wants to remain with the Mavericks and play alongside Flagg.

10. Milwaukee Bucks — SF Nate Ament (Tennessee, Freshman)
The Bucks’ projection at No. 10 is Nate Ament, with the mock draft focused on the uncertainty around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future.

It says Giannis’ future will be decided before the draft, with a growing expectation inside front offices that he will be traded.

In that context, the mock draft describes Ament as a high-potential wing with top-five potential in the class, though he has fallen on some boards due to offensive inconsistencies. Size and instincts are presented as key reasons Milwaukee would take the risk.

11. Golden State Warriors — PG/SG Brayden Burries (Arizona, Freshman)
Golden State is described as not fully locked into using the No. 11 pick. The mock draft says GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Warriors front office will evaluate adding an All-Star in a trade and may also consider moving down.

If the pick stays put, the Warriors prioritize players ready to play immediately. Burries is highlighted for high IQ, defensive versatility, and the ability to “wear multiple hats” alongside star players. Sources also describe potential Warriors interests in Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton. both described as targets for this summer’s unrestricted free agency using the mid-level exception.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder — PF Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan, Senior)
The mock draft expects Oklahoma City to be aggressive in trade talks involving the No. 12 and No. 17 picks because of roster crunch and upcoming financial decisions tied to Isaiah Hartenstein and Luguentz Dort.

It says the likely scenario involves trading one of the picks for future compensation, as Sam Presti has done repeatedly. But two executives envision a more aggressive approach: using both picks plus other assets to trade up into the lottery, possibly as high as the top four, to pursue Cam Boozer.

13. Miami Heat — PF/C Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan, Sophomore)
The Heat’s selection depends on whether Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade happens, with the mock draft saying Milwaukee could end up with the No. 10 and No. 13 picks. Miami is described as one of the top suitors for Giannis.

If the Heat are on the clock, the mock draft says they’d prefer a prospect who adds more size and physicality next to Bam Adebayo over adding another guard.

Morez Johnson Jr. is described as fitting the Erik Spoelstra mold because of effort, intensity, and physicality on both ends. Kel’el Ware is described as not a physical big man like Adebayo. while Johnson is positioned as an impactful secondary frontcourt talent capable of expanding his offense to the perimeter.

14. Charlotte Hornets — SF/PF Karim Lopez (Mexico (New Zealand Breakers – NBL), Junior)
Charlotte is framed as a team whose decision could set the tone for much of the first round, with seven to eight names floating around for the Hornets at the last pick in the lottery.

They own the 14th and 18th picks, giving them trade-up options. Multiple sources told ClutchPoints that their interest in Lendeborg is real and that they’d explore moving up to No. 11 or No. 12 to draft him.

In this projection, Karim Lopez lands at 14. He’s described as a pesky on-ball wing defender who could make an early difference and is noted for combine measurements.

15. Chicago Bulls — SG Cameron Carr (Baylor, Sophomore)
After taking Caleb Wilson, the Bulls expand their athleticism and dynamic play by adding Cameron Carr.

The mock draft ties Carr to a boost in draft stock since the combine, describing him as a projected 3-and-D wing after shooting 37.4 percent from three at Baylor last year. It also says he’s shown flashes of star-like potential attacking in one-on-one situations.

Carr would join Wilson in the starting rotation in this projection.

16. Memphis Grizzlies — PG Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama. Sophomore)
With the expectation that Morant will be traded this summer. the mock draft says questions come for the Grizzlies’ backcourt. It lists Scotty Pippen Jr., Ty Jerome, and Walter Clayton Jr. as under contract for the 2026-27 season, but still projects Memphis taking Philon Jr.

Philon is presented as a strong scorer off the dribble, with instincts for moving the ball to cutters. Scouts describe him as the best two-way guard in the draft class for making an immediate impact.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder — PF/C Hannes Steinbach (Washington, Freshman)
This pick is tied to insurance: if Isaiah Hartenstein is not willing to take a pay cut and leaves once his team option is declined for cap reasons, Steinbach is framed as an obvious replacement.

The mock draft says Steinbach measured like a true center at the combine and could spread the court alongside Holmgren, offering a perimeter-passing, pick-and-pop profile.

18. Charlotte Hornets — C Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston, Freshman)
Charlotte is projected to take Chris Cenac Jr. because the Hornets still lack skill and a true pick-and-roll threat at center.

Cenac is described as needing time to reach full potential, but the mock draft points to the way he would benefit from playing alongside LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller.

It also notes that head coach Charles Lee prioritizes mobility and versatility on defense.

19. Toronto Raptors — PG Christian Anderson Jr. (Texas Tech, Sophomore)
The Raptors’ backcourt need is clear in this mock: Immanuel Quickley’s time with the team appears to be coming to an end, and not having a scoring guard in the playoffs hurt their chances.

Christian Anderson is projected as a vital point guard addition with experience and shooting, positioned as the best perimeter scorer in the class with pick-and-roll passing upside.

20. San Antonio Spurs — C Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky, Sophomore)
The Spurs’ frontcourt is the focus, described as a question beside Victor Wembanyama.

Jayden Quaintance is positioned as a potential luxury pick at No. 20 if he fell out of the lottery due to health and motor concerns. The mock draft compares his game similarities to a young Robert Williams III early in his career with the Boston Celtics.

21. Detroit Pistons — PG Ebuka Okorie (Stanford, Freshman)
Detroit’s projection leans into secondary playmaking and scoring next to Cade Cunningham. Okorie is described as having shiftiness, craftiness, and confidence, with flashes compared to a young Kemba Walker.

It emphasizes that Detroit shouldn’t prioritize “best available” in a year where the priority is becoming a title contender in the East.

22. Philadelphia 76ers — SG/SF Dailyn Swain (Texas, Junior)
Philadelphia’s selection is linked to a front office transition. The mock draft says what the Sixers decide depends on who Bob Myers hires to lead the front office after firing Daryl Morey.

The player fit here is Dailyn Swain, described as an athletic wing with a 6’10” wingspan, pure open-court abilities, and a possible relationship to Philadelphia’s existing perimeter speed.

23. Atlanta Hawks — PG Bennett Stirtz (Iowa, Senior)
Bennett Stirtz at 23 is described as a potential long-term solution at point guard because he provides a key secondary role off the bench immediately, especially due to 3-point shooting.

The mock draft notes Stirtz will turn 23 during the 2026-27 season and has little upside for growth compared to other guard prospects.

24. New York Knicks — PF Allen Graves (Santa Clara, Freshman)
New York’s decision hinges on whether Allen Graves returns to college and transfers to a power-five program. NIL could influence his choice, potentially making him a lottery pick next year.

If he stays, the mock draft says Graves’ feel for the game and his ability to wear multiple hats on both ends would fit behind Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, adding key bench depth.

25. Los Angeles Lakers — C Tarris Reed Jr. (UConn, Senior)
The Lakers’ need is at center, with Deandre Ayton described as not the long-term solution.

Tarris Reed Jr. is projected as a rim-running big who thrives in pick-and-roll situations to create their version of what Luka Doncic had in Dallas with Dereck Lively III and Daniel Gafford.

The mock draft notes Reed’s above-the-rim skills and lob-threat abilities, and also says multiple teams with late first-round picks have registered interest.

And that’s just the first layer. The mock draft continues through picks 26 through 60, including projections tied to roster needs, potential trade-offs, and players deciding between NCAA eligibility and NBA entry.

By the time the list reaches the end of the first round, the story already feels familiar: every pick is really two decisions — a basketball decision and a timing decision. Who is still on the board, and who chooses the NBA when the May 27 NCAA withdrawal deadline matters?

That’s why the draft’s top uncertainty is so loud. If the Wizards settle on AJ Dybantsa, the league’s assumptions tighten across multiple rosters. If Washington chooses Darryn Peterson. it doesn’t just change who gets drafted — it changes who can afford to wait. who has to trade up. and who can build confidently without gambling on the wrong fit.

June 23 can’t come fast enough for teams trying to turn speculation into structure — and for prospects who can feel the clock ticking toward a decision that starts with one franchise, one pick, and one first domino.

2026 NBA Draft AJ Dybantsa Darryn Peterson Washington Wizards mock draft 2.0 lottery picks Cameron Boozer Caleb Wilson NBA combine June 23 draft