Over the next two weeks, all 30 NBA teams will continue to bring in prospects for private workouts and put the finishing touches on their big boards ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23. These workouts happen every day for every team, and for almost every organization with a lottery pick, they greatly impact what happens when they are officially on the clock.
As of right now, there are many questions being asked among teams with top-10 picks in this year's draft, especially since many front-office personnel are still deciphering between who stands out over whom at the top of this draft class, one that is littered with talent and upside.
However, the discussion between the top four prospects in this class — AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson — has remained constant. Almost nobody around the league expects anyone else to break into this top four, and nobody expects the order in which these teams are choosing to change.
Once Dybantsa, Peterson, and the other top names are off the board, this draft immediately shifts to question marks with the LA Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, and Sacramento Kings with the fifth, sixth, and seventh picks, respectively, in the top 10.
Names like Darius Acuff Jr., Keaton Wagler, Nate Ament, Mikel Brown Jr., and so many others continue to be brought up in conversations around the NBA, which is why this next week of workouts will determine what we will see on June 23 in Brooklyn.
Since our last 2026 NBA Mock Draft 2.0 on ClutchPoints, a total of 38 early entry candidates withdrew their names from the NBA Draft, which greatly diminishes the value that was expected in the second round. Still, plenty of high-level, high-potential talents remain in the first round, and there are a lot of different ways things can play out over the next two weeks.
As always, our latest mock draft features new intel from conversations with front-office personnel, agents, scouts, and many others around the league. In case you missed our previous mock drafts or most recent big boards, you can find all of those below:
Previous ClutchPoints 2026 NBA Draft Big Boards: 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.0* *Previous ClutchPoints 2026 NBA Mock Drafts: 2.0| 1.0
1. Washington Wizards – SF AJ Dybantsa – BYU, Freshman
BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) looks on during the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Marriott Center.
Aaron Baker-Imagn Images
There continues to be chatter about the Washington Wizards not being fully locked in on drafting AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick over Darryn Peterson. However, Dybantsa is set to meet with the Wizards relatively soon and work out for them before the draft, sources told ClutchPoints. After doing so, the Wizards' decision will likely be final, with almost everyone around the NBA believing they will select Dybantsa in this spot.
Between his athleticism and dynamic scoring on the wing, Dybantsa is everything the Wizards have been looking for over the years in terms of a young star who can become the pillar of their franchise. As good as Peterson could eventually be at the point guard spot, Dybantsa is ready to come in and contribute immediately at a high level alongside Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
“I been number 1 since my first rankings came out,” Dybantsa recently said on the All The Smoke podcast. “ESPN ranked me No. 1 in 9th grade. I was like 14, and I ain’t drop. So I don’t plan on dropping in the draft.”
AJ Dybantsa says being drafted No. 1 is ‘very important’ to him 😤
“I been number 1 since my first rankings came out. ESPN ranked me number 1 in 9th grade. I was like 14 and I ain’t drop. So I don’t plan on dropping in the draft.”
(via @allthesmokeprod) pic.twitter.com/4FDSRetvDj
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 28, 2026
Although multiple teams have called the Wizards to inquire about the first pick, notably the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, and Chicago Bulls, there are zero indications that these conversations have matured into anything serious. Dybantsa is the clear selection for the Wizards, and there isn't a reason to believe right now he won't be the first name called by Adam Silver on draft night.
2. Utah Jazz – PG Darryn Peterson – Kansas, Freshman
In the event the Wizards shock everyone and pass on Dybantsa, the Jazz will welcome him with open arms. Utah was hoping to land the first overall pick in this year's draft in order to grab Dybantsa, who has played high school basketball and college ball in the state since 2024. Now, the Jazz will simply wait for the Wizards' official selection, which will likely see their Dybantsa dreams vanish.
But all is not bad whatsoever for the Jazz, as getting Darryn Peterson, a potential future All-Star at the point guard position, as a consolation prize couldn't be better. Peterson will fit in right away with the Jazz due to his playmaking abilities off the dribble and being able to also thrive off the ball. With Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, and now Jaren Jackson Jr. in Salt Lake City, the Jazz will have plenty of options to immediately become a threat next to other young teams like Oklahoma City and San Antonio in the West.
Talent-wise, Peterson is everything the Jazz need in a true floor commander and dynamic scorer to complement George in the backcourt. Despite some noise that the Jazz could consider taking Boozer in this spot, especially since Carlos Boozer is a front-office executive, scout, and former All-Star, the talk around the NBA is that Utah will be thrilled to take either Dybantsa or Peterson.
To this point, there have not been any conversations about the Jazz moving down from this No. 2 spot. The only scenario, as of right now, that they don't make a selection here is if they somehow convince the Wizards to trade the first pick.
3. Memphis Grizzlies – PF Cameron Boozer – Duke, Freshman
Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) shoots a free throw against the Siena Saints in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Out of all the teams that could select Cameron Boozer, the Memphis Grizzlies stand out as an ideal fit for the young forward for a multitude of reasons. Not only does this team already have established young pieces Boozer can play off of during their rebuild, like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward, but he would enter a system that already has an established big man in Zach Edey. Memphis would be elite on the glass, Edey would support Boozer's all-around skill on both ends, and the Grizzlies would all of a sudden have a lot of length and athleticism.
Many front-office personnel who spoke with ClutchPoints view Boozer as the safest of the top four players in this draft, simply because you know and understand what to expect from him every night. Aside from being a weapon on offense, Boozer just has a high understanding of the game and is extremely analytically sound. While he may not have the long-term upside of Dybantsa or Peterson right now, many tend to forget that Boozer will still be 18 when drafted and is the youngest player in this class.
The Grizzlies should be thrilled to draft Boozer as the face of their franchise moving forward, and while they have been very tight-lipped as an organization since the lottery, rival teams that have been in contact with Memphis claim the No. 3 pick is off limits. The same cannot be said about the Grizzlies' No. 16 pick, which sources say GM Zach Kleiman is attempting to package with other assets to move up in the draft, possibly securing another top-10 pick.
Assuming Dybantsa and Peterson are off the board, everyone around the NBA expects the Grizzlies to lock in their pick for Boozer. He met with them at the combine in Chicago a few weeks back, and he is expected to visit Memphis before June 23.
4. Chicago Bulls – SF/PF Caleb Wilson – North Carolina , Freshman
New Chicago Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham made it clear that he is searching for certain types of players during his introduction. Graham described the mold of a player as guys who have SLAP: size, length, athleticism, and physicality. Well, the Bulls will be getting plenty of SLAP with Caleb Wilson at No. 4 overall, as he is the picture-perfect prospect to continue their rebuild.
Some executives and scouts believe Wilson's upside is the highest in this draft, only behind Dybantsa's, which has led to him ranking higher than both Peterson and Boozer on some teams' early draft boards. What makes Wilson so special is his dynamic play in the open court, his length that leads to defensive versatility, and his explosive play going from perimeter to rim on offense in the blink of an eye.
Although there have been rumors about the Bulls being active in trade talks leading up to the draft, one rival league executive told ClutchPoints he will “believe it when he sees it” regarding Chicago possibly moving this pick or opting to pass on Wilson. Of course, chatter about what the Bulls could be plotting came this past week after they hosted top-10 talents like Keaton Wagler, Kingston Flemings, Nate Ament, and Morez Johnson Jr.
It is worth noting that the Bulls also hold the No. 15 pick in this year's draft and may very well be exploring the possibility of moving up into the 7-to-10 range of the lottery should one of these players fall in those spots. Wilson has too many fans in front offices around the league and too much potential for the Bulls to pass on him in this spot.
5. Los Angeles Clippers – PG Mikal Brown Jr. – Louisville, Freshman
Louisville Cardinals guard Mikel Brown Jr. (0) brings the ball up court against the SMU Mustangs during the first half at Moody Coliseum.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The rumor around the NBA in recent days is that Mikel Brown Jr. and his camp have shut down workout invites outside of those already accepted, which likely signals that a team has promised him following individual meetings and workouts. Brown will meet with the Clippers and Hawks before the draft, sources said. When gathering information on Brown since the combine, the most common team associated with him has been the LA Clippers, who are also considering Wagler and Flemings in this spot, sources said.
Both Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and team president Lawrence Frank have been on hand to see Brown on the court in person, and he is said to be fully recovered and back to 100 percent following his lingering back issues at Louisville. Word from teams that have watched Brown work out privately has been fantastic, with one team with a top-10 pick telling ClutchPoints they view him as the second-best guard in this draft class.
Along with being linked to the Clippers, Brown is also drawing serious interest from the Nets and Hawks, with the Dallas Mavericks viewed as his floor at the moment with the No. 9 pick.
Whether or not the Clippers will be the team picking in this spot is a big question being asked around the league in the weeks leading up to the draft. League personnel fully believe there will be a trade in the 5-to-8 region of the top 10, especially with certain teams attempting to gain an advantage over the others when it comes to these talented guards.
The most common trade-up names for teams have been Wagler, Aday Mara, and Nate Ament. Could a team like the OKC Thunder jump up in this spot to take Ament, who is drawing interest from a few other top-10 teams? This is one of the biggest questions being asked right now. As far as other names in this spot for Los Angeles, it is notable that Acuff's name hasn't been brought up lately when discussing the Clippers.
6. Brooklyn Nets – SF Nate Ament – Tennessee, Freshman
All of a sudden, Nate Ament is the hot name being linked to the Nets with the No. 6 pick. Ament, Brown, and Acuff are the three names mentioned the most around the league for the Nets in this No. 6 spot. Drafting Acuff is a very real possibility for Brooklyn here. In this mock draft, Ament is simply a placeholder in the No. 6 spot for the moment, as there is a lot of buzz for a lot of different reasons surrounding him.
For starters, Ament has risen on some teams' boards due to his length and pure offensive skills on the wing. It is rare to find this blend in a 6'10” wing, which is why there is genuine interest from teams with a top-10 pick in Ament. On the other side of things, Ament can struggle to score at times and will be a project for whoever takes him.
Nobody really expects Ament to burst onto the scene and be an All-Rookie performer from Day 1 in the league, but you never know. In terms of his fit with the Nets, Ament would represent long-term offensive upside on the wing instead of the team adding yet another guard following the 2025 NBA Draft, where Sean Marks added Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, and Ben Saraf in the backcourt.
One thing to keep in the back of your mind before the draft is that Nets personnel view Demin more as a wing than a true guard. Maybe this mindset will ultimately lead Brooklyn to another guard with the sixth pick, which sources say the team has signaled they don't have interest in moving. There has been a lot of Ament-Nets chatter since the combine, yet we've yet to receive a strong grasp from the Nets themselves that they're fully locked in on Ament, unlike they were a year ago with Demin at No. 8 overall.
Nothing has really happened with Ament and the Nets since Chicago, and he has yet to privately work out for them in Brooklyn. Ament is drawing interest from a plethora of teams — the Thunder, Bucks, Hawks, Mavs, and Bulls. He has worked out for Oklahoma City and Chicago, and I have heard Ament will also work out for the Warriors and Bucks, if those haven't already happened privately. A lot of the trade chatter surrounding the top 10 is that the Thunder have a legitimate interest in moving up, with Ament now being the top prospect named for them.
7. Sacramento Kings – PG Darius Acuff Jr. – Arkansas, Freshman
Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) drives against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center.
Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
If Darius Acuff Jr. falls to the Sacramento Kings, he will be their pick. As reported by ClutchPoints and several other outlets, Acuff is the name league sources have pinpointed at the top of the Kings' draft board. The offensive-minded guard has worked out for Chicago and Brooklyn, and he plans to do workouts for Milwaukee and Utah as well, according to Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman. There has been no word on if he has been in Sacramento yet for a workout and team meeting.
Whether or not Acuff will be on the board in this spot is the big question, especially with the Nets being another team frequently mentioned for him. If Acuff does go to Brooklyn, then talk of the Kings potentially trading down will grow. As recently discussed, the Thunder have been mentioned as a team seeking a trade-up scenario from the No. 12 and No. 17 picks into the top 10, and chatter around the NBA is that they have discussed the framework of a deal with a team in the 5-to-10 range. Could that team be the Kings, who would greatly benefit from adding an additional top-20 pick?
Drafting the Arkansas guard would be the best scenario on draft night for the Kings, as he would immediately become their lead guard and represent the future of the organization, one that will be shifting into a new era this summer. Scott Perry intends to move on from the aging stars in Sacramento and look toward the future with youth, which Acuff could set the foundation of alongside Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford.
Along with Acuff, sources have linked Flemings and Brown to the Kings as well in this spot. Addressing their lead guard spot is a must for the Kings in this draft. Whether they make a trade or not, Sacramento will be selecting its new lead guard in the lottery.
8. Atlanta Hawks – PG/SG Keaton Wagler – Illinois, Freshman
Many tend to believe Keaton Wagler is the next best player in the 2026 NBA Draft behind the top four, but there has been a growing sense of skepticism over the last week that he will be the Clippers' selection with the No. 5 pick. Wagler could very well fall in the 6-to-8 range, where he would receive looks from all three teams, given his combo-guard tendencies and abilities to do the little things for his squad on or off the ball.
Both Wagler and Brown are two guards the Hawks love, sources said. Aday Mara is another player sources say the Hawks are high on, yet conversations with league personnel continue to point in the direction of Atlanta favoring a guard in this spot to secure their backcourt long-term rather than target Mara. Should the Hawks trade down a few spots, Mara would be the obvious choice.
Multiple avenues to add frontcourt depth will present themselves to the Hawks this offseason outside of this eighth pick and Mara, as sources say they plan on making a run at Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein should he have his team option declined and enter unrestricted free agency. It is also worth mentioning that the Hawks own the 23rd pick, where plenty of big men will be available near the end of the first round.
Should Wagler be available in this spot behind Brown and Acuff, he would make sense as the most obvious win-now fit for the Hawks. Between his size and ability to thrive off other shotmakers, Wagler could come in right away and be the connector between Jalen Johnson, CJ McCollum, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He will not be falling out of the top 10, especially with teams like the Bulls and Hornets having possible trade-up interest in him.
9. Dallas Mavericks – PG/SG Brayden Burries – Arizona, Freshman
Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) looks on in the second half against the LIU Sharks during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
Poroy-Imagn Images
Over the last week, there have been rumors circulating about Brayden Burries, who is represented by Klutch Sports, and the Dallas Mavericks, specifically the guard's representation attempting to push him to Masai Ujiri and the Mavs. We have seen this happen with other Klutch draft clients in the past, with Rich Paul always looking to get his guys to the best spot possible, where they can immediately start and play. It is what happened with Dereck Lively II and the Mavericks in 2023.
However, that was different management for Dallas that could easily be manipulated and shared a relationship with Klutch Sports. That is not the case here with Ujiri and the Mavs' new leadership, as they will go with who they think is the best prospect for their future. After all, Ujiri is always very tight-lipped when it comes to the draft and has never once been manipulated by agencies pushing their players on him.
To be perfectly honest, Burries does make sense in terms of his fit in Dallas next to Cooper Flagg long-term, but I am not sold on him being the favorite right now. This could very well be a wild card spot, where Cameron Carr or Kingston Flemings ends up being the pick. It is also a trade spot multiple teams are eyeing based on who falls, especially if Ament is on the board in this spot — another player who fits the mold Ujiri has always gone for in the draft.
Burries is a very sound guard who can do a little bit of everything, which includes being a shooting threat off the ball. His physicality as a driver and ability to guard a few different positions are reasons why teams like the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder are oftentimes mentioned as logical landing spots for Burries as well. It will be interesting to see what transpires with Burries and his camp possibly declining workout invites over the next week, now that the word is they are attempting to steer him to Dallas.
10. Milwaukee Bucks – PG Kingston Flemings – Houston, Freshman
The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes continues to hit new highs, with sources informing ClutchPoints last week that the Milwaukee Bucks' ownership has decided now is the best time to move on from the two-time MVP. Everyone around the league is anticipating Giannis to be traded before the draft on June 23, with the overwhelming belief pointing to him landing with the Miami Heat. Thus, the 13th pick would be traded to the Bucks, which is why they have been operating as if they own multiple top-20 picks.
More from @BrettSiegelNBA on Giannis trade rumors ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/udibOMK36F
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 4, 2026
Regardless of all the uncertainty surrounding Giannis and the idea of a trade in the next week or so, the Bucks will be ushering in a new era where they will immediately look to kick-start things. With Taylor Jenkins as the new head coach, the only thing that is certain in Milwaukee is that this organization will aim to find another guard to pair with Ryan Rollins long-term in this draft, making Kingston Flemings a steal for them at No. 10 overall as a true point guard who can create offense for himself and others as a driver and mid-range finisher.
It is possible that Flemings goes fifth overall to the Clippers, who are among those in the top 10 with great interest in the Houston guard, and it is also possible he is the one to slip to the Bucks as well. That is how volatile the top 10 of this draft will be, especially with trade chatter heating up revolving around Wagler, Ament, and Acuff. As far as Flemings goes, the question is whether the Bucks like him more than other guards who could be available in this spot.
Flemings will do workouts for the Nets and Clippers, and he has worked out for both the Hawks and Bulls, sources said. He is the greatest unknown in terms of where he could end up in the lottery, especially with the Bulls and Grizzlies mentioned as frequent trade-up teams for him.
11. Golden State Warriors – SG Cameron Carr – Baylor, Sophomore
Right after the lottery, there was talk of the Golden State Warriors possibly trading the 11th overall pick in a deal for a star player this offseason. That no longer appears to be the case, as Warriors officials have signaled there are multiple players they are targeting with this 11th pick, and there is a belief a couple of unexpected names will fall their way as well. Cameron Carr is a sleeper name quietly mentioned along with Aday Mara as being in play for the Warriors in this spot.
Carr was the biggest riser on a lot of teams' boards from the combine in Chicago last month, as his display of athleticism and pure scoring abilities at the shooting guard position intrigued many lottery teams, including Warriors officials, sources said. He should be able to make an impact right away as a 3-and-D player who is viewed as a burst of energy off the bench. That is exactly the type of player the Warriors need with Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody recovering from their injuries.
Along with Carr and Mara, Burries, Hannes Steinbach, and Yaxel Lendeborg are other names commonly brought up as targets for the Warriors around the league. Ament and Flemings are among the two players Golden State would give serious consideration to if they fell out of the top 10. Speaking of Lendeborg, he has a scheduled upcoming workout for the Warriors, a source said. How he performs during this workout will greatly impact whether he is truly in play for the Dubs, as he has been a hard read as of late.
Another name commonly mentioned for the Warriors in this spot is Karim Lopez, but multiple personnel have told ClutchPoints that the hype surrounding him in this spot has been a little blown up. Lopez could realistically go anywhere from 10-to-22 in the draft, but word right now regarding him and the Warriors is that he is not as high on their list as others.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder – C Aday Mara – Michigan, Junior
Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) dunks against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half in a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Aday Mara is widely expected to be the first Michigan player taken in this year's draft, with the Hawks, Warriors, Thunder, and Bucks all mentioned as teams with interest in the 8-to-12 region. The Nets are another team mentioned as a suitor for Mara, although he is not expected to be in play for the No. 6 pick. Mara flew up draft boards during the combine in Chicago, where his pure measurements and agility were put on display for front offices around the league.
Despite drafting Thomas Sorber last year to be a long-term option in their frontcourt, Mara stands out as a valuable addition next to Chet Holmgren, regardless of whether Isaiah Hartenstein stays in Oklahoma City or not. The Thunder know they will need size moving forward in a Western Conference that just became more competitive with Victor Wembanyama, and drafting Mara gives them yet another reliable rim protector and rebounder to dominate the paint.
As already mentioned, the Thunder have been exploring ways to package both their first-round picks in attempts to move up into the top 10. Sources said Ament is a player Oklahoma City is high on, although there could be a dark-horse name that emerges over the next two weeks. Should the Thunder keep this pick, Karim Lopez and Yaxel Lendeborg are two other names league personnel have mentioned for this spot.
Sam Presti always seems to have a surprise when it comes to draft night, so do not be shocked if the Thunder reach for a certain player in the lottery that they really like. After all, this team can take a little bit of a risk knowing the amount of depth they have. But with Wembanyama and the Spurs making the NBA Finals this year and taking down the Thunder in seven games, it makes sense to add more size on the front lines with Mara.
13. Miami Heat – PF Yaxel Lendeborg – Michigan, Senior
Nobody is expecting the Heat to keep this pick since Giannis trade talks are heating up and the 13th selection may very well be heading to Milwaukee. For now, Yaxel Lendeborg is a placeholder in the lottery, but some have speculated that he could wind up slipping to 14, 15, or 16. His floor is viewed as the Thunder and Hornets with the 17th and 18th picks, respectively.
If this happens, assuming the Antetokounmpo trade is made, and Lendeborg isn't in play to go to Miami, then multiple teams will be attempting to trade up for the Michigan star. The Detroit Pistons and the San Antonio Spurs are two teams that have shown a level of interest in Lendeborg since the draft combine and can explore trade-up avenues for him.
As a versatile forward with a 7'4″ wingspan, Lendeborg is a utility player who can do anything asked of him on the court. That is what makes him so appealing for a team on the rise or in a position to make the playoffs. Lendeborg will be able to contribute right away and grow into any system despite being 24 years old. Do not let his age fool you, as Lendeborg has real talent that can make him an All-Rookie performer.
14. Charlotte Hornets – PF/C Morez Johnson Jr. – Michigan, Sophomore
There is a real chance Morez Johnson Jr. and Mara go before Lendeborg in this draft, as there is significant momentum regarding Johnson right now, so much so that multiple sources who spoke with ClutchPoints are calling him a lottery lock. Aside from excelling in pick-and-roll sets as an above-the-rim threat, Johnson can get out and run in the open court as a change-of-pace big man who can also dominate the glass.
Not to mention, Johnson moves his feet really well and can guard multiple positions, including wings he gets switched onto. Johnson is exactly the type of athletic player the Hornets need in their frontcourt, even if he isn't necessarily viewed as a reliable option at center in the NBA. His shooting may be a concern, but Johnson makes up for this with his physicality and motor, two intangibles you can't teach.
Johnson has worked out for a variety of teams in the 10-to-20 range of this year's draft, and he is drawing interest from the Hornets, Bulls, Pistons, Heat, and Thunder. It is worth mentioning that Johnson worked out for the Hornets already, who also have long held interest in Lendeborg.
Perhaps Charlotte explores ways to not only add Johnson in this spot but also utilize the 18th pick to move up a few spots and draft his Michigan teammate. Pairing these two together once more on a rising team in the East would give the Hornets exactly what they've been lacking in forward depth and reliable secondary play.
15. Chicago Bulls – PF/C Hannes Steinbach – Washington, Freshman
Washington Huskies forward Hannes Steinbach (6) shoots a free throw against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half at United Center.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
As a result of all the workouts the Bulls are hosting, as well as more that could be planned with lottery-projected talents, some around the league have begun to wonder if new executive Bryson Graham is attempting to utilize the 15th pick and other assets to move up into the top 12. While possible, several high-level prospects will be on the board with the 15th pick, including Hannes Steinbach.
Not only did Steinbach play professionally in Germany before enrolling at Washington, but he has also spent each of the last three years representing his home country in the FIBA U18 EuroBasket and, most recently, the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, where he averaged a double-double and immediately put his name on the radar of NBA evaluators in Europe.
Steinbach measured like a true center at the NBA Draft Combine, and his fundamentals in the paint make him a better frontcourt prospect than many give him credit for. He would immediately become a lead option for the Bulls, who do not have a player under contract for the 2026-27 season listed taller than 6'8″. Best of all, Steinbach checks off the boxes for being able to extend his game to the perimeter and knock down jumpers.
16. Memphis Grizzlies – SF/PF Karim Lopez – Mexico (New Zealand Breakers – NBL)
The Memphis Grizzlies have always been an aggressive team when it comes to the NBA Draft under Zach Kleiman, and he's always making trades to bounce around the board. This year could tell a similar tale with the Grizzlies expressing interest in Morez Johnson and Cam Carr, sources said. Teams around the NBA view this 16th pick as a trade spot for Memphis, which is open to moving anyone on its roster outside of Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, and Jaylen Wells.
While many anticipate Kleiman finding a Ja Morant replacement in the draft, the Grizzlies do not necessarily need to force themselves into taking a guard with Ty Jerome, Walter Clayton Jr., and Scotty Pippen Jr. all under contract. Karim Lopez presents a lot of long-term upside and fits the mold of a hybrid, defensive-minded player on the wing that this Grizzlies front office tends to value high. He could grow in time offensively on the rebuilding Grizzlies, especially with Boozer set to take over at the power forward position with the third pick.
Lopez's possible lottery pick status depends on who you ask. With two weeks until the draft, talk of him slipping out of the lottery has grown, as he could very well be a casualty of trades and other names like Johnson and Carr jumping into the lottery. One team said to be interested in Lopez is the Nets, although they don't have another first-round pick this year.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder – PF Allen Graves – Santa Clara, Freshman
Santa Clara Broncos forward Allen Graves (22) reacts after making a basket against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center.
Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Unlike Lopez, who appears to be slipping on some boards, Allen Graves continues to rise and is viewed as a dark-horse lottery pick. Graves is drawing interest all over the 10-to-20 range, with the Toronto Raptors at the 19th pick currently viewed as his floor. He may not be on the board for the Raptors, though, especially if the Thunder stay in this spot at 17th overall.
The Thunder took a guy from Santa Clara named Jalen Williams not too long ago, an analytically sound swingman who could do a little bit of everything and play on or off the ball. How did that work out for them? Graves is another one of these players who does a little bit of everything, but he is not the most athletic forward you'll ever see. Instead, he's a point forward who is comfortable bringing the ball up the court, facilitating an offense, and has a terrific feel for the game, especially as a defender.
Doesn't that just sound like a guy who would thrive in Oklahoma City's system? His hybrid play as a forward who can really play anywhere makes Graves a plug-and-play player right away during his rookie season. Another team mentioned frequently for Graves, along with the Thunder and Raptors, is the Spurs.
18. Charlotte Hornets – PG/SG Labaron Philon Jr. – Alabama, Sophomore
It is very possible the Hornets use one of their two top-18 picks to add another option at center, despite having Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner. It is also possible that they expand their guard depth considering that it is likely a lottery-level guard will fall to them in this region. That player could very well wind up being Labaron Philon Jr., should both Chicago and Memphis pass on him a little earlier.
Philon is a very strong scorer off the dribble, and he has great instincts for moving the ball around, especially when there are cutters around him. As far as his all-around game goes, many scouts believe Philon is one of the better two-way guards in this draft class when it comes to making an impact right away. Even if the Hornets bring back Coby White in free agency, they could still use another floor general, especially after seeing the Spurs make the Finals with a three-headed monster in their backcourt.
The Hornets are obviously a team that could look to move around the draft board since they have two picks in the 14-to-18 region of the draft, but sources said they would be perfectly fine keeping and making both selections to diversify their core and add essential depth to take another step forward during the 2026-27 season.
19. Toronto Raptors – PG Bennett Stirtz – Iowa, Senior
The Toronto Raptors are a true wild card in this spot of the draft. While many expect them to target backcourt depth, adding another shooting option for Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, executive Bobby Webster always tends to surprise many when it comes to drafting for the future. And credit to him, as he has found some incredible long-term players in recent years, notably Collin Murray-Boyles.
This year, the Raptors are being linked to over 10 different players in this spot, including senior sharpshooter Bennett Stirtz. Although he may be 22 years old and turning 23 by the start of the 2026-27 season, Stirtz offers a lot on the offensive end of the court. A lot of scouts are saying Stirtz has thrived in workouts, shooting off the ball, and it is looking likely that he will be selected before Ebuka Okorie, Meleek Thomas, and Christian Anderson in that second wave of guards in this draft.
Toronto and Detroit have been the two most mentioned teams when it comes to Stirtz, as have the Hawks with the No. 23 pick. As for the Raptors themselves, they have been mentioned by league sources as a trade suitor to move around in this draft. Nobody really knows where they will go with this selection, but Stirtz would offer immediate shooting production and the skills of a lead guard off the bench.
20. San Antonio Spurs – C Chris Cenac Jr. – Houston, Freshman
Houston Cougars center Chris Cenac Jr. (5) shoots the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
In the midst of the NBA Finals, the Spurs have proven to be well ahead of schedule. Victor Wembanyama and this team are going to be contenders for many years to come, which is why the Spurs have the luxury of drafting for depth and the future, making Chris Cenac Jr. an obvious choice in this spot.
While Cenac still needs time to reach his full potential, which could very well be a similar skill set to Jalen Duren, he would immediately benefit from playing behind Wembanyama and in a system that allows him to display his mobility as a big man. His footwork and versatility on defense are also what would stand out in the second unit. The best spot for Cenac to end up is with a team that already has an established winning culture and can devote time to slowly integrating him into the rotation, which fits the Spurs.
Sources say San Antonio is looking at a few different players in this spot already, with Cenac, Graves, and Dailyn Swain frequently mentioned. Whether or not Cenac has already privately worked out for the Spurs is unknown, but if it hasn't happened yet, it will. Keep an eye on him rising in the top 20 before the draft.
21. Detroit Pistons – SG/SF Dailyn Swain – Texas, Junior
Not much has been said throughout the pre-draft process about Dailyn Swain. As an athletic, versatile wing, it was expected that Swain would be one of the risers over the last few weeks, like Cam Carr, yet everything has been quiet on this front. This has led some around the league to wonder if a team has already promised Swain, especially since there's no word on his workout schedule or who is truly eyeing him.
Swain proved to be a strong scorer off the dribble at Texas, and he can guard multiple positions with his 6'7″ frame and 6'10” wingspan. That makes him the ideal wing for a team like the Detroit Pistons, who need another shot creator and impactful talent next to Cade Cunningham. Despite having Ausar Thompson on the wing, Swain's versatility and ability to play multiple positions would allow him to thrive off the ball and provide secondary scoring when Cunningham isn't in the game.
Stritz, Okorie, and Isaiah Evans are among a grouping of players linked to the Pistons right now.
22. Philadelphia 76ers – PF Koa Peat – Arizona, Freshman
Koa Peat deciding to remain in the 2026 NBA Draft instead of returning to college, which many NBA personnel believed he should have done, was one of the biggest decisions at the withdraw deadline. This could very well be an instance of his representation, Klutch Sports, pushing him to go professional, especially since they didn't represent him at the NIL level. Whatever the case may be, Peat's lack of shooting and ability to create on offense outside of using his physicality in the paint has many wondering if he will even be considered inside the top 20.
If there is one team that could benefit from taking a chance on Peat due to his athleticism and rebounding abilities as a power forward, it's the Philadelphia 76ers. Kelly Oubre Jr. will be a free agent this offseason, and the Sixers don't have virtually any production at that power forward position. Peat could work on becoming a better shooter, while mainly playing off the ball as a slasher and screener for Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
The rumor around the NBA right now regarding Peat is that his camp is angling to try and get Philadelphia to take him, which would pair him with Maxey, another fellow Klutch client. In terms of other teams that could target Peat, some have mentioned the Los Angeles Lakers at the 25th pick being his floor, but I tend to believe Peat could potentially slip past them.
23. Atlanta Hawks – C Jayden Quaintance – Kentucky, Sophomore
Kentucky Wildcats forward Jayden Quaintance (21) reacts after a play during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.
Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Could Jayden Quaintance be the big name to fall in the 2026 NBA Draft? That seems to be the common theme among NBA personnel right now, with many asking if Quaintance is worth the risk of a top-20 pick since he has spent the last two years dealing with significant knee injuries. There hasn't been any word on Quaintance's medicals yet, with some teams taking him off their draft boards completely because of the injury history associated with him.
As far as talent goes, and assuming he can be his previous self, Quaintance projects to be an elite defensive playmaker with a high understanding of being a lob threat in pick-and-roll situations. There are a lot of similarities in his game to a young Robert Williams III early in his career with the Boston Celtics. But again, everything for Quaintance depends on his health and records throughout the pre-draft process, which we have yet to receive updates about.
The Hawks, as previously mentioned, will be seeking frontcourt help this offseason. Would Quaintance be worth the risk in this spot, given his long-term potential and upside, or could Atlanta seek safer options like Henry Veesaar or Zuby Ejiofor? It is expected right now that frontcourt help will be a priority for the Hawks at this point in the draft unless they take Mara in the top 10.
24. New York Knicks – PG/SG Meleek Thomas – Arkansas, Freshman
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Will the New York Knicks win the NBA Finals this year? With the way things are going, it seems very likely that New York will be NBA champions for the first time since 1973. Although a lot of noise has been made about Mitchell Robinson being a free agent and teams preparing to pursue him, there is no chance he walks if the Knicks win it all. Thus, there is no reason for them to replace him in this spot of the draft.
Instead, the Knicks could target an intriguing combo guard they've been linked to throughout the pre-draft process, and that's Meleek Thomas. At Arkansas, Thomas thrived playing alongside Acuff and being a secondary playmaker and scorer off the dribble. Thomas is a three-level scorer who is much better defensively off the ball than many give him credit for. He would essentially fill the gaps off the bench for the Knicks, something the team lost when they traded Donte DiVincenzo in the package for Karl-Anthony Towns.
There have been heavy links between the Knicks and Thomas in recent weeks, which makes sense given the Arkansas-John Calipari-Knicks connections, along with the fact that the 19-year-old is represented by CAA.
25. Los Angeles Lakers – SG/SF Isaiah Evans – Duke, Sophomore
One of a few names linked to the Lakers right now during the pre-draft process is Isaiah Evans, a 3-and-D wing who provides floor spacing and the occasional burst coming off screens as a finisher in the lane. Along with Evans, Tarris Reed Jr., Joshua Jefferson, and Peat are three other names we recently discussed as options for the Lakers here on our latest Clutch Scoops live show.
The Lakers are in need of shooters around Doncic and Austin Reaves, who is expected to re-sign with the team this offseason. Evans stands about 6'6″ with a 6'8″ wingspan, making him the ideal type of wing for the Lakers to add for immediate two-way production. He should have no problem thriving as a catch-and-shoot option with Luka Doncic creating space for him to operate on the perimeter, a role Los Angeles had hoped Dalton Knecht would thrive in.
26. Denver Nuggets – PG Christian Anderson Jr. – Texas Tech, Senior
Not having Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon in the playoffs sunk the Denver Nuggets' hopes of making noise in the Western Conference. As long as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are around, this team has a chance to contend, but they need to fix their bench unit, especially since Denver doesn't have much cap flexibility to make additions in free agency. With Tim Hardaway Jr.'s future uncertain and the Nuggets not having reliable backcourt depth, Christian Anderson Jr. would immediately become a vital sixth man for this team.
Anderson's range is currently viewed anywhere from 16th to 26th, with the Nuggets seen by many as his floor in this draft simply because his 3-point shooting matches what this team is lacking. While he may only be 6'1″ without shoes, Anderson plays bigger than he actually is and has no problem getting his perimeter jumper up over lengthy defenders. The 20-year-old was among the best shooters at the NBA Draft Combine, and he isn't afraid to be physical as a driver.
The Nuggets have long needed a reliable secondary guard on their bench, which makes Anderson a steal for them here.
27. Boston Celtics – C Tarris Reed Jr. – UConn, Senior
Connecticut Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) in action against Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) during the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Although Neemias Queta had a breakout 2025-26 campaign, many around the league are speculating that the Celtics will be targeting big men with the 27th pick in this year's draft, as well as a couple of wings, like Isaiah Evans, if he were to fall to them. Finding extra frontcourt depth is a priority for Boston, especially with Nikola Vucevic walking out the door. That is what makes Tarris Reed Jr. appealing.
Reed is a proven center who spent the last two years working on his frame and footwork at UConn. He was a big reason why the Huskies were able to get back to the national championship game this year after nearly averaging a double-double for the season. While Reed may not be a new-age center in terms of consistently stepping out on the perimeter and knocking down shots, he has drawn a lot of comparisons to a lengthy and athletic big man like Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe.
The Celtics were pursuing Sharpe last offseason, and they now have the chance to add a younger version of what they wanted in Reed during the draft. Reed is an instant-impact big man who would play well above the rim in pick-and-roll sets for Boston, as well as create multiple second-chance scoring opportunities on the glass.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves – PG Ebuka Okorie – Stanford, Freshman
In recent days, there has been a lot of talk regarding the Minnesota Timberwolves exploring what packaging this pick with something else, that something else possibly being Donte DiVincenzo's contract, could possibly get them in terms of immediate help. While it is unknown if they've talked with these two teams in particular, we know that the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns are two teams interested in exploring ways to acquire a late first-round pick. This is worth keeping in mind as the draft nears.
As far as what the Wolves need, prioritizing backcourt help with this 29th pick would make a lot of sense, especially if Ebuka Okorie is on the board. Taking a chance on Rob Dillingham didn't pay off for this franchise a few years back, but with DiVincenzo out for the year and Mike Conley's future being unknown, the Timberwolves have a hole at the point guard spot.
Okorie thrives as an offensive playmaker who can get to his spots and attack multiple defenders with his unique ball-handling skills. He also isn't afraid to pull from deep, although his shot selection can be criticized at times. Word surrounding Okorie is that he could honestly go anywhere in the first round, starting with the Grizzlies at No. 16 overall.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers – C Henri Veesaar – North Carolina, Junior
The Cleveland Cavaliers need to add some more help in the frontcourt behind Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. As a stretch big man who proved this year at UNC to be an avid finisher around the rim, Henri Veesaar could immediately slide into a crucial secondary role in Cleveland.
Despite there being some questions about his overall toughness against bigger NBA centers and whether he can make an impact defensively, Veesaar is a 7-footer who can draw a lot of attention when in the low post. Not to mention, he's the ideal type of big man for Donovan Mitchell and James Harden to run screens with since he can pop out to the perimeter and knock down shots.
30. Dallas Mavericks – C Luigi Suigo – Italy (Mega Superbet – ABL)
At the combine, Luigi Suigo measured 7'3″ with a near 7'6″ wingspan, very similar measurements to Mara, who flew up draft boards as a result. That is why Suigo is viewed as a possible first-round pick despite still needing to work on a lot of things. But the overwhelming belief at this time is that Suigo will opt to wait a year and attend Villanova, where he could become a potential top-20 pick in 2027.
If by some chance he remains in the draft, there will likely be a team willing to invest in the Italian big man near the end of the first round. The Dallas Mavericks do not necessarily need another big man, but Suigo's long-term potential is too much to pass up here. Plus, new GM Mike Schmitz always has an eye for international prospects. After all, he was one of the leading voices behind the Portland Trail Blazers selecting Yang Hansen last year, way earlier than many anticipated.
Expect Suigo to take his name out of the draft and go to Villanova.
2026 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Picks No. 31-60 (Second Round)
St. John's Red Storm forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) looks to shoot over Connecticut Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) during the first half of the men's Big East Conference Tournament Championship at Madison Square Garden.
Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
31. New York Knicks – SF/PF Alex Karaban – UConn, Senior
Alex Karaban is a winner, as proven by his two national championships and his runner-up finish this year at UConn. The Knicks would be an ideal landing spot for him, especially if they are coming off a championship. Karaban is an extremely high-IQ player who was among the better shooters at the NBA Draft Combine, which is why he is drawing some late first-round consideration from already established playoff teams.
32. Memphis Grizzlies – SF/PF Joshua Jefferson – Iowa State, Senior
While he is an older prospect with little room to grow, Joshua Jefferson is the type of versatile forward that teams know what they will be getting — physical toughness, playmaking at either forward position, a high understanding of where to be on the floor, and the ability to guard multiple positions. He could go anywhere from the early 20s to early in the second round, which would make him a viable trade-up candidate for teams if he were to slip into the 30s. There is a lot to like about Jefferson's ability to impact a team right now.
33. Brooklyn Nets – PF/C Zuby Ejiofor – St. John's, Senior
Over eight teams have registered interest in Zuby Ejiofor, a tough-minded, physical big man who has taken some strides to add a perimeter shot to his offensive arsenal. On defense, Ejiofor can guard a lot of different positions because of his won't-back-down mentality. He is another likely trade-up candidate for teams should he fall to the second round. In the Nets' case, Ejiofor would get to stay in New York City, going from MSG with St. John's to the Barclays Center with Brooklyn, supplying this young team with immediate energy and a flair on defense that would resonate with head coach Jordi Fernandez.
34. Sacramento Kings – PF Trevon Brazile – Arkansas, Senior
Already taking Acuff in the first round, it would be poetic for the Kings to then add Trevon Brazile, his Arkansas teammate, in the second round. Brazile is an above-the-rim power forward who can run in the open floor and extend his game to the perimeter. At 6'10” with a near 7'4″ wingspan, Brazile would give the Kings a unique blend of size and athleticism they do not have in their frontcourt.
35. San Antonio Spurs – PG/SG Sergio De Larrea – Spain (Valencia – Liga ACB)
Not only does Sergio De Larrea see the court really well as a lengthy, tall guard and primary ball-handler, but he also shoots over 40% from 3-point range as well. If he's available here, this is a classic Spurs selection who will immediately outplay his draft ranking. De Larrea is ready to come over and contribute in the NBA right away as a lengthy guard who can thrive off the ball. He is drawing the attention of teams with late first-round picks, specifically the Nuggets, Celtics, and Mavs.
36. Los Angeles Clippers – C Izaiyah Nelson – South Florida, Senior
With Yanic Konan Niederhauser suffering a season-ending Lisfranc ligament tear in his right foot and Ivica Zubac now with the Indiana Pacers, the Clippers need another frontcourt option. Izaiyah Nelson is an athletic, defensive-minded center with a 7'3″ wingspan and elite knowledge of where to be as a help-side defender at the rim. While he may be limited on offense outside of the paint, Nelson would definitely help fortify Tyronn Lue's defense on the front lines.
37. Oklahoma City Thunder – PG/SG Ryan Conwell – Louisville, Senior
In four years with four different programs, Ryan Conwell finished his collegiate career at Louisville as a 3-point shooting threat known for his on-ball defensive skills. As he prepares for the NBA Draft, Conwell is being viewed as an above-average combo guard who competes hard on both ends of the court. Conwell is expected to be an early second-round pick, and he would be yet another combo guard who can make a name for himself on the Thunder. Ajay Mitchell was the 38th overall pick in 2024 as a ball-handling guard who did a little bit of everything to help UC Santa Barbara win games, and the same can be said about Conwell if he is to go 37th in this draft.
38. Chicago Bulls – C Ugonna Onyenso – Virginia, Senior
At Virginia, Ugonna Onyenso emerged as one of the nation's best shot blockers. His length and athleticism in the paint make him a unique big man for the Bulls in this spot. Between Onyenso's athleticism at the rim and his ability to contribute right away defensively, he would be the ideal plug-and-play center in Chicago with a 7'5″ wingspan.
39. Houston Rockets – PF Baba Miller – Cincinnati, Senior
Baba Miller was one of the biggest winners from the NBA Draft Combine, as teams walked away impressed by his measurements and effort on both ends of the court during the scrimmages. Some scouts shared with ClutchPoints that they believe he could be considered by teams with late first-round picks. While he is not the same player, Miller's athleticism and length are somewhat comparable to Jaden McDaniels when he was first entering the league as a defensive contributor. The Rockets need another lengthy option who can hold his own as a versatile two-way forward, especially with Tari Eason's restricted free agency being a question in itself.
40. Boston Celtics – SF Dillon Mitchell – St. John's, Senior
At the NBA Draft Combine, Dillon Mitchell stood out in the scrimmages as a Swiss-Army-knife-like player who was grabbing rebounds, dishing out assists, and switching onto multiple positions defensively. He may not be a stand-out scoring option, but Mitchell proved to NBA personnel that he makes winning plays. This is the type of player Brad Stevens always looks for in the draft, especially when it comes to players in the second round who can make an impact right away. Mitchell would fit in perfectly with the Celtics.
41. Miami Heat – SG Emanuel Sharp – Houston, Senior
Emanuel Sharp has worked out for a ton of teams with second-round picks, including the Heat. Sharp knocked down 309 threes in his career at Houston. The Heat have always had a lot of luck drafting experienced collegiate shooters in the second round, and Sharp could be yet another. His high IQ and understanding of the game make him the ideal draft pick for Erik Spoelstra's system.
42. San Antonio Spurs – SG/SF Nick Martinelli – Northwestern, Senior
Nick Martinelli is another prospect who appeared to lock in his second-round status during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago with his scoring and shooting display during the scrimmages. Aside from shooting on the perimeter, Martinelli also uses his 6'7″ frame well to get to his mid-range spots and take advantage of smaller opponents in the post. The Spurs will explore ways to add shooting depth on the wing in the second round, making Martinelli a perfect addition in this spot.
43. Brooklyn Nets – PG Jack Kayil – Germany (Alba Berlin – Basketball Bundesliga)
Jack Kayil deciding to remain in the NBA Draft instead of attending Gonzaga surprised a handful of NBA personnel and led some to believe he may have a late first-round promise in play. However, Kayil is rated as a second-round prospect who ends up with the Nets in this mock draft. Kayil possesses a bigger frame for a guard, checking off the boxes for him to be an impact defender later in his career. The Nets have time to devote to the development and maturity of someone like Kayil, especially since he was named the Bundesliga U-22 Player of the Year.
44. San Antonio Spurs – C Felix Okpara – Tennessee, Senior
Continuing to find ways to add frontcourt depth behind Victor Wembanyama as insurance is a must for the Spurs in the second round. Felix Okpara spent four years in college, where he really carved out a role at Tennessee as a floor-running big man who can set screens and finish lobs at the rim. With a 7'4″ wingspan and a 9'4″ reach, Okpara fits the mold of a lengthy big man to add depth behind Wemby.
45. Sacramento Kings – SG Otega Oweh – Kentucky, Senior
It is unlikely that Otega Oweh will be a ball-dominant swingman at the next level, but his slashing and cutting abilities, along with his athleticism running in transition, make him an intriguing prospect for a team like the Kings. Oweh shot 34.7 percent from deep during his college career and has shown glimpses of his scoring prowess off the ball. Not to mention, he could make a name for himself as a pesky defender on or off the ball for a rebuilding team like Sacramento.
46. Orlando Magic – SG Aaron Nkrumah – Tennessee State, Senior
Nobody has won more during the pre-draft process than Aaron Nkrumah, a constant workhorse who has earned his spot in the second round of the draft. Nkrumah has worked out for a handful of teams, including the Orlando Magic, and everyone has been impressed with the two-way energy he can bring as a second-round pick. For the Magic specifically, Nkrumah could fill a lot of gaps on the bench, especially now that they are coached by a defensive-minded coach in Sean Sweeney. Nkrumah's non-stop motor would make him a terrific pick for Orlando in this spot.
47. Phoenix Suns – PG Jaden Bradley – Arizona, Senior
Jaden Bradley is a winner, and he makes winning plays. Not to mention, he always seemed to have the ball in his hands late in the shot clock at Arizona and never backed down from taking the clutch shots. The Suns need an established collegiate talent like Bradley as a secondary option in their backcourt, especially with Collin Gillespie being a free agent. This team already has talent in place, so now it's about filling in the gaps with players who understand their roles and what it means to contribute to a winning team. Bradley proved to do that this year with all the young talent Arizona had, and he's set to work out for the Suns in the coming days.
48. Dallas Mavericks – SG/SF Tyler Nickel – Vanderbilt, Senior
It never hurts to have reliable shooters on the perimeter, and that's what Tyler Nickel can bring to any team willing to invest in him during the second round. Nickel shot 40.0 percent from deep at Vanderbilt this season, hitting 110 total threes. His ability to be a catch-and-shoot threat in the corner or coming off screens makes him the ideal shooting threat to put around Cooper Flagg in Dallas. Whether or not Nickel can make a difference any other way than shooting is the big question mark surrounding him.
49. Denver Nuggets – SG Richie Saunders – BYU, Senior
Unfortunately for Richie Saunders, he suffered a torn ACL in February and will likely begin his rookie season in the NBA working his way back from injury. However, this injury doesn't take away from the fact that Saunders shot 37.6% from deep this past season and 38.7% from 3-point range over his four years at BYU. The Nuggets, as already mentioned in the first round of this mock draft, need extra shooting depth and a lengthy guard like Saunders, who could eventually become a do-it-all swingman. The only downside to drafting Saunders is that he will be rehabbing his knee injury and is turning 25 in September.
50. Toronto Raptors – PF Tobi Lawal – Virginia Tech, Senior
If you are looking for a raw basketball prospect who can be molded into anything given his athleticism and length, it's Tobi Lawal. The Virginia Tech forward did not start playing basketball until high school, which is why he is still viewed as a project when it comes to where he will ultimately fit on the court. However, Lawal possesses a 6'10” wingspan, and he recorded the second-best standing vertical in NBA combine history. The Raptors have drafted projects with intangibles like this before, and they may be willing to do so again with Lawal late in the second round.
51. Washington Wizards – PG Braden Smith – Purdue, Senior
Braden Smith finished his collegiate career as the NCAA's all-time leader in assists. While undersized, there is no doubt that Smith could contribute as a pure point guard at the next level on a team with size and proven scorers. Behind Trae Young in Washington, Smith would provide essential point guard depth for a team that will also have AJ Dybantsa, Alex Sarr, and Anthony Davis. Not to mention, the Wizards finished 25th in assists last year, so Smith's biggest strength has been this team's biggest weakness.
52. Los Angeles Clippers – PG/SG Kylan Boswell – Illinois, Senior
Whether or not Kylan Boswell can be a consistent 3-point shooter will determine whether there is a spot for him in the NBA. Nonetheless, Boswell is a high-IQ combo guard who thrives in pick-and-roll sets as a lead ball-handler. He would provide depth behind Darius Garland in LA and would be worth exploring as a potential two-way-contract player, especially since he is a relentless defender who can guard multiple positions because of his intensity.
53. Houston Rockets – SF Keyshawn Hall – Auburn, Senior
In four collegiate seasons, Keyshawn Hall played for four different programs, averaging at least 16 points per game for three of them. Hall is a scoring wing who seeks out mismatches to attack from the perimeter into the paint. He is also a capable 3-point shooting lefty. The offensive potential Hall possesses stands out, and joining a Rockets team where he could learn from Kevin Durant would work wonders for Hall's long-term growth. This would be the best spot for him in the second round, especially if Houston leans on him as a dynamic scoring option in their second unit.
54. Golden State Warriors – PG Tamin Lipsey – Iowa State, Senior
Multiple guard prospects will be in play for the Warriors late in the second round, and it's possible they bounce around in this region as they have in previous years, depending on who is available. I have received the sense that Tamin Lipsey is one of the handful of names the Warriors like in this region due to his competitiveness and ability to defend on the perimeter. Although he is just 6'1″, Lipsey is a three-time All-Big 12 and three-time Big 12 All-Defense performer. The Warriors have always found production from experienced collegiate guards with defined skills, which is exactly who Lipsey is.
55. New York Knicks – PF Tobe Awaka – Arizona, Senior
Energy is the best word that can describe Tobe Awaka, the reigning Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year. Although he doesn't have much of a perimeter game, Awaka is an above-average rebounder who simply messes things up on the court for his opponents. If you could describe the type of player who would thrive in Mike Brown's system, it's Tobe Awaka. In New York, the Arizona forward wouldn't always play, but he'd add a layer of depth behind OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges that Brown currently doesn't have.
56. Chicago Bulls – PG Quadir Copeland – NC State, Senior
It is a little surprising that more people aren't talking about Quadir Copeland, especially since he shot nearly 40 percent from 3-point range at NC State and has a lot of potential to continue growing on offense. Copeland also possesses a near 6'11” wingspan at the point guard position, which makes him an intriguing option for a team like the Bulls, who are said to be valuing athleticism and length in this draft class. The Bulls would benefit from adding another downhill-attacking guard who uses his size and length to take advantage of smaller defenders.
57. Atlanta Hawks – PF Maliq Brown – Duke, Senior
Defensive versatility and effort are what you get with Maliq Brown. His 6'8″ frame and 7-foot wingspan allow him to guard multiple positions in pick-and-roll sets, and Brown has a high understanding of where to be defensively. The Hawks could utilize another frontcourt talent with defensive upside, especially with the team wanting to add depth behind Onyeka Okongwu.
58. New Orleans Pelicans – PG Ja'Kobi Gillespie – Tennessee, Senior
Despite standing 5'11.75″ without shoes, Ja'Kobi Gillespie was outstanding at the NBA Draft Combine and will draw looks in the 45-to-60 region of the draft. Gillespie can shoot and create for his teammates off the dribble, making him an ideal backup point guard for a team like the Pelicans, who desperately need reliable play moving forward alongside Jeremiah Fears.
59. Minnesota Timberwolves – PF Tyler Bilodeau – UCLA, Senior
One of the more underrated power forwards in college basketball this past year was Tyler Bilodeau, who averaged 17.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 46.4 percent from 3-point range. Although he is not the same high-level rebounder Kevin Love was, there are some similarities between the two when Love was coming out of UCLA. Funny enough, Bilodeau could end up in Minnesota like Love did to begin his career. With the Wolves, Bilodeau would supply much-needed forward depth and the ability to stretch the court and be a secondary facilitator and shooter.
60. Washington Wizards – SF/PF Trey Kaufman-Renn – Purdue, Senior
There is a chance Trey Kaufman-Renn finds himself as one of the better undrafted free agents available, but he ends up being the last pick by the Wizards in this mock draft. Kaufman-Renn is an avid rebounder as a 6'8″ forward who can realistically play anywhere on the court at the NBA level. He has a good feel for where to be at all times on both ends, and he simply plays hard no matter the situation in games. Washington could use a utility guy like this on their bench, especially if he can grow into defending one through four on the court.
Over the next two weeks, all 30 NBA teams will continue to bring in prospects for private workouts and put the finishing touches on their big boards ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23. These workouts happen every day for every team, and for almost every organization with a lottery pick, they greatly impact what happens when they are officially on the clock.