2026 NBA Draft Board

It is draft season! The most exciting time of the year, as teams look to add to their roster and look for the next franchise star, and impactful role players to help them reach the next level of competing. We have known about some of these prospects since they were freshly teenagers, while others really burst onto the scene in the last year. In this big board, I have written a little bit about my top 50 prospects for the 2026 NBA Draft. Some of the skills each prospect possesses that I value, some questions I may have, and what I think their likely role in the league might be. Every year there are sure to be plenty of misses, but it is always my favorite thing to do after hours and hours of research and studying for each prospect. I value how every person has a different lens they use when scouting, and these are my subjective views on each prospect! Comment below who you are higher or lower on for this draft! 

(Name, Position, School/Team, Height, Weight, Wingspan, Draft Age) 

*all stats are taken from Tankathon or Draftballr

1. Cameron Boozer  |  F  |  Duke  |  6'10"  |  253  |  7'2" |  18.9

                                         ROLE PROJECTION: High Efficiency Volume Forward

PLAYER COMPARISON: Short Roll Kevin Love

For some reason the player who has been the best player of his age group since he was a young teen at every level is looked at as a "lower ceiling" prospect. Boozer just had one of the greatest NCAA seasons EVER, was the best player in college basketball, and is the best prospect of this class.

2. AJ Dybantsa  |  W/F  |  BYU  |  6'10"  |  217  |  7'1"  |  19.39

ROLE PROJECTION: Rim Pressuring Wing

PLAYER COMPARISON: Offensive RJ Barrett

A freakish athlete on the wing, Dybantsa has all the makings of a star. He can get to the rim and free throw line at will. As his handle and perimeter shooting continues to progress, so does his upside.

3. Darryn Peterson  |  G  |  Kansas  |  6'6"  |  199  |  6'10"  |  19.42

ROLE PROJECTION: Two Way Shooting Guard

PLAYER COMPARISON: Anthony Edwards

Injuries were the story of his one year Kansas career, but that did not stop Peterson from showing the basketball world that he's got the goods. Peterson has tremendous shooting upside and good defensive instincts. If he can get back to the athlete we saw in high school, Peterson has a good shot to be the best player from this class.

4. Caleb Wilson  |  F  |  North Carolina  |  6'11" | 211 |  7'0"  |  19.9

ROLE PROJECTION: Athletic Forward

PLAYER COMPARISON: GG Jackson + OG Anunoby Combo

An elite athlete with all the tools to become one of the best wing defenders in the league. Has room to grow as a shooter and finisher, but he can get to his spots and his mechanics give me faith he can be a plus offensive player as well.

5. Kingston Flemings  |  G  |  Houston  |  6'4"  |  183  |  6'4" | 19.64

ROLE PROJECTION: POA Defender / Secondary Initiator

PLAYER COMPARISON: Higher Offensive Upside Cason Wallace

There's lots of ways I can compliment Flemings, but maybe the biggest one is the range of possible roles he can play. I see a world where he plays off the ball, is a franchise lead guard, or a scaleable role player. Has good help side defensive instincts and I think there is so much offensive talent that he was unable to showcase at Houston. His slight frame and shorter wingspan are the only causes of concern for him as a prospect.

6. Darius Acuff  |  G  |  Arkansas  |  6'3"  |  186  |  6'7"  |  19.59

ROLE PROJECTION: Scoring Lead Guard

PLAYER COMPARISON: Modern Game Derrick Rose

Yes the defensive scares are indeed scary, but let's not act like Acuff isn't an elite offensive player. Any franchise looking for some box office talent to inject some juice in the half court would be over the moon to acquire Acuff.

7. Mikel Brown Jr  |  G  |  Louisville  |  6'5"  |  190  |  6'8"  |  20.21

ROLE PROJECTION: Scoring Guard

I believe Brown has as much upside as any guard in this class not named Darryn Peterson. He has good size and the shooting numbers at Louisville do not reflect the type of talent I believe he has from the perimeter.

8. Aday Mara  |  C  |  Michigan  |  7'4"  |  260  |  7'6"  |  21.2

ROLE PROJECTION: Rim Protector

Mara is probably the best center in the league. In a world where everyone is looking for a "Wemby stopper", Mara has some tools. An elite rim protector with underrated mobility, Mara also has some upside as a passing big man.

9. Keaton Wagler  |  CG  |  Illinois  |  6'6"  |  188  |  6'6"  |  19.38

ROLE PROJECTION: Secondary Creator/Scorer

There is no denying the production and scoring talent that Wagler has. I do have some slight hesitation about his pure playmaking and athletic abilities which cause me to have Wagler slightly lower than others. Despite this, I do believe Wagler will be a very good off ball creator and will give some scoring juice to whatever franchise selects him.

10. Jayden Quaintance  |  C  |  Kentucky  | 6'10" | 253 | 7'5" | 18.94

ROLE PROJECTION: Elite Rim Protector

PLAYER COMPARISON: Isaiah Stewart

Coming into the season Quaintance was my 3rd overall prospect. Injuries have caused him to miss playing consistently for over a year, leaving tons of question marks. Quaintance is still subpar offensively. Despite this, Quaintance might be the steal of the draft depending on where he falls. As a sophomore he is still one of the youngest players in this draft. You just do not see young players with the natural defensive instincts and abilities that JQ possesses. If he hits his ceiling, there will be multiple All-Defensive awards in his future.

11. Brayden Burries  |  CG/W  |  Arizona  |  6'5" | 215 | 6'6" | 20.75

ROLE PROJECTION: Versatile Big Guard

PLAYER COMPARISON: Keldon Johnson

Burries has all the tools to be a productive member of an NBA rotation. He showed that he has the ability to score, has the physical attributes to be a plus defender, and has intangibles that signal he would be ready to produce sooner rather than later.

12. Labaron Philon  |  G  |  Alabama  |  6'4"  |  176  |  6'6"  |  20.6

ROLE PROJECTION: Shifty Scoring Guard

Philon is among the best scorers in this class. Philon returned to school this past year and improved his stock. He knows how to get to his spots and can shoot the ball. Despite his slight frame I do believe there is potential for him to also be at least a neutral defender.

13. Allen Graves  |  F  |  Santa Clara  |  6'9"  |  226  |  7'0"  |  19.9

ROLE PROJECTION: Connective Wing

PLAYER COMPARISON: Grant Williams

The analytical darling of this draft class, Graves has all the makings to be an elite role player on the wing. Despite his athletic testing not being eye popping, Graves more than makes up for it with his IQ and feel for the game. Perhaps the best off-ball defender in the draft, a top tier rebounder, good connective passer, and good shooter, expect many GMs to be foaming at the mouth to draft Graves.

14. Yaxel Lendeborg  |  F  |  Michigan  |  6'10"  |  241  |  7'3"  |  23.7

ROLE PROJECTION: Swiss Army Knife Forward

PLAYER COMPARISON: PJ Washington

Other than the top 3 prospects, Yaxel might be the most ready to contribute for an NBA team on opening night. There is pretty much nothing that Yaxel projects to be below league average at. With his size and feel for the game, he is the prototypical wing/forward in the league. If it were not for his age, he would be considered a top 5 prospect.

15. Hannes Steinbach  |  C  |  Washington  |  6'11" | 248 | 7'2" | 20.1

ROLE PROJECTION: Rebounding Monster

PLAYER COMPARISON: Jakob Poeltl

Steinbach feels like a somewhat underrated gym hiding in plain sight. Steinbach impressed at the 2025 U19 Fiba World Cup and brought that same production over to the PNW. In my opinion Steinbach is the best rebounder in the class and has soft hands on the roll. He tested and measured better than expected at the combine and has offensive potential to grow into and is a better defender than numbers might suggest. For teams looking for a big man, Steinbach is well worth a lottery pick.

16. Dailyn Swain  |  W  |  Texas  |  6'8"  |  211  |  6'10"  |  20.93

ROLE PROJECTION: Creating Wing

PLAYER COMPARISON: Mixture of Herb Jones and Tre Mann

Outside of Dybantsa there is no better self creator on the wing. Swain is ultra shifty with the basketball in his hands and can get to the rim while being a good defender. While Swain improved as a shooter this year, the three pointer will always be his swing skill. 

17. Christian Anderson  |  G  |  Texas Tech  |  6'2" | 180 | 6'6" | 20.2

ROLE PROJECTION: Pace Controlling PG

Anderson is one of the players that I have to temper my excitement for. An electrifying guard with qualities to be a capable scorer and a good facilitator in the league. Size is the only thing that I think that stops him from being a starter for many years to come.

18. Cameron Carr  |  CG/W  |  Baylor  |  6'5"  |  184  |  7'1"  |  21.58

ROLE PROJECTION: Two Way Two Guard

PLAYER COMPARISON: Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Carr was an elite self-creator for the Bears and is a very good athlete. Carr was a one of the best shot blocking guards in the nation and his elite wingspan and athleticism signals potential to be a good defender at the next level.

19. Morez Johnson Jr |  F  |  Michigan  |  6'10"  |  251  |  7'4"  |  20.4

ROLE PROJECTION: Energy Forward

PLAYER COMPARISON: Less Wingy Tari Eason

Johnson is one of the best rebounders in the draft class, a good defender, and offers positional versatility. I struggle to see a world where Johnson does not become an important rotation player.

20. Chris Cenac Jr  |  C  |  Houston  |  6'11"  |  240  |  7'5"  |  19.38

ROLE PROJECTION: Energy Big

Cenac was a 5 star for a reason. He sacrificed his role to play in Kelvin Sampson's system at Houston! This showed an improved motor and defensive skills but did not allow for him to showcase all of his offensive talents. He is raw and I think will be a couple years away from contributing, but I think Cenac is one of the higher upside big men that will be available on draft night.

21. Isaiah Evans  |  W  |  Duke  |  6'7"  |  186  |  6'9"  |  20.54

ROLE PROJECTION: Sharpshooter

PLAYER COMPARISON: Isaiah Joe

Evans is an absolute sniper. When he gets on a heater it feels like he will never miss. He might be seen as a bit of a one dimensional prospect but he showed improvements as a ball handler, decision maker, and defender in his second year at Duke.

22. Bennett Stirtz  |  G  |  Iowa  |  6'4"  |  186  |  6'6"  |  22.71

ROLE PROJECTION: Pace Controlling Point

Stirtz has been a polarizing prospect for me to evaluate during the last two draft cycles. A player who has undoubtedly produced at EVERY level of college basketball with the highest usage rate and responsibility you could give a player. There is no denying his talents but I just am skeptical of how his unconventional style will translate to the pro game.

23. Nate Ament  |  F  |  Tennessee  |  6'11"  |  211  |  7'0"  |  19.5

ROLE PROJECTION: Tertiary Wing

PLAYER COMPARISON: Rebounding Zaccharie Risacher

I probably will be lower than I need to be on Ament. He entered the year as a sure fire top 5 prospect but saw his stock fall over his year. He showed flashes of what makes him tantalizing. If the shooting gets back to where it was projected to be when he was in high school then this ranking will be about 15 spots too late. He is a good rebounder and was able to get to his spots, even though his finishing struggles were well highlighted.

24. Richie Saunders  |  W  |  BYU  |  6'6"  |  205  |  6'9"  |  24.75

ROLE PROJECTION: Do It All Wing

PLAYER COMPARISON: Josh Hart

If it were not for his age and the fact he is coming off a major injury I would have Saunders as a top 12-15 player in the draft. He was the best player on a BYU team with top 10 pick Egor Demin a year ago, and I would argue he was the best (at least most important) player for the Cougars this past year, over Dybantsa. He can handle the ball, shoots it well, is a good defender, and is an elite positional rebounder. He was a high floor and is one of the most NBA ready prospects in the pool.

25. Ebuka Okorie  |  G  |  Stanford  |  6'2"  |  186  |  6'8"  |  19.19

ROLE PROJECTION: Rim Pressuring Guard

PLAYER COMPARISON: Tre Jones

Okorie is one of the most talented players in this draft when it comes to getting to his spots, finishing at the rim, and getting to the foul line. He values the ball, is a capable shooter, and I think will benefit from not being the top name of the scouting report when he enters the league.

26. Meleek Thomas  |  G  |  Arkansas  |  6'4"  |  190  |  6'7"  |  19.87

ROLE PROJECTION: Secondary Ball Handler

Thomas is a talented player who I do not think has fully honed in all his skills. I am not sure what his best trait is quite yet. He shows flashes of movement shooting, mid range touch, is a good rebounder and can push in transition. I think a team in the middle to late first round would be more than willing to snag Thomas and develop the raw ability of the Arkansas guard.

27. Sergio de Larrea  |  G  |  Spain  |  6'6"  |  198  |  6'9"  |  20.54

ROLE PROJECTION: Big Shooting Guard

A guard with good size and offensive feel. He is a good rebounder for his position as well. He is a little ways away from being an impactful defender but he has all the tools to be a productive offensive 2 guard.

28. Koa Peat  |  F  |  Arizona  |  6'8"  |  245  |  6'11"  |  19.4

ROLE PROJECTION: Energy Forward

Peat is a tough prospect to evaluate. He shows no signs of shooting upside, which is essential in today's game, but is pretty solid in other areas. He does not quite have the handle to play on the wing (yet) and doesn't have the size to be a true big man. A bit of a tweener. He is a good rebounder and a solid rebounder. I typically value players who have a good feel for the game and are just good basketball players. I do believe Peat falls under this category and if he is drafted to the right situation, he will become a good NBA player.

29. Henri Veesaar  |  C  |  North Carolina  |  7'1" | 227 | 7'2" | 22.23

ROLE PROJECTION: Versatile Two Way Big Man

Veesaar has lots of ability to become a viable big man. A decent rim deterrent and rebounder on the defensive end, he also is a very good offensive 7 footer. Decent passing ability and shooting potential at the center position is always valuable and Veesaar provides both of that.

30. Karim Lopez  |  W  |  New Zealand  |  6'10"  |  222  | 7'0" | 19.19

ROLE PROJECTION: Athletic Wing

In my opinion Lopez is a few years away from being a contributing NBA player but he does have the tools that NBA teams will covet. A wing with good size and a plus wingspan, Lopez also has shown flashes on the offensive end. One of the youngest prospects in the draft, some teams will want to take the chance on the upside of Lopez.

31. Alex Karaban  |  W  |  UConn  |  6'8"  |  225  |  6'11"  |  23.61

ROLE PROJECTION: Offball Movement Wing

PLAYER COMPARISON: Sam Hauser

A staple during UCONN's recent run of dominance, Karaban is finally going to get his name called on draft night. He is known more of a shooter but I think deserves more credit for his ability to rebound, defend, and handle the ball. Whatever is needed to be done for his team to win, Karaban will do it.

32. Joshua Jefferson  |  F  |  Iowa State  |  6'9"  |  246  | 6'11" | 22.58

ROLE PROJECTION: Point Forward

While he struggled a little bit during Big 12 play, that did not stop Jefferson from being one of the most impactful players in college basketball earning All-Conference and All-American honors this past season at Iowa State. He has great feel for the game at his size and his handle and vision stand out. I look forward to seeing how he expands his scoring game in the NBA.

33. Tarris Reed Jr  |  C  |  UConn  |  6'11"  |  254  |  7'4"  |  22.87

ROLE PROJECTION: Bruising Big Man

PLAYER COMPARISON: Skillset of Xavier Tillman + Intangibles of Oscar Tshiebwe

A dominant physical force, Reed really made his name become a bigger piece of the draft puzzle during UConn's run to the National Championship. Reed WILL be a good rotation big man in the NBA. He can rebound, score in the paint, set good screens, and is a good defender.

34. Izaiyah Nelson  |  F  |  South Florida  |  6'10" | 219 | 7'3" | 22.72

ROLE PROJECTION: Athletic Rebounder

A fantastic athlete and elite rebounder, Nelson will add some energy and juice to a wing/forward rotation.

35. Braden Smith  |  G  |  Purdue  |  6'0"  |  167  |  6'3"  |  22.9

ROLE PROJECTION: Pure Point

Smith has probably been the best PG over the 2020's. There is no better passer in this draft class. Size will certainly be the main deterrent to draft Smith much higher, but he certainly can spot a team 10-15 minutes a night as a backup point guard.

36. Nate Bittle  |  C  |  Oregon  |  7'0"  |  253  |  7'6"  |  23.05

ROLE PROJECTION: Two Way Center

7 footers who are capable rim protectors and have perimeter touch are always going to be valuable at the NBA level.

37. Ernest Udeh Jr  |  C  |  Miami  |  6'10"  |  257  |  7'4"  |  22.5

ROLE PROJECTION: Defensive Minded Lob Threat

Udeh is a valuable defender. He moves his feet exceptionally well for someone of his size which makes him a capable switch defender. Has some potential on the DHO and attacks the glass well.

38. Zuby Ejiofor  |  F/C  |  Saint John's  |  6'9"  |  245  |  7'2" | 22.17

ROLE PROJECTION: Energy Forward

PLAYER COMPARISON: Paul Reed

A fantastic athlete and an exceptional defender, there will always be a place in the league for forwards with Ejiofor's skillset. There is obvious room for growth as a shooter, but Zuby is a player that I might regret not being higher on.

39. Pryce Sandfort  |  W/F  |  Nebraska  |  6'6"  |  210  |  N/A  | 21.99

ROLE PROJECTION: Sharpshooter

While he does not scream NBA athlete, he sure screams NBA shooter. One of the most efficient shooters in all of the nation this past year, someone with Sandfort's shooting talents will eventually get a chance to prove himself.

40. Ryan Conwell  |  CG  |  Louisville  |  6'2"  |  215  |  6'7"  |  22.01

ROLE PROJECTION: Floor Spacing Guard

Conwell projects to be a good shooter at the next level and will add value to a team needing some perimeter threat in its backcourt.

41. Trevon Brazile  |  F  |  Arkansas  |  6'11"  |  226  |  7'4"  |  23.45

ROLE PROJECTION: Athletic Forward

While I have some question marks about Brazile and his feel for the game, he is an elite athlete and a good shooter for his size. NBA teams are always looking for big, athletic wings to add to their roster.

42. Jack Kayil  |  G  |  Germany  |  6'3"  |  174  |  6'6"  |  20.39

ROLE PROJECTION: Paint Touching Guard

Kayil has shown the ability to get two feet in the paint and create for himself and others. I think he is still fairly raw but there is a pathway for him to progress into a solid offensive guard.

43. Otega Oweh  |  CG/W  |  Kentucky  |  6'5"  |  216  |  6'8"  | 22.99

ROLE PROJECTION: Defensive Wing

PLAYER COMPARISON: Kevin McCullar Jr

Offensively, Oweh has shown the ability to pressure the rim at an above average rate, but has his limitations as a playmaker and shooter. His true value will come on the defensive end, where I can see him carving out a role as an above average defender.

44. Ugonna Onyenso  |  C  |  Virginia  |  7'0"  |  237  |  7'5"  |  21.73

ROLE PROJECTION: Rim Protector

While he might be a one-trick pony, he is damn good at that one trick. Onyenso offers elite rim protection and is a fluid athlete.

45. Baba Miller  |  F  |  Cincinnati  |  7'0"  |  208  |  7'2"  |  22.36

ROLE PROJECTION: Athletic Ball Handling Wing

I have my fair share of skepticism about Miller, mostly due to the fact he is a complete non-shooter. It's not impossible, but people who do not offer any threat from beyond the arc are people I typically do not value. With that being said, it would be silly of me to not recognize the unique skillset Miller does provide. A very good athlete and ball handler for his height, Miller is a decent playmaker and does offer a rim pressuring threat. He also will be quite valuable on the defensive end.

46. Tyler Nickel  |  W  |  Vanderbilt  |  6'7"  |  217  |  6'9"  |  22.79

ROLE PROJECTION: Sharpshooter

A very good shooter, Nickel also offers some value as a secondary/tertiary ball handler.

47. Maliq Brown  |  F  |  Duke  |  6'9"  |  217  |  7'1"  |  22.59

ROLE PROJECTION: Versatile Defender

Brown is a good passer for his position and plays with a high motor, but the reigning ACC DPOY has his true value on the defensive side of the ball.

48. Tyler Bilodeau  |  F  |  UCLA  |  6'9"  |  228  |  7'1"  |  22.18

ROLE PROJECTION: Scoring Forward

While Bilodeau will never wow anyone with his athleticism and does not project to be a plus defender, there are not many better scorers at the forward position. 

49. Graham Ike  |  C  |  Gonzaga  |  6'10"  |  250  |  7'5"  |  23.9

ROLE PROJECTION: Big Body Big Man

Perhaps nobody better helped their stock during the combine/testing process than Ike. He had better measurements than expected and when you combine that with his collegiate production, it is hard to argue that Ike likely can play himself into consideration in the second round.

50. Kylan Boswell  |  CG  |  Illinois  |  6'3"  |  226  |  6'7"  |  21.17

ROLE PROJECTION: Dirty Work Guard

With the ability to play on or off ball, I expect Boswell to be able to bring some energy and juice to some organization as an end of the rotation guard.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Tamin Lipsey  |  G  |  Iowa State  |  6'1"  |  190  |  6'5"  |  22.99

Malique Lewis  |  W/F  |  Australia  |  6'8"  |  210  |  7'1"  |  21.7

Jaden Bradley  |  G  |  Arizona  |  6'4"  |  205  |  6'6"  |  22.76

Emanuel Sharp  |  CG  |  Houston  |  6'4"  |  208  |  6'3"  |  22.29

Bruce Thornton  |  CG  |  Ohio State  |  6'1"  | 223 | 6'5" | 22.76

Ja'Kobi Gillespie  |  G  |  Tennessee  |  6'1"  |  182  |  6'4" | 22.82

Nick Martinelli  |  W  |  Northwestern | 6'8" | 224 | 6'10" | 22.17

Bryce Hopkins  |  F  |  Saint John's  |  6'7"  | 225 | 6'11" | 23.78

Tobi Lawal  |  F  |  Virginia Tech  |  6'9"  |  214  |  6'11"  |  23.14

Donovan Atwell  |  CG/W  |  Texas Tech  |  6'5"  |  200  |  WS  | 23.5

Aaron Nkrumah | CG | Tennessee State | 6'6" | 189 | 6'10"| 24.56

Peter Suder  |  G  |  Miami (OH)  |  6'5"  |  213  |  6'8"  |  22.89

Pavle Backo  |  C  |  Serbia  |  6'11"  |  262  |  7'1"  |  18.94

Milos Uzan  |  CG  |  Houston  |  6'4"  |  185  |  6'5"  |  23.48