The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery has shaken up the league, with three teams jumping into the top four: the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, and Chicago Bulls. Now that the lottery is over, it's time to dive into the post-lottery 2026 NBA Mock Draft, focusing on the best player available and team needs. Let's take a closer look at the first round and explore the potential moves that could shape the future of these franchises.
The Top Picks
- Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
AJ Dybantsa is a clear-cut choice for the Wizards, who already boast a strong young core. With Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson leading the way, adding Dybantsa could be a game-changer. His ability to score and create opportunities for his teammates makes him an ideal fit for the Wizards' dynamic offense. However, the team might need to be cautious about overloading their roster with young talent, as they could potentially benefit from adding some veteran leadership to complement their existing stars.
- Utah Jazz: Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
The Jazz have a strong big-man rotation, but Walker Kessler's free agency and Lauri Markkanen's age could create opportunities for change. Cameron Boozer, with his family ties to the franchise, could be the cornerstone big man the Jazz need. His ability to score and rebound makes him an attractive option, especially if the Jazz decide to trade Markkanen for a more youthful core. However, the team might need to consider the fit of Darryn Peterson, who could be a better long-term fit alongside Keyonte George.
- Memphis Grizzlies: Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Darryn Peterson is an exciting prospect who could be the missing piece for the Grizzlies. His ability to score and create opportunities for his teammates makes him an ideal fit for a team with Ja Morant and a mountain of draft capital. The Grizzlies could build around Peterson, who has the physical tools and offensive upside to become a star in the NBA. However, the team might need to consider the fit of other young players like Cedric Coward and Zach Edey.
- Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, PF, UNC
Caleb Wilson is a perfect fit for the Bulls' drafting strategy, with his size, length, athleticism, and physicality. He has already proven himself to be an outstanding power forward with elite athleticism and defensive versatility. Pairing him with Matas Buzelis could create one of the most intriguing young wing duos in the NBA. However, the team might need to consider the fit of other young players like Zach LaVine and LaMelo Ball.
The Middle Picks
- Los Angeles Clippers (via Indiana): Darius Acuff, PG, Arkansas
The Clippers could benefit from drafting Darius Acuff, who is one of the best scorers in college basketball. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates and his killer mentality make him an attractive option. However, the team might need to consider the fit of other young players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Paul George.
- Brooklyn Nets: Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Kingston Flemings is the best defensive guard available and could be a good fit for the Nets' young core. However, the team might need to consider the fit of other young players like Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons.
The Later Picks
- Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans): Mikel Brown Jr., PG/SG, Louisville
The Hawks could benefit from adding another talented guard to their roster, and Mikel Brown Jr. could be a good fit. However, the team might need to consider the fit of other young players like Trae Young and John Collins.
- Milwaukee Bucks: Labaron Philon, PG, Alabama
Labaron Philon could be a good fit for the Bucks if they are heading toward a rebuild. His ability to score and create opportunities for his teammates makes him an attractive option. However, the team might need to consider the fit of other young players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday.
The Full First Round
Here is the full first round of the 2026 NBA Mock Draft, with each team's pick and the corresponding player:
- Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
- Utah Jazz: Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
- Memphis Grizzlies: Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
- Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, PF, UNC
- Los Angeles Clippers (via Indiana): Darius Acuff, PG, Arkansas
- Brooklyn Nets: Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
- Sacramento Kings: Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
- Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans): Mikel Brown Jr., PG/SG, Louisville
- Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, PG/SG, Arizona
- Milwaukee Bucks: Labaron Philon, PG, Alabama
- Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, SF/PF, Michigan
- Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles): Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, Kentucky
- Miami Heat: Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee
- Charlotte Hornets: Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington
- Chicago Bulls (via Portland): Aday Mara, C, Michigan
- Memphis Grizzlies (via Phoenix): Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers
- Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia): Chris Cenac Jr, PF/C, Houston
- Charlotte Hornets (via Orlando): Morez Johnson, SF/PF, Michigan
- Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stritz, PG/SG, Iowa
- San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta): Dailyn Swain, SF/PF, Texas
- Detroit Pistons (via Minnesota): Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
- Philadelphia 76ers (via Houston): Allen Graves, SF/PF, Santa Clara
- Atlanta Hawks (via Cleveland): Henri Veesaar, C, UNC
- New York Knicks: Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke
- Los Angeles Lakers: Tounde Yessoufou, SG/SF, Baylor
- Denver Nuggets: Joshua Jefferson, PF/SF, Iowa State
- Boston Celtics: Koa Peat, PF, Arizona
- Minnesota Timberwolves (via Detroit): Cameron Carr, SG/SF, Baylor
- Cleveland Cavaliers (via San Antonio): Amari Allen, SF/PF, Alabama
- Dallas Mavericks (via Oklahoma City): Ebuka Okorie, PG/SG, Stanford
Final Thoughts
The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery has shaken up the league, and the post-lottery mock draft reveals a lot of interesting possibilities. The top picks, like AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, could be game-changers for their respective teams. However, the middle and later picks also offer exciting opportunities for teams to build around young talent. As the draft approaches, teams will need to carefully consider their needs and the fit of each prospect to make the best possible moves for their future success.
