NBA Mock Draft 2026: How First Round Shakes Out After NCAA Withdrawal Deadline
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2026 NBA draft has weakened beyond the top 10 picks due to several prospects withdrawing to return to college, influenced by the growing NIL/revenue share opportunities in college basketball.
- AJ Dybantsa from BYU is the current favorite to go No. 1 to the Washington Wizards, with Utah Jazz likely selecting Darryn Peterson from Kansas at No. 2.
- Top prospects include Cameron Boozer (Duke) to the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3, Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) to the Chicago Bulls at No. 4, and Keaton Wagler (Illinois) to the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 5.
- Notable mid-to-late first-round prospects include Nate Ament (Tennessee) to the Milwaukee Bucks at No. 10, Aday Mara (Michigan) to the Golden State Warriors at No. 11, and Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky) to the Atlanta Hawks at No. 23.
- The draft features a mix of high-upside players with varying degrees of polish, with teams balancing immediate needs and long-term potential as the draft approaches in under a month.