Now that the College Basketball season has started, it also signals the official start of the 2026 NBA Draft cycle. Considering this, it is time to release the first mock draft of this cycle and present an initial placement of these talented prospects. Based on the draft order from Tankathon as of November 12, 2025, let’s delve into the first LWOS 2026 NBA mock draft of the first round.
2026 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Return Of College Basketball Edition
1. Washington Wizards: Darryn Peterson, Kansas, SG/PG
The Washington Wizards finally get the chance to alter the course of their franchise by getting the top pick in a loaded class. Using that pick, the Wizards cement their backcourt of the future by taking Kansas phenom Darryn Peterson. In the six-foot-five guard, Washington drafts one of the most complete guard prospects in recent memory. Unquestionably, Peterson is a talented three-level scorer who has a level of polish to his offensive game that is reminiscent of guards like Kobe Bryant and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Not only is Peterson a strong scorer, but he is also an adept playmaker in his own right. On the defensive end, Peterson is an active defender who consistently looks to make plays defensively. The Wizards already have intriguing young pieces like Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson on the roster, but getting a guy like Peterson to be their centerpiece will absolutely take their franchise to the next level.
2. Indiana Pacers: Cameron Boozer, Duke, PF
While losing their star in Tyrese Haliburton to an Achilles injury and facing down a lost season is tough on any franchise, the Indiana Pacers at least have the silver lining of getting a top-three pick in this mock. Ending up with a talented forward in Cameron Boozer would be a great addition for this Pacers squad. The six-foot-nine Duke product is undoubtedly one of the most well-rounded prospects in the whole draft. He is an excellent defender who is also a force on the glass. He has the size, physicality, and quickness to guard across multiple positions and be disruptive as a defensive playmaker. Furthermore, Boozer is a skilled scorer on all three levels, and he is an extremely skilled passer for his position. As the running mate alongside Haliburton, Boozer can be a versatile cog in Indiana’s system, capable of succeeding in various roles.
3. Brooklyn Nets: AJ Dybantsa, BYU, SF
The Brooklyn Nets have been in desperate need of a prospect who can be their franchise cornerstone. Luckily for them, they land in the top three of this mock draft. With the third overall pick, the Nets take the last of the big three prospects of this draft cycle, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa. Standing at six-foot-nine, Dybantsa is an extremely athletic and physical forward who has massive two-way potential. He is an explosive three-level scorer who excels at getting to the rim and knocking down mid-range shots. Plus, he has shown excellent flashes as a shot creator and maker. Defensively, he has all the tools he needs to be a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and be switchable on the perimeter. Dybantsa certainly has the potential to be the star wing that teams are looking to build around and give Brooklyn hope for the future.
4. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans): Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky, C/PF
In a fortuitous trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Atlanta Hawks happen to land a top-five pick in this draft. With this pick, Atlanta adds to their frontcourt by taking Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance. While Quaintance is out with an ACL injury, he is expected to be back sometime this collegiate season. Despite that, Quaintance is certainly one of the most impressive defensive prospects in this year’s draft. Standing around six-foot-nine, he has the size, athleticism, and basketball IQ to be a truly special defender on the court. At just 17 years old, Quaintance was one of the best defensive playmakers in the nation. Specifically, Quaintance is a special rim protector who can smother shots with ease. Not only that, but Quaintance is also disruptive in the passing lanes and is a strong rebounder.
Offensively, Quaintance is an effective rim-runner and lob target. However, he has also shown intriguing on-ball skills and passing ability. He can provide the Hawks with additional long-term depth at the center position while also providing elite paint defense. Furthermore, Quaintance would flourish offensively next to Trae Young‘s playmaking. If he can develop his on-ball skills and passing, then the Hawks will truly have a dynamic two-way prospect as their center of the future.
5. Sacramento Kings: Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville, PG/SG
The Sacramento Kings are heading towards a full rebuild of their roster and entering a new era of their franchise. The tandem of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine hasn’t translated into winning basketball, making it clear that change is needed. Despite only selecting at fifth in this mock, the Kings can potentially find their point guard of the future in Mikel Brown Jr., a six-foot-five guard playing for Louisville. Brown can bring the Kings something they have been missing since the De’Aaron Fox trade, and that is great point guard play.
He is a high-level shooter who can extend his range to well beyond the arc and play both on and off the ball. Brown is also an impressive playmaker who can throw a wide variety of passes using his great court vision. He can stand to improve as a finisher and on the defensive end, but it is hard to pass up on a guard who legitimately has the potential to be an offensive engine for the Kings.
6. Dallas Mavericks: Nate Ament, Tennessee, SF
Despite their initial stated goal of seeking an NBA championship, the Dallas Mavericks are currently stuck in the mud this season. With injuries and improper roster construction creating major struggles for their season, they fortunately caught a break by landing in the top ten. Cooper Flagg, the most recent number one overall pick, is unquestionably a high-level talent who can be a premier two-way star in the league for Dallas. However, he does need a real long-term co-star who can help him right the course of the Mavericks franchise. Dallas can find that in six-foot-ten forward Nate Ament.
The Tennessee forward possesses an intriguing combination of size, length, and skill that gives him great offensive potential. At his size, Ament is a capable ball-handler and playmaker who also has strong shooting capabilities. He is a capable scorer who can score on all three levels, but whose offensive talents lie in his shooting. Additionally, Ament has great defensive potential despite his lack of strength, as his length and size allow him to be a multi-positional defender. With proper development, Ament can serve as a secondary star next to Flagg, considering his strengths as a shooter and passer. Together, they can build a star forward tandem that can truly usher in a new era of Dallas basketball.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers): Caleb Wilson, UNC, PF
It is surprising to see the reigning NBA champions so high up in a mock draft. However, they owe getting this lottery pick to the Los Angeles Clippers, who have been disappointing to start their season. With such a gift in hand, the Thunder can continue to fortify the frontcourt and impressive defense by taking UNC standout Caleb Wilson.
The six-foot-ten Wilson has impressed right out of the gate in college, demonstrating his athleticism, defense, and offensive potential. He has the fluidity, athleticism, and physical tools to be an elite defender on the wings. Not only that, but Wilson has the versatility to be a multi-positional defender and an excellent defensive playmaker. Offensively, he has shown strong flashes as a ball-handler and shooter while also demonstrating solid passing. In Oklahoma City’s developmental system, Wilson can blossom into an elite two-way force for the Thunder. Furthermore, he can strengthen their frontcourt depth next to guys like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
8. Memphis Grizzlies: Labaron Philon, Alabama, PG/SG
This is the first of the two lottery picks that the Memphis Grizzlies have in this mock, and selecting a talented guard in Labaron Philon would be a tremendous get. With the Grizzlies standing at a crossroads with their current star guard, Ja Morant, having a contingency plan in the six-foot-four Philon can make a transition away from Morant easier. As a prospect, Philon is one of the top returning players this season as well as one of the best point guards in the class.
He has an intriguing combination of ball-handling and pace that makes him an effective driver. He can break down defenses with ease while also possessing the vision to find open teammates when the defense collapses on him. Philon also has the potential to be a three-level scorer if he can improve upon his three-point shot. Additionally, Philon is a tough point-of-attack defender who can smother opposing guards. Overall, Philon’s skill set and motor perfectly fit into the grit-and-grind mindset that the Grizzlies once championed. Regardless of whether Morant leaves the Grizzlies, Memphis can use a two-way guard like Philon.
9. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Utah Jazz): Neoklis Avdalas, Virginia Tech, SF/PG
The Thunder certainly have no lack of talent on their roster, especially considering they had a selection earlier in this mock. Nevertheless, adding more on the wings is always a solid idea for any NBA team. Considering Oklahoma City’s drafting philosophy, Virginia Tech wing Neoklis Avdalas is the perfect pick from a roster and drafting standpoint.
Specifically, the six-foot-nine wing from Greece can dribble, pass, and shoot, which is what the Thunder looks for in the draft. Avdalas is highly skilled as a playmaker and ball-handler, utilizing his change of pace and dribbling to break down defenses. He can make excellent reads from his drives, consistently finding open teammates. His shooting and defense can use more improvement, but Avdalas will get to benefit from Oklahoma City’s strong developmental system. If his development goes right, he can be an extremely valuable jumbo initiator on wings who can also space the floor for the Thunder.
10. Charlotte Hornets: Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor, SG/SF
With the tenth overall pick in this mock, the Charlotte Hornets can get a player who can help improve their perimeter defense in Tounde Yessoufou. Standing at six-foot-five, Yessoufou is a well-built wing who plays with a high degree of physicality on both ends. His size and strength allow him to guard up and down the lineup. Plus, his physical play also translates to the offensive end as he can overpower smaller defenders when attacking the paint. While he can still improve the consistency of his shooting and on-ball skills, Yessoufou has shown impressive flashes in those areas. Unquestionably, Charlotte’s perimeter defense is porous to say the least, so the addition of Yessoufou would be a big addition to their overall defensive personnel. He can certainly provide toughness, defense, and athleticism to a Hornets team that sorely needs that on the perimeter.
11. Boston Celtics: Hannes Steinbach, Washington, C
The Boston Celtics are undoubtedly facing a lost year in terms of contention due to the Achilles injury to Jayson Tatum and the loss of key personnel in the offseason. In particular, the Celtics have lost key players at the center position, leaving Boston without a long-term solution in the middle. They can remedy that issue by taking one of the best centers in the draft, Washington big man Hannes Steinbach. The six-foot-eleven center out of Germany is truly a highly talented interior scorer and rebounder who has upside as a passer and shooter. Not only that, but Steinbach has also demonstrated solid rim protection. Due to his skill and upside in key areas, Steinbach can be the long-term center for the Celtics and has the potential to become a two-way force in Boston.
12. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando Magic): Chris Cenac Jr., Houston, C/PF
Memphis can stand to add to their frontcourt as they can use more depth at power forward and center. In light of that, ending up with Houston big man Chris Cenac Jr. is a great get for their young core. Cenac brings excellent mobility, athleticism, and defense to the Grizzlies while also having potential as a floor spacer. Unlike someone like Zach Edey, Cenac has the fluidity and quickness to switch onto guards defensively. Plus, Cenac offers Memphis a big man who has the potential to knock down shots from beyond the arc. To be sure, Cenac has a long way to go in terms of his development, but he would be a great fit in Memphis.
13. Golden State Warriors: Koa Peat, Arizona, PF
The Golden State Warriors have had an up-and-down season so far, trying to contend in the final years of the Stephen Curry era of Warriors basketball. However, they have major roster issues as well as the fact that the main core of Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler are slowing with age. They badly need more infusion of youth on the roster, but also need prospects who have a chance to contribute immediately. Plus, they need to add depth in the frontcourt, especially if they choose to deal Jonathan Kuminga mid-season. With that in mind, they have the chance to draft that depth in the lottery, and they can find that in Koa Peat.
In Peat, the Warriors would have a six-foot-eight, well-built forward with a talent for interior scoring. He utilizes a combination of strength, footwork, and ball-handling to force his way into the paint to score. While Peat certainly needs work as a shooter, he has shown some mid-range flashes. He is also a great rebounder on both ends, using his strength to fight for good rebounding position and gain second-chance opportunities. Additionally, Peat is a solid passer for his position, being able to find open teammates when the defensive attention is focused on him. Defensively, Peat uses his size, strength, and physical tools to have an impact. He has the versatility to both handle bigger forwards in the post and guards on the perimeter. His physical traits, alongside his production as a scorer and rebounder, make him a great pick for Golden State.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta Hawks): Braylon Mullins, UConn, SG
The San Antonio Spurs have taken a major step as a franchise, enjoying an excellent start to the new season. Their young core, led by Victor Wembanyama, has shown much promise as they look to take the Spurs back to the postseason for the first time since 2019. However, one thing that has been clear about the current roster is the need for more shooting.
Due to that, drafting one of the best shooters in the draft, UConn guard Braylon Mullins, would be a major success. While the six-foot-six Mullins hasn’t played a game yet this collegiate season due to injury, he is unquestionably one of the top shooters this year. He can give San Antonio more size at the guard positions while also providing them with elite shooting. Mullins is capable of being deployed in various shooting roles, such as a spot-up or movement shooter. Not only that, but he is also capable of attacking closeouts and being a solid defender. A player like him would thrive next to Wembanyama and give the Spurs the shooting they need.
15. Chicago Bulls (via Portland Trail Blazers): Thomas Haugh, Florida, SF/PF
The Chicago Bulls have an intriguing core of young players, especially in the frontcourt. In back-to-back drafts, Chicago drafted forwards Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue, bringing much-needed athleticism and upside at the forward spots. Nevertheless, they can still add more depth at those spots, especially considering they can get such a talented forward in Thomas Haugh. The six-foot-nine Florida forward has recently helped the Gators to an NCAA championship and can bring a level of athleticism and two-way potential to the Bulls. He has shown himself to be a capable slasher and defender who consistently plays hard on both ends. Plus, he is a great rebounder and has shown flashes of three-point shooting. He would be the perfect forward to round out their forward depth, giving the Bulls a player who can be extremely impactful as a two-way player in the league one day.
Nov 11, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) dribbles the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
16. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz, Iowa, PG
Something clear about the current Toronto Raptors roster is that they can use more three-point shooting. They can find that in Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz, who is one of the better point guard prospects in this year’s draft. He can offer Toronto consistent, high-level playmaking and efficient three-level scoring while also being able to play off the ball if needed. His high basketball IQ and overall feel for the game can also be seen on the defensive end, as he has a nose for forcing turnovers. While Stirtz does have a lack of athleticism, he has everything he needs to be a high-quality role player for the Raptors.
17. Chicago Bulls: Patrick Ngongba II, Duke, C
After adding another forward in Haugh, the Bulls can use more depth at the center position. In particular, the Bulls need to find a long-term replacement for Nikola Vucevic. While he isn’t a flashy option, Duke big man Patrick Ngongba II has the skills and tools to be an effective role player for the Bulls. The six-foot-eleven big is a great interior scorer and rebounder who can also protect the paint. He is excellent in the pick-and-roll as a screener and can be a decent passer out of the short roll. His size and strength allow him to carve out a good position under the basket for rebounds. Ngongba isn’t going to blow anyone away, but he is effective in what he does. He can be someone who can give the Bulls consistent production if his health permits.
18. Milwaukee Bucks: Brayden Burries, Arizona, SG/PG
The Milwaukee Bucks haven’t had much success in the draft these past few years, but they get another chance to add youth at the end of this season. That’s where Arizona guard Brayden Burries comes into the picture. The six-foot-four Burries is a physical combo guard who can provide Milwaukee with additional scoring and perimeter defense. He can carve up defenses with his ball-handling and knock down tough shots. Furthermore, Burries has shown competency as a playmaker. Defensively, his size and strength can give the Bucks a strong-bodied defender at the guard positions. To be sure, Burries can stand to improve his consistency as a shooter and passer, but the flashes he’s shown give him the potential to be an impact player for the Bucks.
19. Miami Heat: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan, PF
In the case of the Miami Heat, they can use more depth in the frontcourt, especially at power forward. With that in mind, getting Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg would be an amazing outcome. In the past season, the six-foot-nine Lendeborg has proven himself to be a versatile player who can do many things well on the court. Offensively, Lendeborg is a capable interior scorer using his strength, touch, and footwork. Not only that, but he has flashed three-point shooting ability and connective passing. Defensively, he is a skilled defender who utilizes his physical tools and basketball IQ to make plays on the defensive end. His sheer versatility as a prospect would fit well in Miami’s system and give them the size they need.
20. Charlotte Hornets (via Phoenix Suns): Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers, PF
With their second pick of this mock, the Hornets will take New Zealand Breakers forward Karim Lopez. Standing at six-foot-eight, Lopez is a physical forward and one of the best prospects playing over in the NBL. Lopez uses his strength and ball-handling to be a powerful driver to the rim. Furthermore, Lopez has made major improvements to his jumper, making him more of a threat from three. Defensively, he has the tools to be a versatile multi-positional defender, and he has flashed impressive weakside shot blocking. However, he can be susceptible to defensive lapses. Regardless, Lopez can give Charlotte more size and physicality out on the court. If he continues to improve his three-point shooting and defense, there is real two-way upside for Lopez.
21. New York Knicks: Cayden Boozer, Duke, PG/SG
Doubling down on defense is rarely a bad thing in the NBA, and the New York Knicks can use more guard defense. Duke guard Cayden Boozer, brother of Cameron Boozer, can provide them just that while also being a great playmaker. Standing at six-foot-four, Boozer possesses a skill set that is highly reminiscent of the “pure point guards” of old. Specifically, Boozer isn’t looking to create his own shot, but to set up his teammates and play tough defense. In both of those things, Boozer succeeded at being a high-level playmaker and defender. He uses his high basketball IQ and feel for the game to help orchestrate his team’s offense.
As for defense, his size grants him advantages against other guards, and he knows where he needs to be. Undoubtedly, Boozer must become better as a three-point shooter and be more aggressive as a scorer in general. Nevertheless, he has the skills to be an excellent complementary role player on the Knicks.
22. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia 76ers): Nikolas Khamenia, Duke, SF
There is a player that perfectly fits into the drafting philosophy of the Oklahoma City Thunder left on the board. That player is Nikolas Khamenia, the six-foot-eight wing playing for Duke this season. Khamenia possesses a well-rounded skill set that would fit well on any roster. He can pass and shoot at a high level while also being a smart defender. While his overall lack of athleticism and offensive creation hold him back, he is the type of player who consistently makes winning plays. He can be a high-impact player for the Thunder and give them more size on the wing.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves: Dame Sarr, Duke, SG/SF
The Minnesota Timberwolves can always use additional wings on their roster, especially those with 3-and-D potential. For this mock, they will select Duke wing Dame Sarr, a six-foot-eight wing out of Italy. Sarr offers the Wolves additional athleticism and defense on the wings. His size and quickness allow him to guard up and down the lineup at a high level. Also, Sarr has demonstrated potential as a shooter and slasher. He certainly will need time for development, especially on the offensive end. However, given his athleticism and upside on the wings, it would be difficult for Minnesota to pass up on Sarr.
24. Los Angeles Lakers: Aday Mara, Michigan, C
Despite the early success of Deandre Ayton with the Los Angeles Lakers, they still need to find another long-term center. LA can use another defensively-minded center who can also serve as a rim-runner next to Luka Doncic. Considering that, the Michigan big man who transferred from UCLA, Aday Mara, would be a great fit.
Standing at a massive seven-foot-three, Mara has had a wonderful start to his Michigan career. He has demonstrated his excellence as a defensive anchor and rebounder while also showing improved touch as a scorer. Given his large size and massive wingspan at seven-foot-seven, Mara is a dominant rim protector and shot blocker. Furthermore, he can gobble up rebounds like it’s nothing. That alone would make him a good fit in LA, but he has also shown flashes offensively. Specifically, he is excellent as a play finisher and in the pick-and-roll as a screener. Plus, he uses his size to his advantage as a passer, being able to find open teammates when Mara is in the middle of the paint. There is a real chance that this pick gets moved by LA, but someone like Mara can provide the Lakers with a long-term solution they need at center.
25. Atlanta Hawks (via Cleveland Cavaliers): Isiah Harwell, Houston, SG/SF
After adding depth in the middle, the Hawks can stand to add more on the wings. Adding more 3-and-D players to their roster and more size on the wing will always be a solid choice for Atlanta. Houston wing Isiah Harwell fits that description as he is a bigger guard at six-foot-six who can play defense and shoot threes. Despite the ACL injury he suffered in high school, Harwell has enough athleticism to defend across multiple positions. In terms of his offense, he will thrive as a catch-and-shoot player next to Young, as he has good touch as a shooter. Plus, Harwell is a solid connective passer in an offense. He isn’t someone who can reliably create his own offense, but his skills match what the Hawks need.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston Rockets): Dash Daniels, Melbourne United, SG/PG
The Oklahoma City Thunder finally gets to the last of their picks on this mock. Using this pick, they will select the younger brother of Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, Melbourne United guard Dash Daniels. Standing at six-foot-five, Daniels is one of the premier defenders of this draft. He has a great blend of size, speed, and athleticism to be an excellent defender at both guard spots. If he can add more weight, Daniels could also guard smaller forwards. He has amazing anticipation and basketball IQ, allowing him to be disruptive as a defensive playmaker.
His offense is much further behind his defense, but he has shown flashes of slashing and passing. One thing that he must work on is his shooting, as his jumper looks completely off. Regardless, getting an athletic guard defender with upside in Daniels could pay dividends for the Thunder. Under their developmental wing, he can be molded into something much more valuable.
27. Cleveland Cavaliers (via San Antonio Spurs): Karter Knox, Arkansas, SF
The Cleveland Cavaliers can use more athleticism on the wings. Given that need, Arkansas wing Karter Knox, the younger brother of Kevin Knox, can be an answer for them. The six-foot-six wing possesses high-level athleticism and physical tools that can make him impactful on both ends. He is a solid three-level scorer who operates well off the ball and plays with physicality. Defensively, Knox has the tools to be a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. Knox must improve upon his consistency at both ends, but the potential is there for him to be an impactful two-way player with the right development.
28. Denver Nuggets: Kingston Flemings, Houston, PG/SG
The Denver Nuggets certainly have a good roster around Nikola Jokic, and they have been successful early this season. However, one area that the team can improve on is offensive creation off the bench. While Jokic and Jamal Murray can obviously create offense at a high level, they can use another player who can provide that in a tertiary role. A prospect who has the skill set to perform well in that role is Houston guard Kingston Flemings.
Out of the three Houston freshmen on this mock, Flemings has had the best start out of all of them. He is a six-foot-four guard who has the speed and athleticism to be an electric scorer and playmaker. Not only that, but Flemings has shown himself to be a quality defender out of the guard spots. Flemings does need to add more strength to his frame, but it would not be surprising if he flies up the draft boards if his level of play continues. Regardless, Flemings would return immense value for Denver and fill a key need for them.
29. Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Evans, Duke, SF/SG
Without a doubt, the Detroit Pistons have an abundance of defense and athleticism on the roster. However, they have a clear lack of shooting, especially with the offseason losses of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley. They would be a team that would greatly benefit from the services of Duke wing Isaiah Evans. The six-foot-six wing is one of the best shooters in this year’s draft as well as a talented all-around scorer. He can shoot the ball in a variety of ways, including in spot-up and movement situations. Also, he can extend his range to well beyond the arc. Unfortunately, Evans isn’t the best passer, nor is he a great defender, despite his solid physical tools. Nevertheless, he is the type of prospect who can significantly improve the shooting on the Pistons.
30. Washington Wizards (Oklahoma City Thunder): Henri Veesaar, UNC, PF/C
After taking Peterson earlier in this mock, the Wizards can turn their attention to their frontcourt needs. In particular, they can use another long-term big on the roster. They can find an excellent solution to that issue in UNC big man Henri Veesaar, a seven-footer out of Estonia. Veesaar is a skilled interior scorer who has shown strong flashes of stretching the floor. Plus, Veesaar has also flashed potential as a facilitator in the middle. On the defensive end, he has the length and athleticism to be a solid shot-blocker and overall rim protector. His mobility allows him to be deployed in various defensive coverages. For Veesaar, he must improve at handling physicality and continue developing his shooting. However, if he can put it all together, the Wizards will have a dynamic frontcourt between Veesaar and Sarr that can return high two-way impact.
Featured Image: Bob Donnan-Imagn Image