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Jeremy WooMar 11, 2026, 04:30 PM<\/p>\n
Close<\/a>NBA draft analyst and writer Multiple Authors<\/p>\n Whether you’ve followed this 2026 NBA draft class<\/a> all season or are just tuning in for March Madness<\/a>, it bears repeating: This is shaping up to be an exceptionally talented draft class<\/a>.<\/p>\n Darryn Peterson<\/a>, AJ Dybantsa<\/a>, Cameron Boozer<\/a> and Caleb Wilson<\/a> have been the headliners. But a terrific group of guard prospects — Kingston Flemings<\/a>, Keaton Wagler<\/a>, Darius Acuff Jr<\/a>. and Mikel Brown Jr<\/a>. — add significant depth to the mid-lottery.<\/p>\n Within the NBA, conversations around tanking and the league’s efforts to combat it<\/a> continue — and the strength of this draft has certainly played a role in the unusually high number of teams currently tumbling down the standings. There remains a broad expectation that many quality prospects will return to college next season, primarily among players not entrenched in the first round, as NIL payments shift financial incentives. This mock serves to project what the draft might look like if NBA teams selected today. These projections are not a ranking of the top prospects — for that, consult ESPN’s top 100.<\/a><\/p>\n They are informed by ongoing conversations with NBA executives and scouts, as well as my own evaluation process from time spent on the road at games and watching film.<\/p>\n With conference tournaments getting underway and a prospect-heavy NCAA tournament one week out, here are our latest projections looking ahead to the 2026 draft.<\/p>\n The draft order was formulated using ESPN’s BPI projections as of March 8.<\/p>\n More NBA draft coverage: Darryn Peterson<\/a>, PG\/SG, Kansas<\/a> Much has been discussed<\/a> about Peterson and his candidacy for No. 1 over the course of a tumultuous season. His issues with cramping and inconsistent play have heightened the perceived risk around taking him first, but he remains the most gifted offensive player in the draft. NBA teams have varying levels of concern but won’t have complete information around his long-term health or other intangibles until later in the process.<\/p>\n The battle for No. 1 is close enough between Peterson and AJ Dybantsa to the point where league sources broadly view this as a matter of which team ultimately makes the pick. Cameron Boozer’s dominant season has also kept him in the debate.<\/p>\n It’s important to keep in mind how strongly many evaluators felt about Peterson coming into the season, particularly scouts who saw him play in high school. Although his role at Kansas has largely moved him off the ball, there remains optimism around his playmaking and ability to operate as a lead ball handler. It’s hard to see Peterson falling out of the top three, and he looked much healthier over the weekend against<\/a> Kansas State. A big postseason run could help him change the narrative around his season.<\/p>\n Sacramento, in search of a new face of the franchise, has quite a bit riding on this lottery. With five rotation players currently injured, they feel like a safe bet for top-three odds.<\/p>\n 0:22<\/p>\n Darryn Peterson drops in the smooth bucket<\/p>\n Darryn Peterson drops in the smooth bucket<\/p>\n AJ Dybantsa<\/a>, SF, BYU<\/a> A huge NBA contingent was present at the Big 12 tournament in Kansas City on Tuesday to see Dybantsa and BYU take on Kansas State, with decision-makers from the majority of lottery teams in attendance. Dybantsa did his part, scoring 40 points nearly every which way on 15-of-21 shooting, in a 105-91 Cougars win. He’ll have another big stage Wednesday night against West Virginia, with Houston awaiting if he can engineer another win.<\/p>\n The Big 12’s Freshman of the Year<\/a> has done his part to make the No. 1 race interesting, currently leading the NCAA in scoring while also showing growth as a decision-maker. He was playing his best basketball of the season before teammate Richie Saunders<\/a> tore his ACL on Feb. 14, an injury that sent BYU on a late-season backslide. In what has become a real debate for the No. 1 pick, some around the NBA have come to view Dybantsa as a safer option than Peterson. He’s not as gifted a ball handler or shooter but might have more untapped upside from a physical and skill perspective, as well as on the defensive end.<\/p>\n The Wizards keep this pick (otherwise owed to the New York Knicks<\/a>) if it falls inside the top eight. Trae Young<\/a> made his debut last week and Anthony Davis<\/a>‘ return remains unclear, but this could be Washington’s last dip into the high lottery for a while.<\/p>\n Cameron Boozer<\/a>, PF\/C, Duke<\/a> Boozer, the ACC Player and Rookie of the Year<\/a>, has made a loud argument for himself as the best player in college basketball and would provide excellent value if he falls to No. 3.<\/p>\n He’s having a historically productive season operating as the fulcrum of a Duke team with title aspirations. He excels in nearly every offensive area. But his average explosiveness, coupled with slower defensive ground coverage, has raised questions about his ceiling.<\/p>\n Some scouts wonder whether he can be the best player on a championship-level NBA team, or whether he’s optimally cast as a secondary star.<\/p>\n Indiana’s deadline trade for Ivica Zubac<\/a> raises the stakes around next season and this selection, as they’ll convey it to the LA Clippers<\/a> if it falls in the 5-9 range. Adding Boozer to the mix with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton<\/a> could kick-start the Pacers on another playoff push.<\/p>\n 3:39<\/p>\n The Boozer twins: Making their own legacy<\/p>\n Rece Davis sits down with fraternal twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer to find out how they are forging their own paths at Duke.<\/p>\n Caleb Wilson<\/a>, PF\/C, North Carolina<\/a> Wilson opted to have surgery after breaking his thumb last week in practice, ending his season<\/a> and depriving him of an opportunity to play in the NCAA tournament.<\/p>\n A first-team All-ACC selection<\/a>, he has done enough to sit safely among the top picks even without taking the court again, showcasing his ability to play above the rim and two-way upside at power forward. Evaluators are curious how much more he can develop his 3-point shooting (25.9%) and ball skills, but Wilson plays exceptionally hard, having compiled 11 double-doubles and setting himself apart as an elite prospect. NBA teams have penciled him in as a top-four selection.<\/p>\n Brooklyn has built patiently, holding onto Michael Porter Jr<\/a>. and Nic Claxton<\/a> at the trade deadline and will be hoping to add star power to the youngest roster in the NBA, no matter where this pick falls.<\/p>\n 0:58<\/p>\n How far can UNC go without Caleb Wilson?<\/p>\n Jay Williams and Jay Bilas discuss UNC’s chances to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament without Caleb Wilson.<\/p>\n Kingston Flemings<\/a>, PG, Houston<\/a> With a strong tier of backcourt players penciled in through the middle of the lottery, and front offices valuing them all differently, there’s real ground to gain for these players over the next couple of weeks.<\/p>\n Flemings is the most explosive guard in the draft, with his downhill style and budding playmaking ability keeping him high on team boards. Evaluators share some concern about his shooting mechanics, but he has achieved results (84% at the line, 37.6% from 3) and has been on an upward trajectory with his jumper over the past year.<\/p>\n Houston will ultimately go as far as the first-team All-Big 12 selection<\/a> can carry it in March, beginning Thursday in the conference tournament.<\/p>\n The Jazz need this pick to land in the top eight, or will otherwise convey it to Oklahoma City. Utah beefed up its frontcourt with Jaren Jackson Jr<\/a>. at the trade deadline and is a team that should be looking hard at guard options ahead of a pivot toward playoff contention next season.<\/p>\n Keaton Wagler<\/a>, PG\/SG, Illinois<\/a> Wagler’s unexpected rise from off-the-radar recruit to Big Ten Freshman of the Year<\/a> has given him a chance to be the second guard off the board. His positional size — 6-foot-6 — 3-point shooting (41%) and impeccable playmaking give him developmental upside.<\/p>\n Continuing to gain strength to better navigate in the paint and becoming a better defender are long-term keys as well. He is the least dynamic athlete of the guards in this group, but the blueprint is there for him to become an NBA backcourt fixture.<\/p>\n Atlanta will be in search of a long-term point guard after moving on from Trae Young, and can address that in this draft, even if its pick doesn’t land in the top four.<\/p>\n Darius Acuff Jr<\/a>., PG, Arkansas<\/a> Acuff was named SEC Player of the Year<\/a> after a stellar season that solidified him as a lottery pick. His ability to navigate tight spaces on the court, create his own offense and find teammates has been a major separator.<\/p>\n NBA teams have concerns about his defense, but it’s hard to deny Acuff’s ability to manufacture points. There’s variance of opinion on how he stacks up long term against his peers, but Acuff is the most NBA-ready of the four guards.<\/p>\n Dallas is another potential point guard landing spot, with Kyrie Irving<\/a> now 33 and the Mavs building around the rising Cooper Flagg<\/a>. Finding a long-term starter at the position would be a coup for their future.<\/p>\n 2:05<\/p>\n Darius Acuff Jr. explains No. 20 Arkansas’ determination to avenge loss<\/p>\n Acuff Jr. discusses the mindset in the win over Texas as they bounced back from a gruesome loss to Florida, describing the electric offense and chemistry between the Razorbacks.<\/p>\n Mikel Brown Jr<\/a>., PG, Louisville<\/a> Brown was officially ruled out for the ACC tournament Tuesday as he continues to deal with back issues that have plagued him for much of the season. An NCAA tournament return hasn’t been ruled out, but this has become a situation NBA teams want to learn more about when he completes his medical test at the combine in May.<\/p>\n Although he’s shooting just 41% from the field this season, scouts feel comfortable with his history and that his dynamic perimeter shot-creation (34% from 3) remains a strong attribute. The ups and downs of his season haven’t helped his draft profile, though. But he fared better after returning from injury in February. Brown still projects somewhere inside the top 10, with evaluators remaining bullish on his upside as a tall (6-5) backcourt playmaker.<\/p>\n Memphis traded Jaren Jackson Jr<\/a>. at the deadline as it continues to retool largely through the draft. The Grizzlies should be in best-available mode, with Ja Morant’s<\/a> long-term future uncertain.<\/p>\n Nate Ament<\/a>, SF\/PF, Tennessee<\/a> Ament injured his right leg against Alabama on Feb. 28 and hasn’t played since, but he returned to basketball activities this week. His status is unclear going into Tennessee’s SEC tournament game on Thursday.<\/p>\n He turned his season around in conference play after a slow start, averaging 19 points in 16 league games and reminding teams why he was so highly rated coming into the season. He has at times left evaluators wanting more, but checks valuable size and skill boxes that should make him a long-term NBA fixture. Whether Ament can take a star leap hinges on the evolution of his shot-creation skills.<\/p>\n The Bulls cleared out their roster at the trade deadline and should be in a best-available mindset moving forward, with a clear need for more perimeter shooting.<\/p>\n Brayden Burries<\/a>, SG, Arizona<\/a> Burries has been a major riser since the start of the calendar year, turning around a poor start to the season and earning first-team All-Big 12 honors on an Arizona team that rolled through the conference schedule. He has been effective on and off the ball, a capable screen operator who can also catch and shoot (37% from 3), giving him a good base to build on as a long-term backcourt fixture. While a year older than many of his freshman classmates and slightly undersized for a two-guard at 6-4, he’s gaining steam as a late-lottery name, adding yet another freshman to this mix.<\/p>\n It’s been unclear to rival teams which direction the Bucks are going, with Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a> returning to the floor this month with a potential offseason trade still up in the air. If Milwaukee plans to keep him, it could make sense to target a more NBA-ready player with this pick (the worse of its own and Atlanta’s). Still, Giannis’s in-season comeback might ultimately harm the Bucks’ chances of better draft odds.<\/p>\n 0:16<\/p>\n Brayden Burries drills 3-pointer vs. Colorado Buffaloes<\/p>\n Brayden Burries drills 3-pointer vs. Colorado Buffaloes<\/p>\n Karim Lopez<\/a>, SF\/PF, New Zealand Breakers Lopez finished out a strong individual season in the NBL, totaling the most points, steals and blocks<\/a> ever by a draft-eligible Next Stars player.<\/p>\n While this came in a losing context, NBA teams are optimistic about his mix of size, skill and toughness, keeping him in the late-lottery mix going into the predraft process. Scouts feel he needs to make strides as a shooter, improve defensively and maximize his frame to ultimately stick as a stretch 4, which is his most natural position long term.<\/p>\n Portland appears entrenched in a play-in spot and will convey this pick to Chicago if it sneaks into the playoffs.<\/p>\n Thomas Haugh<\/a>, SF\/PF, Florida<\/a> A first-team All-SEC selection, Haugh continues to project as one of the more bankable players in this class.<\/p>\n A big, tough frontcourt player with a winning pedigree, he wins extra possessions and plays with tremendous effort. While his confidence on the perimeter has visibly improved, his 3-point shooting has hovered around average for the past two seasons (34%) and it’s an area he’ll need to sharpen.<\/p>\n He doesn’t create much offense for himself, but his versatile role at Florida figures to translate as long as the shot does. At 22, Haugh is on the older side, but he presents a plug-and-play option for playoff-caliber teams beginning in this part of the draft.<\/p>\n The Spurs are set to receive this pick via swap from the Hawks, potentially giving them another lottery selection to add to a young and increasingly deep roster.<\/p>\n Braylon Mullins<\/a>, SG, UConn<\/a> Mullins has an interesting stay-or-go case this spring, as a freshman with a lot of fans in NBA front offices, but one who could feasibly be selected higher next year. A high-level perimeter shooter with positional size (6-6) and scoring instincts, some feel he’s capable of much more than he’s shown this season in a supporting role on an experienced UConn team.<\/p>\n He has good upside regardless and will be positioned to benefit from the March Madness spotlight if the Huskies make a deep run<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Warriors hung onto this pick at the trade deadline, giving them an outside shot in the lottery if they don’t wind up in the playoffs.<\/p>\n Jayden Quaintance<\/a>, C, Kentucky<\/a> Quaintance has become one of the more enigmatic prospects in the class, with the chances of a return this month from knee swelling unclear, plus a limited body of work since tearing his ACL a year ago.<\/p>\n Whether he returns or not, the success of his predraft process will rely heavily on medicals and team workouts. His long-term upside in a draft that lacks top-end center talent should keep him in lottery consideration, with a viable long-term future as a rim-running, shot-blocking five. But his draft range, for the moment, is wide.<\/p>\n Charlotte has taken a step forward this season after nailing last year’s Kon Knueppel<\/a> selection and could use more help in the frontcourt, something the team could address with its two first-round picks.<\/p>\n Hannes Steinbach<\/a>, PF\/C, Washington<\/a> Steinbach has been highly dependable, albeit for a middling Washington team, and looks the part as a future NBA rotation player. He is a solid offensive player with good hands and floor-spacing potential, but struggles at times defensively, where he’s limited defending in space and undersized for a center. Washington will try to extend its season against USC on Tuesday at the Big Ten tournament.<\/p>\n The Clippers turned their season around enough to sit firmly in a play-in spot, reducing the possibility that the Thunder winds up with another lottery selection. With the Thunder tight on roster spots due to their quality depth, there’s an incentive for Oklahoma City to consolidate some of these picks going into draft night.<\/p>\n 0:18<\/p>\n Hannes Steinbach with the and-1 bucket<\/p>\n Hannes Steinbach with the and-1 bucket<\/p>\n Christian Anderson<\/a>, PG, Texas Tech<\/a> Anderson has kept Texas Tech afloat after losing star teammate JT Toppin<\/a> to injury on Feb. 17 and continues to shoot the ball exceptionally well (42.7% from 3).<\/p>\n The First-Team All Big-12 pick has positioned himself well in a very deep point guard class, forming a strong secondary tier with Bennett Stirtz and Labaron Philon. NBA teams love Anderson’s well-rounded game and ability to play on and off the ball, with his average physical profile and lack of strength the main factor suppressing his stock. Texas Tech earned a double-bye and will begin Big 12 tournament play on Thursday.<\/p>\n Oklahoma City owns this pick from Philadelphia with top-four protections, giving them a second chip to play with in the middle of the first round.<\/p>\n Yaxel Lendeborg<\/a>, PF\/C, Michigan<\/a> Amid an excellent year at Michigan, winning Big 10 Player of the Year<\/a>, Lendeborg has looked like a readymade rotation player, the primary drawback being his age (23).<\/p>\n He has successfully defended opposing guards and bigs alike, while also helping to facilitate offensively on the perimeter, showcasing a level of versatility that NBA teams appreciate. A capable if not stellar shooter (34.3% from 3), Lendeborg’s switchability and skill level should allow him to plug in all over the floor. He’ll have a big platform in March to buck the age narrative and play his way into the lottery.<\/p>\n The Grizzlies own the better of Phoenix’s and Orlando’s picks, likely giving them a second selection inside the top 20.<\/p>\n Labaron Philon Jr<\/a>., PG\/SG, Alabama<\/a> Philon made first-team All-SEC and continues to show impressive shot creation chops, proving he can get to spots off the dribble and score from all over the floor.<\/p>\n NBA teams know he can score, but some evaluators question his organizational skills and whether he’s ultimately best suited for a bench spark plug role — one that’s viewed as replaceable.<\/p>\n He helped himself quite a bit by returning to school, but the point guard depth in this draft class might hurt his chances of sneaking into the lottery.<\/p>\n 1:13<\/p>\n Labaron Philon Jr. highlights vs. Tennessee Volunteers<\/p>\n Labaron Philon Jr. highlights vs. Tennessee Volunteers<\/p>\n Koa Peat<\/a>, PF\/C, Arizona<\/a> Peat missed a few games in February with a leg injury and hasn’t been quite the same since.<\/p>\n When he’s healthy, he is a rugged, physical forward with feel and versatility, but his poor jump shooting and lack of optimal height (6-8) at the 4 continue to raise concerns about how his role will translate.<\/p>\n He’s another freshman who could ultimately help himself by returning and throwing his name into a 2027 draft that offers room for players to rise.<\/p>\n Charlotte owns the least favorable of Washington’s (if 1-8), Phoenix’s, Orlando’s and Memphis’ picks.<\/p>\n Bennett Stirtz<\/a>, PG, Iowa<\/a> An exceptional college player who has done all he can to keep Iowa competitive, Stirtz adjusted nicely to the Big Ten after transferring from Drake.<\/p>\n He has put together another strong statistical season on an extremely slow-paced Iowa team built around his skill set. His impressive decision-making, court awareness and perimeter shooting will have to cover for his limited foot speed in the NBA, and his defense won’t be a calling card.<\/p>\n Given all he does well, Stirtz should still be able to plug in as a depth option immediately.<\/p>\n Motiejus Krivas<\/a>, C, Arizona<\/a> Krivas took a big step forward this season and has gradually set himself apart within a large group of bigs projected in the 20-40 range.<\/p>\n He’s on the short list of most impactful defenders in college basketball, using his sheer size (7-2) to deter opponents around the rim, win rebounds (8.2 RPG) and dictate play on the interior. He has good feet and hands, finishes effectively around the rim, has made 79.7% of his free throws and looks like a future NBA rotation player. Krivas doesn’t have flashy upside, but he is a good bet to return value later in the draft.<\/p>\n Chris Cenac Jr<\/a>., PF\/C, Houston<\/a> Cenac’s freshman year has been mixed as he’s adjusted to a major role at Houston.<\/p>\n His mobility, length and flashes of shooting touch (36.5% on all jump shots, per Synergy) give him an appealing developmental base, and he’s shown overall improvement this season playing primarily at the 4.<\/p>\n There are also some glaring holes in his profile: He has averaged less than a block per game and doesn’t get to the foul line (59% on only 39 attempts). Some scouts still buy Cenac’s long-term upside, but there’s also some thought that he needs more time in college.<\/p>\n The Pistons acquired swap rights for this pick with the Timberwolves in a three-way deal at the trade deadline, potentially enabling them to move up a number of spots in the 20s.<\/p>\n Cameron Carr<\/a>, SG, Baylor<\/a> Breaking News from Shams Charania<\/p>\n Download the ESPN app and enable Shams Charania’s news alerts<\/a> to receive push notifications for the latest updates first. Opt in by tapping the alerts bell in the top right corner. For more information, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Carr has been the bright spot in a down year for Baylor, with his season likely ending Tuesday with his 25 points in a loss to Arizona State. He finishes at nearly 40% from 3 on the season, with real shot-making chops and still room to improve in all areas of his game.<\/p>\n While still an inconsistent offensive creator, he’s an explosive leaper with deep 3-point range and plus length (7-foot-1 wingspan) who could succeed in a scaled-down NBA role.<\/p>\n He needs to become a better defender to broaden his impact beyond scoring, but he’s the type of athletic wing shooter NBA teams like to roll the dice on and develop.<\/p>\n Aday Mara<\/a>, C, Michigan<\/a> Mara is an acquired taste for some scouts, but it’s hard to ignore his role in Michigan’s success.<\/p>\n His gigantic frame — 7-foot-3 — allows him to effectively wall off the paint, and he has real skill and playmaking feel to lean on offensively.<\/p>\n Mara has a hard time covering ground at his size and will likely be limited to drop coverage. He lacks upper-body strength and struggles with ball security at times, too, but he’s a unique player some teams will be willing to invest in, particularly if he can develop a functional 3-point shot. His stroke looks passable in warmups, but it hasn’t translated to game action or the free throw line (52.9%).<\/p>\n Philadelphia acquired this pick at the deadline from Oklahoma City in the Jared McCain<\/a> trade.<\/p>\n Isaiah Evans<\/a>, SG, Duke<\/a> Evans continues to display an NBA-friendly skill set as a gifted movement shooter with good positional size (6-6) on the wing.<\/p>\n He’s been an important secondary scorer, providing spacing off Cameron Boozer, and will have more opportunities to show his shot-making chops on a huge stage in March. There’s room for him to rise in a first round that’s shaping up as somewhat light on wings.<\/p>\n Via swaps, the Hawks owe their own first to the Spurs but will wind up with the better of Cleveland’s and San Antonio’s picks.<\/p>\n Patrick Ngongba II<\/a>, C, Duke<\/a> Ngongba is slated to miss the ACC tournament<\/a> with right foot soreness, with his status for the NCAA tourney presently unclear.<\/p>\n Scouts are divided on Ngongba: He has intrinsic strengths that make him well-suited as a modern center, as a plus passer and interior defender. But he’s also a below-average run-jump athlete who needs to get more out of his frame (6-11).<\/p>\n His defensive instincts and feel for the game could give him utility, but some scouts feel he’s not ready for NBA physicality and would benefit from more time in college.<\/p>\n How he fares in March might play a role in his eventual decision, with all eyes on Duke over the next few weeks and a number of more league-ready centers potentially available in this 20-40 range.<\/p>\n Morez Johnson Jr<\/a>., PF\/C, Michigan<\/a> It’s been a strong season for Johnson, who has worked his way up draft boards with consistent play and a willingness to do the dirty work.<\/p>\n His strong frame and 7-foot-2 wingspan allow him to play bigger than his size (6-9), and he’s shown the ability to guard 4s and 5s.<\/p>\n His offensive role will be limited, but he’s knocked down spot 3s (10 of 24 on the season) and finishes simple plays around the basket. With NBA teams pivoting back toward double-big lineups, Johnson should have long-term utility and provide immediate depth.<\/p>\n Amari Allen<\/a>, SF\/PF, Alabama<\/a> After entering the year under the radar, Allen has shown to be a smart, versatile perimeter player with good positional size (6-8). His passing instincts and developing shot (37% from 3) have caught the eyes of scouts who see long-term upside, particularly if he develops as a ball handler.<\/p>\n The question is whether he can work his way high enough up the board to make returning to school hard to justify. The latter option feels more likely at this stage, but there’s also an opportunity for him to rise as teams learn more about him in the coming months.<\/p>\n Cleveland owns the lesser of San Antonio’s pick and its own via a swap with Atlanta.<\/p>\n Dailyn Swain<\/a>, SG\/SF, Texas<\/a> Swain has been a gradual riser as a toolsy wing amid a strong individual season.<\/p>\n His shooting has long been a concern for scouts, but he’s shown some progress this season (35% on 80 3s) and is now a career 81% from the line. He also projects as a plus positional defender with his frame and agility.<\/p>\n Swain has to develop as a shooter to play without the ball, with his current high-usage role at Texas expected to scale down in the NBA. Evaluators are mixed on his upside, but it’s the type of chance a team might take in this range.<\/p>\n Tounde Yessoufou<\/a>, SF, Baylor<\/a> Yessoufou scored 14 points in a loss to Arizona State as Baylor’s season likely came to a close Tuesday.<\/p>\n Scouts have been intrigued by his physical strength and long-term potential, but have largely come away wanting more from him, holding concerns about his shot selection and inconsistent defensive effort.<\/p>\n He likes to hunt his own shot and relies more on strength than skill, and it’s hard to succeed in the league as a 6-foot-5 power scorer who is only an average shooter (30% from 3).<\/p>\n Yessoufou also has the tools and motor to be a plus defender in time, but it hasn’t all clicked for him yet. This leaves him in an interesting position going into the predraft process, with a case for a second year of college based on the body of work this season.<\/p>\n Dallas acquired OKC’s pick from Washington in the Anthony Davis trade.<\/p>\n 31. Sacramento Kings: Dame Sarr<\/a>, SG\/SF, Duke<\/a>, Freshman
Joined ESPN.com in 2023
Covered the NBA and NBA draft for Sports Illustrated from 2015-2023<\/p>\n
Top 100 rankings of the 2026 prospects<\/a> | More<\/a><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/_end_rule.png\")
Round 1 picks![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272938_50_sac.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
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Freshman
2025-26 stats: 19.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists in 20 games<\/p>\nplay<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272938_95_was.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
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Freshman
2025-26 stats: 24.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272938_460_ind.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
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Freshman
2025-26 stats: 22.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists in 31 games<\/p>\nplay<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272938_239_bkn.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists in 24 games<\/p>\nplay<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272939_482_utah.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
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Freshman
2025-26 stats: 16.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272939_896_atl.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 17.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272939_45_dal.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 22.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists in 30 games<\/p>\nplay<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272939_590_mem.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists in 21 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272939_429_chi.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 17.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists in 29 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272940_242_mil.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
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Freshman
2025-26 stats: 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists in 31 games<\/p>\nplay<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272940_432_por.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
2025-26 stats: 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272940_78_sa.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Junior
2025-26 stats: 17.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 30 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272940_469_gs.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists in 24 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272941_866_cha.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 5.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists in four games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272941_53_okc.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 18.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists in 28 games<\/p>\nplay<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 19.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.8 assists in 30 games<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Senior
2025-26 stats: 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272941_179_tor.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 21.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists in 29 games<\/p>\nplay<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 13.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists in 28 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272941_240_mia.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Senior
2025-26 stats: 20.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272942_654_lal.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Junior
2025-26 stats: 10.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272942_178_det.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 9.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 0.8 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272942_185_den.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 19.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/charania_shams.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272943_678_phi.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 11.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 14.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272943_620_bos.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 10.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists in 29 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272943_679_nyk.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Sophomore
2025-26 stats: 13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272944_245_cle.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 11.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists in 28 games<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1773272944_874_min.png&h=110&w=110.png\")
<\/p>\n
Junior
2025-26 stats: 17.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n30. Dallas Mavericks (via Oklahoma City)<\/p>\n
Freshman
2025-26 stats: 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists in 31 games<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/greyline.png\")
Round 2 picks<\/p>\n
32. New York Knicks (via Washington): Tyler Tanner<\/a>, PG\/SG, Vanderbilt<\/a>, Sophomore
33. Memphis Grizzlies (via Indiana): Alex Condon<\/a>, C, Florida<\/a>, Junior
34. Brooklyn Nets: Juke Harris<\/a>, SG, Wake Forest<\/a>, Sophomore
35. San Antonio Spurs (via Utah): Alex Karaban<\/a>, SF\/PF, UConn<\/a>, Senior
36. Chicago Bulls (via New Orleans): Henri Veesaar<\/a>, C, North Carolina<\/a>, Junior
37. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Dallas): Joshua Jefferson<\/a>, SF\/PF, Iowa State<\/a>, Senior
38. LA Clippers (via Memphis): Meleek Thomas<\/a>, PG\/SG, Arkansas<\/a>, Freshman
39. Houston Rockets (via Chicago): Zuby Ejiofor<\/a>, PF\/C, St. John’s<\/a>, Senior
40. Boston Celtics (via Milwaukee): Braden Smith<\/a>, PG, Purdue<\/a>, Senior
41. San Antonio Spurs (via Portland): Adam Atamna, SG, ASVEL (France)
42. Denver Nuggets (via Atlanta): Ryan Conwell<\/a>. SG, Louisville<\/a>, Senior
43. Miami Heat (via Golden State): Alijah Arenas<\/a>, SG, USC<\/a>, Freshman
44. Sacramento Kings (via Charlotte): Flory Bidunga<\/a>, C, Kansas<\/a>, Sophomore
45. Brooklyn Nets (via LA Clippers): Milan Momcilovic<\/a>, PF, Iowa State<\/a>, Junior
46. Phoenix Suns (via Philadelphia): Pryce Sandfort<\/a>, SG\/SF, Nebraska<\/a>, Sophomore
47. Orlando Magic: Rueben Chinyelu<\/a>, C, Florida<\/a>, Junior
48. Toronto Raptors: Sergio de Larrea, PG\/SG, Valencia (Spain)
49. Dallas Mavericks (via Phoenix): Dash Daniels<\/a>, PG\/SG. Melbourne United (Australia)
50. San Antonio Spurs (via Miami): Jaden Bradley<\/a>, PG\/SG, Arizona<\/a>, Senior
51. Golden State Warriors (via Los Angeles): Baba Miller<\/a>, PF\/C, Cincinnati<\/a>, Senior
52. Washington Wizards (via Minnesota): Tarris Reed Jr<\/a>., PF\/C, UConn<\/a>, Senior
53. Chicago Bulls (via Denver): Bruce Thornton<\/a>, PG\/SG, Ohio State<\/a>, Senior
54. Houston Rockets: Kylan Boswell<\/a>, PG\/SG, Illinois<\/a>, Senior
55. LA Clippers (via Cleveland): Emanuel Sharp<\/a>, SG, Houston<\/a>, Senior
56. Atlanta Hawks (via Boston): Richie Saunders<\/a>, SG\/SF, BYU<\/a>, Senior
57. New York Knicks: Solo Ball<\/a>, SG, UConn,<\/a> Junior
58. Minnesota Timberwolves (via San Antonio): Milos Uzan<\/a>, PG, Houston<\/a>, Senior
59. New Orleans Pelicans (via Detroit): Maliq Brown<\/a>, PF\/C, Duke<\/a>, Senior
60. Washington Wizards (via Oklahoma City): Trevon Brazile<\/a>, PF\/C, Arkansas<\/a>, Senior<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Jeremy WooMar 11, 2026, 04:30 PM CloseNBA draft analyst and writerJoined ESPN.com in 2023Covered the NBA and NBA…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":652559,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3775],"tags":[7,103,102,121,3871,6],"class_list":["post-653511","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-milwaukee-bucks","tag-basketball","tag-bucks","tag-milwaukee","tag-milwaukee-bucks","tag-milwaukeebucks","tag-nba"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nba\/116213230010500303","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/653511","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=653511"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/653511\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/652559"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=653511"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=653511"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=653511"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}