The 2026 NBA Draft’s No. 1 overall pick would command approximately $100 million if it were available in an open auction, according to an NBA executive cited by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. The draft class is headlined by Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer, all of whom are projected as potential top selections.
The valuation reflects both the depth of the 2026 class and the financial structure of NBA rookie contracts, which allow teams to control top picks at below-market salaries for their first four seasons. For franchises in rebuilding phases, the No. 1 pick represents a cost-controlled path to acquiring a potential franchise player.
Darryn Peterson’s scoring production and availability concerns
Peterson is averaging 20 points per game on efficient shooting splits and is widely regarded as the top pure scoring prospect in the class. However, his playing time has been limited by recurring availability issues throughout the college season.
CBS Sports reports that Peterson remains a top-pick favorite despite the absences, though the frequency of missed games has introduced durability questions into his evaluation. His on-court production has exceeded expectations when available, but NBA front offices weighing the No. 1 pick will need to assess whether the availability pattern represents a long-term risk.
AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer’s cases for the No. 1 pick
Dybantsa leads Division I in scoring at 24.8 points per game and has drawn attention for his two-way ability, finishing through contact, and mid-range shooting. His individual production has been strong, though evaluators are weighing his impact on team success — his team has underperformed relative to his personal output.
Boozer is averaging 22.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. His statistical profile is the most balanced among the top three prospects, and his team’s winning record has been cited as a distinguishing factor in his evaluation. Boozer’s combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking positions him as an option for teams prioritizing a prospect with demonstrated impact on winning.
2026 NBA Draft depth beyond the top three prospects
The class extends well beyond the top three names. Darius Acuff, who recently scored 49 points in a single game, is among those pushing for a top-five selection. Kingston Flemings and Caleb Wilson have also been identified as prospects with first-round potential based on their freshman-year production.
The depth of the 2026 class means teams selecting outside the top three are still projected to have access to prospects with significant development upside. Pre-draft evaluations will continue through the NCAA tournament and individual workout process ahead of the June draft.