We’re a month into the college basketball season, and NBA scouts have traveled around the country to see the top prospects. It’s as good a time as any to update the 2026 NBA Mock Draft and explain what scouts are thinking as we head into the holiday season.
Overall, the consensus is that this class is extremely strong throughout the top eight or so selections, peaking at the top with Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and A.J. Dybantsa. All three are still seen by scouts as franchise-level talents who will invite a tank race in 2026 that the league has not seen since Victor Wembanyama went No. 1 in 2023. Given some of the records near the bottom of the league right now, there’s an argument to be made that the race has already started— something that is especially important to note as the 2027 and 2028 draft classes are not viewed as having this level of high-end talent at the top.
Beyond the top three, players like North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson and Houston’s Kingston Flemings have stepped up to lengthen the class. But there is some consternation in league circles about the depth of this class, with scouts hoping that many of the freshmen I’m about to list below continue to emerge into real prospects and not just players of interest as we head into the new year. As always, the specter of name, image and likeness payments hangs over that portion of the class, with 16 of the 27 college players listed in the second round retaining collegiate eligibility beyond this season.
A few other notes:
- A significant number of freshmen could reasonably appear here based on their early-season play. However, I’m conservative where I can be on players if feedback from scouts is mixed. My favorite freshmen thus far whom I don’t have listed: Michigan’s Trey McKenney, Auburn’s Sebastian Williams-Adams, Illinois’ David Mirkovic, Kentucky’s Malachi Moreno, Penn State’s Kayden Mingo, Duke’s Nik Khamenia, Gonzaga’s Mario Saint-Supery and Stanford’s Ebuka Okorie. I’ll also shout out three sophomores in Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner, Wake Forest’s Juke Harris and USC’s Jacob Cofie. They have caught scouts’ eyes early, but teams want to do a bit more digging.
- Ages are as of expected draft night in 2026.
- Heights for college freshmen are what their schools list. Players who attended this year’s draft combine are listed by their official measurements there.
- Draft order is based on standings as of Monday.
- Scouts contacted spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about the prospects.
1. Washington Wizards
Darryn Peterson | 6-5 guard | 19 years old | Kansas
Peterson has only played in two games this season, a blowout against Green Bay and a loss to North Carolina. In both contests, he showed why scouts are so enthusiastic about his game, dropping over 20 points and shooting over 57 percent from the field while hitting 3s. However, a hamstring injury has held him out of the last seven games.
Even with his lack of game time, Peterson remains the 2026 draft prospect I hear the most excitement about from scouts. He has all the requisite tools to become an elite on-ball guard in the NBA who can also shift toward playing off the ball if he’s next to another star. He’s a great ballhandler and terrific pull-up scorer and shooter, and he can make plays for others with his passing. Defensively, he’s big, long, tough and aggressive, measuring 6-feet-5 1/2 inches in shoes with a 6-foot-10 1/2 wingspan and an 8-foot-7 standing reach at Adidas Eurocamp in 2024.
The big step forward for Peterson last year at Prolific Prep came with his passing and playmaking. He’s always been a tremendous scorer, but last year he began to read the second and third levels of the defense and make plays off how help defenders played him, even at times manipulating them himself. That’s the difference between him and the No. 2 player here.
2. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP)
Cameron Boozer | 6-8 forward | 18 years old | Duke
This was the worst nightmare for Pelicans fans when the team’s front office made the ill-fated decision to trade its unprotected 2026 first-round pick (in addition to a 2025 first-round pick just 10 selections later) for Derik Queen. Queen has had a strong start to his career, but the top of this draft class is in a different ballpark from him.
I’ve got Boozer at No. 2 on my personal board and think he’s the safest bet in the class to become a remarkably productive player. I wonder a bit about his long-term upside, as he’s not all that fluid through his hips and doesn’t have a ton of shake. He’s struggled to separate from opponents this year and missed a bevy of shots at the rim in his first two high-major games against Texas and Kansas. And yet, when Arkansas decided not to bring a second defender and guard him one-on-one last Friday, Boozer completely dominated the Razorbacks’ frontcourt for 35 points and nine rebounds. He used his post footwork (and smart use of his off arm) to tremendous effectiveness and put up the most productive game in a big spot from any freshman we’ve seen all season. Then he added 29 points on Tuesday against Florida’s deep and talented front line.
Production is the name of the game for the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer. He’s averaging 23.6 points and 9.3 rebounds. He knocks down shots from distance, makes high-level passing reads consistently and is an underrated defender who communicates and has great anticipation.
The only question is whether he’s a real No. 1 option in the NBA or more of an elite No. 2 if he struggles to separate at that level. But if I had to place a large sum of money on one player making an All-Star team from this class, it would be Boozer.
3. Brooklyn Nets
AJ Dybantsa | 6-9 wing | 19 years old | BYU
Dybantsa is certainly still being talked about at No. 1 by some scouts. He’s averaging 19 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 52 percent from the field, 37 percent on limited 3-point attempts and 76 percent from the free-throw line while getting there nearly seven times per game. He might have better physical tools entering his pre-draft year than any wing I’ve seen in a while. His ability to play with serious bend mixed with explosiveness allows him to consistently get into the teeth of the defense as a straight-line driver. In transition, he’s a menace. NBA scouts see a serious blend of production already mixed with upside as he continues to improve his skill set in the coming years.
But much like I wrote last month, Dybantsa is a flawed player right now. He has been unimpressive on defense, missing off-ball rotations and box-outs too often while also not producing much in the steal or block columns despite his immense athleticism and length. Offensively, his handle leaves something to be desired, and teams are starting to blitz his ball screens to make him uncomfortable. His passing is not all that advanced, either.
How Dybantsa finds answers to coaches adjusting to his game will play the biggest role in where he gets picked. I don’t think he’s at risk of falling below third — his tools are immense — but he does feel like the third guy in the conversation right now.
4. Indiana Pacers
Caleb Wilson | 6-10 wing | 19 years old | North Carolina
Wilson’s athleticism and production have popped in a big way this season, as the power forward has averaged nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds while flying around the court for the Tar Heels. Simply put, he’s an imposing athletic presence with serious vertical explosion and speed who is extremely difficult to stay in front of. Wilson’s motor also runs extremely hot, and he consistently seems to find the ball.
The numbers would say that Wilson should probably be in contention with the top trio, but scouts haven’t placed him there yet because of some concerns about his finishing and defense. The good news for Wilson is that he is an elite dunker and plays consistently above the rim. But as Michigan State showed, when you can provide bodies for him that he has to navigate at the rim, things get tougher. Overall, Wilson is shooting just 8 of 29 on layup attempts. He’s also just 2-of-10 from 3. He has displayed touch from the midrange and from the foul line, so all is not lost here by any stretch. But Wilson has also not been as impressive on defense as expected, showcasing some positive switching possessions on the ball but struggling with his engagement and awareness off the ball. Scouts will want to see the latter improve throughout the season. But when you ask folks around the league, Wilson is pretty clearly the fourth player who comes up.
Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. has shown off elite explosiveness and passing as a freshman. (Matt Stone / USA Today via Imagn Images)
5. Sacramento Kings
Mikel Brown Jr. | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Louisville
Brown’s best flashes have been those of a top-five pick, and it helps that his best game came against Kentucky in front of numerous scouts; he dropped 29 points and dished out five assists versus only one turnover in that Nov. 11 win. Over his last five games, the results have been murkier, as he’s shot just 34 percent from the field and made only 26 percent of his 3s. He went just 2 of 13 on 3s in Wednesday’s loss at Arkansas. Still, Brown’s blend of passing and shooting is seen as elite among the draft class, and his name comes up most often as the No. 5 player behind what seems to be a consensus top four. Scouts love Brown’s blend of explosiveness going toward the rim mixed with his skill level and live-dribble passing ability. He will need to iron out his efficiency going toward the rim, though.
On the Kings’ front, league sources say the team is quite active in perusing the trade market for many of its veterans. Whatever the roster looks like right now, it feels reasonable to say it won’t look the same in eight months, making a best-player-available draft strategy their most likely move.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)
Nate Ament | 6-10 wing/forward | 19 years old | Tennessee
Ament is almost a surefire bet to go in the top 10, but scouts aren’t excited by his upside as a scorer. They consistently note that he looks like he’s grown in height, that he’s definitely filled out physically and that the intel on his personality and work ethic is impressive. They also love the way that he plays off the ball. He’s rebounding well, moving the ball well and defending both on and off the ball at a high level.
But scouts wonder what he can create on the ball. His finishing in half-court settings has been messy — although he is drawing a lot of fouls — and he’s shooting just 38.5 percent from the field. On top of that, his jumper looks off in its rhythm, and he’s made only 31 percent of his 3s. And yet, it’s clear that he’s going to be an effective NBA player because of his size, athletic fluidity and everything else that he brings to the table off the ball.
Oklahoma City receives the Clippers’ unprotected first-round pick this season, and it looks enticing after a truly catastrophic start for LA. The last thing the rest of the league wants is the Thunder getting access to a pick near the top of this draft.
7. Dallas Mavericks
Kingston Flemings | 6-4 guard | 19 years old | Houston
Flemings is the big riser in this class through one month. He’s long been seen as an extremely talented player, but questions about his role within the Houston scheme and his skill level as a scorer made scouts wonder what he’d look like this season. It’s clear that he’s going to be a one-and-done player. He’s averaging 15.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and five assists while shooting 61 percent from the field, 52 percent from 3 and 71 percent from the line. The 3-point accuracy will come down at some point, as will the field goal percentage.
However, Flemings’ speed has been wildly impressive. He looks like he’s in fast-forward while other players are in regular speed. Scouts want to see more of him playing and making decisions out of ball screens, as many of his best moments have come attacking closeouts off the ball. His willingness to jump before making decisions as a passer has raised concerns. But his tools are real and exciting.
8. Utah Jazz
Koa Peat | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Arizona
Peat has had an outstanding start, averaging 16 points, six rebounds and three assists for a terrific Arizona team. He’s a big-bodied wing who is tough and physical, and he can create his own shot as a mismatch nightmare. He’s explosive vertically and can handle the basketball, plus he’s extremely strong and bumps defenders out of his pathway well. However, he struggles to shoot from distance, even if he is a confident midrange shooter. His free-throw percentage in high school was in the same 66 percent range that it is for the Wildcats.
Scouts view Peat as a top-10 pick in the class, with his performances against Florida and Connecticut standing out.
9. Charlotte Hornets
Jayden Quaintance | 6-8 big | 18 years old | Kentucky
Quaintance has yet to play this season while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered late in February. Scouts who have talked to the Kentucky staff indicate he’s not far off from his debut, but front offices will want to get a closer look at the injury during the pre-draft process.
Still, scouts remain enthusiastic about Quaintance, who was an All-Defense selection in the Big 12 as a 17-year-old freshman. When he’s on the court, he’s an anchor on the interior defensively. The name that comes to mind the most as a comparison is Robert Williams III, who has been one of the best defensive players in the NBA when healthy. Both Williams and Quaintance have a tremendous blend of length and fluid athleticism that allows them to be proactive on defense as opposed to reactive.
Quaintance also shows some flashes on offense as a passer and can handle the ball a bit, but there are questions about his scoring. He likes to shoot but hasn’t proven he can do so. And his finishing around the rim is limited by a lack of vertical pop. He is a potential All-Defense guy if things go right. But his range remains hard to pin down because of the injury.
Baylor’s Cameron Carr has been one of the 2026 draft’s big early risers. (Chris Jones / Imagn Images)
10. Portland Trail Blazers
Cameron Carr | 6-6 guard | 21 years old | Baylor
Carr is another player who has emerged as a breakout star, averaging 22.7 points and nearly six rebounds while blocking 1.5 shots and getting 0.7 steals per game. The 6-6 wing with a wingspan well over 7 feet is using that length wonderfully, drilling 57 percent of his shots from the field and 55.2 percent from 3 with a beautiful high release point and nice elevation from the midrange and on his floater game. He’s only averaging 1.3 assists, but that undervalues what I think is his true passing ability; I counted five potential assists in his 27-point showcase against St. John’s at the Players Era Festival that his teammates just missed. Defensively, there are some flaws in his attention to detail, but he’s shown some switchability when engaged on the ball.
It helped him that he performed exceedingly well in front of nearly the entire NBA at the Players Era Festival in Vegas, one of the most well-attended scouting events of the last decade. But it’s really hard to find players who are this big, this long, possess real, fluid athleticism and can really shoot it. Those guys have a long track record of not failing in the NBA. Scouts are still scrambling to gather intel and learn as much as possible about why Carr’s two years at Tennessee were not successful, but he and Flemings are the two hot names. Carr’s range right now is somewhere in the 10-to-25 area, but my guess is it ends up on the higher end.
11. Milwaukee Bucks
Braylon Mullins | 6-5 wing | 20 years old | Connecticut
Mullins impressed Connecticut’s staff in the preseason, as he’s a serious marksman from deep. No freshman in this class can match his mix of volume and percentage from distance; he drilled 41.7 percent of his 3s on the Adidas circuit last summer on about nine 3-point attempts per game. Defensively, he has incredibly reactive hands and is a playmaker. The thing that stands out most, though, is that he plays at top speed all the time. He plays fast while processing the game very quickly.
Scouts still want to see how he adjusts to playing against physicality for the first time consistently this season. Mullins didn’t play at a particularly athletic level of high school basketball in Indiana and is still quite skinny. But scouts look for the intersection of shooting, defensive IQ and quick decision-making, and Mullins has that in a big way.
As promised, did a Braylon Mullins breakdown on his first full game for UConn. 17 points, five rebounds in 23 minutes in a big road win vs. Kansas.
The off-ball movement, the ability to play and think at speed simultaneously, the shooting. I’m a huge Mullins fan. pic.twitter.com/0CrRtDhed3
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) December 3, 2025
Mullins missed the first month of the season with an ankle injury but returned briefly against Illinois and exploded Tuesday against Kansas for 17 points and five rebounds on the road in what was essentially his first full college game. He looked like a one-and-done in that victory and already has scouts excited.
12. Memphis Grizzlies
Thomas Haugh | 6-9 wing | 22 years old | Florida
Haugh has taken the momentum he built during Florida’s national-title sprint and run with it. He continues to be a massive mismatch problem because he’s such a well-rounded player at 6-9 with athleticism and skill. He’s averaging 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists and has been the least of the Gators’ problems on the defensive end.
Scouts consistently say that he looks like a player typically taken between No. 10 and No. 20. Why? They see a player who knows how to play off the ball in a highly effective manner and doesn’t need many touches to score. He’s dynamic in transition, filling lanes and even occasionally leading the break while covering ground quickly with long strides. He’s a sharp relocator around the court, drifting and sliding along the 3-point line to create open looks. The shooting has been up-and-down, and he’s only making 31.8 percent from 3 this season. Over his last 42 games, Haugh has made 34.1 percent from 3 on his three attempts per game. If he improves that, he’ll be right in this mid-first-round ballpark.
13. Chicago Bulls
Labaron Philon | 6-3 guard | 20 years old | Alabama
Philon was the last player to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and has taken his opportunity to play more with the ball in his hands without Mark Sears around and run with it. He entered Wednesday averaging 20.6 points and 5.6 assists while shooting 56 percent from the field and 38 percent from 3. He’s also had massive games against Gonzaga, Illinois and St. John’s, scoring 24-plus points in each game, and he tied a season high in points with 29 against Clemson on Wednesday. At 6-3 with a skinny frame, Philon showed last season that he can be a very high-level defender, and he throws impressively quick passing reads, too. He’s done everything he has been supposed to do this season to help himself.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI)
Hannes Steinbach | 6-11 big | 20 years old | Washington
Steinbach has only played in four games but has been wildly productive, averaging 14.5 points, 12.8 points and 2.5 assists while shooting 56 percent from the field. He dominates the glass and has from a young age, plus he has good touch around the rim. Scouts think he’s likely to be selected in the top 20. Three scouts who saw him both in Germany and in the U.S. have said that he’s bigger and much more mobile than they thought he was, noting that his arms look long as well.
Steinbach sprained his ankle in a game against Washington State and missed the team’s next three games. However, he’s back at practice and just played against UCLA during the Big Ten’s early-season set of games.
15. Golden State Warriors
Yaxel Lendeborg | 6-9 big | 23 years old | Michigan
Lendeborg started the season with a couple of strange performances against TCU and Wake Forest while he adjusted to playing the three next to Morez Johnson and Aday Mara. However, at Players Era, things came together for the Wolverines. They won the event while winning all three games by at least 30 points. It was a dominant showcase for Lendeborg, who is averaging 16 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists with 61/39/82 shooting splits. The Wolverines have a top-10 nonconference strength of schedule, too. He’s been everything Michigan could have hoped for after he decided to transfer to Ann Arbor from UAB after flirting with the NBA Draft. At over 6-8 without shoes and a 7-4 wingspan, teams are less worried about Lendeborg’s age in comparison to the rest of the class because of his immense tools and his skill level. He’s seen as a likely first-round pick.
16. Boston Celtics
Darius Acuff Jr. | 6-2 guard | 19 years old | Arkansas
Acuff has been very effective as a shot creator for the Razorbacks. He entered Wednesday averaging 17 points and four assists while shooting a respectable 47 percent from the field and a terrific 45 percent from 3 that I expect to come down at some point. The most important part of Acuff’s game has been the way that he gets into the paint. Acuff’s ability in both ball screens and in isolation switch situations has been extremely impressive, and he’s showcased a high-level floater game that should be translatable to the NBA. Scouts would still like to see more attention to detail on defense and also are skeptical about how effective his ball-dominant style would be at the next level. Overall, though, Acuff’s start has been impressive.
17. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE)
Dash Daniels | 6-6 wing | 18 years old | Melbourne United
Daniels has carved out a strong role with Melbourne United, the best team in the Australian NBL by a substantial margin. He’s coming off the bench and shooting 45 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3 while averaging six points per game, but it’s much more about Daniels’ defense. The brother of Atlanta Hawks’ defensive dynamo Dyson Daniels, Dash is similarly impactful on that end, even though they do it in different ways. Whereas Dyson is much more of a ball hawk, Dash is more of an elite on-ball defender who has already erased several impressive pros this season, including New Orleans Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears in a preseason game. Daniels needs to keep proving that he can make an impact on offense as a playmaker and shooter. But at 6-6 with a powerful, physical frame, he has scouts excited.
18. Memphis Grizzlies (via PHX)
Chris Cenac Jr. | 6-10 big | 19 years old | Houston
Cenac came into the season as a serious swing guy in the 2026 class, and he remains that way after an uneven start. On the plus side, he has tremendous physical tools as a fluid, athletic big man who can bend and move his feet well. He also possesses a very perimeter-based offensive game, something Houston has leaned into largely by having him camp out regularly in the corner as a floor-spacer and baseline cutter. There have been positive moments, like his 18-point, nine-rebound game against Auburn. But overall, it’s been much more hit or miss. He fouled out against Tennessee and only played 15 minutes against Notre Dame. The good news is that he has been rebounding consistently, averaging eight in 24 minutes per game. However, his defensive production has been inconsistent, and his rotational awareness around the court is still a work in progress. There are moments where he seems to disengage, too.
Cenac looks like a great candidate to return for a sophomore season, and he might be significantly helped by it. But scouts still have an immense amount of interest in him because of his physical tools. This feels like a wait-and-see situation.
19. Minnesota Timberwolves
Patrick Ngongba II | 6-11 big | 20 years old | Duke
Ngongba has been terrific as a rim protector to start the season. Per CBB Analytics, when Ngongba is on the floor, Duke is 16.5 points per 100 possessions better. Opposing teams are shooting just 52 percent at the rim and 30.8 percent in the paint with Ngongba on the court. Offensively, he’s drilled a few 3s already, and his ability to initiate sets at the top of the key with his passing and comfort level with the ball have also stood out. The main worry with Ngongba is his athleticism and ability to control the glass. He’s largely a below-the-rim finisher for a big man (albeit one with touch), and Duke’s game against Florida raised some alarm bells about how effectively he can end possessions, as the Gators swarmed for 20 offensive rebounds. Still, it’s hard to find players who are as big and as skilled as Ngongba, and scouts have been impressed with how fluidly he moves when they see him live.
Ngongba’s history of foot injuries has given scouts pause, however, as he missed his senior high school season with a right foot injury and had a left foot injury last fall.
Scouts wonder how Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz will translate his game to the next level. (Julia Hansen / USA Today via Imagn Images)
20. Charlotte Hornets (via ORL)
Bennett Stirtz | 6-4 guard | 22 years old | Iowa
Here’s another polarizing player for scouts. There might not be a higher basketball IQ bet in the draft than Stirtz, a consummate floor general who knows how to make plays at a high level for his teammates and is an extension of his coach, Ben McCollum, on the floor. He’s also a knockdown shooter from distance.
Scouts still worry whether Stirtz can get by anyone, even using the threat of his shot. He’s not overly quick and seems to struggle to even maintain advantages when attacking closeouts. The good news is that he can make stepback jumpers going to both his right and his left. But the game against Michigan State was a real eye-opener for scouts, as he struggled to get any paint touches against one of the best defenses in college hoops. One final note that has been brought up to me is that McCollum’s intricate offensive scheme and system is about as well-respected among the scouting community as you’ll find. There is a worry that Stirtz might be a product of how well McCollum’s offense spaces the floor and drills his actions. He’ll be one of the most evaluated players in the country over the rest of the season as everyone tries to figure out his game.
21. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)
Tounde Yessoufou | 6-5 wing | 20 years old | Baylor
Yessoufou is a powerful, physical wing athlete who plays with about as strong a motor as you’ll find. He’s aggressive on defense and loves to get out in transition. He’s strong at the point of attack and can slide his feet, although his ability to turn and flip his hips can leave something to be desired on the defensive end, particularly in closeout situations. The bigger issues for Yessoufou, though, have come on offense, where his finishing ability has been pretty rough to this point. He starts his gathers much too far from the basket and leaves himself in no-man’s land with tough attempts, then also isn’t much of a passer or playmaker for others. His jumper also hasn’t shown enough improvement yet, as he’s making under 30 percent from 3.
Did a Tounde Yessoufou video earlier, too. I love, love, love the Baylor wing’s motor and activity. Love his energy, love how physical he is.
Man, do I have some half-court offensive polish questions on the passing, where he starts his gathers from, and way more. pic.twitter.com/K3KpplI1r5
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) November 29, 2025
Scouts love the work ethic and motor, so they’re willing to be patient as he works through some early-season issues. Additionally, I’ve heard some scouts bring up the idea of Lu Dort’s lone collegiate season at Arizona State as a point of comparison. Dort went undrafted before carving out a career as an All-Defense-level NBA champion with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
22. Miami Heat
Karim Lopez | 6-8 wing | 19 years old | New Zealand Breakers
Lopez’s offensive game has been impressive in Australia this year, as he’s been a perfect complementary starter for the Breakers. He’s averaging 10.3 points, six rebounds and two assists while shooting 49 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3 and 76 percent from the line. He’s also added attacking closeouts with some vertical pop and has been pretty good out in transition. The numbers don’t look all that far out of line with some of the better prospects the NBL has seen.
However, Lopez’s energy level has been nowhere near good enough on defense, and he’s struggled immensely off the ball on one of the worst teams in the league. Lopez came into the season with a back injury and had what was referred to as a “bout of sickness” a couple of weeks ago, so he hasn’t had a clean slate of health. But teams are already worried about what his role would be athletically and on defense in the NBA.
23. Toronto Raptors
Meleek Thomas | 6-5 wing | 19 years old | Arkansas
At the very least, Thomas has shown some serious offensive potential in his seven games at Arkansas, averaging 17.5 points and 3.5 assists versus only one turnover. He’s a fearless shooter from distance, attempting nearly eight 3s per contest and making 34.5 percent of them, but some of them have involved a high degree of difficulty. Additionally, he shows off a creative mindset as a passer with angles. The less we talk about Thomas on defense, though, the better. And his overall decision-making on when to shoot versus pass has been a question so far. Thomas definitely has the skill level of a first-round pick, but scouts want to see him settle in and provide more impact across all parts of the game, not just when he has the ball. The idea of him being a Jamal Crawford-type has come up from multiple scouts.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS)
Neoklis Avdalas | 6-8 wing | 20 years old | Virginia Tech
Avdalas was another late withdrawal in the 2025 draft, as he decided to attend college instead of going to the NBA directly from Peristeri in Greece. The Hokies are letting him essentially run the show as a lead guard who initiates many of their actions with a ball screen and either tries to get to the rim or to make impressive passes across the court. Avdalas’ vision is excellent for a 6-8 guard, and he’s been effective at times in this role, as seen by the way he detonated against Providence in the first week for 33 points.
However, Avdalas’ athleticism and shooting combination are concerns. He’s not getting to the rim enough, which is leaving him with some difficult looks from the midrange or even from 3. He’s made his 3s at a 35 percent clip, but that has tailed off following his first three games; he’s made just 28 percent in Virginia Tech’s last six contests. Scouts love his theoretical ability to dribble, pass and shoot at this age and size, but they want to see it more consistently.
25. New York Knicks
Isaiah Evans | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Duke
Evans has been Duke’s only consistent perimeter presence on offense, averaging 12.6 points. His 3-point percentage has dipped below 34 percent, but scouts aren’t too concerned about that given his pristine mechanics, overall touch level and the difficulty of shots he’s forced to take at times. The more important tradeoff has come in the way he’s improved the rest of his game, as he’s provided a much better defensive impact as well as more effectiveness as a driver. In just nine games, he’s already taken nearly as many shots from 2-point range as he did over the entirety of last season. The comparisons that scouts come up with the most for Evans are Isaiah Joe and Jordan Hawkins.
26. Denver Nuggets
Dame Sarr | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Duke
I’d have Sarr lower on my board than this, but scouts remain highly interested in Sarr’s defensive ability, size and length. At 6-7 barefoot with a 7-1 wingspan, Sarr has the exact measurements that NBA teams are looking for in a shut-down wing, and he’s played well on defense. The issue is his offense. It hasn’t been pretty for Sarr, as things look like they’re moving a bit too fast for him. He’s made 35 percent of his 3s but is only taking about three of them per game, and that seems to be the only thing he’s capable of on that end right now. Scouts have seen enough of him at other levels to think there is more in the toolbox, so they’re holding steady. But I wonder if he needs another year to hone his offensive craft.
27. Oklahoma City Thunder (via HOU)
Amari Allen | 6-8 wing | 20 years old | Alabama
This one is a pure punt on my part. Several scouts who went to Players Era brought up Allen, a 6-8 wing with serious size, passing skill and defensive ability, as a future player to track who will likely play in the NBA at some point. He really showed out at Players Era and in a recent game against Illinois. He had nine points and 11 rebounds with four assists against the Illini, 14 points against Gonzaga, 13 points, five rebounds and six assists against UNLV and 10 points, seven rebounds and six assists against Maryland.
For a freshman, Allen thinks the game at a high level for his size, and he has hit the box score in ways that have impacted winning, with the Crimson Tide taking three of those four games. Even though he’s coming off the bench, he’s played the second-most minutes on the team and looks ready for more. Perhaps Allen is a 2027 prospect, but scouts are interested enough that I wonder if he ends up in this draft.
28. Los Angeles Lakers
Henri Veesaar | 7-0 center | 22 years old | North Carolina
Veesaar was incredibly impressive late last season for Arizona before transferring to North Carolina. The Estonian big man is averaging 16 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting 64.9 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3. He’s also shown up in big games. He was arguably the team’s best player against Michigan State, scoring 13 points and grabbing six rebounds. He had 20 points, four rebounds and four assists against Kansas.
On Tuesday, he was the best player on the floor against Kentucky, putting up 17 points and 10 rebounds. Defensively, he’s been versatile in ball-screen coverages. Scouts want to see more toughness and for him to embrace being the biggest player on the court. But it’s very hard to find skilled 7-footers like this, and teams are interested.
29. Detroit Pistons
Christian Anderson Jr. | 6-2 guard | 20 years old | Texas Tech
Anderson has been up and down so far, and scouts are all over the map on him. Some really buy into him as a first-round pick; others are skeptical, given that he’s a smaller guard. The overall numbers are great, as he’s averaging 18.1 points and 6.9 assists and shooting 45 percent from the field, 41 percent from 3 and 80 percent from the line. However, in high-major games, Anderson’s numbers plummet. He had eight points on 4-of-12 shooting against Illinois and 13 on 5-of-15 shooting against Purdue. The Wake Forest game was a bit better, as he had 16 points and eight assists, but he turned it over four times. Following his massive summer with the German national team, some scouts are enthused about Anderson’s potential; he just needs to start performing in the biggest games.
30. Washington Wizards (via OKC)
Matt Able | 6-6 guard | 19 years old | NC State
It’s been a roller coaster for Able, too, and if the draft were held in a month, I don’t think he should declare based on how he’s played. But scouts who have seen NC State in both the Maui Invitational and at practice are enthusiastic about Able’s skill set as a big-time shooter and scorer. He clearly needs to get stronger, and the game needs to slow down for him. That’s why he’s averaging only 10 points and four rebounds in 21 minutes.
Able can play both on and off the ball, knock down shots and bring solid defensive intangible skills. He’s been aggressive with his hands in forcing 1.3 steals per game in his limited minutes. He dropped 15 points in a tough loss to a good defensive Seton Hall team and had 12 in a win over a good VCU team. I bet that we see him move further into the rotation as the year progresses and he becomes a more integral part of what this extremely talented Wolfpack team under Will Wade.
Second Round
31. New York Knicks (via WAS): Aday Mara | 7-3 big | 21 years old | Michigan
32. Boston Celtics (via NOP): Ryan Conwell | 6-4 guard | 22 years old | Louisville
33. Brooklyn Nets: Miles Byrd | 6-7 wing | 22 years old | San Diego State
34. Memphis Grizzlies (via IND): Braden Smith | 6-0 guard | 22 years old | Purdue
35. Sacramento Kings: Alex Karaban | 6-7 wing | 22 years old | Connecticut
36. LA Clippers: JoJo Tugler | 6-7 forward | 21 years old | Houston
37. Oklahoma City Thunder (via DAL): Keaton Wagler | 6-5 wing | 19 years old | Illinois
38. Sacramento Kings (via CHA): Richie Saunders | 6-5 wing | 24 years old | BYU
39. San Antonio Spurs (via UTA): Tarris Reed Jr. | 6-11 big | 22 years old | Connecticut
40. San Antonio Spurs (via POR): Flory Bidunga | 6-7 big | 21 years old | Kansas
41. LA Clippers (via MEM): Sergio De Larrea | 6-5 wing | 20 years old | Valencia
42. Boston Celtics (via MEM): Dailyn Swain | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Texas
43. Washington Wizards (via CHI): Zuby Ejiofor | 6-9 big | 22 years old | St. John’s
44. Charlotte Hornets (via GSW): Joshua Jefferson| 6-8 wing | 22 years old | Iowa State
45. Houston Rockets (via PHI): Adam Atamna | 6-5 guard | 18 years old | ASVEL
46. Atlanta Hawks (via BOS): Nate Bittle | 7-0 big | 23 years old | Oregon
47. Washington Wizards (via PHX): JT Toppin | 6-7 big | 21 years old | Texas Tech
48. Cleveland Cavaliers: Silas Demary Jr. | 6-4 guard | 22 years old | Connecticut
49. Orlando Magic: Andrej Stojakovic | 6-5 wing | 21 years old | Illinois
50. Washington Wizards (via MIN): Alex Condon | 6-11 forward | 21 years old | Florida
51. Brooklyn Nets (via ATL): Tahaad Pettiford | 6-1 guard| 20 years old | Auburn
52. San Antonio Spurs (via MIA): Johann Grunloh | 7-0 big | 20 years old | Virginia
53. Toronto Raptors: Milos Uzan | 6-4 guard | 23 years old | Houston
54. New York Knicks: Darrion Williams | 6-6 wing | 23 years old | NC State
55. Minnesota Timberwolves (via SAS): Tomislav Ivisic | 6-11 big | 22 years old | Illinois
56. Phoenix Suns (via DEN): K.J. Lewis | 6-4 guard | 21 years old | Georgetown
57. Houston Rockets: Ja’Kobi Gillespie | 6-0 guard | 22 years old | Tennessee
58. Toronto Raptors (via LAL): Momo Faye | 6-10 big | 21 years old | Senegal
59. New York Knicks (via DET): Tucker DeVries | 6-7 wing | 23 years old | Indiana
60. Washington Wizards (via OKC): Trey Kaufman-Renn | 6-9 forward | 23 years old | Purdue