NBA Draft 2026: Early Entry Candidates, Key Prospects, and What’s Next

The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich in recent years, with 71 players declaring early entry for the June 23-24 event at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. The league’s official announcement has set the stage for a high-stakes draft cycle, featuring elite freshmen, breakout sophomores, and international prospects vying for coveted lottery spots. With the withdrawal deadline looming, here’s everything you need to grasp about the draft’s early entrants, top prospects, and the road ahead.

The Early Entry Landscape: 71 Players Enter the Fray

The NBA’s April 27 announcement confirmed that 71 players—including 58 from U.S. Colleges—have filed as early entry candidates for the 2026 draft. This marks a slight increase from last year’s total and underscores the growing trend of elite prospects testing their draft stock early, even if they ultimately return to school.

Under NCAA rules, college players who declared for the draft must withdraw by May 27 to retain their eligibility. The NBA’s withdrawal deadline is later, set for June 13 at 5 p.m. ET, giving prospects nearly two additional weeks to gather feedback from teams before making a final decision. This window is critical for players balancing the allure of professional contracts against the benefits of further development in college.

Notable Early Entrants: Freshmen and Sophomores Lead the Way

The 2026 class is headlined by a mix of elite freshmen and rising sophomores, many of whom have already made waves in college basketball. Here are some of the most talked-about names:

• Cameron Boozer (Duke, Freshman): The 6’9” forward has drawn comparisons to NBA forwards like Scottie Barnes for his versatility, court vision, and defensive prowess. Boozer’s decision to declare early was widely anticipated after a standout season in which he averaged a double-double for the Blue Devils.
• AJ Dybantsa (BYU, Freshman): A dynamic 6’9” wing with explosive athleticism, Dybantsa is projected as a top-five pick by many analysts. His ability to create his own shot and guard multiple positions makes him a coveted two-way prospect.
• Darryn Peterson (Kansas, Guard): The 6’5” combo guard burst onto the scene as a freshman, showcasing elite scoring ability, and playmaking. Peterson’s decision to enter the draft adds another high-upside guard to an already deep class.
• Flory Bidunga (Kansas, Sophomore): The 6’10” big man has improved his draft stock significantly after a strong sophomore campaign. Known for his shot-blocking and rebounding, Bidunga could be a late lottery pick if he continues to refine his offensive game.
• Elliot Cadeau (Michigan, Junior): The point guard has been a steady presence for the Wolverines and is now looking to translate his college success into an NBA opportunity. His leadership and shooting touch make him an intriguing mid-to-late first-round prospect.

Other notable entrants include Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State), a skilled point guard with NBA-ready court vision, and Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville), a versatile wing who has shown flashes of two-way potential.

Draft Order and Lottery Implications

The 2026 NBA Draft order will be determined by the May 10 lottery, where the league’s 14 non-playoff teams will vie for the top four picks. The remaining lottery teams (picks 5-14) and playoff teams (picks 15-30) will be slotted based on regular-season records, with tiebreakers already resolved.

As of now, the projected top of the draft order includes:

1. Washington Wizards (via HOU)
2. Indiana Pacers
3. Brooklyn Nets
4. Utah Jazz
5. Sacramento Kings

Teams like the Memphis Grizzlies (6th) and Atlanta Hawks (7th) could also land in the lottery, depending on the final standings. The draft’s second round, which begins on June 24, will feature picks 31-60, with the order determined by the same record-based system.

Key Dates and Next Steps

The draft process is already in full swing, with several critical dates on the horizon:

• May 8-10: AWS NBA G League Combine in Chicago. Prospects will participate in drills, scrimmages, and interviews with NBA teams.
• May 10: NBA Draft Lottery (8 p.m. ET, ABC). The league will reveal the top four picks, setting the stage for the draft order.
• May 10-17: AWS NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. The main event for prospects to showcase their skills in front of scouts and executives.
• June 13: Deadline for early entry candidates to withdraw from the draft (5 p.m. ET). This is the final opportunity for players to return to college or pursue other professional opportunities.
• June 23: NBA Draft First Round (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN). The main event, where the top 30 picks will be announced.
• June 24: NBA Draft Second Round (8 p.m. ET, ESPN). The conclusion of the draft, featuring picks 31-60.

What’s Next for Prospects?

For the 71 early entrants, the coming weeks will be a whirlwind of workouts, interviews, and evaluations. Teams will scrutinize every aspect of a prospect’s game, from their physical measurements to their mental approach to the draft process. Here’s what to watch for:

1. The Withdrawal Deadline: Who Stays and Who Goes?

The June 13 withdrawal deadline will be a pivotal moment for the draft class. Players who receive first-round feedback—or guaranteed money—are more likely to stay in the draft, whereas those projected in the second round or undrafted may opt to return to school. Last year, several high-profile prospects withdrew late in the process, reshaping the draft’s landscape. This year could witness similar movement, particularly among players like Cadeau and Bidunga, who have the option to return to college.

2. The Combine: Proving Ground for Prospects

The NBA Draft Combine is where prospects can either solidify their draft stock or see it plummet. Performance in drills like the 3/4-court sprint, lane agility test, and shooting measurements can sway team opinions, particularly for players on the draft bubble. For example, a strong showing in the combine could push a prospect like Anton Bonke (Charlotte, 7’2”) into the first round, while a poor performance might relegate them to the second round or undrafted status.

3. International Prospects: A Growing Wildcard

While the early entry list is dominated by U.S. College players, international prospects will also play a significant role in the 2026 draft. Players like Victor Wembanyama (2023) and Nikola Jokić (2014) have shown that international talent can redefine NBA rosters. This year’s class includes several intriguing international players who could rise up draft boards in the coming months.

Top Prospects to Watch

While the draft order and team needs will ultimately determine where prospects land, a few players have already separated themselves as potential franchise-changers. Here’s a look at the top prospects in the 2026 class:

1. AJ Dybantsa (BYU, Freshman)

Dybantsa is widely regarded as the top prospect in the 2026 class. His combination of size (6’9”), athleticism, and scoring ability makes him a prototypical NBA wing. Dybantsa can create his own shot, defend multiple positions, and has shown flashes of elite playmaking. If he continues to develop, he could be the No. 1 overall pick.

2. Cameron Boozer (Duke, Freshman)

Boozer’s versatility is his biggest selling point. At 6’9”, he can play as a stretch four or even a small-ball five, thanks to his shooting touch and defensive instincts. His ability to guard multiple positions and facilitate offense makes him a safe bet for the top five. Teams with a need for a do-it-all forward—like the Utah Jazz or Brooklyn Nets—will likely have him high on their draft boards.

3. Darryn Peterson (Kansas, Guard)

Peterson is one of the most explosive guards in the draft. His scoring ability, particularly from mid-range and beyond the arc, makes him a nightmare for defenders. While his playmaking is still developing, Peterson’s upside as a primary scoring option could land him in the top 10.

4. Caleb Wilson (North Carolina, Forward)

Wilson’s combination of size (6’8”) and shooting stroke has drawn comparisons to Jayson Tatum. He’s a natural scorer who can play both forward spots, and his ability to create off the dribble makes him a valuable offensive weapon. If he continues to improve his defense, Wilson could be a top-five pick.

5. Keaton Wagler (Illinois, Guard)

Wagler is a steady, high-IQ guard who excels in running an offense. His shooting and decision-making make him a safe bet for the late lottery or mid-first round. While he may not have the upside of some of his peers, Wagler’s reliability could make him a valuable role player from day one.

FAQ: Your 2026 NBA Draft Questions Answered

Q: When is the 2026 NBA Draft?

The 2026 NBA Draft will seize place over two nights: the first round on June 23 and the second round on June 24. Both nights will be broadcast live on ABC and ESPN.

Q: How many players declared for the 2026 NBA Draft?

A total of 71 players have filed as early entry candidates for the 2026 draft, including 58 from U.S. Colleges and 13 international prospects.

Q: What is the deadline to withdraw from the draft?

Players who declared early entry must withdraw by June 13 at 5 p.m. ET to retain their NBA draft eligibility. For college players, the NCAA’s withdrawal deadline is earlier, on May 27.

Q: Who are the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft?

The top prospects in the 2026 class include AJ Dybantsa (BYU), Cameron Boozer (Duke), Darryn Peterson (Kansas), Caleb Wilson (North Carolina), and Keaton Wagler (Illinois). These players are projected to go in the top 10, with Dybantsa and Boozer as the frontrunners for the No. 1 overall pick.

Q: When is the NBA Draft Lottery?

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery will take place on May 10 at 8 p.m. ET, broadcast live on ABC. The lottery will determine the order of the top four picks, with the remaining lottery teams slotted based on their regular-season records.

Q: What happens at the NBA Draft Combine?

The NBA Draft Combine is a multi-day event where prospects participate in drills, scrimmages, and interviews with NBA teams. The combine includes physical measurements (height, wingspan, hand size), athletic testing (sprint, vertical leap, agility drills), and shooting exercises. Prospects also undergo medical evaluations and meet with team executives to discuss their draft stock.

Key Takeaways

• The 2026 NBA Draft features 71 early entry candidates, including elite freshmen and breakout sophomores like AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer.
• The draft will take place on June 23-24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with the lottery determining the top four picks on May 10.
• Prospects have until June 13 to withdraw from the draft, with college players facing an earlier deadline of May 27 to retain eligibility.
• The AWS NBA Draft Combine (May 10-17) will be a critical event for prospects to solidify their draft stock through drills, interviews, and medical evaluations.
• Top prospects include Dybantsa (BYU), Boozer (Duke), Peterson (Kansas), Wilson (North Carolina), and Wagler (Illinois), with Dybantsa and Boozer as the frontrunners for the No. 1 pick.

The Road Ahead

The 2026 NBA Draft is poised to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with a deep pool of talent and high-stakes lottery implications. As teams finalize their draft boards and prospects navigate the pre-draft process, the coming weeks will be filled with intrigue, surprises, and career-defining moments. Whether it’s a late withdrawal, a breakout performance at the combine, or a surprise lottery result, the draft’s landscape is far from settled.

For fans, the draft offers a glimpse into the future of the NBA, with each pick representing a potential franchise cornerstone or a hidden gem. For the prospects themselves, it’s the culmination of years of hard operate and the beginning of a new chapter. As the countdown to June 23 continues, one thing is certain: the 2026 NBA Draft will be a must-watch event.