NBA Mock Draft 2026: Post-March Madness Shake-Up

The NCAA tournament has concluded, providing a final glimpse at prospects for the 2026 NBA Draft. Scouts have recalibrated their evaluations, and draft projections are shifting. Here’s a look at the latest mock draft, reflecting performances and updated assessments from the tournament.

First Round Projections

1. Indiana Pacers: AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU. Despite BYU’s early exit from the NCAA tournament, Dybantsa remains a top prospect. He secured the NCAA leading scoring title and demonstrates a well-rounded offensive game. Bleacher Report notes his production is backed by a 60.0 true shooting percentage.
2. Washington Wizards: Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke. Boozer continues to be a highly regarded prospect, praised for his skill and ability to impact the game. Scouts believe he makes those around him better.
3. Brooklyn Nets: Darryn Peterson, SG/PG, Kansas. Peterson’s performance in the NCAA tournament, including Kansas’s loss to St. John’s, has raised questions about his consistency. ESPN reports his showing was emblematic of his season, with flashes of brilliance interspersed with quiet stretches.
4. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas. Acuff has been trending upwards and is considered a potential top-five pick.
5. Utah Jazz: Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina. Wilson’s athleticism at 6-foot-10 makes him an intriguing prospect, though his shooting remains a question mark.
6. Dallas Mavericks: Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois. Wagler is viewed as a smart and skilled scorer with potential.
7. Memphis Grizzlies: Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston. Flemings is a quick-paced player who excels in transition.
8. Atlanta Hawks: Mikel Brown, Jr., PG, Louisville. Brown’s potential is noted, but a back injury impacted his season.
9. Milwaukee Bucks: Braylen Burries, G, Arizona. Burries’ stock has risen, and he is considered a potential lottery pick.
10. Golden State Warriors: Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, Kentucky. Quaintance is a high-risk, high-reward prospect due to injury concerns.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Koa Peat, PF, Arizona. Peat is a physical player with potential, but his shooting needs development.
12. Miami Heat: Labaron Philon, PG, Alabama. Philon’s performance has boosted his stock, and he is considered a potential first-round pick.

Mid-First Round Considerations

13. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers): Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn. Mullins’ draft stock may depend on whether he returns to school.
14. Memphis Grizzlies (via Orlando Magic): Isaiah Evans, SF, Duke. Evans has steadily improved his draft position.
15. San Antonio Spurs: Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan. Lendeborg is a durable player who plays with energy and physicality.
16. Detroit Pistons (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Hannes Steinbach, PF, Washington. Steinbach is a dominant rebounder.
17. Denver Nuggets: Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa. Stirtz is a polished playmaker.
18. Philadelphia 76ers (via Houston Rockets): Christian Anderson, G, Texas Tech. Anderson is a good shooter with potential.
19. Charlotte Hornets: Dailyn Swain, G/F, Texas. Swain has shown improvement throughout the season.

Late First Round & Beyond

The remaining picks in the first round and into the second round are filled with prospects who could benefit from further development. Several players saw their stock rise during the NCAA tournament, while others face questions about their long-term potential.

Key Takeaways

• AJ Dybantsa remains the consensus top pick.
• Darryn Peterson’s draft stock has become less certain following his performance in the tournament.
• Several players have improved their position with strong performances in March Madness.