The 2026 NBA Draft is only days away, but one surprising change near the top of the board is already turning heads across the basketball world. After months of projections placing Kansas phenom Darryn Peterson among the top selections, a new mock draft from USA Today’s Bryan Kalbrosky has introduced a major twist Duke standout Cameron Boozer has surged into the No. 2 spot.
With front offices finalizing their draft boards following workouts, interviews, and the NBA Draft Combine, opinions continue to shift. The latest projections reveal several intriguing developments that could significantly alter the future of multiple franchises.
At the top of the board, the Washington Wizards remain projected to select BYU superstar AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick. The NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner has been widely regarded as the premier prospect in this class thanks to his elite scoring ability, athleticism, and offensive versatility.
Dybantsa recently expressed confidence in his chances of hearing his name called first on draft night. If Washington follows through with the selection, the young star could join a roster that includes veteran talents Trae Young and Anthony Davis, giving the franchise a potentially exciting blend of youth and experience.
The biggest story, however, may be unfolding in Utah.
According to Kalbrosky’s latest projection, the Utah Jazz are seriously considering Duke freshman Cameron Boozer with the second overall pick. The ACC Player of the Year has steadily climbed draft boards throughout the pre-draft process thanks to his consistency, basketball IQ, and ability to impact games in multiple ways.
Boozer’s rise is especially intriguing because many analysts previously viewed Kansas guard Darryn Peterson as the clear favorite for the No. 2 spot. The Duke star’s impressive résumé and winning pedigree have clearly caught the attention of decision-makers around the league.
Adding another layer to the storyline is Boozer’s family connection to Utah. His father, former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, enjoyed memorable years with the Jazz, making a potential reunion between the Boozer family and the franchise one of the most compelling narratives heading into draft night.
Despite dropping to No. 3 in the latest projection, Darryn Peterson remains one of the most highly regarded prospects available. Many scouts continue to believe the Kansas star possesses the highest overall ceiling in the draft class.
Peterson is now projected to land with the Memphis Grizzlies, a move that could have significant implications for the organization’s future. If Memphis selects the talented guard, speculation could intensify regarding the long-term direction of the franchise and the future role of star guard Ja Morant.
Further down the lottery, the Chicago Bulls are projected to select North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick. Before an injury interrupted his season, Wilson established himself as one of college basketball’s most productive defenders and finishers around the rim.
His combination of size, athleticism, and defensive versatility has made him one of the safest frontcourt prospects in this year’s class. Chicago’s front office reportedly values players with Wilson’s profile, making the pairing appear increasingly realistic.
At No. 5, the Los Angeles Clippers, via Indiana, are projected to take Illinois guard Keaton Wagler. The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the fastest-rising players in the draft after helping lead Illinois to a Final Four appearance.
Reports indicate Wagler impressed scouts during a recent workout against another highly regarded lottery prospect. Along with his elite shooting ability, evaluators have praised his rebounding, decision-making, and overall basketball intelligence.
The Brooklyn Nets are projected to use the sixth pick on Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., whose stock has rebounded following a positive medical evaluation during the pre-draft process.
Brown finished his season strongly before injuries cut his campaign short. His scoring instincts and deep shooting range continue to make him one of the most intriguing offensive guards available.
Sacramento could find its next backcourt star at No. 7 with Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. The explosive guard showcased dynamic scoring ability throughout his college season and consistently demonstrated an ability to create offense both for himself and his teammates.
League insiders have repeatedly linked Acuff to the Kings throughout the draft process, suggesting there is genuine interest from Sacramento’s front office.
At No. 8, the Atlanta Hawks are projected to select Houston guard Kingston Flemings. His speed, defensive impact, and athleticism helped elevate his draft stock over the course of the season.
Houston teammate Chris Cenac Jr. recently praised Flemings’ versatility and leadership qualities, traits that NBA executives often value when evaluating long-term prospects.
The Dallas Mavericks are projected to land Arizona freshman Brayden Burries with the ninth overall selection. Burries significantly boosted his draft stock during Arizona’s NCAA Tournament run, showcasing scoring ability and two-way potential on the biggest stage.
Kalbrosky’s report noted that Dallas has consistently been connected to Burries throughout the process, making him one of the most logical fits for the franchise.
Rounding out the top 10 is Tennessee forward Nate Ament, who is projected to join the Milwaukee Bucks. Before suffering a season-ending injury, Ament displayed impressive offensive versatility and shooting touch that caught the attention of scouts around the league.
Reports indicate Bucks officials recently met with Ament during the pre-draft process, further fueling speculation that Milwaukee views him as a legitimate lottery target.
Beyond the lottery, several notable names appear throughout the first round. Golden State is projected to select Karim Lopez at No. 11, while Iowa standout Bennett Stirtz is expected to go No. 19 overall to Toronto.
Other intriguing first-round prospects include Chris Cenac Jr., Jayden Quaintance, Koa Peat, Meleek Thomas, Isaiah Evans, and Henri Veesaar.
As draft night approaches, one thing has become increasingly clear: the 2026 NBA Draft remains far from settled. With Cameron Boozer’s unexpected rise, Darryn Peterson’s slight slide, and multiple teams still weighing difficult decisions, the final days leading up to the draft could bring even more surprises.
If this latest projection proves accurate, fans may witness one of the most fascinating draft nights in recent memory one where a last-minute shake-up at the top changes the future of several NBA franchises.
