ESPN’s New 2026 NBA Mock Draft Just Shook the League Surprise Picks, Rising Stars and One Stunning Lottery Projection
The 2026 NBA Draft conversation has officially exploded after ESPN insider Jeremy Woo released a brand-new two-round mock draft following the NBA Draft Lottery and it’s already turning heads across the basketball world.
From franchise-changing freshmen to shocking lottery risers and unexpected fits for title contenders, this latest projection delivered everything NBA fans crave this time of year: drama, intrigue, bold predictions, and future superstars.
At the center of it all? A loaded class headlined by BYU sensation , Kansas standout , and Duke phenom three names that are already being discussed as potential franchise saviors.
But once the top three selections rolled in, the mock draft became unpredictable in a hurry.
Here’s a full breakdown of ESPN’s latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft and the biggest storylines shaking up the league.
Wizards Land Their Franchise Star at No. 1
The are projected to select AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick, and honestly, it feels like the beginning of a new era in Washington.
Dybantsa looked every bit like a future NBA superstar during his college season at BYU. He wasn’t just productive he dominated games in multiple ways. The versatile forward averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 51 percent from the floor.
What separated him from everyone else was how polished he already looked offensively. His ability to create his own shot, attack the rim, and score through contact made scouts believe he’s the most NBA-ready player in the draft.
For a Wizards franchise that has spent years searching for a foundational superstar, Dybantsa could finally become the centerpiece fans have desperately wanted.
Utah Takes a Risk But One With Superstar Potential
At No. 2 overall, the are projected to select Darryn Peterson out of Kansas.
Peterson’s talent has never been questioned. The concern has been durability after he missed several games this past season. Still, when healthy, he showed flashes of elite shot-making ability and explosive scoring instincts.
In just 24 appearances, Peterson averaged 20.2 points while knocking down 38.2 percent from three-point range.
Utah appears willing to gamble on upside here, and if Peterson stays healthy, this could end up looking like one of the smartest selections in the draft.
Memphis Gets a Monster in Cameron Boozer
The landing Cameron Boozer at No. 3 might be the steal of the top five.
Boozer was sensational at Duke. The powerful forward averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting nearly 56 percent from the field.
He played with maturity beyond his years and consistently controlled games on both ends of the floor. His combination of size, footwork, court vision, and physicality has NBA executives believing he can become an All-Star-level big man very quickly.
Memphis adding Boozer to its young core would instantly make the franchise even more dangerous moving forward.
Chicago, Clippers and Nets Make Bold Lottery Moves
The are projected to select North Carolina big man at No. 4.
Wilson quietly put together a dominant freshman campaign, averaging 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds while shooting an efficient 57.8 percent from the floor.
Then came one of the most intriguing picks in the draft.
The are projected to take Illinois guard at No. 5 after his breakout Final Four run.
Wagler averaged 17.9 points and nearly 40 percent shooting from beyond the arc while playing heavy minutes all season. His composure in pressure moments dramatically boosted his draft stock.
Meanwhile, the land Arkansas guard at No. 6.
Acuff may have been one of the most electric offensive players in college basketball last season. He averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 44 percent from three-point range.
Brooklyn desperately needs a face of the franchise, and Acuff’s offensive firepower could make him exactly that.
Kings Find Their New Backcourt Leader
The are projected to draft Houston guard at No. 7.
ESPN’s mock suggests Flemings could eventually replace former Kings star in Sacramento’s backcourt.
Flemings averaged 16.1 points and 5.2 assists while improving his decision-making throughout the season. His speed and explosiveness immediately stand out, but scouts were equally impressed by how much his leadership matured over the year.
Atlanta, Dallas and Milwaukee Round Out the Top 10
At No. 8, the are projected to select Louisville guard despite him appearing in only 21 games.
The talent is undeniable. Brown averaged 18.2 points and 4.7 assists and showed flashes of elite scoring ability.
The then grab Arizona scorer at No. 9.
Burries battled through an inconsistent start to the season before emerging as Arizona’s leading scorer. He averaged 16.1 points while shooting 39.1 percent from deep.
According to ESPN’s projection, Burries would join a Dallas team already built around young superstar , creating an exciting offensive duo for the future.
Finally, the close out the top 10 by selecting Tennessee forward .
Ament’s efficiency stood out all season. He averaged 16.7 points and 6.3 rebounds while showing flashes of two-way versatility that NBA teams love.
Warriors, Lakers and Knicks Eye Key Additions
Several playoff contenders also made fascinating projected selections later in the first round.
The are expected to take New Zealand Breakers forward at No. 11, adding another versatile wing to their system.
The are projected to select North Carolina center at No. 25 as they continue searching for frontcourt depth.
Meanwhile, the are linked to Arizona forward at No. 24 before selecting Vanderbilt guard early in the second round.
Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz Cracks the First Round
One of the more surprising projections came at No. 21, where ESPN has the selecting Iowa guard .
Stirtz has steadily climbed draft boards thanks to his toughness, court vision, and ability to control tempo. Seeing him mocked in the first round confirms just how much his stock has risen over the past several months.
Intriguing Second-Round Sleepers Could Become Draft-Day Steals
The second round is loaded with names NBA fans should keep watching closely.
The grab Baylor wing at No. 33 before adding Kentucky center later in the round.
The are projected to take NC State forward and Illinois wing .
Meanwhile, the could quietly land tremendous value with Houston point guard at No. 59.
One Mock Draft But Massive Implications
Every year, mock drafts generate debate. But this one feels different because of how much star power sits at the top of the class.
AJ Dybantsa looks capable of changing an entire franchise overnight. Cameron Boozer already plays with the poise of an NBA veteran. Darryn Peterson’s upside remains sky-high if his health cooperates.
And beyond the top prospects, there’s incredible depth throughout the first and second rounds.
Several teams appear positioned to reshape their futures in a single night.
Now the pressure shifts to NBA front offices. Scouts will spend the next several weeks dissecting every workout, interview, medical report, and postseason evaluation before draft night finally arrives.
Because if ESPN’s latest mock draft proves even partially accurate, the 2026 NBA Draft could become one of the most franchise-altering classes the league has seen in years.
