HoopTalk – Draft Prospects (Part 2)

Yesterday, I shared my top 10 draft prospects for the 2026 NBA Draft. I know it’s a bit early, but with the new year approaching, there’s no better time to reflect on what these talented prospects have accomplished over the past year. Here’s my full draft board.

Today I want to cover a few of these prospects. Starting with the one and only AJ Dybantsa. Being from Boston, I have an obligation to want him to do great things. But his game also backs up the talk (just had his first career triple-double last night). His 6’9 frame makes him virtually impossible to guard, whether that be from the mid-post area or his quick handle on the perimeter. There haven’t been too many good answers to stop him

Darryn Peterson is second, and many have feared the worst with him missing numerous games due to hamstring issues. I expect this is just a minor issue, but it may sideline him for the season. He has shown flashes, but his practice habits and overall mindset are what separate him from the rest of the pack, and with a proper pre-draft process, he could challenge AJ for the top overall pick.

The third and final number one overall candidate is Cameron Boozer, who, out of these three,e has had the most overall production. Between his big scoring nights in practically all his teams’ ranked games and overall win-by-any-means mentality, Boozer will be tough not to draft at the top. He just makes winning plays over and over, and over again. he knows how to draw fouls, make the right pass, and somehow guard every position.

This is what a current mock draft would look like. Remember, available prospects and a mock draft are different, as each team has different needs. Based on current data, this is the most likely order, with teams ordered based on current odds.

2026 NBA Mock Draft (12/23)

Pick	Team	Player	Position	School/Team	Scouting Notes
1	Washington Wizards	Darryn Peterson	PG/SG	Kansas	High motor and versatility; skilled passer, defensive quickness; attacks the basket aggressively, but questions on finishing and shooting.
2	Indiana Pacers	AJ Dybantsa	SF	BYU	Full offensive package with midrange scoring and playmaking; long stride, draws fouls; needs consistency from three and better defense.
3	Sacramento Kings	Cameron Boozer	PF/C	Duke	Proven winner with elite production; strong inside despite limited vertical; excellent decision-making and toughness.
4	LA Clippers	Caleb Wilson	PF/C	North Carolina	High motor and versatility; skilled passer, defensive quickness; attacks basket aggressively but questions on finishing and shooting.
5	New Orleans Pelicans	Mikel Brown Jr.	PG	Louisville	Big potential with scoring bursts; creates rim looks; needs better half-court creation, shooting, and defense.
6	Brooklyn Nets	Kingston Flemings	PG	Houston	Gifted passer with speed and touch; efficient scorer, but shot mechanics may regress.
7	Charlotte Hornets	Nate Ament	SF/PF	Tennessee	Oversized perimeter skill; productive despite finishing and shooting struggles; not explosive.
8	Utah Jazz	Koa Peat	PF/C	Arizona	Tough rebounder and interior player; winning intangibles; limited perimeter skills.
9	Dallas Mavericks	Jayden Quaintance	C	Kentucky	Defensive flashes with blocks; vertical spacer and screener; limited ball skills.
10	Milwaukee Bucks	Braylon Mullins	SG	UConn	Elite shotmaker off the bounce and ball; dynamic perimeter threat potential as he builds strength.
11	Portland Trail Blazers	Karim Lopez	SF/PF	New Zealand Breakers	Skilled scorer at size; good shooting; limited burst and defense concerns.
12	Memphis Grizzlies	Chris Cenac Jr.	PF/C	Houston	Fluid athlete with jump shooting and rim protection potential; raw but intriguing project.
13	Chicago Bulls	Thomas Haugh	SF/PF	Florida	Versatile connector; efficient play; high energy defense; older prospect limits upside.
14	Atlanta Hawks	Yaxel Lendeborg	PF/C	Michigan	Efficient and versatile forward; productive on glass and defense; perimeter comfort.
15	Golden State Warriors	Darius Acuff Jr.	PG	Arkansas	Pace controller and playmaker; crafty inside; size limits some shots.
16	Miami Heat	Patrick Ngongba II	C	Duke	Improved mobility and passing; rim protector, shooting potential, but injury history.
17	Cleveland Cavaliers	Hannes Steinbach	PF/C	Washington	Dominant rebounder with hands and feet; sturdy role player potential.
18	Phoenix Suns	Labaron Philon Jr.	PG	Alabama	Breakout scorer with craftiness; improved three-point shooting; bench staple projection.
19	Orlando Magic	Bennett Stirtz	PG	Iowa	Terrific shooter off screens; high IQ; limited by lack of explosion.
20	Toronto Raptors	Cameron Carr	SG/SF	Baylor	Explosive athlete and scorer; streaky but high-level shotmaking.
21	Philadelphia 76ers	Isaiah Evans	SG	Duke	Fluid shooter with size, perimeter scorer framework; decision-making questions.
22	Boston Celtics	Tounde Yessoufou	SG/SF	Baylor	NBA frame and energy; 3-and-D potential; needs polish in shooting and awareness.
23	Houston Rockets	Neoklis Avdalas	SG/SF	Virginia Tech	Size and savvy; passing strengths; limited speed and shooting.
24	Minnesota Timberwolves	Dame Sarr	SG/SF	Duke	Potential plus-defender with versatility; needs consistent impact.
25	Los Angeles Lakers	Keaton Wagler	PG/SG	Illinois	Backcourt size and decision-making; assertive play; not dynamic shooter.
26	New York Knicks	Dash Daniels	PG/SG	Melbourne United	Athletic guard with international experience; scoring and defensive tools.
27	Denver Nuggets	Aday Mara	C	Michigan	Unique passing and blocking at size; facilitates and protects rim.
28	San Antonio Spurs	Meleek Thomas	PG/SG	Arkansas	Crafty scorer and handler; playmaking flashes; needs strength.
29	Detroit Pistons	Henri Veesaar	C	North Carolina	Reliable finisher with touch, size, and passing development.
30	Oklahoma City Thunder	Sergio de Larrea	PG/SG	Valencia (Spain)	International combo guard with skill and feel; perimeter threat potential.