2026 NBA pre-lottery mock draft: How March Madness impacts top projected picks

Story by

Story by
2026 NBA pre-lottery mock draft: How March Madness impacts top projected picks

Brett Siegel, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Wed, Apr 8, 2026 ·

23 min read

About Our Ads

2026 NBA pre-lottery mock draft: How March Madness impacts top projected picks appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

With March Madness ending and the NBA playoffs inching closer, that can only mean one thing — the NBA Draft process has officially started. Teams around the NBA will begin shifting their focus to this year's draft class, one that could go down as one of the greatest of all time , which is why there is no better time to get a first look at our post-NCAA Tournament mock draft.

As much as this is a post-tournament mock draft, this is also a pre-NBA Draft lottery look at where all the top prospects could end up, as we truly won't know how this year's draft will shape up until the ping pong balls determine the order at the very top of the board.

A lot of noise has been made about tanking in the NBA this year, and the main reason for that is because of the All-Star-caliber prospects who won't need to wait too long to hear Adam Silver call their names in June.

AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer , Darryn Peterson, and Darius Acuff Jr. have all solidified their status as the best of the best in this loaded draft class, but where will they ultimately end up? Could any of these top prospects end up falling a bit based on which teams are picking where?

While Dybantsa is widely viewed as the consensus top pick around the NBA and likely to go No. 1 overall in June, you just don't know until the full order is determined. Not to mention, in today's world of NIL, plenty of prospects could wind up returning to college and forgo the 2026 NBA Draft.

Keeping all of this in mind, here's a look at my first mock draft of the year based on the NBA standings right now.

1. Washington Wizards – AJ Dybantsa – SF – BYU

Aside from leading the nation in scoring at over 25 points per game as a freshman at BYU, AJ Dybantsa checks off all the boxes for what teams are looking for in a modern-day wing. He is athletic, can play both ends of the floor at a high level, and Dybantsa has the capability to play against any type of opponent with his downhill attacking skills on offense.

While Boozer and Peterson each have unique traits, Dybantsa is an all-around talent who has All-Star written all over him. No matter who ends up with the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, they would be foolish to pass up on a talent like this.

It's not every day you can find a 6'10" scorer who can fill any need for your team. That is why Dybantsa is the best prospect in this year's draft class.

2. Indiana Pacers – Cameron Boozer – PF – Duke

Cam Boozer won all of the National Player of the Year awards , and rightfully so. He was the most consistent player in the nation, and the way he plays is almost like a multi-year veteran, with how poised and calm he is on the floor. There really isn't a way to take Boozer out of his rhythm.

Although he is not the most athletic or dynamic player in this draft class, Boozer produces at a high level, and his team never has to worry about him disappearing. It will be interesting to find out what teams think about Boozer defensively regarding his ability to defend different positions in the NBA, but there are no weaknesses to his game.

It is rare to find a true point-forward who averages over 20 points a game, makes all the right decisions as a passer, and is extremely unselfish. Out of all the teams that could end up with a top pick, Boozer would fit in the best with the Indiana Pacers alongside Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac .

3. Brooklyn Nets – Caleb Wilson – SF/PF – North Carolina

The one top-tier prospect to keep an eye on throughout the pre-draft process is Caleb Wilson. After suffering a fractured left hand and a then a broken right thumb while recovering from his hand injury, Wilson missed the final month of his freshman year. If he had remained healthy, there was serious talk among scouts about Wilson competing with Dybantsa for the top spot in the draft.

There is no doubt that Wilson is the best athlete in this draft class, and several teams scheduled to pick in the lottery have told ClutchPoints that they are enamored with the North Carolina product's passing on the wing.

You won't find the level of two-way versatility from a 6'10" forward like Wilson possesses anywhere else in this draft class, even with Dybantsa. Do not be shocked if Wilson ends up being No. 2 on some teams' draft boards by June.

4. Utah Jazz – Darryn Peterson – PG/SG – Kansas

Some would be surprised to see Darryn Peterson fall past the third pick in this year's draft from a talent perspective, but there are mixed reviews about him among NBA scouts.

While some have overlooked his availability issues because of his lead-guard skills, others are genuinely concerned about his medical history and injury problems at Kansas. Until Peterson actually sits down with teams during the pre-draft process and at the NBA Combine in Chicago , it's hard to gauge what some of these lottery teams actually think of him.

However, when he is healthy and on the floor, it's clear to see the star-like potential Peterson possesses, especially when it comes to hunting his shot from anywhere on the court.

There is a real argument to be had for Peterson being the second-best player in this draft class behind Dybantsa, but where he ends up will solely depend on how the lottery plays out, as some teams with high lottery odds simply don't need another guard.

5. Sacramento Kings – Darius Acuff Jr. – PG – Arkansas

No player helped themselves more over the last month and a half in college than Darius Acuff Jr. He was the one prospect everyone was talking about after the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament after scoring 60 points through Arkansas' first two games, and scouts across the league have delivered high praise for the freshman, with some of the comparisons being made.

Deron Williams , Derrick Rose , Tyrese Maxey , Jalen Brunson , Monta Ellis , and Tim Hardaway are all names that have come up in conversations I've had around the league when mentioning Acuff, which shows the wide array of talent he possesses.

The one criticism that always comes up, though, is Acuff's lack of defensive intensity and effort, which can obviously change once he gets to the next level. With his off-ball shooting abilities and natural attacking instincts as a driver at the point guard position, it will be hard for teams to pass on Acuff.

There are a handful of teams that already view him as the top guard in this draft class over Peterson and would take him as high as the third pick of the draft, two of which are hoping for lottery luck to move up from their current projected position.

6. Atlanta Hawks (via NOP swap) – Keaton Wagler – PG/SG – Illinois

Keaton Wagler entered his freshman year at Illinois as an unknown to NBA scouts who were being recruited mainly by mid-major schools. Now, Wagler is viewed as a sure-thing top-10 pick who just led Illinois to their first Final Four since 2005.

What makes Wagler such an intriguing combo guard in this draft class is his do-it-all mentality and ability to use his athleticism to his advantage as a second-chance rebounder and versatile defender. Despite being 19 years old, Wagler is very poised and mature as a combo guard on- or off-the-ball.

Every team wants guards who can wear multiple hats and not be a liability on defense. That is why plenty of lottery teams view Wagler as one of the best low-risk, high-reward prospects who will only continue to get better.

7. Memphis Grizzlies – Nate Ament – SF – Tennessee

The one comparison that always comes to mind for me when looking at Nate Ament is Michael Porter Jr. Ament is a 6'10" forward who is known for his scoring bursts and shooting abilities. However, the same concerns about Porter exist with Ament.

Tougher, stronger forwards found success on offense against Ament during his freshman year, and on offense, he sometimes rushes into his shot instead of waiting for the right opportunity. Then again, his ability to put the ball on the ground and get to his spot, as well as rise up over virtually any defender with his length, makes Ament a very polarizing offensive prospect.

Any team drafting Ament will need to be patient with his development and work a little bit on fine-tuning his overall offensive pace, but there is no denying that the potential is there. Again, teams are always looking for lengthy wings with two-way abilities, and that is why Ament will likely be a top-10 pick.

8. Dallas Mavericks – Kingston Flemings – PG – Houston

Kingston Flemings isn't afraid to be physical while driving toward the rim on offense, and he has a good feel for when to pull up in the midrange area. At the next level, working on his 3-point shot will be essential, as knocking down shots from the perimeter consistently will make Flemings a three-level scorer as a lead guard who is more than capable of making plays for others.

Should he be drafted by a team like the Dallas Mavericks, who already have an experienced lead guard in Kyrie Irving , Flemings will thrive early in his career.

9. Chicago Bulls – Mikel Brown Jr. – PG – Louisville

Although he may not be the biggest guard in terms of strength, Mikel Brown Jr. has been viewed as one of the best offensive guards in this freshman class. When healthy, Brown has one of the best-looking jumpers out of any top-10 projected prospect, and his scoring abilities from anywhere on the floor make him a high-level offensive talent.

But that was the main problem for Brown at Louisville, as he only played in 21 games due to ongoing back problems all year . This will be a main point of emphasis throughout his pre-draft evaluations, as teams will want to know what exactly happened and if this problem will linger. He could fall down some draft boards based on the results.

Brown is more than capable of scoring on- or off-the-ball, and his 6'5″ frame makes him well-suited to carry a lot of his NBA team's offensive load. Until teams can talk with him in person and possibly see him in pre-draft workouts, his range remains a mystery.

10. Milwaukee Bucks – Karim Lopez – SF/PF – New Zealand

Over the last two years, Karim Lopez has been playing professional basketball in the NBL for the New Zealand Breakers. The Mexican-born forward has been labeled one of the best young players in the Australian league, and his scoring abilities were on display this past year when he scored 358 points, the most by a draft-eligible NBL Next Stars player.

Lopez turns 19 on Sunday, which makes him one of the youngest players in this draft class, yet he already has professional experience under his belt. It isn't hard to admit that Lopez has one of the highest upsides in this class.

In terms of his skill, Lopez stands out with his NBA frame and ability to run in transition. Defensively, he can guard 1 through 4 and disrupt passing lanes with his length. Offensively, Lopez will need to continue to develop a consistent 3-point shot to be more than a slasher and cutter off the ball.

A team looking for a high-upside guy for the future or someone they can develop behind veterans will be fascinated by the idea of drafting Lopez.

11. Golden State Warriors – Brayden Burries – PG/SG – Arizona

Whoever ends up with the 11th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft will have a few high-level prospects to consider because there are about 14-15 players competing to be a top-10 pick. Brayden Burries is one of those guys, and he could fall out of the top 10 based on what happens with Wagler, Flemings, and Brown ahead of him.

Burries is a very physical combo guard who isn't afraid to put his body on the line for his team. He takes charges on defense, dives on the ground for 50-50 balls, and doesn't back down from defending anyone.

On offense, Burries shot nearly 40% from 3-point range and is extremely effective as an on-ball guard in pick-and-roll situations. With no glaring weakness to his game, Burries could be one of those guys who rise the most in the lottery during the pre-draft process since he is such a safe pick with more room to grow as an overall scorer.

12. Portland Trail Blazers – Braylon Mullins – SG – UConn

Remember the guy who hit that ridiculous 3-point shot to send UConn to the Final Four over Duke? That was Braylon Mullins, one of the best sharpshooting prospects in this draft class.

Shooting and toughness when it comes to going after offensive rebounds are the two major things that come with Mullins, but he can be a liability at times defensively. This is especially true when it comes to fouls.

Mullins will be viewed as a second-unit talent during his rookie year, and a team that has the ability for him to play behind established veterans will benefit greatly in the future.

13. Miami Heat – Yaxel Lendeborg – PF – Michigan

One of my favorite draft prospects in this year's draft, who just won the National Championship with Michigan , is Yaxel Lendeborg.

Although he wasn't healthy in the Final Four, the effort and intensity Lendeborg gave the Wolverines tells you everything you need to know about this guy. He may be an older prospect, turning 24 in September, but he is the exact type of versatile forward who can join a playoff contender right now and play significant minutes.

Lendeborg is extremely athletic, runs well in transition, uses his strength in mismatches on offense, and is much more capable of knocking down 3-pointers than his numbers would suggest. This versatility, mixed with another year of experience, is why teams have had their eyes on him for quite some time.

There is no doubt in my mind that Lendeborg will be a lottery pick.

14. Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL) – Labaron Philon Jr. – PG – Alabama

As far as scoring off the dribble goes, Labaron Philon Jr. is as good as Acuff. He has a knack for getting in the lane and finishing tough shots, as well as collapsing opposing defenses onto him to open up teammates on the perimeter.

Since Memphis is expected to have two lottery picks in this year's draft and is having major doubts about Ja Morant's future, it only makes sense that one of these selections will be utilized for a high-level guard.

Philon's shifty play and explosiveness off ball screens make him the ideal fit alongside Zach Edey , Cedric Coward , and other young pieces this team plans to rebuild with.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) – Thomas Haugh – PF – Florida

The rich are getting richer this offseason, as the Oklahoma City Thunder will end up with two top-20 picks in this year's draft, one of which can be utilized for a guy who knows a thing or two about winning in Thomas Haugh.

Last year, Haugh was instrumental in the Florida Gators' championship run, and he expanded on his game this season by wearing every hat assigned to him. Haugh is a win-first guy, and he's always willing to put his body on the line defensively to make winning plays. He is also a very willing passer and perimeter-shooting threat.

At 6'9″ and capable of filling gaps around star players, Haugh is the perfect fit for a team like the Thunder.

16. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHI) – Aday Mara – C – Michigan

Although the Thunder drafted Thomas Sorber in last year's draft, he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee and missed all of his rookie season. With Isaiah Hartenstein also entering the summer with a massive team option that could be utilized by the Thunder, it makes sense to try to beef up their frontcourt behind Chet Holmgren .

Aday Mara was one of the best rim-protecting big men in the country, standing at 7'3″, and he was very efficient, shooting about 67% from the floor. Having Mara next to Holmgren would give the Thunder two shot-blocking seven-footers who bring something different to the table.

Whereas Holmgren can do damage from the perimeter, Mara gives Oklahoma City a big interior threat to clog the paint on both ends. You can't teach size, and Mara certainly has that.

17. Charlotte Hornets – Hannes Steinbach – PF – Washington

Hannes Steinbach is one of the more underrated prospects in this draft class because Washington wasn't good this year and wasn't on the big stage. However, that was not Steinbach's fault, as he registered 19.3 points and 12.2 rebounds during his freshman year while shooting 57.7% from the floor.

The soon-to-be 20-year-old played professionally in Germany before enrolling at Washington for NIL benefits, and his professional experience shows when he's around the basket. He also has a really high basketball IQ and understands positioning for both him and his teammates on the court, which makes him a better facilitator than his stats will say.

Any team needing a near seven-footer with elite rebounding abilities and the capability to score outside the paint will immediately circle Steinbach on their draft board, despite not being the most explosive big man.

18. Toronto Raptors – Bennett Stirtz – PG – Iowa

Some playoff team is going to end up with Bennett Stirtz in the back end of the first round, and they will be thrilled to welcome his elite offensive abilities. Stirtz is an excellent 3-point shooter, and he's a win-now prospect in the sense that he can immediately fill any role needed of him.

The Toronto Raptors have some questions to answer about Immanuel Quickley , and they don't have much depth in their backcourt overall. This team not only needs backcourt depth, but they also need 3-point shooting. Stirtz can give them both things.

19. Charlotte Hornets (via PHX) – Koa Peat – PF – Arizona

Koa Peat is one of the more intriguing draft prospects who will need to make a decision about his future. The former five-star recruit was viewed as a sure thing one-and-done, but instead of being a late first-round pick this year, he could return to college, be one of the highest-paid NIL athletes, and become a top-10 pick next year.

Nonetheless, Peat definitely showcased his powerful, physical play this season at Arizona, as he's not afraid of absorbing and dishing out contact on the court. Then again, he's sort of in-between positions since he's not a small-ball center but not a true power forward.

Returning to college and developing a more consistent offensive game could really do wonders for Peat, who will need time to truly morph into an NBA-ready talent.

20. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL) – Joshua Jefferson – SF/PF – Iowa State

This may be a reach in the first round for the San Antonio Spurs with other high-level prospects still available, but Joshua Jefferson fits their team and needs perfectly.

While he suffered an ankle injury late in the year that could be problematic during the pre-draft process, which would result in his fall on draft boards, Jefferson is a terrific all-around wing with great on-ball defensive instincts. Offensively, he's a capable 3-point shooter who can utilize his 6'9″ frame to get to the basket for easy scoring opportunities.

Unless the Spurs want to add more frontcourt depth behind Victor Wembanyama , continuing to add dynamic wings who can handle the ball makes a lot of sense for this franchise.

21. Detroit Pistons (via MIN swap) – Tounde Yessoufou – SG/SF – Baylor

Strength and long-term potential are what teams are looking for in wings near the end of the first round. Although Tounde Yessoufou struggled to find his shot all year and was a liability at times defensively, he is still just 19 years old and learning how to utilize his size.

In time, Yessoufou can be a serious offensive threat on the drive, and his jump shot doesn't need much fixing. He should become a viable shooting option and scoring swingman.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via HOU) – Christian Anderson – PG – Texas Tech

So many tend to say Christian Anderson is undersized, but he's a 6'3″ guard who is really good in ball-screen situations and can get to the rim as a result. However, Anderson's biggest skill is shooting, as he shot 41.5% from deep at Texas Tech, making an average of over three triples every game.

The Philadelphia 76ers could use another shooter after trading Jared McCain , and with Quentin Grimes being a free agent, Anderson could immediately fit in behind Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in the backcourt.

23. Atlanta Hawks (via CLE) – Chris Cenac Jr. – C – Houston

In a weaker draft for frontcourt talents, Chris Cenac Jr. is certainly a candidate to return to college and become a lottery pick. To be honest, he probably should return simply to prove that he is tougher than some say he is in the low post.

Although Cenac is a great rebounder, teams still want to see more of Cenac playing on the perimeter and being a facilitator who can create action with running guards. As far as the Atlanta Hawks go, they could use more depth behind Onyeka Okongwu , and Cenac would be worth the investment at this point in the draft.

24. Los Angeles Lakers – Jayden Quaintance – PF – Kentucky

Jayden Quaintance is certainly one of the biggest question marks in this draft class after suffering a torn ACL and meniscus last year and only playing in four games this season at Kentucky . At Arizona State last year, Quaintance showed a lot of long-term potential as a high-flying big man with the tools to be a defensive menace.

That potential scouts saw has not changed, but it's a matter of whether he can be healthy enough. A team that takes Quaintance will do so for his potential, hoping that he will be an immediate upgrade on defense.

25. New York Knicks – Morez Johnson Jr. – PF – Michigan

Keep a close eye on Morez Johnson Jr. throughout the pre-draft process, as he could wind up rising to a near lottery pick. Michigan won the National Championship, and Johnson had his fingerprints all over their success with his athleticism and toughness on the interior.

On defense, Johnson can guard any position, and he's an instant shot-blocking threat at the power forward position. At the next level, Johnson will be utilized as a rim-running threat and a bruiser-like big man who takes advantage of switches in ball-screen scenarios.

Isaiah Stewart is an interesting comparison that has come up for Johnson in conversations with scouts.

26. Denver Nuggets – Isaiah Evans – SF – Duke

Isaiah Evans is one of the more underrated perimeter scorers in this draft class, as he was often times left in the shadows of the Boozer brothers at Duke, but the reality is that the Blue Devils wouldn't have been in the Elite 8 without him.

This season, Evans shot 36.1% from deep on an average of 7.4 threes per game, and his off-ball role as a shooter will be immediately valued by a team during his rookie season. If there is one thing the Denver Nuggets always look for, it's scorers who can move and score off actions by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

There would be plenty of shooting opportunities for Evans in Denver, especially if Tim Hardaway Jr. leaves in free agency.

27. Boston Celtics – Patrick Ngongba II – C – Duke

Unlike most lengthy big men, who are viewed as rim-running threats and utilized in pick-and-rolls, Patrick Ngongba II stands out for his vision and passing abilities as a seven-footer. Although he can still do these other things at a higher level than most, Ngongba's patience and high IQ as a facilitator are what have teams interested in him late in the first round.

After dealing with left foot problems in high school and recently suffering a right foot injury during his freshman year at Duke, it will be interesting to see if Ngongba's medical history causes him to slip into this region of the first round.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET swap) – Meleek Thomas – PG/SG – Arkansas

While Darius Acuff got all the attention at Arkansas, Meleek Thomas put together a great freshman year as well, averaging 15.6 points per game while shooting 41.6% from deep.

Thomas is a natural scoring guard who is very crafty when it comes to hunting his own shots and also creating opportunities late in the shot clock. Confidence is key for young guards entering the NBA, and Thomas has plenty of it.

It is no secret that the Minnesota Timberwolves need more guard help, and already having the experience of finding success off a dynamic scorer like Acuff, Thomas could do the same next to Anthony Edwards.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS) – Cameron Carr – SG – Baylor

As the pre-draft process kicks off, I have a feeling Cameron Carr will be a prospect a lot of teams and scouts begin to discuss a lot higher than the end of the first round. Carr possesses a lot of length on the perimeter and uses it to rise above defenders with his jump shot.

This past season, Carr shot 37.4% from deep on an average of 6.1 triples per game, and he can be very dynamic looking to score off the dribble. His measurables and shooting potential are what will have teams interested in seeing him not only at the combine but also in their own buildings for pre-draft workouts.

Buy stock in Carr now, as he could be this draft's biggest riser during the pre-draft process.

30. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC) – Tarris Reed Jr. – C – UConn

Earlier this season, many were viewing Tarris Reed Jr. as a potential second-round pick. After his late-season surge and strong showing in the NCAA Tournament , Reed is now viewed as a first-round pick who can be a more versatile Andre Drummond-like player at the next level.

Reed possesses excellent skills in the low post, and he tends to outmuscle smaller big men in the paint. It will be interesting to see how this skill, which he relied on a lot at UConn, translates to the NBA, where every big man is stronger and built like him.

As far as his fit with the Dallas Mavericks, frontcourt injuries have decimated this team. There is no guarantee that Dereck Lively II will conquer his foot injuries, and Daniel Gafford's availability, plus the potential for a trade, has been questioned. Pairing Reed with Flagg would be intriguing to watch in pick-and-roll sets.

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: