NBA mock draft 5.0: Who goes first in a draft worth tanking for?

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NBA mock draft 5.0: Who goes first in a draft worth tanking for?

Bryan Kalbrosky · USA TODAY Sports

Wed, Feb 25, 2026 ·

17 min read

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The 2026 NBA Draft is arguably the most exciting in recent memory and could eventually go down as one of the best draft classes in league history. This storyline does not come without a dull moment.

Since our last update , plenty of drama has surrounded the 2026 NBA Draft. First, on the professional side, the tanking crisis surrounding teams punting on the season for better draft odds looms large. Meanwhile, in college basketball, pundits continue to debate what exactly is going on with Kansas star freshman Darryn Peterson.

With that in mind, as the college basketball regular season nears its end before conference tournaments and March Madness begins, let's take a look at our latest mock draft.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

1. Sacramento Kings : AJ Dybantsa

BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) reacts during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Marriott Center.

TEAM:BYU
POSITION:Wing
BORN:Massachusetts
HEIGHT:6-9
DRAFT AGE:19

The Kings have the worst offense in the Western Conference and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa. The forward currently leads the nation in unassisted points scored (548) this season, per CBB Analytics . The emerging star became the youngest player in NCAA history with a 30-point triple-double against Eastern Washington on Dec. 22. Highlighted by his 43-point performance against in-state rival Utah, he has averaged 29.7 points per game over his last 10 appearances.

2. Washington Wizards : Darryn Peterson

Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson (22) jogs back after making a three-pointer against Houston Cougars during the game inside Allen Fieldhouse on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026.

TEAM:Kansas
POSITION:Guard
BORN:Ohio
HEIGHT:6-5
DRAFT AGE:19

While he is no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues , many scouts and evaluators feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class. The Wizards would put the scoring guard in a strong position to begin his career alongside Trae Young and Anthony Davis . It's incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson while holding a usage rate as high as his has been this season.

3. Brooklyn Nets : Cameron Boozer

Duke Blue Devils guard Cayden Boozer (2) makes a call during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

TEAM:Duke
POSITION:Forward
BORN:Florida
HEIGHT:6-9
DRAFT AGE:18

After the Nets took five bites at the apple in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft last season, they could fill in the rest of the puzzle of their roster by adding an incredibly tantalizing prospect with Duke freshman standout Cameron Boozer. He isn't a human highlight reel but his statistical profile jumps off the page by virtually any metric and he is nothing short of a dominant paint scorer. Boozer offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set.

4. Indiana Pacers : Caleb Wilson

North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) looks on against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Watsco Center.

TEAM:North Carolina
POSITION:Big
BORN:Georgia
HEIGHT:6-10
DRAFT AGE:19

Based on projections from ESPN Analytics , the Pacers are projected to keep their pick rather than owe it to the Clippers . They could have a very complicated decision if it falls at No. 4 overall. Their backcourt is set with Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard and so is their frontcourt with Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac . Even if the fit is clunky, though, the best player on the board here is North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson. Although he is currently recovering from a hand fracture, his two-way upside is too high to pass up.

5. Utah Jazz : Kingston Flemings

Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) reacts during the second half against the BYU Cougars at Marriott Center.

TEAM: Houston
POSITION:Guard
BORN:Texas
HEIGHT:6-4
DRAFT AGE:19

The Jazz currently have the worst defensive rating in the league but could potentially improve that by selecting Houston freshman Kingston Flemings. The guard has multiple games when he has recorded at least five steals, notching eight against Arizona State earlier this season. While he scored 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24, he has since fallen into a bit of a slump, shooting less than 40.0 percent from the field over his last eight games. But with highs as high as his thus far, it will not take long for him to hear his name called on draft night.

6. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans ): Darius Acuff Jr.

TEAM:Arkansas
POSITION:Guard
BORN:Michigan
HEIGHT:6-3
DRAFT AGE:19

After trading away Trae Young , the Hawks could find their point guard of the future in Arkansas standout Darius Acuff Jr. using a first-round pick they received from the Pelicans. The freshman guard is excellently efficient at operating ball screens or in isolation, ranking third in the nation for points created (997) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics . He can score well from either side of the court and leads all freshmen in both alley-oop assists (15) and field goals made in transition (58) this season.

7. Dallas Mavericks : Mikel Brown Jr.

TEAM:Louisville
POSITION:Guard
BORN:Florida
HEIGHT:6-5
DRAFT AGE:20

Now led by Cooper Flagg , the Mavericks need to find players who can space the floor for him as they have the second-fewest 3-pointers made per game in the NBA and the third-lowest 3-point percentage in the West . They should have Louisville floor general Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their big board. He has deep shooting range and leads all freshmen in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics . Brown is also averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including 45 points against NC State on Feb. 9 while hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc.

8. Chicago Bulls : Nate Ament

TEAM:Tennessee
POSITION:Wing
BORN:Virginia
HEIGHT:6-10
DRAFT AGE:19

After a relatively slow and inefficient start to the season, Tennessee freshman Nate Ament is starting to realize some of his lofty expectations. The freshman is averaging 21.6 points per game over his last eleven appearances, shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers during that span. Although he has struggled to finish at the rim, he shoots fairly well off the dribble for someone with his height. He is also adept when shooting using off-ball screens. It will only take one team to fall in love with Ament and given so much of what he brings to the table cannot be taught, it's probably a team picking fairly early.

9. Memphis Grizzlies : Keaton Wagler

TEAM:Illinois
POSITION:Wing
BORN:Kansas
HEIGHT:6-6
DRAFT AGE:19

Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler shines when studying analytical models and advanced metrics. As the Grizzlies look to reload after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. and potentially even moving on from Ja Morant , they could find a solid contributor to add to their rotation. The 19-year-old guard scored 46 points while shooting 9-of-11 on 3-pointers against No. 12 Purdue on Jan. 24. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 42.0 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman this year. Wagler is a cerebral basketball player who is also averaging 5.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game this season.

10. Milwaukee Bucks : Labaron Philon

TEAM:Alabama
POSITION:Guard
BORN:Alabama
HEIGHT:6-4
DRAFT AGE:20

The Bucks could still use more reliable players in the backcourt and could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. The guard is now averaging 21.3 points per game and has improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 38.7 percent as a sophomore, also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process. He also has one of the most productive one-footed floaters in college basketball.

11. Portland Trail Blazers : Brayden Burries

Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates during the first half of the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at McKale Memorial Center.

TEAM:Arizona
POSITION:Guard
BORN:California
HEIGHT:6-4
DRAFT AGE:20

Arizona freshman Brayden Burries had two breakout games in January: He recorded 28 points with nine rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block against Kansas State on Jan. 7, and then he had 29 points with five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks against BYU on Jan. 26. He then scored 24 points with five rebounds and four assists on efficient shooting in a game against Baylor on Feb. 24. Burries has proven productivity and that he is able to defend, relocate, move the ball and make 3-pointers off the dribble.

12. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Yaxel Lendeborg

TEAM:Michigan
POSITION:Forward
BORN:New Jersey
HEIGHT:6-9
DRAFT AGE:23

If the Spurs are going to continue to contend with Victor Wembanyama , they can add the top win-now contributor available, Michigan senior Yaxel Lendeborg, to their core. His team has outscored opponents by 491 points with him on the court this season, per CBB Analytics , which is the most of any player in the nation. He is a versatile, do-it-all player who is older than many of his collegiate peers but is probably the best player in college basketball this season.

13. Charlotte Hornets : Jayden Quaintance

TEAM:Kentucky
POSITION:Big
BORN:Ohio
HEIGHT:6-9
DRAFT AGE:18

Jayden Quaintance had a late start to his sophomore campaign and may not even return to the court again this season as he recovers from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. But the sophomore big man showed immediate flashes once he debuted for Kentucky. Despite it all, though, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs frontcourt help, like the Hornets.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Hannes Steinbach

TEAM:Washington
POSITION:Big
BORN:Germany
HEIGHT:6-11
DRAFT AGE:20

After winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are projected to somehow add even more lottery talent in the 2026 NBA Draft. They could use it to potentially replace Isaiah Hartenstein by drafting a younger German big man: Hannes Steinbach. He is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, especially on the offensive glass. The big man is one of the more prolific pick and roll finishers in college basketball. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.

15. Golden State Warriors : Cameron Carr

TEAM:Baylor
POSITION:Wing
BORN: Minnesota
HEIGHT:6-5
DRAFT AGE:21

One of the players who has improved his draft stock the most since the season began is Baylor junior Cameron Carr. He is able to dunk and shoot from beyond the arc at a high clip and, per Bart Torvik , is currently the only high-major player to reach 40 field goals that were dunks and 40 3-pointers so far this season. Baylor has outscored opponents by an additional 34.8 points per 100 possessions when he is on the floor relative to when he is not, via CBB Analytics , which is the second-most of any high-major player in the NCAA.

16. Miami Heat : Koa Peat

Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) drives during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse.

TEAM:Arizona
POSITION:Forwrard
BORN:Arizona
HEIGHT:6-8
DRAFT AGE:19

The Miami Heat have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Arizona forward Koa Peat will probably have some appeal to their organization. Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. He just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro. Arizona plays at a significantly faster pace when Peat is on the floor relative to when he is not, per CBB Analytics , which would fit very well with Miami's fastest-paced offense in the NBA.

17. Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Joshua Jefferson

TEAM:Iowa State
POSITION:Forward
BORN:Nevada
HEIGHT:6-9
DRAFT AGE:22

A few years ago, research indicated that the Grizzlies tend to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. For the second year in a row, Iowa State do-it-all standout Joshua Jefferson is an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who meets many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster. He is someone who looks destined to have a sustainable NBA career.

18. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers ): Karim López

TEAM:International (Australia)
POSITION:Forward
BORN:Mexico
HEIGHT:6-8
DRAFT AGE:19

The Thunder have drafted several players from Australia's NBL, including Josh Giddey . They could dip into this well again by selecting Karim López with their pick from the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Mexican-born forward still needs some development, the physically gifted forward is widely seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. Even if he is a draft-and-stash player, that is ideal for a team with a rotation as crowded as the Thunder.

19. Charlotte Hornets (via Suns): Braylon Mullins

TEAM:Connecticut
POSITION:Wing
BORN:Indiana
HEIGHT:6-6
DRAFT AGE:19

Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury. But he has returned to action for the Huskies and has shown what makes him such an appealing player. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level. Mullins is already shooting over 40 percent on 3-pointers since moving into the starting lineup.

20. Toronto Raptors : Bennett Stirtz

TEAM:Iowa
POSITION:Guard
BORN:Missouri
HEIGHT:6-4
DRAFT AGE:22

The Raptors could use another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list. Despite transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick and roll. He can also finish plays from dribble handoffs. Stirtz, however, occasionally struggled against highly ranked teams like Iowa State, Illinois and Michigan State. But the Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who is doing the same at Iowa.

21. Los Angeles Lakers : Patrick Ngongba II

Duke Blue Devils center Patrick Ngongba (21) passes as Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Brady Koehler (6) and forward Ryder Frost (7) defend during the second half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center.

TEAM:Duke
POSITION:Big
BORN:Virginia
HEIGHT:6-11
DRAFT AGE:20

The Lakers could use a big man like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik , and he is at the top of his game when passing to a driving perimeter player. Ngongba is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space as one of the most prolific cutters in college basketball. He is on an encouraging development track, displaying year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.

22. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves ): Christian Anderson

TEAM:Texas Tech
POSITION:Guard
BORN:Georgia
HEIGHT:6-3
DRAFT AGE:20

While they are one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and could use more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson, who has the second-most unassisted 3-pointers (51) in the NCAA, per CBB Analytics . Now playing at point guard, Anderson is recording more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore now compared to when he was a freshman.

23. Denver Nuggets : Morez Johnson Jr.

TEAM:Michigan
POSITION:Big
BORN:Illinois
HEIGHT:6-9
DRAFT AGE:20

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.

24. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Tounde Yessoufou

TEAM:Baylor
POSITION:Wing
BORN:Benin
HEIGHT:6-5
DRAFT AGE:20

Baylor freshman Tounde Yessoufou is a force of nature in transition and does not have that same polish in a half-court offense. Still raw but with a respected work ethic, there are a lot of traits to admire about what he might blossom into as he continues his development. Already, however, his athleticism and his defensive playmaking will at least intrigue teams looking to improve their wing depth like the 76ers.

25. New York Knicks : Henri Veesaar

TEAM:North Carolina
POSITION:Big
BORN:Estonia
HEIGHT: 7-0
DRAFT AGE:22

After transferring from Arizona to North Carolina, we have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. He is scoring efficiently at the rim (especially when cutting or rolling) and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes on an expedited timeline, like the Knicks, will have him high on their priority list.

26. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers ): Thomas Haugh

Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) dribbles as Mississippi Rebels forward Corey Chest (1) defends during the second half at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss.

TEAM:Florida
POSITION:Wing
BORN:Pennsylvania
HEIGHT:6-9
DRAFT AGE:22

After winning a national championship with Florida last season, Thomas Haugh was instantly regarded as one of the most interesting players who elected to return to college. Haugh has one of the top motors in the NCAA and he is an incredibly skilled basketball player. He does not need the ball in his hands very often to make a difference on the floor for his team, and he can serve as a glue guy for a team looking to compete sooner than later like the Hawks.

27. Boston Celtics : Aday Mara

TEAM:Michigan
POSITION:Big
BORN:Spain
HEIGHT:7-3
DRAFT AGE:21

As the Celtics continue to exceed expectations, they do have some holes to fill in their frontcourt after losing both Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford . After selecting Hugo González from Spain in the draft last season, they could potentially target his former FIBA U18 European Championship tournament teammate Aday Mara. The 7-foot-3 big man who transferred from UCLA is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempt 18.3 percent of their field goals at the rim when Mara is on the court, per CBB Analytics , the second-lowest among high-major players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition.

28. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Amari Allen

TEAM:Alabama
POSITION:Wing
BORN:Wisconsin
HEIGHT:6-7
DRAFT AGE:20

Alabama freshman Amari Allen is a 6-foot-7 freshman who averaged 13.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists with 1.9 "stocks" (combined steals and blocks) per game for the Crimson Tide during SEC conference play. He also shot 38.3 percent on 3-pointers while attempting 4.0 shots per game beyond the arc. Allen is a good connective piece who plays hard and knows how to make the right play.

29. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Allen Graves

TEAM:Santa Clara
POSITION:Forward
BORN:Louisiana
HEIGHT:6-9
DRAFT AGE:20

Perhaps the most enticing, under-the-radar prospect in all of college basketball is Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves. It was hard not to notice Graves after he scored 30 points with 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals on Feb. 7 against Washington State. All-in-one metrics are high on him, per CBB Analytics : He ranks 99th percentile in Win Shares per 40 minutes, Wins Above Replacement Player and Player Efficiency Rating. The only players under 21 years old who hold a higher box plus-minus are Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson, via Bart Torvik .

30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Dailyn Swain

TEAM:Texas
POSITION:Wing
BORN:Ohio
HEIGHT:6-8
DRAFT AGE:21

After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason, Dailyn Swain has become one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball. He is versatile and contributes a little bit of everything for the Longhorns on both sides of the ball, particularly impressive scoring well both in the paint and on fastbreaks. One element that is particularly compelling is that Swain is particularly efficient one-on-one in isolation against his defenders.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: 2026 NBA mock draft predictions for Darryn Peterson with Kansas drama

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