The 2025 NBA Draft feels like it was just yesterday. Even still, the 2026 NBA Draft is less than a year away. With that in mind, you can bet your bottom dollar that there are multiple teams who have already started to do their homework on the next crop of potential rookies.
Albertie’s 2026 NBA Lottery Mock Draft (V.1)
In this mock draft, Last Word on Hoops will predict which teams and players will be in the next draft lottery.
(1) Brooklyn Nets
SF AJ Dybantsa, BYU
There’s seemingly at least one All-Star-caliber draft prospect in most draft classes. BYU forward AJ Dybantsa is one of the few that has superstar potential. An elite iso scorer with playmaking upside at 6-foot-9 and 210 pounds, Dybantsa could lead the Brooklyn Nets into a new era.
(2) Portland Trail Blazers
CG Darryn Peterson, Kansas
The Portland Trail Blazers have Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday and even the star who left because they drafted Henderson — Damian Lillard. There’s a pretty decent chance that none of them are in town long-term. Enter Kansas commit Darryn Peterson, their offensive engine and new franchise point guard.
(3) Utah Jazz
CF Cameron Boozer, Duke
It could just be a coincidence that former NBA star Carlos Boozer has joined the Utah Jazz’s front office in a scouting role. Yet, his son Cameron is a consensus top-three pick and the Jazz are projected to be drafting in that range. With his skillset, the Duke commit can play alongside Lauri Markkanen and 2025 No. 5 pick Ace Bailey.
(4) Washington Wizards
FC Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
The Washington Wizards are approaching a point in their rebuild where they could look to accelerate it by moving this pick. If they keep it, Chris Cenac Jr. and 2024 No. 2 pick Alex Sarr could be a dynamic big man duo. Remember, Sarr doesn’t even want to play center.
(5) Chicago Bulls
GF Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor
If the Chicago Bulls extend Josh Giddey, he’ll join 2024 No. 11 pick Matas Buzelis and 2025 No. 12 pick Noa Essengue as building blocks. Everything else is up in the air, including Coby White’s future, as he’s on an expiring contract. If the Bulls decide to replace him with a cheaper alternative, Baylor sensation Tounde Yessefou is worth a close look.
(6) Washington Wizards (via Phoenix Suns)
CF Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers
In this mock draft, Washington adds Cenac Jr. with their first lottery pick. However, while their frontcourt is full of promise, they can afford to fortify it with another piece. New Zealand Breakers combo forward Karim Lopez, a Nic Batum-like prospect that fits the Wizards mold, has long been highly regarded in draft circles.
(7) Indiana Pacers
SG Braylon Mullins, UConn
The Indiana Pacers could wind up perusing for point guards after Tyrese Haliburton‘s injury. Nonetheless, they still have Andrew Nembhard and TJ McConnell. Thus, their focus should be on adding a deep threat like UConn sharpshooter Braylon Mullins, who can balance their weaknesses and further minimize the impact of their franchise star’s absence.
(8) Milwaukee Bucks
PG Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
Even before Lillard’s injury and his subsequent buyout, it was clear that the All-Star guard wasn’t the point guard the Milwaukee Bucks were looking for. At the end of the day, they needed a more effective point-of-attack defender. Enter Arkansas commit Darius Acuff Jr., a two-end player who addresses that very problem.
(9) Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans)
GF Dash Daniels, Melbourne (NBL)
The New Orleans Pelicans probably thought they whiffed on 2022 No. 8 pick Dyson Daniels. Then, months after they traded him, he was a finalist for the Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards. With his brother Dash Daniels displaying similar traits, the Atlanta Hawks can double-down on two-way playmakers.
(10) Memphis Grizzlies
GF Isaiah Evans, Duke
When the Memphis Grizzlies opted to move on from Desmond Bane, they took a big risk. He’s not only in his theoretical prime but he’s a high-end starter and exceptional 3-point shooter. Hopefully, 2025 No. 11 pick Cedric Coward makes Bane an afterthought but if not, Duke wing Isaiah Evans should help close the gap.
Every Isaiah Evans make off a catch and shoot pic.twitter.com/zjvh2CJumt
— JMann_ (@JMannsTakes) April 26, 2025
(11) Sacramento Kings
PG Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
The Sacramento Kings are looking for an upgrade at forward. In fact, Sacramento and the Phoenix Suns are both trying to pry Kuminga out of Golden State’s grip. However, they have a glaring hole in the backcourt, lacking a franchise point guard (no offense, Dennis Schroder). Thus, Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. should be on their shortlist.
(12) Dallas Mavericks
CG Cayden Boozer, Duke
From a pure talent standpoint, the Dallas Mavericks have already replaced former face of the franchise Luka Doncic. However, what was evident immediately after the trade is that they needed another ball-handler and facilitator in the backcourt. Duke freshman Cayden Boozer is a very savvy table-setter (and also a multi-positional defender).
(13) Boston Celtics
C Tomislav Ivisic, Illinois
One of the keys to the Boston Celtics success has been their use of a stretch-five. Yet, they’ll be heading into the 2025-26 season without either Kristaps Porzingis and likely Al Horford. Illinois center Tomislav Ivisic, who made 35,7 percent of his 3s (with a 48.6 percent 3-point attempt rate) last season, keeps the wheel turning.
(14) Oklahoma City Thunder (via Philadelphia 76ers)
CF Caleb Wilson, UNC
As one might expect of the reigning NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder don’t have any major needs. Nevertheless, North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson is an offensive connector and defensive stalwart with plenty of upside. Coming off the bench behind Jalen Williams, he’d form a terrific 1-2 punch with the 2024-25 All-Star.
© Pamela Smith-Imagn Images
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