2026 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Post Lottery Fits for Every First Round Pick
Washington wins big, the Clippers steal a top-five pick, and the rest of the NBA prepares for a draft that could reshape multiple franchises
With the lottery officially finalized, the order at the top of the 2026 NBA Draft is now set. The Washington Wizards landed the No. 1 overall pick, followed by the Utah Jazz at No. 2, the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3 and the Chicago Bulls at No. 4. One of the biggest developments from lottery night, however, came outside of the top four, as the Indiana Pacerslost their protected selection to the Los Angeles Clippers, giving Los Angeles the No. 5 pick as a result of the Ivica Zubac trade.
Beyond the draft order itself, this class could also represent the end of an era. Lottery reform is expected to pass later this month, with a proposed system designed to punish the NBA’s three worst teams while flattening the odds for the remaining non-playoff teams, making this potentially the last draft cycle heavily shaped by tanking.
With the order now finalized, this mock draft is less about predicting what teams will do and more about what I would do, focusing on the prospects I believe best fit each organization’s timeline, roster construction and long term direction.
1. AJ Dybantsa
BYU
Freshman
Wing
6’9” | 210
Age on draft night: 19.3
Mock Draft 2.0 Rank: 1
The Wizards have an interesting choice here at No. 1, and I’m not sure there’s a wrong answer considering how deep this draft is. I’ve wrestled with this, but ultimately I think Dybantsa is their guy. The Wizards already have a ton of young talent in Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly and Tre Johnson. Dybantsa immediately emerges as the go-to scorer of the group while also learning how to play off established veterans in Trae Young and Anthony Davis. All of a sudden, the Wizards look like a team capable of competing for a playoff spot next season.
Dybantsa led all of Division I in scoring, averaging 25.5 points per game on 51% shooting. AJ is a polished scorer who can get buckets in a variety of ways, whether as the lead ball handler or operating in the mid-post. I envision the Wizards starting Young, Dybantsa, George, Sarr and Davis next season. If Dybantsa buys in defensively, Washington could be a tough out every night, especially if Anthony Davis is able to play the majority of the season.
2. Cameron Boozer
Duke
Freshman
Big
6’9” | 250
Age on draft night: 18.9
Mock Draft 2.0 Rank: 2
The first thing Cameron Boozer should do when he lands in Salt Lake City is buy the No. 5 jersey off Cody Williams. Cameron’s dad, Carlos, wore No. 5 during his six year stint with the Jazz. I like Boozer here for several reasons, the obvious one being that he’s as good as any player in the draft.
Boozer averaged 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists per game while leading Duke to the Elite Eight. He’s the ultimate winner who can either dominate in the post or knock down shots on the perimeter. I think the Jazz can play Lauri Markkanen, Boozer and Jaren Jackson Jr. together while potentially moving on from unrestricted free agent Walker Kessler without taking too much of a hit.
Hear me out: Boozer cleans up Triple J’s rebounding woes, while Jackson makes up for Boozer defensively. Sure, you still need a plan for dealing with Nikola Jokic, but offensively the Jazz could play five out basketball with outstanding length across the floor if they start Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, Markkanen, Boozer and Jackson together.
3. Caleb Wilson
North Carolina
Freshman
Big
6’10” | 215
Age on draft night: 19.9
Mock Draft 2.0 Rank: 4
What a way to start the rebuild by landing Caleb Wilson. Wilson should become a fan favorite in Memphis and restore some of the “Grit N Grind” era vibes. His upside could be Kevin Garnett-like, especially if the jump shot progresses. Wilson replaces Jaren Jackson Jr. while immediately giving you energy on the glass and defensive end of the floor.
