While the 2026 NBA Draft features a historically strong top tier, league evaluators view the depth beyond elite prospects as comparable to an average draft year. NBA teams expect big-money NIL compensations to drive mid-tier prospects back to college, creating uncertainty about the overall strength of the class, according to ESPN’s updated rankings.
The consensus around the NBA remains that the headlining trio of Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer is particularly strong. However, questions remain about how depth will develop as June approaches.
North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson has become perhaps the most popular name at the next level among scouts after ranking fourth in the updated rankings. The 6-foot-1 freshman has shown unexpected motor and toughness, averaging 19.4 points and 10.6 rebounds while establishing himself as the Tar Heels’ catalyst.
Wilson’s hyperactivity attacking the basket and his defensive versatility fit the modern NBA blueprint. Scouts praise his energy level, although his non-dunk finishing and three-point shooting remain areas to watch.
Kingston Flemings from Houston has risen from 37th to sixth after an excellent start to the season. The 6-foot-1 freshman has earned rave reviews as a gifted live-dribble passer with speed, skill and scoring ability, leading a league-level team.
Mikel Brown Jr. from Louisville is ranked fifth despite shooting issues early in the season. The 6-foot-1 guard showed his potential with 29 points against Kentucky and possesses a dynamic shooting ability that creates exciting long-term opportunities.
Arizona’s Koa Peat continues to make winning contributions at eighth overall. The 6-foot-4 forward excels as a rebounder and rugged interior player, though questions remain about his limited perimeter functionality and three-point range.
UConn’s Braylon Mullins rounds out the top 10 after missing time with an ankle injury. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard is an excellent shot maker with a well-developed scoring instinct, both when bouncing and playing the ball.
Sixteen of ESPN’s current top 25 prospects are freshmen, reflecting the immediate impact of the 2025 recruiting class. However, the presence of older prospects like Florida junior Thomas Haugh (13th) and Michigan senior Yaxel Lendeborg (14th) in lottery discussions underscores the deep concerns.
The second era could increase the value of plug-and-play veterans on rookie contracts. Teams competing in the short term can focus on turnkey contributors rather than development projects.
ESPN’s Complete 2026 NBA Draft Big Board (1-100)
1. Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
2. AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
3. Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
4. Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
5. Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
6. Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
7. Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee
8. Koa Peat, PF/C, Arizona
9. Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
10. Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn
11. Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers
12. Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
13. Thomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida
14. Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan
15. Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
16. Patrick Ngongba II, C, duke
17. Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington
18. Fabitar Phloy Jr., PG, Alabama
19. Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
20. Cameron Carr, SG/SF, Baylor
21. Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke
22. Tounde Yessoufou, SG/SF, Baylor
23. Neoklis Avdalas, SG/SF, Virginia Tech
24. Dame Sarr, SG/SF, Hertog
25. Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
26. Dash Daniels, PG/SG, Melbourne United
27. Candidate Mara, C, Michigan
28. Meleek Thomas, PG/SG, Arkansas
29. Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
30. Sergio de Larrea, PG/SG, Valencia (Spain)
31. Zuby Ejiofor, PF/C, St. John’s
32. Matthew Able, SF, NC State
33. Miles Byrd, SG/SF, San Diego State
34. Tomislav Ivisic, C, Illinois
35. Alex Karaban, SF/PF, UConn
36. Braden Smith, PG, Purdue
37. Eric Reibe, PF/C, UConn
38. Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
39. Tahaad Pettiford, PG, Auburn
40. Alex Condon, C, Florida
41. Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
42. Darrion Williams, SF, NC State
43. Juke Harris, SG, Wake Forest
44. Magoon Gwath, C, San Diego State
45. Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
46. ​​KJ Lewis, SG, Georgetown
47. Joseph Tugler, PF/C, Houston
48. JT Toppin, PF/C, Texas Tech
49. Motiejs Krivas, C, Arizona
50. Milos Uzan, PG, Houston
51. Flory Bindana, C, Kansas
52. Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas
53. Solo Ball, SG, UConn
54. Joshua Jefferson, PF/C, Iowa State
55. Richie Saunders, SG/SF, BYU
56. Karter Knox, SG/SF, Arkansas
57. Andrej Stojakovic, SG/SF, Illinois
58. Moustapha Thiam, C, Cincinnati
59. Wesley Yates, SG, Washington
60. Paul McNeil Jr., SG, NC State
61. Johann Grunloh, PF/C, Virginia
62. Ryan Conwell, SG, Louisville
63. Kylan Boswell, PG/SG, Illinois
64. Dillon Mitchell, PF, St. John’s
65. Tucker DeVries, SG/SF, Indiana
66. Milan Momcilovic, PF, Iowa State
67. Michael Ruzic, PF/C, Joventut (Spain)
68. Boogie Fland, PG, Florida
69. Tyler Tanner, PG/SG, Vanderbilt
70. Tarris Reed Jr., PF/C, UConn
71. Ian Jackson, SG, St John’s
72. Mackenzie Mgkoko, SF, Texas A&M
73. Adam Atamna, SG, ASVEL (France)
74. Nolan Winter, PF/C, Wisconsin
75. Luigi Suigo, C, Mega Superbet (Serbia)
76. Amael L’Etang, PF/C, Dayton
77. John Blackwell, SG/SF, Wisconsin
78. Kwame Evans Jr., PF, Oregon
79. Mouhamed Faye, PF/C, Paris Basket (France)
80. Bruce Thornton, PG/SG, Ohio State
81. Josh Dix, SG/SF, Creighton
82. Trevon Brazile, PF/C, Arkansas
83. Baba Miller, PF/C, Cincinnati
84. Jacob Cofie, PF, USC
85. Trey Kaufman-Renn, PF/C, Purdue
86. Elyjah Freeman, SG/SF, Auburn
87. Pryce Sandfort, SG/SF, Nebraska
88. Emanuel Sharp, SG, Houston
89. Oweh, SG/SF, Kentucky
90. Tobi Lawal, PF, Virginia Tech
91. Nick Martinelli, SF/PF, Northwestern
92. Jaden Bradley, PG/SG, Arizona
93. Collin Chandler, SG, Kentucky
94. Oscar Cluff, C, Purdue
95. Zvonimir Ivisic, C, Illinois
96. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, PG, Tennessee
97. Jaron Pierre Jr., SG, SMU
98. Felix Okpara, C, Tennessee
99. Nate Bittle, C, Oregon
100. Coen Carr, SF/PF, Michigan State
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