The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one for the history books, and the latest mock draft has fans buzzing with a few unexpected twists. Following Sunday's lottery results, Gary Parrish's first projections reveal a shake-up that could redefine the top of the board.
This year's freshmen class is being hailed as the greatest in men's college basketball history, and at the center of it all is AJ Dybantsa. The BYU sensation has emerged as the clear favorite to go No. 1 overall, and after the lottery balls settled, it looks like the Washington Wizards—rewarded for their tough 17-65 season—will be the ones to call his name. While it's not a lock, Dybantsa's dominant one-and-done campaign has made him a heavy -450 favorite in betting markets, leaving little doubt that he'll hear Adam Silver call his name on June 23.
But the drama doesn't end there. Kansas combo guard Darryn Peterson is widely expected to go second, setting up a fascinating career-long comparison between the two stars. Peterson's talent is undeniable, but his uneven season in Lawrence has some teams cautious. Meanwhile, the real surprise comes at No. 3, where the Memphis Grizzlies are projected to snag Caleb Wilson, a move that pushes Duke's Cameron Boozer down to the Chicago Bulls at No. 4. For Bulls fans, landing a talent like Boozer at that spot would be a steal—and a potential game-changer for a franchise in need of a fresh start.
Whether you're tracking draft stock or just love the buzz of lottery night, this year's class is packed with storylines. Keep an eye on how these prospects fit into your favorite team's future—and maybe even into your collection of game-day gear.
