RealGM

Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer In Top-4 Of ESPN's First 2026 NBA Mock Draft

There appear to be four potential candidates to be selected No. 1 in the 2026 NBA draft in Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Nate Ament. In ESPN's initial mock draft, they have Peterson at No. 1.

Dybantsa had long been considered the probable first overall pick in 2026, but Peterson has elevated his game this season for Prolific Prep. Peterson is averaging 30.4 points and 7.1 assists while shooting 44 percent on three-pointers. Peterson is a Kansas commit and draws comparisons to Damian Lillard with his shot creation. Peterson has more size than Lillard at 6'6 with a 6'11 wingspan.

Dybantsa slots into No. 2 and ESPN writes that his place there is more about Peterson than any shortcomings with his game. Dybantsa is a multi-dimensional 6'9 wing who will play for BYU.

Boozer is at No. 3 with his impressive high school resume and projection to have a similar impact at Duke as Cooper Flagg is having this season.

Ament has emerged over the past few months and is slotted at No. 4. Ament's skill level and length at 6'11 makes him possibly the player with the most upside in the class. Ament has yet to commit to a school and is considering Duke, Kentucky and Louisville.

2026 NBA Draft Class Could Have More Franchise Players Than 2025

While the 2025 NBA draft is considered significantly stronger than 2024 and is headlined by Cooper Flagg, the 2026 draft could be even stronger. Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Nate Ament are all potential candidates to be selected first. Because of the depth in next year's class, the NBA could again have a crowded field of teams extending their rebuilds.

"Right now there are nine teams tanking," one league executive said. "And next year's draft is going to have maybe more franchise players than this year's draft. A year from now, you may still have nine teams tanking."

The Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets will likely be amongst the worst teams in the NBA again next season, while the New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers could climb back up the standings next season with better health. The Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls are more unknowns at this point though all seem more motivated to compete.

GSWFan1994 wrote:"Peterson is a Kansas commit and draws comparisons to Damian Lillard with his shot creation. Peterson has more size than Lillard at 6'6 with a 6'11 wingspan."

Man, a 6'6'' with 6'11'' wingspan Lillard is NOT a Lillard, it's an entirely different new player. A T-Mac maybe?

tsherkin wrote:For no especially valid reason, I'm really rooting for Boozer's kid.

Mr B wrote:So the NBA just needs to make sure the Mavs get a top 4 pick? Doesn’t come close to making up for forcing the Mavs to make the Luka trade but it’s a start.

Johnny Firpo wrote:

tsherkin wrote:For no especially valid reason, I'm really rooting for Boozer's kid.

Which one?

TorontoBarneys wrote:Man this draft might be the strongest in a decade.

Too bad we're skipping it.

tsherkin wrote:For no especially valid reason, I'm really rooting for Boozer's kid.