2026 NBA Mock Draft: Expert picks, predictions, analysis including AJ Dybantsa No. 1 overall

Most years, the outcome of the NBA Draft Lottery doesn’t impact the top of the draft board too much — Cooper Flagg was going No. 1 last year and didn’t matter which team the ping pong balls favored. Most years are like that.

This year is different. With three (some might say four) players in the top tier of the draft, which team wins the lottery could go a long way in deciding which player gets selected first. Here is the first NBC Sports Mock Draft of the year — there will be more coming (future ones working with the strong team of writers at Rotoworld).

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[Note: This was done without consideration of which team will be drafting in which spot, a pointless exercise before the draft lottery.]

1. AJ Dybantsa (BYU)

It’s not just the impressive season-long stats — 24.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists per game — or the way he showed out in big games (36 points against Baylor, 35 against Arizona, 28 against Houston), or even that he’s maybe the best athlete in the draft as a 6’9″ wing player, the archetype most in demand around the NBA right now. What has impressed most is the way Dybantsa can get downhill, create space and hit tough shots when needed. This isn’t new, a year ago at the Nike Hoops Summit, he didn’t push it in the first half, let the game come to him, then in the third quarter took over, getting to the rim or his spots at will. He has great footwork for a young player, and a comfort level shooting contested shots — and his decision making on when to pass out of those tough shots to open teammates seems to be improving, according to scouts who spoke with NBC Sports. His jumper is also looking better. Who goes No. 1 may ultimately depend on the NBA Draft Lottery and which team lands that pick, but right now Dybantsa seems to be on top of a lot of boards.

2. Darryn Peterson (Kansas)

The question isn’t Peterson’s talent or potential — it’s elite, he is the best playmaker in this class (even if Kansas has him off the ball more), and there are plenty…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/2026-nba-mock-draft-expert-120100798.html

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Publish date : 2026-03-12 12:01:00

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