NBA Swing: 2026 Draft Prospect Preview Part 1

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The NBA is just under two weeks away from the 2026 NBA Draft. The 2026 draft class has been hyped as one of the best incoming classes over the last couple of decades, resulting in the most egregious tanking by teams in recent memory. The Washington Wizards hold the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, followed by the Utah Jazz at two and the Memphis Grizzlies at three. At the top of the 2026 class sit three freshmen who have made their case to not only be the number one pick, but also franchise-altering players. Beyond the top three players are numerous players who have the potential to be big names in the league and surprises that could be draft steals years from now.

AJ Dybantsa

The projected number one pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa established himself as a franchise-altering player in just 35 games. In those 35 games, Dabantsa averaged 25.5 PPG, 8.8 RPG, and 3.7 APG on shooting splits of 51% from the field and 33% from three. In 2026, he would be the NCAA scoring champion, Big 12 Freshman of the Year, and a member of the 2026 Big 12 All-Freshman Team. Dabantsa has been described as a point forward type player who can initiate an offense. While there are concerns about his defensive effort, he is a versatile player who can play and guard multiple positions. He has drawn comparisons to legendary forwards Scottie Pippen and Tracy McGrady.

Darryn Peterson

The projected second overall pick of the 2026 Draft, Kansas Guard Darryn Peterson, has been one of the best guards at the college level, but has also been controversial in some eyes. Peterson would only play 24 games in his one season with the Jayhawks, averaging 20.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, and 1.6 APG on shooting splits of 43% from the field and 38% from three. Peterson’s availability has been questioned due to missing games and exiting other games early, but he has the potential to be a star guard in the league. He would be a member of the Big-12 All-Freshman Team, as well as Second-team All-Big 12. Many see Peterson having the most upside in the 2026 class, having the potential to be a combo guard in the league. He’s drawn comparisons to Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker.

Cameron Boozer

Of the top three, Duke forward Cameron Boozer may be the most NBA-ready. The son of NBA veteran Carlos Boozer, Cameron grew up around the game and established himself as a top-tier forward heading into the 2026 Draft. In 38 games at Duke, Boozer would average 22.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 4.1 APG on splits of 55% from the field and 39% from three. Boozer would rack up numerous awards in his single season at Duke, including National Basketball Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, and ACC Player of the Year. Not being seen as the most athletic and explosive player while being a versatile shooter, he’s drawn comparisons to NBA veteran Al Horford.

Caleb Wilson

A five-star recruit coming out of high school, forward Caleb Wilson would have his single season at UNC hampered by injuries. He would only play 24 games for the Tar Heels due to a fractured hand and season-ending surgery on a broken thumb, but he would average 19.8 PPG, 9.4 APG, and 2.7 APG when available. His play would land him on the First Team All-ACC and ACC All-Rookie team. He’s been praised for his athletic playstyle and ability to be a mismatch, even with his wiry frame as he enters the NBA. His three-point shooting has been seen as a concern with potential to improve in the league, as he averaged 25% from three on just 27 attempts in 24 games. He has drawn comparisons to former Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh.

Darius Acuff

Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff would lead the team to a 28-9 record and an SEC Championship. In 36 regular season games, Acuff would average 23.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, and 6.4 APG on splits of 48% from the field and 44% from three. Acuff would land numerous awards in college, including the Bob Cousy Award, both the SEC Player and Rookie of the Year, and SEC Tournament MVP. Like many modern guards, Acuff has been praised for his athleticism, perimeter shooting, and ball distribution, while his defense is a concern that’s expected to improve after some time in the league. He has drawn comparisons to Damian Lillard.

Keaton Wagler

A freshman guard from the University of Illinois, Keaton Wagler played a significant role in Illinois’ first run to the Final Four in over 20 years. In 37 games at Illinois, Wagler would average 17.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 4.2 APG on shooting splits of 44% from the field and 39% from three. Wagler has been praised for his high basketball IQ, as well as his passing and shot creation. There is concern about how quickly he’ll adapt to the NBA given his size and defensive ability, but his feel for the game makes him a can’t-miss prospect project to go in the lottery. He has drawn comparisons to Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton.

Mikel Brown Jr.

A freshman guard from Louisville, Mikel Brown Jr. burst onto the scene as a highly skilled guard who has the potential to be an impact player on an NBA team. In 21 games with Louisville, Brown would average 18.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 4.7 APG. He would finish his season as a member of the ACC All-Rookie team and would also be a part of the Third-team All-ACC. Brown has been praised for ability to read the floor and dish the ball, but one of his biggest concerns is his 4.7 to 3.1 assist to turnover ratio. There are also questions about his durability as he transitions to the NBA, as a back injury limited his time on the court with Louisville. Brown has drawn comparisons to guards like CJ McCollum and Darius Garland.

Brayden Burries

Arizona freshman guard Brayden Burries would play a significant role in the Wildcats’ run to the Final Four. In 39 regular season games, Burries would average 16.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 2.4 APG on splits of 49% from the field and 39% from three. He would finish the season as a member of the Big 12 All-Freshman Team as well as a member of the First-team All-Big 12. Scouts have seen Burries as NBA-ready due to his size and offensive skillset. There are questions about his ability to facilitate the ball with his low assist numbers, as well as a concern about getting past defenders. He’s drawn comparisons to defensive guards Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.

Karim Lopez

A Mexican combo-forward who just turned 19 in April, Karim Lopez has spent the last three years playing professional basketball overseas. He would play four games for Liga Endesa during the 2023-24 season before spending the last two seasons with the NBL’s New Zealand Breakers. Lopez would play 31 games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 11.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.2 SPG and 1.0 BPG on 59% shooting from the field. With his near 7-foot wingspan, Lopez has shown defensive promise with the ability to guard multiple positions. There are questions about how quickly he can develop given the history of slow-developing players from the NBL. He has drawn comparisons to Deni Avdija and Zaccharie Risacher.

Yaxel Lendeborg

A member of Michigan’s National Championship team, senior Yaxel Lendeborg has a unique skillset as an undersized big. In 40 regular season games with Michigan, Lendeborg averaged 15.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 3.2 APG on shooting splits of 51% from the field and 37% from three. Lendeborg would show his ability to be a solid perimeter shooter at a high volume, making 61 of his 163 three-point attempts. On the defensive end, he’s someone who can protect the rim and disrupt passing lanes with his size. One of the biggest concerns for Lendeborg is his age. Lendeborg will be 24 before the start of the 2026-27 season, raising questions about his upside in the league. He has drawn comparisons to New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby.