2026 NBA Mock Draft Features Top College, International Prospects

AI predicts first-round picks for all 30 NBA teams ahead of 2026 draft

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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With the 2025-26 NBA regular season restarting after the All-Star break, USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot AI to generate a 2026 NBA mock draft for the first round. The AI-powered predictions feature top college prospects like Darryn Peterson of Kansas, AJ Dybantsa of BYU, and Cameron Boozer of Duke, as well as international talents like Karim Lopez from the New Zealand Breakers and Dash Daniels from Melbourne United.

Why it matters

The 2026 NBA draft class is widely considered one of the most talented in recent memory, with several potential franchise-changing players expected to be available. Teams jockeying for position in the standings are hoping to land a top pick and secure an impact rookie to build around.

The details

According to the AI-generated mock draft, the Sacramento Kings would have the No. 1 overall pick and select Darryn Peterson from Kansas. The Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans (via the Atlanta Hawks) would round out the top three picks with AJ Dybantsa from BYU and Cameron Boozer from Duke, respectively. The mock also features several international prospects, including Karim Lopez from the New Zealand Breakers and Dash Daniels from the Australian NBL's Melbourne United.

  • The 2026 NBA draft is scheduled for June 2026.
  • The 2025-26 NBA regular season resumes after the All-Star break in February 2026.

The players

Darryn Peterson

A standout forward from the University of Kansas, Peterson is widely projected to be one of the top picks in the 2026 NBA draft.

AJ Dybantsa

The BYU guard is considered a potential franchise player and a likely top-3 selection in the 2026 NBA draft.

Cameron Boozer

The Duke forward is another highly touted prospect expected to be among the first players chosen in the 2026 NBA draft.

Karim Lopez

An international prospect playing in the New Zealand Breakers league, Lopez is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

Dash Daniels

The Australian forward from the NBL's Melbourne United is one of the top international players in the 2026 NBA draft class.

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What’s next

Teams will continue scouting and evaluating prospects ahead of the 2026 NBA draft lottery in May, which will determine the official draft order.

The takeaway

The 2026 NBA draft class is shaping up to be one of the most talented in recent memory, with a mix of top college prospects and intriguing international talents. Teams near the bottom of the standings will be jockeying for position to land a potential franchise-changing player in the draft.