2026 NBA mock draft projects selections before lottery

9 articles · Updated · Heavy.com · May 9

Ahead of Sunday's lottery, Washington is projected to take AJ Dybantsa first, followed by Indiana's Darryn Peterson and Brooklyn's Cameron Boozer in the top three.
The Pacers-Clippers pick swap is a major subplot, with Indiana keeping its pick only if it lands in the top four; Utah, Sacramento and Memphis round out the projected top six.
The projections were reset after some players withdrew, and analysts say the lottery could significantly reshuffle the order, especially for teams with protected or traded first-round picks.

AJ Dybantsa is the projected #1 pick, but does his game have a hidden flaw that lottery teams are overlooking?

In a draft class loaded with guards, which overlooked big man will end up becoming the steal of the lottery?

With no consensus top prospect, will teams gamble on injured upside or bet on a polished, less explosive star?