Early 2026 NBA Lottery Projections
The 2026 NBA Draft is still two years away, but the hype surrounding the next generation of basketball stars is already reaching full swing. Similar to my predictions on the top ten backcourts entering this year, the elite talent spread across blue-blood college programs, upstart powerhouses, and even the international ranks, makes this class have the potential to reshape the league in a significant way. Scouts and fans are already circling names that could dominate headlines for the next year and beyond. Here’s a way-too-early projection of how the lottery might shake out.
At the top sits Darryn Peterson, the electrifying guard headed to Kansas. Peterson comes in with the type of anticipation that recalls Andrew Wiggins’ arrival in Lawrence back in 2013. Like Wiggins, Peterson is an elite athlete with explosive scoring ability, but his game is even more polished at this stage. He thrives as a three-level scorer, capable of creating shots in isolation while maintaining the athletic burst to finish above the rim. The Jayhawks will count on him as their primary offensive weapon, and if he lives up to the hype, it’s hard to imagine anyone supplanting him as the number one pick.
A.J. Dybantsa, the Boston native who shocked many by committing to BYU, is the closest threat to Peterson. Dybantsa’s blend of size, fluidity, and advanced perimeter scoring has had him in the conversation as a top prospect since his early high school days. His ability to create off the dribble and knock down shots from deep makes him a nightmare mismatch. If Peterson is the “sure thing,” Dybantsa represents the higher-upside swing — the kind of talent that could become a franchise centerpiece with the proper development.
Cameron Boozer, the son of former NBA all-star Carlos Boozer, has been in the spotlight for years, and he continues to deliver. At Duke, he will step into a role ideally suited for his skill set. Boozer’s versatile scoring and playmaking draw natural comparisons to Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero, as he combines strength, touch, and the ability to create mismatches all over the floor. His polished game makes him a near lock to go in the top three.
Nate Ament at Tennessee is another prospect generating buzz. A long, athletic forward who can shoot, defend, and handle the ball, Ament embodies the modern NBA prototype. His ability to switch defensively and stretch the floor offensively will appeal to nearly every front office. With a strong season in the SEC, his stock could climb even higher.
Chris Cenac Jr. headlines a Houston team that many project to begin the year ranked number one in the preseason polls. Cenac Jr. is a skilled, physical forward whose versatility draws comparisons to Jarace Walker, another Cougar who made his mark as a defensive stalwart and inside-out scorer. If Houston dominates as expected, Cenac Jr. will be a central figure, boosting his draft profile significantly. Mikel Brown Jr. enters Louisville with sky-high expectations thanks to his explosive scoring ability. Brown thrives as a shot creator, using elite quickness and a deep shooting range to put constant pressure on defenses. His game has shades of Donovan Mitchell, particularly with his ability to take over in isolation. Louisville’s system should give him every opportunity to put his full offensive arsenal on display.
Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance will be one of the youngest players in college basketball, but his upside is undeniable. After reclassifying, the six-foot-ten forward brings a dominant interior presence and has already drawn comparisons to DeMarcus Cousins. He rebounds at a high level, has a soft touch in the paint, and shows flashes of expanding range. If his conditioning improves, his ceiling could be among the highest in this class.
International prospect Karim Lopez, who will play for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL, offers a different flavor of intrigue. Playing on the same team as Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball, Lopez already looks comfortable competing against professionals, and his length and confidence should translate well to the NBA. Scouts love his defensive instincts and developing offensive game, making him a strong lottery candidate. Koa Peat at Arizona adds even more star power to this class. A physically strong forward with the ability to play inside and out, Peat has long been considered one of the safest prospects in his class. His versatility on both ends makes him a valuable piece for the Wildcats, and continued improvement in his perimeter shooting could push him into the top five.
Closing out the early lottery is Baylor’s Tounde Yessoufu, an explosive wing whose athleticism and energy stand out immediately. His game draws comparisons to VJ Edgecombe, another hyper-athletic two-way threat. Yessoufu excels in transition, defends multiple positions, and has shown flashes of offensive growth. If he polishes his shot-making, he could rise quickly.
The 2026 draft class already looks like one of the most exciting in recent memory. Between proven blue-chip talents like Peterson, Boozer, and Quaintance, the steady rise of programs like Houston and Louisville, and international prospects like Lopez making their mark, the class is loaded with future NBA stars. Add in the unique storyline of Dybantsa choosing BYU, and there’s no shortage of intrigue. It’s still early, but all signs point to 2026 delivering a draft night to remember.
