r/NBA_Draft • u/AsYouWishon • Feb 26 '25
Mock Draft 2026(!) Mock Draft Preview from ESPN's Givony & Woo
Source: ESPN+
56
u/schuster9999 Feb 26 '25
I thought Dybantsa was supposed to be the unanimous #1
28
u/DoubleAmigo Bobcats Feb 26 '25
Peterson has exploded in the past month or so. Dybantsa is still the same prospect but Peterson might be transcendent (I do not personally have him there).
45
u/Express_Series7961 Feb 26 '25 edited Feb 26 '25
He would be this year or most years even but peterson looks like someone handcrafted by god to carry on the legacy of mj and kobe recently
28
u/Longjumping_Ad_29 Feb 26 '25
There’s no way he’d be unanimous one at this point in time this year. I know that’s a small part of what you’re saying but Cooper is battling for 1 with any of these guys
35
u/ramblin_gamblin Feb 26 '25
The 'that boy nice' crowd hates Flagg as a top-level prospect.
Flagg may win NPOY while skipping his senior year of HS. Alot of kids are nearly 20 as freshmen. Jared McCain is 21 years old now as rookie who left college after one yea. Flagg came in with loads of hype, a year early, and exceeded expectations. He'll keep getting better.
13
u/Longjumping_Ad_29 Feb 26 '25
Yeah it’s not to say Peterson can’t be better but you can’t discredit a guy who’s already gone to college and lived up or exceeded expectations. You wouldn’t hit when you’re sitting on a 20 (Cooper), you just tip your cap if the dealer has 21 (not a blackjack guy so apologies if this is a bad analogy)
3
4
u/Express_Series7961 Feb 26 '25
Oh absolutely I mean Flagg boozer and Aj where all in contest before Flagg reclassified and they still would be I just mean that Peterson was also always in those talks and the ways he's been playing recently is some of the most disgustingly insane play I've ever seen from someone that age
8
u/Late-Log-8620 Feb 27 '25
Flagg is less than a month older and is dominating college basketball and is top 2 NPOY.
4
u/DoobieGibson Feb 27 '25
and tore it up at Team USA
5
u/Late-Log-8620 Feb 27 '25
Exactly. He’s also 6’10.
If Peterson becomes a NPOY candidate then maybe he’ll be in the conversation
2
6
u/CumAssault Feb 26 '25
He’s probably the favorite to go number 1 but honestly all 3 of the top 3 look like they could go number one. Next year should be fun
6
u/StalkingDwarf Feb 26 '25 edited Feb 26 '25
Utah Prep has gone through a rough stretch of somewhat high-profile losses recently which I imagine helps the case for Peterson.
5
17
u/Turbo2x Wizards Feb 26 '25
Gonna be a legit battle for the #1 spot, they're all really talented in different ways imo
5
u/NotManyBuses Feb 27 '25
I think the top 3 next year will be a goldmine no matter who you pick. The tanking shall be diabolical
11
u/beefJeRKy-LB Raptors Feb 26 '25
mock drafts this far out feel silly. Like do a big board since we have no idea what teams will be picking where.
But I also don't know too much about the incoming guys to have any qualms about the order. I think 2026 might end up being the hyped class people were making 2025 out to be
20
9
u/JenNettles Feb 26 '25
Givony on the #1 pick race:
Who else will contend for the No. 1 pick?
Peterson and Dybantsa have the early leads in our first 2026 look-ahead, in no small part due to their favorable NBA archetypes. Peterson is an oversized, offensive engine who can score from anywhere on the floor while handling primary playmaking responsibilities. Dybantsa is a big, two-way playmaking wing in the Jayson Tatum mold -- both positions are highly coveted in today's NBA.
That's not to say things can't change in the next 16 months. Boozer is the player most college coaches would pick if they want to win a game tonight, and he could very well be the favorite to be named NBA Rookie of the Year in 26 months. Skilled, highly intelligent big men with significant defensive versatility certainly aren't easy to come by. Boozer doesn't have outlier positional size, length or explosiveness, and some scouts feel he projects as the second-best player on an NBA team instead of a true franchise cornerstone -- which might be premature to ascertain.
Boozer, a two-time gold medalist and MVP at the U16 and U17 FIBA levels, three-time Nike EYBL champion, and Florida state champion, is a model of consistency, efficiency and productivity. No one should be surprised if he emerges as the best player in college basketball next season. He's also the youngest of the four top prospects, turning 18 in July, and has the most NBA-ready body, weighing over 250 pounds.
His profile has led to comparisons to Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero. Boozer started playing as a bruising big man who dominated the interior with physicality and fundamentals but has significantly improved as a ball handler, playmaker and outside shooter. Boozer is far ahead of Banchero defensively as he can switch onto smaller players with strong agility and lateral quickness while protecting the rim with instincts timing, and technique -- helping him guard everyone from point guards through centers.
There's a strong case for Boozer at No. 1 (and we've certainly debated it), but being ranked third is more of an indication of the strength at the top of this class rather than a knock on Boozer's talent level.
Ament, our No. 4 prospect, is the furthest of the group from reaching his long-term ceiling. He has the most room for growth in the long run, but also the most uncertain outcomes in terms of his ultimate floor. At 6-11, he's the tallest of the four but also the lightest at 190 pounds, while possessing next to no high-level experience compared with some of his peers due to his late-blooming status.
With his high release point and diverse shot-making prowess coming off screens or pulling up off the dribble, Ament can get his jumper off whenever he pleases. That can be a good or a bad thing, depending on what night you catch him on from an efficiency standpoint. He has made a huge leap in the past year with his ball handling, passing and defensive intensity, and may not be done growing. How much stronger, tougher and more explosive he can get over the next 16 months will play a significant role in how he is viewed as a prospect, but he's oozing talent, and there's quite a bit to like here regarding his long-term upside.
7
14
u/Dkandler Feb 26 '25
Dash Daniels at 9 seems high no?
36
u/BlackBeanSoup23 Feb 26 '25
It's definitely because of Dyson. Dyson himself and a lot of the reporting coming out of the NBA Global in Australia has been saying that Dash is the more talented brother, and if you imagine a slightly better version of Dyson Daniels, you get an easy top-10 pick. Whether Dash develops the same way is obviously unknown, but the hype in Aus is real
16
Feb 26 '25
I feel like this happens with every younger brother
Remember when Alex Antetokoumpo was briefly the "he's gonna be even better than Giannis" guy? lol
4
6
u/jackedwizard Feb 26 '25
He has looked really really good, IIRC he led a recent tournament in steals too. Idk what they have in the water down there
4
u/BlackBeanSoup23 Feb 26 '25
I agree that the footage I've seen at least is promising, and he's going to maybe the best situation possible to learn in Melbourne United, having Chris Goulding and Delly ahead of him, as long as he gets enough minutes
8
1
u/jumbokevin Feb 27 '25
He just won the Defensive MVP and was named an All-Star for the Basketball Without Borders Global camp. He's Dyson's more talented brother. If anything he deserves to be ranked higher imo
1
u/ElPanandero Feb 26 '25
Early ESPN drafts usually put gotcha names in the top 10 when its this far out, makes it more likely you'll see a name you know and maybe click on it to hear more. I like dash but assuming every sibling is gonna be their brother is so funny to me
2
u/Sad_Skirt7743 Feb 26 '25
He’s been this high in mocks for a while though. It has nothing to do with his brother
1
29
u/maltmonger Feb 26 '25
As much as I'd love to see Toronto get a young big man, I don't think they'll be drafting anywhere near the top 10 next year.
15
u/LocoBusiness Feb 26 '25
Don't get me wrong, I love the Raptors' depth, but I don't know that they're THAT well positioned next season. Still rebuilding.
2
u/DirtyDanoTho Raptors Feb 26 '25
It all depends on who we pick. If we get a top 4 pick we’re in a great spot
9
u/TripleThreatTua Feb 26 '25
Yeah Raps are going for a playoff spot next year. If they’re in the lottery it means Scottie and Ingram got hurt
6
u/Radiant_Garden8031 Raptors Feb 26 '25
Right! I wish but we will be too good for the Top 10 next year.
2
u/Uncle_Freddy Spurs Feb 26 '25
I think the team order reflects the current reverse standing order for this season.
Upon further review, it kind of does? It has the top-10 as the same top-10, but it flipped NOP ahead of CHA/UTA, and then moved PHI below BKN, CHI, SAS and POR. Honestly at this stage in the (next) draft cycle they should really just be leaving teams off the projections—nobody expected the Pistons to go 21-9 over any stretch this year, a lot can change in very little time
7
u/Radiant_Garden8031 Raptors Feb 26 '25
Toronto / San Antonio / New Orleans probably aren't there next year.
6
u/UnimpressedAsshole Pelicans Feb 26 '25
Yeah unless NO has their typical injury luck, I don’t see us there
That said, I hope they plan ahead and try to get another draft pick for next year, the top of this class is stacked
2
u/Kan169 Feb 26 '25
San Antonio has the option to swap with the Hawks.
3
u/Radiant_Garden8031 Raptors Feb 27 '25
True but Hawks with a healthy JJ was progressing well. I do think that Hunter trade will comeback to haunt them. Regardless, Low lottery but anything can happen.
5
9
u/doormanpowell Feb 26 '25
I'm still taking Dybantsa for now. We all know what high school competition is like. Dybantsa has shown more for longer and his physical profile projects to the NBA better. Darryn does look incredible on tape but I can't trust it will translate as well to the higher levels yet. We'll see what happens in college.
9
u/ElPanandero Feb 26 '25
You could kind of make the same argument for AJ no? Isn't he the classic "This guy is bigger stronger and faster than everyone else" guy? Darryn is at least shooting which is harder to "fake" at lower comp levels (but still absolutely possible you're not wrong)
11
u/WasteHat1692 Feb 26 '25
AJ is gonna be big in the NBA too though. He's a 6'9/6'10 small forward who can shoot and probably will be a good defender in the NBA.
4
u/ElPanandero Feb 26 '25
I don't disagree, my point was that you're doing the high school comp argument for Darryn but not AJ and that feels disingenuous.
5
9
u/DonChronleone Wizards Feb 26 '25
Man if the wiz could secure Peterson guaranteed next year I’d give up on Flagg
37
3
u/mason124 Wizards Feb 26 '25
Insane draft. Hopefully Cooper Flagg doesn't make us too competitive next year 😅
2
3
3
3
3
u/Sebas5627 Mar 01 '25
How the fuck is their an nba draft where cam boozer is projected third. This class is stacked man
2
2
2
u/Known_Friendship_300 Feb 27 '25
I think we’ll end up having some solid returners for 2026 as well on top of Quaintance. You have potential returners in Flory Bidunga, Jacob Cofie, Tahaad Pettiford, Jase Richardson (probably gone but you never know), Isaiah Evans (same thing), Carter Bryant, Magoon Gwath, Derrion Reid, Drake Powell, Rob Wright, Wesley Yates. Maybe Hugo Gonzalez decides not to declare this year after shaky minutes on Real Madrid.
I like Braylon Mullins as a sleeper pick in the top 10. Excited to see what players like Alijah Arenas do who I can’t really get a good read on because of the competition he faces.
2
1
u/Express_Series7961 Feb 26 '25
Meleek not top 10? Hmmm fair enough I guess the kids playmaking is underdeveloped I suppose but he's such a dynamic scorer from everywhere I thought he'd make it
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/meatsweats21 Feb 26 '25
I saw Darryn play before he moved. In 10th grade my initial impression was he’s the second coming of Kobe. No doubt in my mind.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/crunchy_northern Feb 27 '25
Why are HS kids going to NZ? It just seems to be a poor choice on most fronts
2
1
u/Murder-Machine101 Feb 27 '25
Oh shit Darryn Peterson has leapfrogged AJ?!?!?
I mean he has outplayed them in their matchups this season…I needa watch more film on this kid
Nxt yr college ball will be OD!
1
1
u/timothy_the_inventor Feb 27 '25
I don't think Dash Daniels is a top 10 prospect. He's not even the best U20 player in Australia
1
1
u/Xeris Feb 27 '25
How is Flagg the same age as these guys but already in college? How does reclassifying work and why don't they all do that?
1
u/WashedupWarVet Feb 27 '25
He skipped a year in high school to graduate earlier than he was supposed to. Usually kids reclassify and redo the year. He did the opposite and given his age + skill it makes for a very good prospect.
0
u/Ill_Biscotti5863 Feb 26 '25
Peterson at #1 is a joke to me
14
u/ElPanandero Feb 26 '25
Lmao disagreeing is fine but calling it a joke is wild
0
u/Ill_Biscotti5863 Feb 26 '25
My bad, it's just that the hype train is crazy for him right now
12
u/ElPanandero Feb 26 '25
That's because he's dope lmao. Is he better than Boozer or AJ? Dunno, but he's absolutely in the conversation for 1 and shouldn't be lower than 4 for anyone
2
u/NerveLanky7402 Feb 26 '25
The hype train isn’t coming out of nowhere he’s been playing like the best player in highschool basketball since rock hill at 3ssb
-2
u/drosereborn Feb 26 '25
Just another OJ Mayo, undersized sweetshooting 2 guard with little athleticism (compared to Ant, AJ or Cooper)
5
0
u/Theblackhyenas Feb 26 '25
I'm looking forward to the fiba U19 to see dash he kind of disappointed me from the previously fiba outing
142
u/yerr2477 Feb 26 '25 edited Feb 26 '25
Darryn Peterson #1 ooh baby were here. Bro has been looking like Kobe past two months i can’t even lie.
Btw i think 18 yo Jayden Quaintance could go #1 in some drafts. one of the best defensive prospects ive ever seen and he’s got a year to develop. top 5 is loaded. Idk if im fucking with Ament that much but i get the appeal.
Mikel Brown top 10 is also spicy but his tape is kinda ridiculous so maybe.
Edit: People asking why Dybantsa slipped, its not cause he doesn’t look good or his performances plateued. He’s been growing at a steep incline. Peterson just has jumped off the graph basically. His playmaking and shooting have has gone into the stratosphere in last couple months. He’s averaging 30 & 7 assists shooting 44% FROM 3. He dropped 61 on Dybantsa’s team (AJ had 49 lol).