Top Five NBA Draft Prospects and Where They Could Land in 2026

The NBA Draft picture usually starts becoming clearer once combine week wraps up. Teams finally get prospects together in the same building for workouts, interviews, measurements, and scrimmages, which often changes how front offices view the top of the class. This year, a few names strengthened their position near the top, while others continued creating debate because of upside versus NBA readiness.

Right now, most projections have the same core group separating itself from the rest of the draft. Unless trades completely reshape the order before June, these five prospects still look like the strongest bets to come off the board first.

1. AJ Dybantsa — Washington Wizards

AJ Dybantsa continues looking like the favorite to become the No. 1 overall pick. The BYU forward checks almost every box teams look for in a franchise player. At 6-foot-9, Dybantsa already creates offense comfortably off the dribble, finishes above defenders, and moves well enough defensively to guard multiple positions.

Washington still needs another cornerstone piece for its rebuild, and Dybantsa fits naturally into that timeline. Several scouts remain extremely high on Darryn Peterson, but Dybantsa’s overall blend of size, scoring, and athletic ability continues to make him the safest projection near the top of the draft.

2. Darryn Peterson — Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson remains one of the most talented guards in the class, even after a season that occasionally produced mixed reviews. The Kansas guard still offers elite scoring instincts, deep shooting range, and the type of quickness NBA teams continue valuing heavily.

Utah reportedly is deciding between Peterson and Cameron Boozer at No. 2, but Peterson’s perimeter scoring gives him the edge right now. The Jazz still need another player capable of creating offense consistently, especially late in games, and Peterson’s ceiling remains extremely high if his decision-making continues improving.

3. Cameron Boozer — Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer may not have the same explosive athletic profile as some other prospects near the top, but his overall game still feels one of the safest in the class. The Duke forward brings rebounding, passing, interior scoring, and advanced offensive instincts that already look polished for his age.

Memphis feels like a logical fit because the Grizzlies still need more physicality and scoring in the frontcourt. Boozer also helped himself during the combine week after measuring well and easing concerns about his athletic limitations.

4. Caleb Wilson — Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson probably remains the hardest player in the top five to project. Some teams reportedly view him as having a higher ceiling than Boozer because of his athleticism, defensive versatility, and ability to impact games in transition.

The biggest concern remains his outside shooting after inconsistent numbers from three-point range this past season. Still, NBA teams continue betting heavily on athletic forwards who can defend multiple positions and develop offensively later. Chicago feels like a strong landing spot because the Bulls badly need more size and athletic flexibility moving forward.

5. Darius Acuff Jr. — Los Angeles Clippers

Darius Acuff Jr. helped himself during combine week after concerns about his size faded following official measurements. Teams continue praising his scoring instincts, perimeter shooting, and overall offensive creativity.

The Arkansas guard looks like one of the better scoring guards in the class, particularly as an off-ball shooter. The Clippers could use another young offensive piece capable of creating shots consistently as the roster continues evolving around its veteran core.

The draft order will likely change over the next several weeks once workouts and trade talks fully begin. But entering the summer, these five names continue separating themselves from the rest of the 2026 NBA Draft class.