NBA mock draft 2026: Way-too-early projections for next year's first round
Yes, it's way too early to look that far ahead.
However, a year ago, USA TODAY Sports' way-too-early 2025 mock draft had Flagg going No. 1, Ace Bailey No. 2, Dylan Harper No. 3, VJ Edgecombe No. 4, Tre Johnson No. 6, Nolan Traore No. 7, Khaman Maluach No. 9, Egor Demin No. 10, Noa Essengue No. 12, Drake Powell No. 18, Collin Murray-Boyles No. 19 and Adou Thiero No. 28.
Once again, there are talented projected picks in 2026, including AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Petterson and Cam Boozer, the son of ex-NBA player Carlos Boozer. That's a strong top-3.
Here's USA TODAY Sports' way-too-early 2026 NBA mock draft, for the entire first round:
Way-too-early 2026 NBA mock draft
Forward, 6-foot-9, 200 pounds
Guard, 6-5, 195
Forward, 6-9, 235
Forward, 6-9, 190
Forward, 6-8, 210
Forward, 6-9, 205
Forward-center, 6-10, 230
Forward, 6-9, 230
Guard-forward, 6-5, 215
Guard, 6-2, 175
Guard, 6-6, 199
Guard-forward, 6-5, 199
Forward, 6-6, 175
Guard, 6-3, 172
Guard, 6-4, 190
Guard, 6-4, 180
Guard-forward, 6-8, 190
Forward, 6-8, 235
Forward-center, 6-11, 230
Forward, 6-9, 240
Guard, 6-3, 190
Guard, 6-6, 180
Forward, 6-10, 231
Guard, 6-2, 180
Guard, 6-0, 190
Forward, 6-10, 205
Guard-forward, 6-6, 203
Forward, 6-9, 225
Forward, 6-9, 215
Forward, 6-6, 220
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