The 2025 NBA Draft is now officially in the books and so it’s never too early to start thinking about next year.
And this isn’t just for the draft fans out there. NBA front offices are in the business of forecasting future drafts as well, not so much about which players project to what spots, but more about the collective strength of the total class, so as to help them better manage their long-term assets.
The early perception of 2026 is that it is a very strong class, not just at the very top where names like Dybantsa, Peterson and Boozer are already well known to NBA decision-makers, but also with the total depth of the class, after several fringe first-rounders returned to the college ranks in this cycle because of the allure of NIL.
Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel lead five Duke players picked in 2025 NBA Draft; SEC has 13 stars selected
David Cobb
Here’s a lottery-inspired look at 14 prospects that already have the attention of NBA decision makers with a way-too-early draft order using the latest SportsLine projections for the 2025-26 season.
Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Peterson finished as the top ranked prospect in high school basketball this season and will have the ball in his hands from Day 1 next season at Kansas. He’s a big lead guard who…
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