The 2025 NBA Draft class — led by top-three picks Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and VJ Edgecombe — was very good at the top, though its depth was kneecapped by NIL packages that coaxed players back to the college ranks.
However, the 2026 NBA Draft class — led by a trio of potential superstars in Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa and bolstered by a deep group that present real value into the second round — has a chance to be great.
It’s still very early, to be clear, given we are still 11 months out from realizing the potential of the 2026 class. But NBA teams are ecstatic about what next year’s incoming class could bring both in terms of top-end star power and in impact players elsewhere.
2026 NBA Mock Draft: BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa soars to top of way-too-early lottery projection
Gary Parrish
Ultimately, just like any draft class, it will be judged on stars it produces — of which there are many candidates at the top. There are three early No. 1 pick candidates in 2026 led by Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa, all of whom bring different things to the table.
Dybantsa is the most toolsy wing in the class. Peterson is the most polished guard. Boozer is the most well-rounded forward. It could present a preference of style and substance at No. 1, depending on which team wins the draft lottery.
For now, I have Boozer at No. 1, thanks in part by Utah being projected at No. 1 currently, according to Tankathon. Boozer’s father played in Utah, so there’s an obvious connection there. But…
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