The hailstorm of madness continues to pester the helpless townsfolk as we creep closer and closer to the event of the NBA Draft. With the top three prospects all vying for their right to the number-one pick -- BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Kansas' Darryn Peterson, and Duke's Cameron Boozer -- the order of selection has never been less straightforward in upcoming NBA mock drafts.
Dybantsa, after being the presumed top pick for much of the offseason, has suddenly stumbled with the news that Peterson had canceled his workout with the Utah Jazz upon receiving signals that he would be the number-one pick this year. Analytics experts have cried for Boozer as their champion, claiming him to be the best player in the draft full-stop. The Jazz are simply standing pat with the second overall pick, claiming to still be torn between all three of those prospects.
It's the PR cycle, and it's all positioning. I'd advise you shut off your news feed until the actual night of the draft, June 23rd, and pay little mind to any news breaks you may come across for a little while.
Unless of course, that news comes from me; that news is can't-miss stuff.
Lawless Republic NBA Mock Draft 2026
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, BYU
It's you. It was always you. AJ Dybantsa is the whole package behind elite athleticism and the refined offensive appetite of a 10-year veteran. He picks his spots, elevates above his adversaries, and finishes better than just about anyone we've seen at his size, save for maybe Kevin Durant. He's a natural fit with the Wizards, and projects to be a superstar at the next level.
2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, Kansas
No, they didn't get their storybook ending with Dybantsa, but the Jazz might actually be happier to come away with Peterson instead, a player who fits much more seamlessly with their current roster makeup and could elevate the Jazz into being a contender in the Western Conference by the postseason, provided he remains healthy.
3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, Duke
Boozer will be a bit disappointed to not be following up his father's legacy with the Jazz after reports had been screaming for his selection nearly the whole week leading up to the draft. But his fit with the Jazz is suspect when compared to Peterson or Dybantsa, and the Jazz don't hesitate to pick Peterson, an ideal backcourt partner alongside Keyonte George. Memphis isn't too disappointed to wind up with Boozer -- he may turn out to be the best player in this draft.
4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
The wild card of the upper-tier, Wilson's place as the forgotten prospect of the top four should only be more motivation for the UNC star to grow into an NBA All-Star. His offensive game and physicality will need a little work, but it's not impossible to envision a world in which Wilson is the best player in the class five years down the road.
5. Los Angeles Clippers: Keaton Wagler, Illinois
The Los Angeles Clippers just swapped out aging point guard James Harden for Cleveland's younger model, Darius Garland. For that reason, I just don't see the reasoning for Darius Acuff at this spot, and I believe that LA jumps at Wagler, a player who was simply exceptional with the Fighting Illini. Sure, he seems a bit slow-stepping, and his athleticism leaves plenty to be desired, but he's a gamer, and he boasts one of the more refined offensive arsenals of any player in this class.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Darius Acuff Jr, Arkansas
Acuff feels like the type of player that we'll look back on in a few years and scream into the mirror, "How did we let him fall all the way down to 6?!" He's defensively limited, sure, but Acuff might be the most explosive, dynamic offensive missile in the entire class. There was a time during the season that putting him above Darryn Peterson was considered rational -- we'll see if that converts to the next level.
7. Sacramento Kings: Brayden Burries, Arizona
I'm much higher on Burries than most -- I saw what he's capable of on the basketball floor after he repeatedly torched BYU basketball on the offensive end, and sealed a road win in the Marriott Center with a game-saving rejection on a go-ahead Rob Wright III layup. I was devestated and silently said to myself, "who is this guy?" Mikel Brown projects more as a Malik Monk type, and the Kings need more brawn to pair with, well, Malik Monk.
8. Atlanta Hawks: Kingston Flemings, Houston
Not bad for a Trae Young replacement. The Hawks aren't fully rebuilding yet, but they certainly felt the absence of their star point guard last season, and CJ McCollum is much better suited for shooting guard duties. Give the point guard resposibilities to the speedy, smart, and immensely talented Flemings, who led a very good Houston team through the Big 12 last season.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Mikel Brown Jr, Louisville
Mikel Brown can really shoot the leather off the basketball, and the Mavericks will need all the support they can muster to surround Cooper Flagg. Brown still has some growing to do, both in size and in decision-making, but he's a deadeye shooter and one of the most talented scoring guards in the draft.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Aday Mara, Michigan
With apologies to Myles Turner, the Bucks' starting center probably won't be long for the Bucks, who are looking to break things down and rebuild without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Aday Mara is an ideal player to start a rebuild behind. Big, versatile, and skilled for his size, Mara could fit a variety of team makeups, and is the type of putty a rebooting franchise would want.
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