2026 NBA mock draft, chaos edition: Wizards take Cameron Boozer? And what about Giannis?

There’s nothing better than chaos on NBA Draft night. Remember 2013, when we were trying to figure out if Nerlens Noel or Victor Oladipo would go first to the Cleveland Cavaliers? And then they surprised everybody with Anthony Bennett? That’s the kind of pandemonium we should be looking for on Tuesday.

I’m not going to come out here and give you a regular mock draft when we have Sam Vecenie and John Hollinger on staff. No, no, no. However, there are some scenarios in which a mock draft can be informed by chaos, and the unexpected becomes reality.

So I’m presenting you with a chaotic mock first round that has some truth to it but explores the possibilities of surprise picks. And, of course, at some point, we will trade Giannis Antetokounmpo somewhere. What could teams secretly want? Who are some prospects being overlooked or overvalued? Let the chaos begin:

1. Washington Wizards

Cameron Boozer | 6-8 forward | 18 years old | Duke

I know, right? What a loop this would throw everybody for! I was doing a radio hit with a local sports show in D.C. recently and was asked about the tough decision the Wizards had to make at No. 1. I figured I was being led toward talking about picking AJ Dybantsa versus Darryn Peterson. Nope! They were asking me if the Wizards should take Dybantsa or Boozer. No offense to Boozer, but this never even really crossed my mind, and I started doubting everything I’ve heard so far in the draft process. Maybe all of this smoke and mirrors is leading toward a surprise Boozer selection at the top. Put him next to Alex Sarr and Anthony Davis, and you don’t really have to worry much about his defense.

Why Cameron Boozer produces and wins at every level

Sam Vecenie

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2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson | 6-5 guard | 19 years old | Kansas

Wait, what? Why wouldn’t the Jazz go for Dybansta if he falls to No. 2? As Tony Jones let us know this past week, the Jazz are torn between all three of the top prospects. Dybantsa staying in Utah to begin his career would be an awesome story. But remember two things: 1) This is a chaos mock draft, and 2) Peterson solves a potential problem for the Jazz. Keyonte George became good at the wrong time for them. He was mediocre at best his first two seasons before becoming awesome for them in Year 3. That sets him up for a massive contract extension this October or a restricted free agency offer sheet next summer. With Peterson in tow, you can have him more in the George role, keep Walker Kessler in this restricted free agency and roll out your massive front line and move Ace Bailey into a starting wing position full-time. This is as much about Peterson’s talent as it is about preparing yourself for the eventual second-apron payroll threshold.

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Overall 3 Guard 1

Darryn Peterson Kansas

An elite shooter with All-NBA scoring guard upside, despite his strange Kansas year.

Read full profile ›

3. Memphis Grizzlies

AJ Dybantsa | 6-9 wing | 19 years old | BYU

What an incredible win for the Grizzlies in this chaos scenario. Dybantsa is the best player in the class. I understand people who believe in Peterson more, but the measurables with the athleticism and the game of Dybantsa put him over the top for me. The Grizzlies have so many good, young role players, but Dybantsa gives them a clear view of the timeline. They’d have a young star to build around. The question then becomes whether or not they want to keep Ja Morant for any of it. Or maybe they wait to see if he can increase his trade value?

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What You Should Read Next

2026 NBA Draft confidential: Coaches, scouts, execs on AJ Dybantsa, top wing prospects

In this year’s draft, two players seem to have that kind of apex potential and BYU forward AJ Dybantsa is one of them.

4. Chicago Bulls

Darius Acuff Jr. | 6-2 guard | 19 years old | Arkansas

Almost everybody is certain that Caleb Wilson will be the pick at No. 4. He probably should be, too. But the idea of adding Acuff as their next star is far more enticing to me. He can score from everywhere, and he’s one of the best 3-point shooters in the draft. He’s a good playmaker but can also play off-ball when Josh Giddey is orchestrating the offense. He won’t be Derrick Rose, but he’d be another star point guard for the Bulls at some point.

Overall 5 Guard 2

Darius Acuff Jr. Arkansas

The most polished teenage guard to enter the league in years; defense is the big question.

Read full profile ›

5. LA Clippers

Brayden Burries | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Arizona

Still no Wilson! Ridiculous, right? The Clippers reportedly had Burries in for a workout, and it went extremely well. They’ve been linked to taking someone like Keaton Wagler because of their trade deadline acquisition of Darius Garland, so this bevy of point guard options doesn’t make a ton of sense. But someone like Burries stretching the floor and giving them decent size next to Garland and another scoring option behind Garland and Kawhi Leonard makes a lot of sense. It would be tough to pass on Wilson and Wagler, but sometimes a workout can sway you.

Overall 8 Guard 5

Brayden Burries Arizona

An aggressive scoring guard who makes shots, attacks in transition and defends fiercely.

Read full profile ›

6. Brooklyn Nets

Caleb Wilson | 6-9 wing | 19 years old | North Carolina

Finally, someone lands Wilson. I’m not sure this is the right spot for him. You like the fit a lot more for the Bulls or Clippers, as the Nets really don’t have a ton of definite building blocks on their roster. They had a rough 2025 draft with five first-round picks, and maybe you can see one of them as a long-term solution (Egor Demin). They have Michael Porter Jr., but he could be a pretty good trade option at some point. Wilson doesn’t give them a No. 1 guy just yet, but he’s going to be a super role player at worst. Maybe he’s more in that Pascal Siakam mold at his peak?

Caleb Wilson blends power, explosiveness and coordination in a way other players can’t

Sam Vecenie

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7. Sacramento Kings

Keaton Wagler | 6-5 wing | 19 years old | Illinois

Tough decision between Wagler, Kingston Flemings and Mikel Brown Jr. here, but taking good size at the lead guard position is a good idea for Scott Perry. I’m not totally convinced Wagler is a guy who can run an offense, but even as the secondary attacker/initiator, he seems like a great option. He can shoot, and he can score all over the floor. I want to see that first step and handle get a little quicker and tighter so he’s deadlier in isolation or pick-and-roll situations, but the Kings need to reshape this roster completely.

Overall 6 Guard 3

Keaton Wagler Illinois

Superb processor with lethal jumper and unselfish mindset; a hard guard not to love.

Read full profile ›

8. Atlanta Hawks

Aday Mara | 7-3 big | 21 years old | Michigan

This is chaos to me. It’s where Mara is being mocked just about everywhere as the bow tied around the Derik Queen trade from a year ago with New Orleans. The Hawks have two positions of need right now. They need a big man to slot Onyeka Okongwu into a more natural power forward position, and they need a lead guard. Dyson Daniels isn’t that guy, and re-signing CJ McCollum is a short-term solution. I just don’t really see it with Mara at the NBA level. I’m a big believer in taking the best player available, and I don’t believe it’s him. This would be drafting for a need but not the need.

Overall 13 Big 3

Aday Mara Michigan

A special passer at 7-foot-3 who finishes efficiently and protects the rim.

Read full profile ›

9. Dallas Mavericks

Kingston Flemings | 6-3 guard | 19 years old | Houston

Yes, they have Kyrie Irving, but bringing in Flemings allows the Mavericks to comfortably explore trade options that put things more on Cooper Flagg’s timeline. They had a great find in Ryan Nembhard, but he’s more of a backup point guard in the NBA. Flemings would provide even more athleticism and firepower to this young core. He and Flagg as a combination for the future is a lot of fun. Some of Flemings’ shooting might be questioned, but he’s electric on the court.

Kingston Flemings and Cooper Flagg? Could that be pairing in Dallas? (William Purnell / Imagn Images)

10. Milwaukee Bucks

Mikel Brown Jr. | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Louisville

This is a big win for the Bucks, with or without Giannis on the team. Brown is kind of a sneaky prospect in this draft. He could go a lot higher than this, and teams seem to be very impressed with his workouts and game. His shooting needs to improve, and some of that is just shot selection. Brown needs better pace to his game, but he is absolutely a guy who could make an All-Star team or two someday.

Overall 10 Guard 6

Mikel Brown Jr. Louisville

A home-run hitter of a lead guard who could stand to settle for singles at times.

Read full profile ›

11. Golden State Warriors

Yaxel Lendeborg | 6-9 big | 23 years old | Michigan

We could go for chaos here, but let’s keep it simple for the Warriors. They’re going to look for guys who can play right away. Lendeborg fits that perfectly. The Warriors will tout his championship experience. He can do a little bit of everything. He’ll be able to defend right away. I’m not sure how high the upside is with him, but the floor is very high. This is about maximizing the immediate future in this final push with Stephen Curry and company.

Overall 9 Forward 3

Yaxel Lendeborg Michigan

Versatile two-way forward who is older but possesses elite tools and winning mindset.

Read full profile ›

12. Oklahoma City Thunder

Nate Ament | 6-10 wing/forward | 19 years old | Tennessee

There were times early in the college season in which Ament might have been projected closer to the top five than the bottom part of the lottery. He had a pretty disappointing season, but scouts and executives are hoping that was just a bad college experience. Here, the Thunder get to add a 6-foot-10, springy forward they can mold into one of their prototypical role players. He’s a perfect project.

Overall 14 Forward 4

Nate Ament Tennessee

Can handle and pass at 6-10 but lacks strength and efficiency; upside is tantalizing.

Read full profile ›

13. Miami Heat

Koa Peat | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Arizona

Yes, a surprise! Peat was a monster among high school and college players when he was on his way to the NBA. There are reasonable questions about whether he can play this way against grown men. He can defend multiple positions, he can handle the ball and he’s a solid passer. He’s a good scorer in the midrange and around the basket. The question will be whether he can shoot. He’s worth the project here for Miami because … wait a second … I’m getting word…

We have a trade to announce! This is a three-team deal between the Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers.

Miami receives: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee receives: Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, Kris Murray and Shaedon Sharpe, draft rights to Koa Peat, a 2030 first-rounder from Miami, a 2032 first-rounder from Miami and the first-round swap with Portland that the Bucks owed in 2028
Portland receives: Tyler Herro

OK, is this a great trade? Debatable! But it works under the Spotrac Trade Machine. The Bucks get a little bit of their trade debt back by sending Herro to Portland. A young core of Ware, Jaquez, Peat, Brown, Jakucionis and Sharpe is a really good start toward an interesting rebuild. And the Heat receive the whale they’ve been hunting for years and can start figuring out how to put a roster around Bam Adebayo and Giannis. Remember, this is a chaos mock draft.

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14. Charlotte Hornets

Hannes Steinbach | 6-10 big | 20 years old | Washington

Despite the Moussa Diabate ascension last season, the Hornets still need some good big men in that rotation. Ryan Kalkbrenner was a nice second-round pick and provided some good minutes, but the Hornets need a long-term solution, especially if they’re going to have proper depth. Steinbach gives them a good chance to do that. He’s an excellent rebounder and would work great with LaMelo Ball in the pick-and-roll, and he might even become a 3-point shooter.

Overall 12 Big 2

Hannes Steinbach Washington

Starting-caliber center with terrific hands, frame and footwork who will crash the glass.

Read full profile ›

15. Chicago Bulls

Morez Johnson Jr. | 6-9 big | 20 years old | Michigan

After surprising everybody earlier with Acuff, the Bulls opt for some size here. Johnson might actually end up being the best big man in this draft, though I’m not sure what that means for the crop of big men. Getting him just outside the lottery is big, but we’re not sure if he can actually play center at the NBA level. He’ll be an excellent defender, regardless, and the Bulls need big men.

Overall 11 Big 1

Morez Johnson Jr. Michigan

A versatile frontcourt defender who can roam the perimeter and destroy the glass.

Read full profile ›

16. Memphis Grizzlies

Christian Anderson Jr. | 6-1 guard | 20 years old | Texas Tech

My colleague Sam Vecenie calls Anderson the best shooter in the draft, and I am inclined to agree. Is he a point guard in the NBA? Great question. Is he going to be someone who can attack the paint and make a defense pay around the rim? Another great question. Is he good enough to make the Grizzlies feel good about trading away Morant? You are on fire today with these questions. I don’t know the answer to any of these. But the kid can shoot.

Overall 17 Guard 7

Christian Anderson Texas Tech

The best shooter in the class; can he create rim pressure and defend at his size?

Read full profile ›

17. Oklahoma City Thunder

Cameron Carr | 6-5 guard | 21 years old | Baylor

If Carr ends up on the Thunder, a lot of people around the NBA are going to be upset. He’s a really good shooter, and even though he’s slight of build, the Thunder can absolutely get him in their program and brainwashed into being the defensive player they need him to be. Now they can trade backup wings for cap relief and acquire more draft assets down the road.

Cameron Carr in OKC’s developmental program is intriguing. (Chris Jones / Imagn Images)

18. Charlotte Hornets

Dailyn Swain | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Texas

Who doesn’t need more wings? The Hornets have some great options with Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel in the starting lineup. Swain could be a guy they develop to come off the bench and provide a great punch. He has a great wingspan (6-10) for the position, he can get to the hoop and he can finish. The Hornets will need him to develop a consistent jumper, but this is good depth.

Overall 15 Wing 2

Dailyn Swain Texas

A dynamic driver and finisher who must improve his defense and jump shot to be a starter.

Read full profile ›

19. Toronto Raptors

Chris Cenac Jr. | 6-10 big | 19 years old | Houston

As fun as it was watching the Raptors play Collin Murray-Boyles at center when Jakob Poeltl wasn’t in the game, they should move him back to a more natural position. Cenac is a project, but one who could end up being a starter-quality big man in a few years. Get the depth for Poeltl, and start developing!

Overall 25 Big 5

Chris Cenac Jr. Houston

A project with immense tools who’s worth a first-round pick because of the high upside.

Read full profile ›

20. San Antonio Spurs

Jayden Quaintance | 6-9 big | 18 years old | Kentucky

If Quaintance can fully recover from his ACL injury, then the Spurs would have some much-needed big man depth behind Victor Wembanyama. Luke Kornet provided some solid minutes, but that was mostly in the regular season. The Spurs need a big man who can defend all over the floor. Quaintance has the potential to do just that if he’s healthy.

Overall 22 Big 4

Jayden Quaintance Kentucky

Potential All-Defense big with limited offensive skill; is he healthy?

Read full profile ›

21. Detroit Pistons

Labaron Philon Jr. | 6-3 guard | 20 years old | Alabama

Even with the emergence of Daniss Jenkins, the Pistons still need some help for Cade Cunningham in the backcourt. Getting another guy who can initiate some offense would be big. His wingspan (6-6 1/4) makes him a little bit more playable on defense, in theory, but you can also have him next to the much bigger Cunningham in the backcourt. If his shot has truly improved like we saw this past season, the Pistons would love him.

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22. Philadelphia 76ers

Joshua Jefferson | 6-8 forward | 22 years old | Iowa State

You’re going to read a lot of Kyle Anderson comparisons when it comes to Jefferson, as he reminds a lot of scouts and executives of the 12-year veteran. Jefferson is going to have to learn how to shoot from the outside to be truly effective, but he can really sling the ball around the court. You can play him next to Joel Embiid and get some fun high-low action going.

Overall 23 Forward 6

Joshua Jefferson Iowa State

Brilliant basketball mind who can pass and defend; can he move well enough?

Read full profile ›

23. Atlanta Hawks

Ebuka Okorie | 6-1 guard | 19 years old | Stanford

The Hawks grabbed Mara earlier, and they still need some lead guard depth. He’s going to have to expand his playmaking abilities, but Okorie can really get to the basket. He’s not very tall, but he has long arms and great quickness to counter against defenders. He’s more of a backup guard, but the Hawks need that.

Overall 19 Guard 8

Ebuka Okorie Stanford

An elite rim-pressure guard who lives in the paint; must work on passing and defense.

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24. New York Knicks

Bennett Stirtz | 6-3 guard | 22 years old | Iowa

What do you get the champions who have everything? More shooting. There are questions about Stirtz’s ability to get open at the NBA level. A good way to help that is to put him on the floor with a lot of offensive options who need the attention of the defense.

Is Bennett Stirtz an option for the NBA champions? (Troy Taormina / Imagn Images)

25. Los Angeles Lakers

Karim Lopez | 6-8 wing | 19 years old | New Zealand Breakers

Lopez has good size for a forward. He’s really good in transition, and JJ Redick will love how much he rebounds. He can’t shoot, and he’ll need to learn that. He needs to get a little quicker and more explosive to defend at the NBA level, but he’s a project worth investing in.

Overall 24 Forward 7

Karim Lopez NZ Breakers

Big and skilled for his young age, but movement and agility leave a lot to be desired.

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26. Denver Nuggets

Richie Saunders | 6-5 wing | 24 years old | BYU

Saunders is not a great athlete and is recovering from a big knee injury. But he can flat-out shoot the ball. If he’s on the floor with Nikola Jokić, the big man will find him. As soon as it hits his fingertips, you can cash that in. He’s a smart player, too, and at 25 years old by the time the season starts, he’s ready to play right now.

Overall 26 Wing 4

Richie Saunders BYU

Terrific shooter and mover who is a tailor-made rotation wing if his knee is healthy.

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27. Boston Celtics

Tarris Reed Jr. | 6-10 big | 22 years old | Connecticut

The Celtics could use some good depth for the interior. They’ll love that Reed is ready to play right away, and he’s going to be excellent around the rim on offense. The Celtics want more guys who can score and put pressure on the rim. He’ll also help them a lot on the boards. The question is whether they can turn him into a 3-point shooter at some point.

Overall 27 Big 6

Tarris Reed Jr. Connecticut

A versatile backup big who crushes the glass, finishes on the interior and passes well.

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28. Minnesota Timberwolves

Sergio De Larrea | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Valencia

This might be too low for de Larrea, as he seems to be climbing up boards as we approach Tuesday night. He’s more of a point guard than he is a wing, especially when it comes to defense. The Wolves need more playmakers to help Anthony Edwards not have to do everything. At some point, de Larrea can help with exactly that.

Overall 32 Guard 12

Sergio De Larrea Valencia

A secondary playmaker with length who needs to get stronger and tighten his handle.

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29. Cleveland Cavaliers

Meleek Thomas | 6-3 wing | 19 years old | Arkansas

Assuming the Cavs are going to lose Keon Ellis and maybe some other depth to get under the second apron, and maybe even under the first apron at some point, Thomas could be an excellent, cost-effective option. He probably needs to be reined in quite a bit with decision-making, but he can really shoot and score.

Overall 31 Guard 11

Meleek Thomas Arkansas

A gifted scorer and shooter whose poor defense and wild decision-making raise questions.

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30. Dallas Mavericks

Isaiah Evans | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Duke

They brought in Flemings with the ninth pick. Now, let’s bring a familiar face to make Flagg happy. Evans is one of the better shooters in this draft, and we saw a lot of growth in his game from his freshman to sophomore year. This is probably a bit of a reach, but those Duke guys love to group together.

Overall 35 Wing 6

Isaiah Evans Duke

An off-ball movement shooter with length who needs to get stronger.

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2026 NBA mock draft, chaos edition: Wizards take Cameron Boozer? And what about Giannis?

1. Washington Wizards

Cameron Boozer | 6-8 forward | 18 years old | Duke

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson | 6-5 guard | 19 years old | Kansas

3. Memphis Grizzlies

AJ Dybantsa | 6-9 wing | 19 years old | BYU

4. Chicago Bulls

Darius Acuff Jr. | 6-2 guard | 19 years old | Arkansas

5. LA Clippers

Brayden Burries | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Arizona

6. Brooklyn Nets

Caleb Wilson | 6-9 wing | 19 years old | North Carolina

7. Sacramento Kings

Keaton Wagler | 6-5 wing | 19 years old | Illinois

8. Atlanta Hawks

Aday Mara | 7-3 big | 21 years old | Michigan

9. Dallas Mavericks

Kingston Flemings | 6-3 guard | 19 years old | Houston

10. Milwaukee Bucks

Mikel Brown Jr. | 6-4 guard | 20 years old | Louisville

11. Golden State Warriors

Yaxel Lendeborg | 6-9 big | 23 years old | Michigan

12. Oklahoma City Thunder

Nate Ament | 6-10 wing/forward | 19 years old | Tennessee

13. Miami Heat

Koa Peat | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Arizona

14. Charlotte Hornets

Hannes Steinbach | 6-10 big | 20 years old | Washington

15. Chicago Bulls

Morez Johnson Jr. | 6-9 big | 20 years old | Michigan

16. Memphis Grizzlies

Christian Anderson Jr. | 6-1 guard | 20 years old | Texas Tech

17. Oklahoma City Thunder

Cameron Carr | 6-5 guard | 21 years old | Baylor

18. Charlotte Hornets

Dailyn Swain | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Texas

19. Toronto Raptors

Chris Cenac Jr. | 6-10 big | 19 years old | Houston

20. San Antonio Spurs

Jayden Quaintance | 6-9 big | 18 years old | Kentucky

21. Detroit Pistons

Labaron Philon Jr. | 6-3 guard | 20 years old | Alabama

22. Philadelphia 76ers

Joshua Jefferson | 6-8 forward | 22 years old | Iowa State

23. Atlanta Hawks

Ebuka Okorie | 6-1 guard | 19 years old | Stanford

24. New York Knicks

Bennett Stirtz | 6-3 guard | 22 years old | Iowa

25. Los Angeles Lakers

Karim Lopez | 6-8 wing | 19 years old | New Zealand Breakers

26. Denver Nuggets

Richie Saunders | 6-5 wing | 24 years old | BYU

27. Boston Celtics

Tarris Reed Jr. | 6-10 big | 22 years old | Connecticut

28. Minnesota Timberwolves

Sergio De Larrea | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Valencia

29. Cleveland Cavaliers

Meleek Thomas | 6-3 wing | 19 years old | Arkansas

30. Dallas Mavericks

Isaiah Evans | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Duke

Analyse

2026-06-22 21:06:27