Ranking the Top 10 NBA Draft Prospects for 2026

The 2026 NBA Draft is still a long way off, but certain names keep coming up no matter who you talk to. These are the players scouts circle early, the ones fans remember after games, and the prospects teams quietly track months in advance. Nothing here is final (it never is), but this is how the top of the board looks right now.

2026 NBA Draft Prospects

1. Darryn Peterson, Guard, Kansas

Peterson feels like the safest bet in the class. He’s big for a guard, strong with the ball, and rarely looks rushed. He scores when he needs to, sets others up, and stays in control. NBA teams trust players like this.

2. AJ Dybantsa: Forward, BYU

Dybantsa stands out the moment he steps on the floor. He’s tall, athletic, and covers ground quickly. Some nights he looks unstoppable, other nights he’s still figuring things out, but the upside is obvious, and teams are willing to wait.

3. Cameron Boozer: Forward, Duke

Boozer just produces. He rebounds, finishes plays, hits open shots, and doesn’t try to do too much. He’s not loud or flashy, but he’s steady every night, which goes a long way when teams are picking near the top.

4. Jayden Quaintance: Forward/Center, Kentucky

Quaintance plays with real physical presence. He protects the rim, runs hard, and doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s still young and learning, but the size and strength are real, and those things don’t need teaching.

5. Koa Peat: Forward, Arizona

Peat is tough. He plays through contact, battles on the glass, and finds ways to score inside. His jump shot is still coming along, but his effort level and consistency keep him firmly in the lottery conversation.

6. Keaton Wagler: Wing, Illinois

Wagler’s rise has been about scoring. He can get a bucket when things stall, and that matters. He’s comfortable shooting, attacking defenders, and taking responsibility late in possessions, which NBA teams always notice.

7. Karim López: Forward, New Zealand Breakers

López already plays like a professional. He doesn’t force things, rebounds well, and scores within the flow of the game. His experience against older competition shows, especially in how calm he stays under pressure.

8. Nate Ament: Forward, Tennessee

Ament wins with skill and awareness. He spaces the floor, makes smart passes, and rarely wastes possessions. He may not jump out physically, but coaches love players who consistently do the right thing.

9. Hugo González: Wing, Real Madrid

González plays hard and doesn’t back down from contact. He defends hard, attacks the basket, and isn’t afraid of physical play. Playing overseas has toughened him up, and teams like the Wings already understand that part of the game.

10. Isaiah Evans: Guard/Wing, Duke

Evans is a scorer at heart. When he’s feeling it, the shot looks easy. He moves well without the ball and continues to improve defensively. His role at the next level depends on consistency, but the talent is there.