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The 2026 NBA Draft is almost here, and it is shaping as one of the most talent-rich classes in recent memory, headlined by a group of elite prospects who could alter the trajectory of an NBA franchise for years to come.<\/p>\n
Watch live coverage of the 2026 NBA Draft with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n While Australian representation is limited compared to previous years, there is no shortage of intrigue at the top of the draft. AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer headline a class loaded with star power and potential.<\/p>\n At foxsports.com.au<\/i>, we\u2019re breaking down the top prospects to watch, the potential draft-night chaos that could reshape the league, the ongoing debate around lottery reform and the NBL Next Star making noise ahead of the big event.<\/p>\n TOP FOUR DRAFTEES<\/b><\/p>\n This year\u2019s draft is particularly top-heavy, with several prospects viewed as genuine franchise cornerstones. For teams at the top of the board, the opportunity to reset their future around a potential superstar is impossible to ignore.<\/p>\n Leading the way is projected No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa.<\/p>\n The BYU star is coming off a dominant freshman campaign, averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 51 per cent from the field across 35 appearances.<\/p>\n At 6-foot-8 and still only 19 years old, Dybantsa possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism and scoring ability that has many talent evaluators projecting him as a future NBA star.<\/p>\n In a recent article for The Score<\/a>, Matthew Winnick identified Dybantsa as the prospect with the highest ceiling in the draft.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter leading the country in points per game during his ultra-productive one-and-done season at BYU, Dybantsa\u2019s ceiling is arguably more appealing than his floor right now,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n \u201cFor all his strengths as an on-ball athlete and shoemaker, Dybantsa could still improve his efficiency. He shot 33% from deep on limited volume and put up a pedestrian 1.2 assist-to-turnover ratio. As with any star on-ball wing in the NBA, the ability to be a threat from beyond the arc and to serve as a lead initiator are two critical areas Dybantsa needs to improve. He could also be more impactful on defence.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, Dybantsa measures taller than many bigs in the class, ranks better athletically than most guards, and has posted scoring numbers rarely seen at the college level – the sky is truly the limit for him. Versatile, on-ball wings standing 6-foot-8 don\u2019t grow on trees, and the ones who possess those traits typically become NBA All-Star-caliber players.\u201d<\/p>\n The biggest question now is where Dybantsa will begin his NBA career.<\/p>\n According to reports, Dybantsa recently met with Washington Wizards leadership and received strong indications that the franchise is seriously considering selecting him with the No. 1 overall pick.<\/p>\n That possibility has created another fascinating subplot involving fellow superstar prospect Darryn Peterson.<\/p>\n Peterson has reportedly made it clear that becoming the No. 1 overall pick is a major priority, with his camp heavily focused on the Wizards and the opportunity to land in Washington.<\/p>\n For both Peterson and Dybantsa, the race for the top selection is about more than draft position. Being selected first overall is a statement, a validation that a franchise sees you as the face of its future and potentially one of the next stars of the league.<\/p>\n Former Washington Wizards star John Wall, who was selected No. 1 overall by the franchise in 2010, recently weighed in on the debate, saying he would take Peterson with the top selection if he were making the decision.<\/p>\n Dybantsa, however, remains confident in his chances.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m super confident in myself being the No. 1 pick. But you never know. There\u2019s been crazy stuff that happens on draft night,\u201d he told Yahoo Sports.<\/p>\n \u201cYou never want to just be too stuck on just on going to visit one team, in my opinion. You want to visit different teams and see what they have to offer.\u201c<\/p>\n Peterson has taken a different approach.<\/p>\n Reports suggest the Kansas guard has little interest in working out for the Utah Jazz, who currently hold the No. 2 overall pick, amid concerns about how he would fit alongside the team\u2019s existing young back-court.<\/p>\n Peterson averaged 20.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists during his lone season at Kansas while shooting 43.8 per cent from the field. The 6-foot-4 guard is believed to view himself as a long-term point guard and sees Washington as an ideal destination.<\/p>\n Watch live coverage of the 2026 NBA Draft with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n NBA insider Jake Fischer recently shed<\/a> light on Peterson\u2019s stance.<\/p>\n \u201cFor Peterson\u2019s camp, though, sources say there\u2019s as much motivation to avoid a positional overlap with incumbent ballhandler Keyonte George on the team that holds the No. 2 overall pick as there is a desire to go No. 1 ahead of Dybantsa and Boozer,\u201d Fischer reported.<\/p>\n \u201cGeorge is already in line for a major payday in rookie scale contract extension talks this off-season after a breakout third season and sources say that the Jazz prize him as an absolute cornerstone now.\u201d<\/p>\n The situation has drawn comparisons to last year\u2019s draft, when Ace Bailey was reportedly reluctant to land in Utah and declined to work out for the franchise before ultimately being selected by the Jazz anyway.<\/p>\n Should Peterson slide to No. 2, he may find himself facing a similar reality, adapting to life in Salt Lake City regardless of his pre-draft preferences.<\/p>\n While Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa continue battling for the No. 1 pick, there is a growing argument that Cameron Boozer may be the best all-round player in the draft.<\/p>\n The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, the Duke star put together a remarkable freshman season, averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 55.6 per cent from the field across 38 games. <\/p>\n Still only 18 years old, the 6-foot-8 forward showcased a rare blend of scoring, playmaking and rebounding that few prospects in this class can match.<\/p>\n Some scouts view Boozer as a safer selection than Dybantsa or Peterson, citing questions about his top-end athleticism and a frame that is slightly undersized for a traditional power forward. Yet his production, versatility and impact for one of college basketball\u2019s premier programs make it difficult to ignore his case as the most complete prospect available.<\/p>\n Whether that translates into being selected first overall is another matter. Team needs often dictate draft boards, and with Washington widely linked to Dybantsa, Boozer could find himself in the mix for Utah at No. 2 if the Jazz decide to look beyond Peterson.<\/p>\n At first glance, Utah may seem an awkward fit given the presence of Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler and Jaren Jackson Jr. However, recent speculation surrounding Kessler\u2019s future has opened the door to the possibility of Boozer joining a young core that could eventually develop into a contender.<\/p>\n If Boozer is the safest bet among the top prospects, Caleb Wilson may be the biggest swing.<\/p>\n The North Carolina forward is widely regarded as the best athlete in the draft class and possesses a ceiling that rivals any player available. During his lone college season, the<\/p>\n 6-foot-9 forward averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks while shooting an efficient 57.8 per cent from the field.<\/p>\n Wilson\u2019s physical tools are extraordinary. His length, highlighted by a 9-foot standing reach, combined with elite explosiveness and mobility, allows him to impact games on both ends of the floor. His transition defence in particular has drawn significant praise from scouts.<\/p>\n The concerns come with the finer details of his game.<\/p>\n Despite posting impressive defensive numbers, Wilson can be inconsistent off the ball, occasionally losing focus and finding himself out of position. Scouts have also pointed to issues with defensive awareness, communication and anticipation, while his slender 210-pound (95 kilos) frame remains a long-term development area.<\/p>\n Watch live coverage of the 2026 NBA Draft with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n The encouraging sign is that most of those concerns appear coachable. Wilson\u2019s work ethic and basketball IQ have earned strong reviews, and many evaluators believe improved discipline and defensive engagement could unlock his immense potential.<\/p>\n The most likely landing destination for Wilson is the newly led Chicago Bulls, who recently appointed NBA champion Tiago Splitter as their next Head Coach. The franchise was extremely fortunate to get the number four pick and the number 15 pick as they look to overhaul the roster with a fresh start next season. <\/p>\n Wilson to the Bulls seems to be a match made in heaven. His athleticism, which can already adapt for NBA standards helps the Bulls draft a player who won\u2019t need much of a learning curve. He is a modern-day big with the near 6\u201910 frame, paired with the speed and vertical, which could give the Bulls a real future star on the team.<\/p>\n If Wilson avoids the top three drama surrounding the Wizards and Jazz, it is understood the Memphis Grizzlies, who have the third pick, will land one of the three, leaving the Chicago Bulls to swoop in for the North Carolina forward. <\/p>\n GIDDEY LINKED TO TWO TEAMS<\/b><\/p>\n Of course, with the draft also comes more activity on the trade front with Monday\u2019s move which saw Aaron Wiggins sent to Atlanta evidence of it.<\/p>\n Australian guard Josh Giddey, meanwhile, has emerged as a trade target for two Western Conference teams as they search for a long-term solution at point guard.<\/p>\n According to multiple reports, Minnesota has expressed interest in acquiring the Chicago Bulls playmaker after another impressive season from the 23-year-old Australian.<\/p>\n Giddey\u2019s stock has continued to rise since arriving in Chicago, with the former Adelaide 36ers Next Star enjoying the best campaign of his NBA career. <\/p>\n The Melbourne product developed into one of the league\u2019s most productive all-round guards, combining elite playmaking with improved perimeter shooting and a growing offensive role.<\/p>\n That progression has reportedly caught the attention of the Timberwolves, who are looking to strengthen their back-court around franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards. Minnesota remains firmly in its championship window and views Giddey\u2019s size, vision and versatility as traits that could complement its existing core.<\/p>\n At 6-foot-7, Giddey offers a unique profile for a point guard. His ability to rebound, push the pace and create opportunities for teammates has made him one of the NBA\u2019s most versatile young playmakers. The Australian has already built a reputation as a triple-double threat throughout his career, dating back to his rise through the NBL\u2019s Next Stars program with the 36ers.<\/p>\n While there is no indication that a deal is imminent, Minnesota\u2019s interest is another sign of how highly Giddey is regarded around the league. <\/p>\n Michael Scotto of HoopsHype also wrote that the Suns had \u201cdone some background\u201d on Giddey, although well-regarded Suns media personality John Gambadoro shut down talk of a deal being on the cards.<\/p>\n After entering the NBA as the sixth overall pick in 2021, the Australian has steadily developed into one of basketball\u2019s premier young facilitators and remains a key piece of Chicago\u2019s future plans.<\/p>\n Any potential trade would likely require significant negotiations, particularly given Giddey\u2019s importance to the Bulls. However, with rival teams continuing to monitor his situation, it is clear that the Australian\u2019s value across the NBA is higher than ever.<\/p>\n GIANNIS TRADE<\/b><\/p>\n The Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes are rapidly becoming the biggest story of the NBA off-season, and two Eastern Conference rivals appear to be separating themselves from the pack.<\/p>\n Both the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat have emerged as the leading contenders should the Milwaukee Bucks ultimately decide to move their franchise cornerstone. While no deal is considered imminent, league executives are increasingly viewing the two organisations as the most realistic landing spots for the two-time MVP.<\/p>\n For Milwaukee, the situation remains delicate.<\/p>\n Antetokounmpo is still under contract and remains the face of the franchise, but after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign that saw the Bucks miss the playoffs for the first time in a decade, speculation around his long-term future has intensified. Milwaukee\u2019s front office faces a franchise-defining decision: attempt another rebuild around Giannis or cash in for a historic trade package while his value remains at its peak.<\/p>\n The Heat possess a collection of young talent, draft assets and tradeable contracts that could form the foundation of a blockbuster offer. Reports suggest Milwaukee has already examined packages centred around Tyler Herro, Kel\u2019el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and future draft compensation, although no proposal has yet convinced the Bucks to pull the trigger.<\/p>\n Adding fuel to the speculation is the belief around the league that Antetokounmpo would be open to committing long term if he landed in South Beach. A partnership with Bam Adebayo would instantly create one of the NBA\u2019s most intimidating defensive duos while giving Miami the superstar it has been searching for since the Jimmy Butler era.<\/p>\n The Celtics have the assets to enter the conversation, but any realistic pursuit of Antetokounmpo would likely require difficult decisions involving their championship core. Jaylen Brown\u2019s name has repeatedly surfaced in speculation, with league observers debating whether Boston would be willing to break up its longstanding partnership between Brown and Jayson Tatum in exchange for a player of Giannis\u2019 calibre.<\/p>\n On paper, the fit is as good as it gets. A frontcourt built around Tatum and Antetokounmpo would immediately become one of the most feared combinations in basketball. The challenge lies in constructing a deal that satisfies Milwaukee while preserving enough depth for Boston to remain a title contender.<\/p>\n What makes the situation particularly fascinating is that neither destination offers a simple path to a trade. Miami\u2019s asset package may not be strong enough for Milwaukee\u2019s liking, while Boston\u2019s best offers could require a third team and significant roster reshuffling to make the finances work.<\/p>\n For now, the Bucks are showing patience. With the NBA Draft approaching and rival teams continuing to position themselves for a potential blockbuster, Milwaukee appears content to wait for the best possible return.<\/p>\n Whether Giannis remains in Milwaukee or begins a new chapter elsewhere, the outcome could reshape the balance of power in the Eastern Conference for years to come.<\/p>\n OKLAHOMA TO TRADE?<\/b><\/p>\n The Oklahoma City Thunder have spent years stockpiling draft assets, and have more after the Wiggins trade, but with a championship-calibre roster already in place, the focus is beginning to shift from building for the future to maximising the present.<\/p>\n Holding the No. 12 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Oklahoma City could opt to add another young prospect to an already loaded core. However, there is growing belief that the selection may be more valuable as a trade asset, allowing the Thunder to target an established player who can help them contend immediately.<\/p>\n The Thunder are already built around MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, alongside rising stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, while also boasting one of the league\u2019s deepest supporting casts. With another first-round selection at No. 17 and a treasure chest of future draft picks still at their disposal, Oklahoma City has more than enough flexibility to pursue upgrades if the right opportunity presents itself.<\/p>\n One area the Thunder could look to address is adding more size, rebounding or veteran experience to complement their young core during a title push. While drafting another prospect may provide long-term value, there is a strong argument that a proven contributor would offer a greater return for a team firmly in win-now mode.<\/p>\n General manager Sam Presti has never been afraid to think long term, but after years of patient roster building, Oklahoma City\u2019s championship window is now wide open. Whether the Thunder use the No. 12 pick themselves or package it in a larger deal, it could become one of the most intriguing assets to watch on draft night.<\/p>\n NBA DRAFT LOTTERY REFORM<\/b><\/p>\n Elsewhere, this is the final draft before the NBA\u2019s news lottery reform is introduced.<\/p>\n The reform is designed to discourage tanking, but one team believes it is being unfairly punished in the process.<\/p>\n Beginning with the 2027 NBA Draft, the league will introduce a new \u201c3-2-1\u201d lottery system that expands the lottery field from 14 teams to 16 while reducing the advantages traditionally enjoyed by the league\u2019s worst-performing teams. <\/p>\n Under the new format, the bottom three teams will lose one lottery ball and be placed in a \u201crelegation zone\u201d, while teams that narrowly miss the playoffs will receive improved lottery odds.<\/p>\n The goal is simple: make losing less rewarding and encourage more teams to remain competitive throughout the season.<\/p>\n The changes also include new restrictions designed to prevent franchises from repeatedly benefiting from top draft selections. Teams will no longer be able to secure the No. 1 overall pick in consecutive drafts or maintain a prolonged run of top-five selections as easily as they could under the previous system.<\/p>\n While the reform has received widespread support around the league, it has created a significant issue for the Memphis Grizzlies.<\/p>\n At the centre of the controversy is a future first-round pick Memphis acquired from the Utah Jazz as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Jaren Jackson Jr to Salt Lake City. When the deal was completed, the Grizzlies viewed the 2027 pick as one of the most valuable assets in the package, particularly if Utah remained near the bottom of the standings.<\/p>\n Under the new rules, however, the value of that pick could be significantly reduced.<\/p>\n Even if the Jazz finish with one of the league\u2019s worst records, the revised lottery structure could push the selection outside the top five and potentially as low as sixth overall. As a result, the upside Memphis originally anticipated when acquiring the pick has been diminished.<\/p>\n The rule changes do not directly affect Jackson on the court, but they do alter the value of one of the key assets the Grizzlies received in exchange for the former Defensive Player of the Year.<\/p>\n That concern made Memphis the lone franchise to vote against the reform.<\/p>\n Speaking on Yahoo Sports NBA<\/a>, analysts Kevin O\u2019Connor and Sam Vecenie questioned both the decision itself and the league\u2019s choice to apply the changes to draft picks that had already been traded.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s pretty insane they decided to do this. I couldn\u2019t believe it when I first heard it,\u201d O\u2019Connor said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t make a lot of sense to me that they decided to go retroactive here with this decision.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand that they might want to start this off with, \u2018Washington, you tanked, you\u2019re not allowed. Let\u2019s get these rules rolling instead of starting fresh.\u2018 But this feels like a mistake on the league\u2019s part not to start these new lottery rules off clean.\u201d<\/p>\n Vecenie was even more critical, arguing the Grizzlies are effectively being penalised despite having no control over Utah\u2019s future draft position.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it is mind-numbingly stupid, to be honest with you,\u201d Vecenie said.<\/p>\n \u201cMemphis owns this pick from Utah. Why in the world are we penalising Memphis for this? It doesn\u2019t make any sense.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are multiple ways you can fix this. You could simply say the pick is grandfathered in because the Jazz have already traded it.\u201d<\/p>\n Vecenie also pointed to the broader implications for the Jackson trade itself.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Grizzlies made this deal to get this pick in a trade for Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know if Jackson Jr would be a Utah Jazz player if they knew this pick was going to be protected in some way.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re retroactively changing the value of this trade as well in a way that completely should have altered the league.\u201d<\/p>\n While the NBA hopes the new system will reduce tanking and create a more competitive environment, Memphis believes it has become an unintended casualty of the reform. What was once viewed as a premium future asset tied to the Jackson trade now carries less upside, creating a ripple effect that could impact the Grizzlies\u2019 rebuilding plans for years to come.<\/p>\n LOPEZ, CLUFF AND DANIELS\u2019 WITHDRAWAL FROM THE DRAFT<\/b><\/p>\n While this year\u2019s Australian contingent isn\u2019t as deep as the bumper crop from 2025, there are still several local talents and NBL-linked prospects hoping to hear their names called.<\/p>\n Last year\u2019s draft saw former NBL players Alex Toohey, Rocco Zikarsky and Lachlan Olbrich all selected, but the spotlight this year falls firmly on former New Zealand Breakers Next Star Karim Lopez.<\/p>\n According to ESPN\u2019s latest mock draft<\/a> from Jeremy Woo, Lopez is projected to be selected at No. 14, making him the highest-rated NBL-connected prospect in the class.<\/p>\n At just 19 years old, Lopez brings a level of professional experience few of his peers can match. The Mexican forward spent the past two seasons competing against seasoned professionals in the NBL, one of the strongest leagues outside the NBA.<\/p>\n Across 55 appearances for the Breakers, Lopez averaged 10.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.4 per cent from the field. His standout performance came earlier this year against Melbourne United when he exploded for 32 points and eight rebounds.<\/p>\n Standing 6-foot-8 with a strong frame and versatile skill set, Lopez has attracted significant interest from NBA scouts. While his all-round game is highly regarded, evaluators believe his outside shot still requires greater consistency. There are also questions around whether he possesses the elite burst and explosiveness typically associated with NBA wings and forwards, particularly when it comes to defending quicker opponents.<\/p>\n Even so, Lopez\u2019s maturity, toughness and ability to impact games in multiple ways continue to make him one of the most intriguing prospects available. If selected in the first round as expected, he would become the first Mexican-born player ever drafted in the opening round, joining Eduardo N\u00e1jera as only the second Mexican-born player drafted into the NBA.<\/p>\n Most projections currently have Lopez landing somewhere between picks 14 and 25, with whichever franchise selects him acquiring a talented prospect with significant upside and a professional foundation already in place.<\/p>\n Another Australian prospect to keep an eye on is Oscar Cluff.<\/p>\n The Sunshine Coast product is coming off a strong season at Purdue, averaging 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 0.9 blocks while shooting an impressive 68.3 per cent from the field.<\/p>\n Widely regarded as one of the best rebounders in this year\u2019s class, Cluff has reportedly worked out with the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the draft. However, questions remain about how his game translates to today\u2019s NBA.<\/p>\n At 6-foot-10, Cluff fits the mould of a traditional centre, relying on physicality, positioning and effort rather than elite athleticism. That style has become increasingly rare in a league that prioritises pace, versatility and floor spacing.<\/p>\n His journey alone is remarkable. Cluff didn\u2019t begin playing basketball until he was 15 years old after previously focusing on swimming, yet he has rapidly developed into a legitimate NBA prospect. One of the most underrated aspects of his game is his passing ability, which stands out for a player of his size.<\/p>\n Whether he hears his name called on draft night remains uncertain, but any team willing to take a chance on Cluff would be adding a physical interior presence capable of contributing valuable minutes and bringing toughness to a frontcourt rotation.<\/p>\n And then there\u2019s Dash Daniels.<\/p>\n The younger brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels withdrew from this year\u2019s draft and is expected to continue his development through the NBL\u2019s Next Stars program, with reports linking him to a move to the South East Melbourne Phoenix after a challenging debut campaign with Melbourne United.<\/p>\n Had Daniels remained in the draft, he would have been the youngest player in the class at just 18 years old.<\/p>\n Twelve months ago, Daniels was viewed as one of the brightest young prospects in basketball. ESPN had him ranked inside its top 10 and projected as a lottery selection. However, a difficult first professional season saw his stock slide significantly. By January he had fallen to No. 31 in ESPN\u2019s rankings, dropped to No. 49 in March and was ultimately removed from the board entirely before withdrawing.<\/p>\n During the 2025-2026 season, Daniels averaged 4.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.6 steals per game. While there were flashes of the defensive instincts and versatility that have scouts excited about his long-term potential, his offensive game remains a work in progress, particularly his perimeter shooting.<\/p>\n The silver lining is that time remains firmly on his side. Another season in the NBL, potentially in a larger role and a new environment, could provide the development opportunity he needs.<\/p>\n His path to the NBA may have been delayed, but it is far from over. A strong 2026-27 campaign could quickly place Daniels back in first-round conversations ahead of the 2027 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n Watch live coverage of the 2026 NBA Draft with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n