The 2026 NBA Draft offers a variety of intriguing prospects. At the top, there’s star power, alongside a solid group of point guards. There are also promising forwards, both emerging talents like Nate Ament and seasoned players like Jaxel Lendeborg, along with Aday Mara, a classic 7-foot-3 player known for his drop coverage, and Chris Cenac Jr., a stretch five with long-term potential. Just like last year, teams in the top four of the lottery will likely emerge as the biggest winners. Still, there are plenty of second-round players in their twenties who could make a significant impact.
Let’s explore some of the standout draft fits from both team and player angles. Here are six pairings to watch.
Darrin Peterson – Utah Jazz
Back in February 2025, Darrin Peterson was shining as a high school senior, even scoring 58 points against AJ Divanza. Fast forward a bit, and he’s entering the draft as a somewhat contentious pick after a challenging freshman year at Kansas, hindered by cramps and injuries. Although he didn’t find his former explosiveness, Peterson now insists he’s fully recovered, linking his issues to overdoing creatine without staying hydrated.
The Jazz have been closely following AJ Divanza, who played well at Utah State, yet they believe Peterson meets their future needs more effectively. With a promising core including Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, and presumably Walker Kessler, there’s also Ace Bailey on the wing and Keyontae George in the backcourt. Ideally, they want a guard who can strengthen their defense while also contributing offensively, and Peterson perfectly embodies that.
While at Kansas, Peterson showcased his potential as a sharpshooter, hitting three-pointers at a rate that exceeded expectations. His dynamic shooting style seems to align well with what Will Hardy envisions for Utah. Plus, he could revert to being the on-ball scoring guard he was in high school, potentially demanding more touches. If he can regain his former explosiveness, the main hurdle might still be his playmaking ability, which was just average during his time at Kansas. Beyond his offensive skills, he’s a solid defender, capable of racking up steals and blocks, enhancing George’s defensive prowess as he takes on tougher assignments.
Honestly, I believe adding Peterson could help Utah become a playoff contender in the Western Conference next year.
Aday Mara and Ebuka Okolie – Atlanta Hawks
With picks No. 8 and No. 23, the Hawks have ongoing needs at point guard and center. They should target top-tier guards first, like Mikel Brown Jr., Darius Acuff, Kingston Flemings, and Keaton Wagler. Personally, I’d wait on taking a point guard with the second pick since it’s a deep position this year; grabbing Michigan’s Aday Mara, the standout center candidate, at No. 8 seems smart.
The Hawks may have regretted passing on Zach Edey and Donovan Clingan when they opted for Zachary Lizacher last draft season, but this could be a chance to correct that. Aday Mara, standing at 7-foot-3, offers impressive passing skills and shot-making ability, which give him two-way potential. While he might not be the most adaptable defender, he should handle the drop coverage effectively. It would certainly help the Hawks to have a few aggressive defenders at the point of attack as Dyson Daniels and Nickell-Alexander-Walker pursue opposing ball handlers.
If Ebuka Okolie is available at No. 23, he would be an excellent fit for Atlanta. This 6-foot-2 Stanford point guard boasts impressive handles and a fantastic first step, which helps him create scoring opportunities in the paint. He’s more of a scorer right now than a playmaker, but given the lack of talent he had around him at college, he could significantly develop as a passer with better teammates in the NBA. Okolie has been ascending draft boards and could even contend for a lottery pick, but he’s still generally viewed as a second-round option. Mara and Okolie could set the Hawks up for a solid future in the Eastern Conference.
Jaxel Lendeborg – Oklahoma City Thunder
Jaxel Lendeborg, just a month older than Josh Guidi post his fifth NBA season, emerges as a top prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft. His skill set is something that’s hard to find among modern forwards. This past season, he was a standout player in college basketball, clearly the second-best after Cameron Boozer—not just for his scoring against younger players. After navigating the pre-draft process last year, Lendeborg aimed to showcase his abilities at Michigan by increasing his three-point shooting and taking on tougher defensive roles. He achieved both during the Wolverines’ national championship run, presenting as a potential starter who can bring value on either end of the court when he turns pro.
At around 241 pounds and 6 feet 9 inches tall, with a 7’3.25 wingspan, Lendeborg’s size is nearly that of an NBA center. He demonstrated that he can play effectively on the perimeter this season, shooting 8.4 threes per 100 possessions and hitting 37.2 percent of those shots. His passing ability allows him to quickly read plays across the floor, and he’s a strong offensive rebounder, facilitating fast breaks with his cuts and dribbles. The Thunder are on the lookout for cost-effective contributors who can dribble, pass, and shoot in the league, so if Lendeborg is still there at No. 12, they should be thrilled. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up in the top six picks.
Bennett Staats – Detroit Pistons
This season, Cade Cunningham has been shouldering much of the Pistons’ playmaking duties due to a lack of ball-handling options on the roster. It’s clear Detroit needs to address this problem with their No. 21 overall pick, and if Bennett Staats is available, he’s the perfect fit as an Iowa point guard.
Although Staats hasn’t had extensive playing time this season, he’s shown he can score and facilitate effectively. He’s adept in pick-and-roll scenarios and can keep defenses on their toes with his scoring abilities off the dribble. As one of the stronger shooters in this draft class, he could really help space the floor alongside Cunningham. I’m curious to see how he fares in a quicker system, given Iowa’s slower play style last season.
Staats brings value to multiple offensive facets. He might face some challenges on defense, but Detroit has been among the league’s top defenses, with plenty of size to support him. It appears to be a genuinely beneficial match between Staats and the Pistons.
Morez Johnson – Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets had the best net rating in the NBA since January 1st, but their elimination in the play-in tournament highlights that they could use more toughness and interior strength. If Aday Mara isn’t available, I think Morez Johnson, his University of Michigan teammate, would be a fantastic alternative at No. 13. Despite his young age, he has demonstrated that he can excel in various lineup situations with the Wolverines, and he’s shown enough size at the combine to take on center responsibilities solo.
Johnson stands nearly 6 feet 9 inches, weighs about 250 pounds, and has a wingspan of 7 feet 3.5 inches, making him a fit for an NBA center. He’s agile for his size—he can finish well around the basket, run the floor effectively, and catch lobs in pick-and-roll situations. Also, he’s one of the top defenders in this draft class, with the agility to outmaneuver opponents and switch effectively on the perimeter.
Working with elite players like LaMelo Ball or skilled spacers like Con Knuppel could create ample opportunities for Johnson to score. He could partner with Ryan Kalkbrenner or Moussa Diabaté, or even function as the singular big man for a stretch. Alternatively, Johnson would be a strong candidate for the 15th pick from the Chicago Bulls or even the Thunder’s 17th (or 12th) pick. While there might be higher upside players available, sometimes teams need to prioritize building a resilient squad to win in the postseason. Johnson embodies that mentality well.
