The NBA draft cycle never actually sleeps. We’re deep into January 2026, and while the league’s middle class is cannibalizing itself for play-in positioning, the front offices in Atlanta, Washington, and Indy are basically living in college gyms. Honestly, the 2026 class is looking like a monster. It’s got that rare "historic" tag attached to it, and for once, the hype feels justified.
If you’ve been following the standings, you know the New Orleans Pelicans are in a rough spot. They’re sitting at a dismal 9-32 record. Normally, that’s a "silver lining" situation where you start dreaming of a franchise savior. Except, there’s a catch. The Atlanta Hawks own that pick unprotected. Thanks to a trade that’s looking worse by the day for New Orleans, the Hawks are currently sitting on the best lottery odds for the second time in three years.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this updated mock nba draft and who is actually moving the needle as conference play heats up.
The Big Three: Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer
There’s a clear tier break after the third pick. Most scouts I’ve talked to basically see a "1A, 1B, and 1C" situation. You have AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer. These three have been dominant, but they bring totally different vibes to the court.
AJ Dybantsa: The High-Ceiling Favorite
AJ Dybantsa is currently the guy. He’s a 6-foot-9 wing playing for BYU, and he just looks like a modern NBA scoring machine. He recently dropped 20 points on 6-for-11 shooting against Utah. Sure, he didn't hit a triple in that specific game, but he got to the line 11 times. That’s the thing with Dybantsa—he’s aggressive. He’s got that "alpha" wing DNA that every GM craves. Sam Vecenie over at The Athletic just put him at No. 1 on his big board, and it’s hard to argue with the physical tools. He’s basically a walking mismatch.
Darryn Peterson: The Dynamic Scorer
Then there’s Darryn Peterson at Kansas. He’s a 6-foot-5 guard who can score from literally anywhere. He’s been dealing with a bit of a nagging upper leg injury lately, which slowed him down in a recent loss to West Virginia, but the talent is undeniable. Even on an "off" night, he’s putting up 23 points. He’s shifty. He’s got a 6-foot-10 wingspan. If he’s 100% healthy by March, he could easily jump back into that definitive No. 1 spot.
Cameron Boozer: The Polished Winner
And we can’t forget Cameron Boozer. Yeah, Carlos Boozer’s son. He’s at Duke, and he’s probably the most "pro-ready" of the bunch. He’s 6-foot-9, 250 pounds, and plays with a maturity that’s honestly kind of scary for an 18-year-old. He’s averaging roughly 23 points and 10 rebounds. People worry about his "burst" or "verticality," but then you look at his 2.9 assist-to-turnover ratio as a power forward. He’s a hub. You put the ball in his hands, and good things happen.
Rising Stars and Lottery Shuffles
Outside of the top three, the updated mock nba draft gets a little more chaotic. Teams are looking for specific archetypes now—switchable wings and guards who can actually run a pick-and-roll without panicking.
- Caleb Wilson (UNC): He’s a 6-foot-9 forward who is starting to close the gap on the elite tier. His defensive versatility is his calling card. He’s one of those "event creators" on defense—blocks, steals, deflections. He’s the guy who changes the geometry of the court.
- Kingston Flemings (Houston): If you need a point guard, this is your guy. He’s explosive. He’s currently projected in the top five for the Brooklyn Nets. Houston’s system is notoriously tough, so the fact that he’s thriving there says a lot about his mental toughness.
- Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville): Another guard who has seen his stock rise. He’s got that Tyrese Haliburton-style playmaking vibe.
The center position is where things get weird. This class is loaded with wings and guards, but the big men have some massive question marks. Jayden Quaintance at Arizona State is a physical marvel—6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan—but he’s still very raw offensively. He’s a "project" in a draft where the top guys are "producers."
Sorting Through the Mock Order
Based on the current Tankathon standings as of mid-January, here is how the lottery is shaping up. Remember, this is fluid. One win streak can ruin a tank.
- Atlanta Hawks (via NO): AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
- Indiana Pacers: Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke
- Washington Wizards: Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina
- Sacramento Kings: Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas
- Brooklyn Nets: Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
- Charlotte Hornets: Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
- Dallas Mavericks: Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn
The Hawks landing Dybantsa would be a franchise-altering moment. Pairing him with their existing core would give them one of the most athletic wing rotations in the league. Meanwhile, the Pacers getting Boozer feels like a perfect fit for their system. Boozer’s ability to pass out of the post would thrive next to a high-octane backcourt.
International Flavour and Deep Sleepers
Don't sleep on the international guys. Hannes Steinbach, a 6-foot-11 big from Germany playing at Washington, has been a massive riser. He’s got incredible hands and a soft touch around the rim. In a draft that's thin on reliable centers, a guy like Steinbach could easily slide into the lottery.
There’s also Neoklis Avdalas from Greece (currently at Virginia Tech). He’s a 6-foot-9 point-forward type. He’s got that "Euro-pro" polish where he never seems hurried. He’s currently projected to go to the Thunder (via the Clippers pick), which is exactly the kind of high-IQ player Sam Presti loves to hoard.
Actionable Insights for the Rest of the Season
If you're a fan of a team in the lottery hunt, here is what you need to watch for over the next six weeks:
🔗 Read more: Who Do The Bengals Play This Weekend? The Reality of Cincinnati’s 2026 Postseason
- Monitor Peterson’s Health: If that leg injury lingers into the Big 12 tournament, scouts might start questioning his durability. Watch how he moves off-ball in the second half of games.
- Boozer vs. Length: Keep an eye on Duke’s matchups against teams with 7-footers. People want to see if Boozer can finish over true NBA-sized length or if he relies too much on his strength.
- The BYU Factor: Dybantsa is playing in a unique system. Watch if his efficiency holds up as teams start throwing more "junk" defenses at him to get the ball out of his hands.
This 2026 class is deep, but the real prize is at the very top. The gap between pick three and pick four is wider than it's been in years. If your team is "tanking for AJ," you better hope those lottery balls bounce the right way, because the drop-off is real.