2026 NBA Mock Draft: Player Comparisons

It's time to start looking at the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, and for the first time ever, Basketball Now and Then: The Greatest Comparisons will be doing our first-ever 2026 NBA Mock Draft. That being written, there are some ground rules for the mock draft.

Starting off, this mock draft will be based on my opinions on who these teams should draft. Secondly, we are gonna be doing pre-draft player comparisons for these players. That being written, if these comparisons don't hold up once these get into the NBA, we have the right here at this podcast to change the comparisons. When we do these comparisons, we will focus on playstyle, skills, size, and projections.

Keeping this in mind, let's begin!

First round of NBA Mock Draft

1st Pick | Washington Wizards

After almost 10 years without sustained success, the Washington Wizards finally have a real chance to build a true contender, and drafting AJ Dybantsa would be the reason why. Dybantsa is essentially a clone of Kevin Durant with his size, his three-level scoring, and his fluid motion. The BYU product can be the reason why the Wizards become relevant in the Eastern Conference again.

2nd Pick | Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz were going to be done tanking regardless of the draft lottery results, but landing the second overall pick and the second coming of Brandon Roy in Darryn Peterson couldn't have been a better result. Like Roy, Peterson is a three-level scorer with some playmaking skills and plays with a fluidity that few players can. A backcourt of Peterson and Keyonta George will complete the Jazz's rebuild.

3rd Pick | Memphis Grizzlies

I think Caleb Wilson is an ideal fit in the Memphis Grizzlies front court with Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey. Wilson's athleticism on defense and offensive versatility will make the Grizzlies big duo a problem for other teams. Based on his athleticism and versatility, I see much of Amar'e Stoudemire's game in Wilson and believe that he could be the ideal comparison for the young big man.

4th Pick | Chicago Bulls

The easy comparison for Cameron Boozer would be his father, Carlos Boozer, especially considering I have him mocked to the Chicago Bulls, where his father played. However, in terms of playstyle, the younger Boozer plays most like veteran big man Al Horford. However, Boozer has even more upside due to his athleticism.

5th Pick | Los Angeles Clippers, Via IND

The Los Angeles Clippers drafted the biggest guard/wing in this range in Keaton Wagler. Wagler can shoot the ball with the best of them, and he was a bit of playmaking too. In that regard, he has similar skills to Tyler Herro. Like Herro, Wagler would best be served as a sixth man, but could very easily be a starter for most teams.

6th Pick | Brooklyn Nets

In the 2025 NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets tried and failed to find a true floor general. However, they hit it out of the park in the 2026 NBA Draft by selecting Kingston Flemming, who is arguably the best playmaker in this draft. His game is very similar to Sam Cassell's, with his ability to hit mid-range shots and his steady playmaking presence.

7th Pick | Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings need to get younger and need to have a young go-to scorer. That's where Darius Acuff comes in, and with a similar game to CJ McCollum, Acuff would fill a scoring need that the Kings need as they transition to a younger team. The comparison for these two comes down to their high-volume three-level scoring with secondary playmaking skills.

8th Pick | Atlanta Hawks, Via NOP

This is a hot take comparison as the athletic profiles of Mikel Brown and Donovan Mitchell are very similar. If anything, Brown might become a better defender than Mitchell; however, if Brown falls to the Hawks, they might be one of the teams to get the best value for their pick.

9th Pick | Dallas Mavericks

If the Dallas Mavericks truly believe that Cooper Flagg will be the team's point forward, then getting an off-guard scoring guard is key, and Brayden Burries should be their guy. With the shooting and off-ball movement of Anfernee Simons in his game, Burries would be an ideal backcourt fit for the Mavericks.

10th Pick | Milwaukee Bucks

It seems like the divorce between the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo seems inevitable at this point. If that is the case, then finding a suitable replacement at the power forward position is a must, and Yaxel Lendeborg should be at the top of their list. He's not going to be the next Greek Freak, but his well-rounded offensive game, defense, and rebounding are a near-perfect comparison to Paul Millsap.

11th Pick | Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are essentially a team full of guards and centers. They clearly need wing depth, and Joshua Jefferson would fit perfectly in their system. With a 3-point shooting stroke like that of Antoine Walker, he should be a natural fit in Steve Kerr's offense.

12th Pick | Oklahoma City Thunder, LAC

Let's be clear, the Oklahoma City Thunder don't need another guard; however, it might be hard to pass up on the defensive guard Labaron Philon. With the strength and athleticism that match Eric Bledsoe's, he fits their culture perfectly.

13th Pick | Miami Heat

The Miami Heat need more offensive firepower, and Nate Ament has the potential to be a scorer at the forward spot. His play style is very similar to Kyle Kuzma's: both are score-first forwards with some defensive potential. The real question is, can Miami develop a raw prospect like Ament into the high-volume scorer they need?

14th Pick | Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets experienced real success this past season despite not making the playoffs, but they need more frontcourt depth. Hannes Steinbach would be an ideal fit for the Hornets. His athleticism and potential to become a 3-point shooter have shades of Isaiah Stewart to his game, and that's the type of big man they are currently missing in their rotation.

15th Pick | Chicago Bulls, POR

The Bulls are starting a rebuild, again. Hopefully, they can figure it out soon, and the good news for them is that they already have interesting young players in place. However, what they are missing is a young defensive center who can playmake to anchor the team in the middle. That's where Aday Mara comes in, as he has the potential to become a Marc Gasol -type player for the club with the aforementioned skills listed above.

16th Pick | Memphis Grizzlies, Via PHX

With the union of Ja Morant and the Grizzlies in doubt, it would be wise for Memphis to address the lead guard position with this pick. Adding Bennett Stirtz would, in theory, help fix that problem. Stirtz is a two-way guard who can play on or off the ball and can be a plus defender; in this regard, he's a good comparison to Brandin Podziemski.

17th Pick | Oklahoma City Thunder, Via PHI

The Thunder lack forwards with size, and that's where Karim Lopez comes into play for them at this pick. Lopez is still a very raw prospect, but his lack of a 3-point shot lands him in Rudy Gay comparisons, as both are good athletes but lack a natural touch from the 3-point line.

18th Pick | Charlotte Hornets, Via ORL

As one of the more raw prospects in this draft, Koa Peat will need to develop on the Hornets bench. However, if they can be patient with this development, then he has the tools to develop into a Luol Deng -type player. If he can do that, then the Hornets have extremely good frontcourt depth coming out of this draft.

19th Pick | Toronto Raptors

Like when Larry Sanders came into the league, Jayden Quaintance is a very raw and athletic big man. If he can stay healthy and develop his game, then Quaintance will become an important piece of the Toronto Raptors center rotation.

20th Pick | San Antonio Spurs, Via ATL

The San Antonio Spurs need two things going into this offseason, 3-point shooting and forward depth. Drafting Allen Graves addresses both of those needs as he compares to Cameron Johnson with his 3-point shooting and defense.

21st Pick | Detroit Pistons, Via MIN

The Detroit Pistons need more shot creation coming off the bench and Christian Anderson can address that need. Anderson is a good three-level scorer and can create space for his own shot at any time. With those types of skills, Anderson could make a comparison to Lou Williams.

22nd Pick | Philadelphia 76ers, Via HOU

The Philadelphia 76ers need to add a true playmaker around their star guard combination of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. With that in mind, adding a point forward like Dailyn Swain could help fill that hole in the Sixers rotation. With his playmaking, lack of consistent outside shot, and defense, Philly might end up drafting a player with a very similar profile to Justise Winslow.

23rd Pick | Atlanta Hawks, Via CLE

The Hawks added guard depth with their first round pick, and probably the bigger area of need is big man; that's why Chris Cenac Jr. makes so much sense here with this pick. His 3-point shooting and rebounding are exactly what they need at the stretch-4 or stretch-5, and it mirrors what Bobby Portis has been able to do in this league for such a long time.

24th Pick | New York Knicks

One area in which the New York Knicks are lacking is wing depth, and Isaiah Evans can definitely fill that need. Evans has let the 3-pointer fly like few in college have, and it is reminiscent of Nick Young in his prime. Having a wing with some size and can reliably shoot from downtown would make New York even more dangerous.

25th Pick | Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers need to take the best player available at this spot, and Morez Johnson Jr. can easily be that guy. With the athleticism and high-energy play that mirrors Montrezl Harrell, he would be an ideal lob threat for Luka Doncic as a member of the Lakers. If anything, Johnson could be a better defender and 3-point shooter than Harrell was at his peak.

26th Pick | Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets need more athleticism on this roster, and there isn't a better high flyer in this draft class than Cameron Carr. There are very few elite athletes in NBA history, and when you watch Carr play, you just see the shades of Gerald Green in his game. Nuggets fans would be in for a special show if they got the chance of seeing Carr catching lobs for Nikola Jokic.

27th Pick | Boston Celtics

Amari Allen has all the physical tools to develop into a complete player, and that's why the Boston Celtics should take him with this pick. The player he compares to actually was drafted by the Celtics 19 years ago. Jeff Green's physical build and herky-jerky playstyle in his prime match what Allen showed in college.

28th Pick | Minnesota Timberwolves, Via DET

The Minnesota Timberwolves need point guard depth, and Tyler Tanner certainly fills that. Despite being only 6-foot tall, Tanner is easily the best defensive PG in this draft, and unlike most defensive playmakers, he has a reliable 3-point shot. In that regard, his game closely mirrors Mookie Blaylock's.

29th Pick | Cleveland Cavaliers, Via SAS

This is a Spanish-born point guard with good size, a high basketball I.Q., and potential to be a good defender. While this matches Ricky Rubio's profile as a player, the prospect that the Cleveland Cavaliers should take at this point is Sergio de Larrea. To be clear, Larrea needs time to develop, even possibly overseas, but he has the potential to be a high-level playmaker and defender in this league, just like Rubio was.

30th Pick | Dallas Mavericks, Via OKC

The Mavericks need more functional floor spacing on their roster, and Meleek Thomas can provide that. With the streaky shooting and athleticism that would remind most fans of J.R. Smith, Thomas has the potential to become a similar type of role player. If that happens, the Mavs are in pretty good shape.

Second round of 2026 NBA Mock Draft

31st Pick | New York Knicks, Via WAS

The Knicks aren't done adding wing depth in this 2026 NBA Mock Draft. They go a different direction in terms of playstyle with this pick and add Alex Karaban with this pick. Karaban is a solid defender and shooter, with the basketball I.Q. that should remind fans of Kyle Anderson.

32nd Pick | Memphis Grizzlies, Via IND

With the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke, the Grizzlies need to replenish their depth at center, and Henri Veesaar would be an ideal fit with his shot-blocking skills and 3-point shooting. With those skills and his play style, his game mimics Jay Huff, who had one of his better seasons with Memphis.

33rd Pick | Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are a high-tempo, fast-paced team, and with that in mind, they need to add a big man who can play in that type of system. Zuby Ejiofor fits that mold. His game mirrors a healthy version of Kevon Looney with the rebounding, playmaking, and high-flying athleticism that both players showed in their youth.

34th Pick | Sacramento Kings

Tounde Yessoufou has the potential to become a solid rotational player in the NBA; at the same time, he's one of the rawest prospects in this draft. Despite the potential he as to become a bust, the Kings need perimeter defense, and he can add that. With his raw potential and his ability as a defender, Jaden Springer seems like a good comparison for the shooting guard.

35th Pick | San Antonio Spurs, Via UTA

Let's be clear, the San Antonio Spurs have plenty of guard depth as is; however, you can never have too much of a good thing, and adding Ebuka Okorie at this spot would be the right move. Okorie is a combo guard who scores well on high volume. If the Spurs end up adding him, it will be like having Collin Sexton as the fourth guard in the rotation, which makes them even more dangerous.

36th Pick | Los Angeles Clippers, Via MEM

Adding to the center room should be a must for the Clippers this offseason. Adding an offensive option at center would pair nicely with Darius Garland. With that in mind, Tarris Reed Jr. should be the pick here. He has the tools to develop into an offense hob on the low block like Al Jefferson was during his prime.

37th Pick | Oklahoma City Thunder, Via DAL

Adding another wing in this draft wouldn't hurt the Thunder's rotation or roster balance. With that in mind, Juke Harris would be a player to take a flier on. Harris is a raw prospect, but he has all the tools to become a two-way player like John Salmons was, and the Thunder have the infrastructure to support that type of development.

38th Pick | Chicago Bulls, Via NOP

The Bulls don't have a lot of shooting on this roster, so adding more makes sense at this spot. Richie Saunders is one of the better shooters in the class and as a senior would be ready to contribute right away. When watching him play, it's easy to see the comparison between him and current NBA sharpshooter Luke Kennard. Like Kennard, Saunders has a little bit of playmaking with his game and isn't just a pure shooter.

39th Pick | Houston Rockets, Via CHI

The Houston Rockets have a problem, and it's the fact that they don't have enough shooting on the roster. With that in mind, Ryan Conwell should be on their radar at this pick. At his size, as well as his ability to be a 3-and-D shooter, he profiles similarly to Gary Trent Jr.

40th Pick | Boston Celtics, Via MIL

The playoffs proved that the Celtics need a playable defensive center, and Baba Miller can be that guy. He's super athletic at the five spot, which allows him to cause havoc on both sides of the ball like JaVale McGee used to do.

41st Pick | Miami Heat, Via GSW

This draft should be about adding scoring to the Heat, and Branden Smith can do that at the point guard position. His 3-level scoring and shiftiness mirror the playstyle of Payton Pritchard, and if Smith can develop in a similar fashion, Miami's bench will become a problem.

42nd Pick | San Antonio Spurs, Via POR

The Spurs have always had solid 3-and-D wings, so drafting Matt Able, who projects to become one, is an easy slam dunk of a pick here. When playing, Able's game has shades of Mickael Pietrus, and if he fully develops into that type of player, it would be a win for San Antonio.

43rd Pick | Brooklyn Nets, Via LAC

The Nets need more shooting, so getting a shooter like Milan Momcilovic helps fill that void on the roster. Now, let's be clear, he's more of a spot-up shooter like Jason Kapono, so being a solid role player is his ceiling, but at this point in the draft, it's worth the pick for Brooklyn.

44th Pick | San Antonio Spurs, Via MIA

If the Spurs are going best player available at this spot, then drafting Jaden Bradley makes a lot of sense here. Let's be clear, the Spurs probably won't be keeping all their picks, and I suspect this one they will trade, but however drafts, Bradley will be getting a 3-and-D point guard with above-average playmaking skills. The best comparison for him would be a George Hill type with the ability to play on or off the ball, along with the other aforementioned skills.

45th Pick | Sacramento Kings, Via CHA

Trevon Brazile is one of the athletically gifted players in the draft. In some ways, he has flashes of Tyrus Thomas in his game. The only difference is that Brazile is more of a 3-point threat. If Brazile can fully develop into the defensive stretch big he projects to be based on his athleticism, the Kings have a steal of a pick at this spot.

46th Pick | Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic need a glue guy in their wing depth who's willing to do all the dirty work, and Dillon Mitchell can be that guy for them. He's a high-energy defender who is willing to do what is needed on offense, just like Quincy Acy did. Mitchell's game might not be the prettiest, but he will be important to a rotation.

47th Pick | Phoenix Suns, Via PHI

Following in the same vein of high-energy role players, Billy Richmond III should be on the Phoenix Suns' radar. It's hard to determine if Richmond will ever develop a reliable 3-point shot, but his size and length as a wing have shades of Corey Brewer to his game.

48th Pick | Dallas Mavericks, Via PHX

Having a 3-and-D point guard next to Flag wouldn't be a bad thing for the Mavericks, and adding Emanuel Sharp is certainly a good idea at this point in the draft. Sharp's ability to run an offense while also deferring to a lead ball handler is reminiscent of Darren Collison's style of play.

49th Pick | Denver Nuggets, Via ATL

The Nuggets need more quality point guard depth, and Bruce Thornton might be able to provide it. Thornton's a short, well-rounded PG, just like D.J. Augustin was during his prime. If Denver adds someone capable of running their second unit without Jokic, then that's something they should consider.

50th Pick | Toronto Raptors

With injury issues surrounding their point guard depth, it wouldn't be a bad idea to shore up that position in that draft. That's where Tamin Lipsey comes in. He's not a flashy player by any means, but he projects to become a steady backup point guard who can defend and run an offense like Earl Watson once was.

51st Pick | Washington Wizards, Via MIN

The Wizards need to add a bit more offensive firepower to their center rotation, and Nate Bittle can develop into that type of player. He's not the most athletic or mobile big man, but he's just a solid guy with the tools to be in the same vein as a Brad Miller -type center.

52nd Pick | Los Angeles Clippers, Via CLE

Despite picking a center earlier in this second round, the Clippers are gonna double down at the spot here and select Malachi Moreno. Moreno isn't a super athlete at the position, but what he can be is a solid, physically imposing player. His game mirrors Andrew Bogut's in a lot of ways, but only time will tell if Moreno can become the playmaker that Bogut was.

53rd Pick | Houston Rockets

The Rockets need more point guard depth despite the projected return of Fred VanVleet. Adding a player like Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes sense as he can run and is underrated as a scoring threat. In some ways, J. Gillespie mirrors Collin Gillespie's current playstyle in Phoenix.

54th Pick | Golden State Warriors, Via LAL

The Warriors thrive by having playmaking wings on the roster, so selecting Keyshawn Hall would make sense for them at this spot. His 3-point shooting and playmaking are eerily similar to Omri Casspi's when he was in the league. Hall might end up being a steal at this spot if developed correctly.

55th Pick | New York Knicks

Depending on what happens in free agency this offseason, the Knicks could be in the market for another backup center. With that in mind, Felix Okpara should be the pick. They need defensive center depth and with a playstyle similar to Samuel Dalembert, Okpara would fit the bill for that need.

56th Pick | Chicago Bulls, Via DEN

Josh Giddy is the primary playmaker in Chicago, so adding complementary guards should be on their list. Kylan Boswell fits that role perfectly, as his game mirrors Derek Fisher's, with off-ball skills and the ability to defend opposing guards.

57th Pick | Atlanta Hawks, Via BOS

Adding a playable backup point guard here for the Hawks would be a pretty good idea. Now Jeremy Fears Jr. doesn't fit the mold of what most teams want from a backup PG, as he's not a good floor spacer and prefers to playmake. However, neither was T.J. McConnell, and he's had a pretty long career.

58th Pick | New Orleans Pelicans, Via DET

The center depth chart in New Orleans is weird and lacks a consistent identity. If they cut ties with their veterans and draft a guy like Rueben Chinyelu, then having young athletic bigs would become part of their identity. Chinyelu is a high-energy big man that's a bit undersized, just like Joel Anthony once was for the Heat.

59th Pick | Minnesota Timberwolves, Via SAS

Adding Nick Martinelli as a point forward for the T-Wolves would make sense, considering that they have his comparison already on the roster in Joe Ingles. With Ingles getting closer to retirement, it makes sense for them to draft his replacement. Both wings have good playmaking and defensive skills, as well as an underrated scoring bag.

60th Pick | Washington Wizards, Via OKC

The Wizards could add more power and strength at the shooting guard spot, and that's where Otega Oweh comes into play. His size, build, and playstyle are similar to Bonzi Wells, which would help the defensively lacking Wiz. On top of that, Oweh's brother, Odafe Oweh, just signed with the Washington Commanders this offseason, so having both brothers in town would be a treat for Washington sports fans.

Agree with this 2026 NBA Mock Draft and the NBA Player Comparisons made in it? Comment your thoughts below!