2026 NBA Lottery Mock Draft: Fantasy Outlook

The 2026 NBA Draft opens on Tuesday, June 23, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Sports Illustrated’s fantasy analyst Mark Morales-Smith released a mock lottery draft that pairs each of the 14 first-round selections with a projected fantasy impact.

Sports Illustrated

The Wizards select forward AJ Dybantsa (BYU); the Jazz pick guard Darryn Peterson (Kansas); the Grizzlies choose forward Cameron Boozer (Duke, 19); the Bulls add forward Caleb Wilson (North Carolina); the Clippers take guard Keaton Wagler (Illinois). The remaining lottery selections are Nate Ament (Brooklyn Nets), Darius Acuff Jr. (Sacramento Kings), Mikel Brown Jr. (Atlanta Hawks), Brayden Burries (Dallas Mavericks), Kingston Flemings (Milwaukee Bucks), Aday Mara (Golden State Warriors), Yaxel Lendeborg (Oklahoma City Thunder, 24), Labaron Philon (Miami Heat) and Hannes Steinbach (Charlotte Hornets). Each is matched to a team where the analyst sees a fit and a developmental timeline.

Sports Illustrated

Boozer’s ability to create his own shot and score consistently makes him a potential fantasy star. Dybantsa and Peterson are expected to provide solid early-season production, while Wagler and Brown Jr. should contribute immediately. Lendeborg, at 24, is labeled a “steal” for Oklahoma City, though a deep frontcourt may limit his minutes. Defensive assets Kingston Flemings (high floor) and Aday Mara (elite rim protection) add upside, but Mara’s perimeter-defending limits could curb playing time. Wilson, Ament and Philon face slow starts, and Acuff Jr.’s defensive gaps may restrict his role.

Sports Illustrated

The mock draft flags concerns: Wilson, Ament and Philon may struggle early due to inconsistent shooting; Acuff Jr.’s defensive gaps and Mara’s perimeter-defending limits could cut minutes; Lendeborg’s age and the Thunder’s frontcourt depth raise doubts about immediate fantasy value. Owners must balance upside against short-term reliability.

Sports Illustrated

• “Memphis Grizzlies F Cameron Boozer, Duke You can make a strong case that Boozer is the best player in this draft, and there is no way he falls any further than Pick 3.” — Mark Morales-Smith, Fantasy Analyst

Sports Illustrated

• “His ability to create his own shot and drain them consistently makes him a potential fantasy star.” — Mark Morales-Smith, Fantasy Analyst

Sports Illustrated

• “He would be drafted higher if he weren't already 24 years old.” — Mark Morales-Smith, Fantasy Analyst

Sports Illustrated

• “He will be an elite rim protector and can finish with ease in the paint.” — Mark Morales-Smith, Fantasy Analyst

Sports Illustrated

The official draft on June 23 will reveal whether the mock selections hold. Fantasy platforms will update rookie rankings shortly after, giving owners time to adjust lineups for the 2026-27 season.

Sports Illustrated