Mock draft 2026

[iowamcnabb]

I figured it would be cool to start the 2026 draft thread haha. The 26 draft is loaded and it least on paper is filled with a bunch of wings and bigs in the top part of the draft. There is also an early riser in the process (Bennett Stirtz) from Iowa that could be our point guard of the future. He has a very unique game and I expect him to blow up this season after transferring from Drake. Obviously this list is going to change dramatically over the season. Unless we swing a big trade this draft could be a big part of the next era of Kings basketball

2026 NBA Mock Draft - NBA Draft Room

The 2026 NBA Mock Draft features the top players in the 2025 recruiting class. This is a running list that will be updated as new info ...

nbadraftroom.com

 

[sactowndog]

Looks like a good year to tank

 

[Joshyjosh31]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1941628245411017031

https://twitter.com/x/status/1939412830911877420

https://twitter.com/x/status/1940505521997640085

 

[serbiangoat]

Pavle Backo looks like a super legit big , they call him baby Joker but imo he's like a bigger ZBo with some Marc Gasol (shooting/straight up defense) extremely soft touch and a beast around the rim. If he measures out well which he looks like he will I could see him going in the Sengun range. He's 6"11 and has a feathery 3 point stroke and crazy size. I don't really see the elite passing ability to compare him to Jokic or Marc Gasol hopefully he plays for the main Mega squad this year.

 

[bajaden]

Chris Cenac: PF, 6'9", 220 Lbs: Houston

Cenac looks like a legit big man, and maybe the best one in this class. He's a well rounded player who looks like he's ready for the next level. He has a good post game with very good footwork. If your looking for someone to throw lobs to, he's your guy. However his game isn't restricted to dunks and putbacks. He has a nice looking 3pt shot, and a very polished turn around jumper from 15 feet. Actually, I was impressed with his offensive game. Bear in mind, he's going up against highschool players.

Defensively he has all the tools. Good lateral quickness and anticipation. Most of all, he's a willing defender who will run the floor for a chance to block a shot from behind. In the post he's more of a help shotblocker, but none the less, he's a presence. While he needs to get stronger, he's still a very physical player. He seems to enjoy banging down low. He has a great motor and seems to have good basketball IQ. We'll see. I plan on revisiting him after a few weeks into the college season.

 

[bajaden]

Caleb Wilson: SF/PF, 6'9", 195Lbs: North Carolina

I like this kid alot. I think he has a ton of upside. Right now he's projected to go late lottery to high 20's, which is where the Kings could be drafting. He needs to add about 15 lbs of muscle, and work on his weaknesses. What are those you ask? Ballhandling for one thing. He's not terrible by anymeans, but he's also not as good as he thinks he is. He's pretty much a straight line driver, but when he gets in a crowd, he trys to add some wiggle to his game that he doesn't have.

He's a smart player with good court vision. He's good at driving into the lane and kicking the ball out when he sees the double coming. He's a very good athlete and runs the floor like a deer which sometimes ends with a spectacular dunk. He knows when to cut to the basket for bail outs. He has a 3pt shot and a midrange in his bag of tricks. To be honest, his game just needs some polishing. He's also a very good shot blocker. He would look good next to Sabonis as a help defender, who can also stretch the floor

I'm very high on this kid right now We'll see how I feel a couple weeks into the college season. Right now he looks like the whole package, but I've felt that way before.

 

[bajaden]

Darius Acuff: PG, 6'2", 170 Lb's Arkansas

Some project Acuff as the best pg in the class, and after viewing a lot of film on him, it's hard to argue with that. Although he's a bit undersized by todays standards. If you're isolated on the perimeter against him, you're in trouble. He has a lightning quick first step along with the ability to shoot the step back three. Focus too much on his step back, and he's gone. He's fun to watch in transition with his change of speeds and hesitation moves. He can basically get anywhere he wants on the floor.

He has a very nice 3pt shot to go along with his midrange which includes a stepback and a floater. He appeared to be a decent to good defender who likes to play the passing lanes. Not sure about his rebounding since it wasn't highlighted, which leads me to believe it's not his strong suit. He appears to be a good passer and a safe one. Didn't see him try any miraculous passes and he seemed to have very good court vision.

Because of his body type, and his lightning speed, he reminded me quite a bit of Fox, but with a better outside shot. I'm trying to convince myself that it wasn't the fact that he was wearing the number 5 and it was subcounciously affecting my perceptions. In short, I like him quite a bit. I see a lot of upside with him and Calipari is known for developing guards, expecially pg's. I think he has a bright future in the NBA and would look good in a Kings uniform.

 

[bajaden]

Cameron Boozer: PF, 6'9", 225 Lb's, Duke

Boozer is projected to be a top 3 pick. At this point in time, I have him ranked number one. That could change over the course of the season, but the Kid is damm good. He has excellent handles for a big man and can easily work his way through traffic. Actually, there's not much he can't do. He has the 3pt shot, the midrange shot, and is a beast under the basket. What surprised me, was his passing ability. He's an excellent passer with very good court vision.

When you combine those offensive abilities to his defensive abilities, you've got a top pick. He apparently inherited a lot of his abilities from his all star father, who is probably remembered more for the wrong reasons. But Carlos was a hell of a player. He's on the same team, Duke, as his twin brother. Who somehow got screwed when God was handing out inches in height and ended up being 6'5". But more on Cayden later. Cameron right now looks like the whole package.

Once again, I remind you that I'm watching Highschool basketball. Cameron is also a very good offensive rebounder. Anyone who thinks this isn't a good draft needs their head examined. I'm watching a lot of film, and there's a lot of talent in this draft. I'm actually surprised by the quality and the quanity of talent.

 

[SacTownKid]

Yeah, this draft might be a good one. Dang it. Haven't even heard much about Trey McKenney. I like what I've seen out of him. He reminds me of Mitch Richmond with that body.

 

[bajaden]

Yeah, this draft might be a good one. Dang it. Haven't even heard much about Trey McKenney. I like what I've seen out of him. He reminds me of Mitch Richmond with that body.

It's hard to go into detail on these players until they get some college games under their belt. Right now, if I had to choose a PG I'd choose Acuff over Mikel Brown. That's if I'm looking for a PG, because Acuff looks more like a pure PG to me, But that opinion could change.

 

[bajaden]

Mikel Brown: G, 6'4", 170 Lb's, Louisville

My question is, is Brown more of a SG than a PG? Either way, he's a hell of a player. But if your looking for Haliburton, or some resemblence there of, it's not him. He's a very good shooter who has no problem creating his own shot, but at times he tends to pound the ball a bit to much for me. He's a good finisher, and very good at getting to the basket. He has a lot of wiggle to his game. He's very athletic. I know the coaching staff at Louisville is raving about him.

I can't really comment on his defense. I could'nt find much film showing him on the defensive side of the ball. I only saw brief glimpses of his assists. I saw a lot of game results where he scored 24 or so points but only 3 or 4 assists, which gives me Pause. But we'll see. We don't know what he was asked to do. He's definitely a 3 level scorer with a bag full of tools. I'm excited to see what he turns into .