ESPN Mock Draft Projects Dybantsa and Peterson as Top Two Picks Ahead of 2026 NBA Draft
Updated projections from ESPN place AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson at the summit of the 2026 NBA Draft, while the Milwaukee Bucks navigate a post-Giannis rebuild with multiple first-round selections.
ESPN has released an updated two-round mock draft projecting 60 picks ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN. The publication’s projections, informed by source intelligence and workout results, place Washington Wizards prospect AJ Dybantsa at the top of the board. This selection follows the Wizards’ recent trade acquisition of Trae Young, a move that reportedly limits the strategic fit for Darryn Peterson, who is projected to be selected second overall by the Utah Jazz.
The Washington Wizards are viewed as having made a definitive choice, with signs pointing toward Dybantsa as the most likely first pick. Sources indicate that the long-term commitment to Young, secured via a four-year, $212 million contract, muddies the potential pairing with Peterson, who seeks to develop as a point guard. Dybantsa’s physical gifts and scoring ability are seen as complementary to Young’s playmaking, reducing the immediate offensive creation burden on the rookie. While the Wizards have remained quiet, league sources suggest Dybantsa has been the favourite at this spot since the draft lottery in May.
In Utah, the Jazz have demonstrated strong interest in Peterson, a shift from earlier in the process when the prospect had not visited the franchise. Peterson’s medicals have not raised concerns, and despite a challenging season at Kansas, he is regarded by teams as a premier offensive talent. The projection suggests Peterson would slot in alongside Keyonte George, bolstering Utah’s offence as they push for playoff contention. Cameron Boozer is expected to follow as the third pick, with the Memphis Grizzlies viewed as his likely destination.
The Milwaukee Bucks have significantly altered their draft strategy following the trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. The deal, which included the acquisition of the 13th pick, has prompted the Bucks to target guards or the best available players with their first-round selections. Rumours suggest Milwaukee may package its picks to move up to the fifth or sixth spot to secure a guard such as Keaton Wagler or Darius Acuff Jr. The franchise has conducted extensive due diligence on players in the eight to 12 range, including Aday Mara and Brayden Burries.
The mock draft highlights broader trade activity and player fits across the league, with several teams signalling openness to moving assets. The Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics are among the franchises navigating complex cap situations and roster constructions. ESPN notes that these projections are not personal rankings and will be updated to reflect any new intel or transactions until the conclusion of the first round.
