2026 NBA Mock Draft: AJ Dybantsa goes No. 1, Michigan duo taken in lottery as standings, lottery odds set

The 2025-26 NBA regular season is over, which means two things: The NBA Playoffs are near, and one of the most high-profile tank races of this era is over. All that's left for the 14 teams that don't make the playoffs is to hope the lottery balls go their way next month. 

Every team will be on pins and needles during the NBA Draft Lottery on May 10 in Chicago because of how stacked the top of the draft is. There isn't a clear-cut No. 1 prospect yet, which isn't a bad thing. By now, you know who those three names are that could go off the board first, but if you need a refresher: BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Kansas' Darryn Peterson, and Duke's Cameron Boozer. 

Peterson began the season as the slight favorite to go No. 1. However, Dybantsa has picked up steam to hear his name called first. Also, don't forget about Boozer, who was the best player in college basketball this season.

The tankers can finally shut off their engines. It's up to a bunch of ping-pong balls to determine the trajectory of franchises for the next decade (and maybe more). Notably, there are two picks (four and seven) tied in the final standings. The draft odds will be split evenly between the teams, and a coin toss will take place to determine the pre-lottery placement.

Let's jump into my first mock draft of the cycle, which features just one International player in the first round and nine of the 10 first picks being first-year players.