NBA Draft 2026: Predicting the Top 10 Picks and the Next Big Thing
The 2026 NBA draft is still a few years away, but the excitement is already building. With a new crop of talented young players emerging, fans and scouts are eager to see who will rise to the top and become the next big thing in the NBA. In this article, we'll take a look at our 2026 NBA mock draft top 10 and predict who will be the number one pick.
At just 17 years old, Victor Wembanyama is already being touted as the next big thing in the NBA. The French forward has been dominating in the European leagues, showcasing his incredible skills and versatility on the court. With his 7-foot-4 frame and ability to play both inside and outside, Wembanyama is the clear favorite to be the number one pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Scoot Henderson is another young player who is making waves in the basketball world. The 18-year-old American guard has already gained valuable experience playing in the G-League and has shown incredible skill and athleticism on the court. With his lightning-quick speed and ability to score from anywhere, Henderson is a strong contender to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
3. Thรฉo Maledon - The French Point Guard
Thรฉo Maledon is a talented young point guard from France who has already gained experience playing in the NBA. The 20-year-old has shown incredible skill and poise on the court, with the ability to score, pass, and defend at a high level. With his quickness and agility, Maledon is a strong contender to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
4. Kel'el Ware - The American Big Man
Kel'el Ware is a talented young big man from the United States who has already gained experience playing in the NCAA. The 19-year-old has shown incredible skill and athleticism on the court, with the ability to score, rebound, and block shots at a high level. With his 7-foot frame and versatility, Ware is a strong contender to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
5. Caleb Houstan - The Canadian Sharpshooter
Caleb Houstan is a talented young sharpshooter from Canada who has already gained experience playing in the NCAA. The 19-year-old has shown incredible skill and accuracy from beyond the arc, with the ability to score from anywhere on the court. With his quick release and deep range, Houstan is a strong contender to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
6. Gradey Dick - The American Wing
Gradey Dick is a talented young wing from the United States who has already gained experience playing in the NCAA. The 19-year-old has shown incredible skill and athleticism on the court, with the ability to score, rebound, and defend at a high level. With his 6-foot-8 frame and versatility, Dick is a strong contender to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
7. Nick Smith Jr. - The American Point Guard
Nick Smith Jr. is a talented young point guard from the United States who has already gained experience playing in the NCAA. The 19-year-old has shown incredible skill and poise on the court, with the ability to score, pass, and defend at a high level. With his quickness and agility, Smith Jr. is a strong contender to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Keyonte George is a talented young guard from the United States who has already gained experience playing in the NCAA. The 19-year-old has shown incredible skill and athleticism on the court, with the ability to score, rebound, and defend at a high level. With his 6-foot-4 frame and versatility, George is a strong contender to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Jalen Bridges is a talented young wing from the United States who has already gained experience playing in the NCAA. The 20-year-old has shown incredible skill and athleticism on the court, with the ability to score, rebound, and defend at a high level. With his 6-foot-7 frame and versatility, Bridges is a strong contender to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
10. Amari Bailey - The American Guard
Amari Bailey is a talented young guard from the United States who has already gained experience playing in the NCAA. The 19-year-old has shown incredible skill and athleticism on the court, with the ability to score, rebound, and defend at a high level. With his 6-foot-5 frame and versatility, Bailey is a strong contender to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
The 2026 NBA draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years, with a talented crop of young players vying for the top spot. While it's still early days, our mock draft has Victor Wembanyama as the clear favorite to be the number one pick. However, with so much talent on display, anything can happen, and we can't wait to see how it all plays out.
