2026 NBA mock draft: AI predicts all 30 first-round picks

Mark Giannotto, USA TODAYThu, June 4, 2026 at 9:33 PM UTC

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The 2026 NBA Draft is less than three weeks away, and sifting through the speculation is especially intriguing this year.

There's a consensus top four of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson, but no consensus on what order in which they will be chosen. Dybantsa remains the trendy pick to go No. 1 in recent mock draft updates, but there is little agreement on the pecking order for the group of guards expected to be picked beginning as early as the fifth pick in the first round. Potential choices diverge even more from there now that the withdrawal deadline for prospects to return to college has passed.

AI is trying to figure out what's what just like the humans that feed its information capabilities, based on the latest mock draft curated by USA TODAY Sports using Microsoft Copilot's artificial intelligence chatbot. Though its top-four stayed the same, the rest of the first round is almost completely different from its analysis last month after the conclusion of the NBA draft scouting combine. It's a reflection of the changing perception of draft experts as workouts continue and new intel emerges.

Here's a breakdown of Microsoft Copilot AI's latest 2026 NBA mock draft, including the chatbot's reasoning for making each first-round pick:

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2026 NBA mock draft by USA TODAY Sports

You can compare AI's picks to the latest USA TODAY 2026 NBA mock draft by clicking here.

2026 NBA mock draft: AI picks first round after scouting combine

USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot AI to generate a mock draft for the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft featuring only players eligible this year now that the NBA draft withdrawl deadline passed for college players. The chatbot was asked to base its selections on current mock drafts from reputable websites, as well as the latest intel on team needs, prospect analysis and potential draft withdrawals.

Note:AI models still have issues with accuracy as seen in the mock draft below. Of particular note, Microsoft Copilot needed additional prompts after several picks were inaccurately assigned to teams.The average mock draft pick referenced for each player was compiled by USA TODAY Sports using 12 of the latest mock drafts from national websites around the country, including USA TODAY.

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa -

Average mock draft pick: 1

AI analysis: "A franchise devoid of elite wing creation takes the class's best scoring forward archetype to anchor its rebuild."

2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, Kansas -

Average mock draft pick: 2

AI analysis: "Utah secures a jumbo lead guard who can scale alongside or beyond its current young backcourt."

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, Duke -

Average mock draft pick: 3

AI analysis: "Memphis bets on elite production and feel to stabilize its frontcourt with a high-floor offensive hub."

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, North Carolina -

Average mock draft pick: 4

AI analysis: "Chicago adds a mobile, two-way forward who can defend multiple positions and elevate lineup versatility."

5. Los Angeles Clippers: Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas -

Average mock draft pick: 7

AI analysis: "With an aging core, L.A. lands a dynamic shot creator to begin transitioning toward its next offensive engine."

6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville -

Average mock draft pick: 7

AI analysis: "Brooklyn prioritizes pure scoring upside and perimeter creation for a roster still searching for a centerpiece."

7. Sacramento Kings: Keaton Wagler, Illinois -

Average mock draft pick: 7

AI analysis: "Sacramento adds a combo guard who can both initiate offense and space the floor next to its stars."

8. Atlanta Hawks: Kingston Flemings, Houston -

Average mock draft pick: 7

AI analysis: "Atlanta targets a true lead guard to fill its post–Trae Young offensive void, prioritizing pace control and primary creation."

9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, Arizona -

Average mock draft pick: 9

AI analysis: "Dallas pairs Cooper Flagg with a versatile scoring guard who can handle, create, and space the floor, giving its new franchise centerpiece a dynamic perimeter partner to grow alongside."

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament, Tennessee -

Average mock draft pick: 11

AI analysis: "Milwaukee injects youth and athleticism into its wing rotation with a high-upside developmental forward."

11. Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan -

Average mock draft pick: 12

AI analysis: "Golden State opts for a polished, high-IQ forward who can contribute immediately in a win-now ecosystem."

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Aday Mara, Michigan -

Average mock draft pick: 10

AI analysis: "OKC swings on size and skill, adding a 7-footer with defensive and playmaking upside to its long-term core."

13. Miami Heat: Labaron Philon, Alabama -

Average mock draft pick: 14

AI analysis: "Miami selects a tough, downhill guard whose physicality and mindset align with its developmental model."

14. Charlotte Hornets: Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (NBL) -

Average mock draft pick: 16

AI analysis: "Charlotte gambles on international upside with a versatile wing who fits LaMelo Ball's pace-and-space style."

15. Chicago Bulls: Isaiah Evans, Duke -

Average mock draft pick: 26 (appeared in 11/12 mock drafts)

AI analysis: "Chicago doubles down on perimeter scoring with a shooter who can stretch defenses and create off movement."

16. Memphis Grizzlies: Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky -

Average mock draft pick: 19

AI analysis: "Memphis reinforces its defense with a disruptive, switchable big who thrives in modern schemes."

17. Oklahoma City Thunder: Chris Cenac, Jr., Houston -

Average mock draft pick: 22

AI analysis: "Oklahoma City continues stockpiling length and athleticism with a rim-running, defensive-minded big."

18. Charlotte Hornets: Koa Peat, Arizona -

Average mock draft pick: 25 (appeared in 11/12 mock drafts)

AI analysis: "Charlotte adds physicality and toughness with a power forward capable of balancing its finesse-heavy lineup."

19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz, Iowa -

Average mock draft pick: 21

AI analysis: "Toronto secures a steady, efficient lead guard to bring structure to its evolving offensive identity."

20. San Antonio Spurs: Hannes Steinbach, Washington -

Average mock draft pick: 17

AI analysis: "San Antonio adds another mobile, high-feel big to complement Victor Wembanyama, leaning into jumbo, position-less frontcourt versatility."

21. Detroit Pistons: Cameron Carr, Baylor -

Average mock draft pick: 15

AI analysis: "Detroit adds a versatile wing defender who fits its identity shift toward length and two-way play."

22. Philadelphia 76ers: Meleek Thomas, Arkansas -

Average mock draft pick: 27 (appeared in 11/12 mock drafts)

AI analysis: "Philadelphia grabs instant offense off the bench in a high-volume shooter to support its star guards."

23. Atlanta Hawks: Allen Graves, Santa Clara -

Average mock draft pick: 23

AI analysis: "Atlanta targets a high-feel forward who can connect lineups and contribute without needing heavy usage."

24. New York Knicks: Dailyn Swain, Texas -

Average mock draft pick: 20

AI analysis: "New York adds a switchable two-way wing with size and defensive versatility, aligning with a roster built around length, physicality, and lineup flexibility."

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Henri Veesaar, North Carolina -

Average mock draft pick: 26 (appeared in 11/12 mock drafts)

AI analysis: "Los Angeles prioritizes frontcourt versatility with a big who can stretch the floor and fit modern spacing needs."

26. Denver Nuggets: Sergio de Larrea, Valencia (Spain) -

Average mock draft pick: 34 (appeared in 6/12 mock drafts)

AI analysis: "Denver adds another high-IQ playmaker to sustain its ball-movement-heavy offensive ecosystem."

27. Boston Celtics: Alex Karaban, UConn -

Average mock draft pick: 32 (only appeared in 4/12 mock drafts)

AI analysis: "Boston selects a proven connector whose shooting and decision-making fit seamlessly into its contender core."

28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Morez Johnson, Jr., Michigan -

Average mock draft pick: 17

AI analysis: "Minnesota bolsters its frontcourt depth with an athletic big capable of developing into a rotation piece."

29. Cleveland Cavaliers: Ebuka Okorie, Stanford -

Average mock draft pick: 23

AI analysis: "Cleveland bets on a dynamic downhill guard to add much-needed shot creation and offensive pressure."

30. Dallas Mavericks: Luigi Suigo, Mega (Serbia) -

Average mock draft pick: 29 (appeared in 6/12 mock drafts)

AI analysis: "Dallas closes the round with a long-term upside swing on a towering international big."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA mock draft 2026: AI predicts every first round pick

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