Mock Draft with Ben Pfeifer
Summary
The Athletic NBA Daily features guest Ben Pfeiffer for a final mock draft prediction ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. They project Darren Peterson to the Wizards, A.J. DeBansa to the Jazz, and Cameron Boozer to the Grizzlies in the top three. The discussion covers subsequent picks like Caleb Wilson to Chicago and Darius Acuff to Brooklyn, analyzing team fits and prospect ceilings through the lottery and into the late first round.
Topics discussed
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Introduction and mock draft rules
Pick 1: Wizards select Darren Peterson
Pick 2: Jazz select Ace Bailey
Pick 3: Grizzlies select Cameron Boozer
Pick 4: Bulls select Caleb Wilson
Pick 5: Clippers select Keaton Wagler
Pick 6: Nets select Darius Acuff
Pick 7: Kings select Mikel Brown Jr.
Pick 8: Hawks select Adai Mara
Pick 9: Mavericks select Nate Ament
Pick 10: Bucks select Kingston Flemings
Pick 11: Warriors select Brayden Burry
Pick 12: Thunder select Moreas Johnson
Pick 13: Heat select Yaksa
Pick 14: Hornets select Hans Steinbach
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Pick 15: Bulls select a defensive big
Pick 16: Grizzlies select Bennett Sturtz
Pick 17: Thunder select a live dribble creator
Pick 18: Hornets select Alan Graves
Pick 19: Raptors select a high-upside guard
Pick 20: Spurs select Pete Njaka
Pick 21: Pistons select an off-ball shooter
Pick 22: 76ers select Chris Senac
Pick 23: Hawks select Abuka Cory
Pick 24: Knicks select Terrace Reed Jr.
Pick 25: Lakers select Cameron Carr
Pick 26: Nuggets select Malik Thomas
Pick 27: Celtics select Henry Vesar
Pick 28: Timberwolves select De La Rea
Pick 29: Cavaliers select a defensive big
Pick 30: Final pick for the draft
Wrap-up and sign-off
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