--- title: "2026 NBA mock draft: Dybantsa, Boozer, Peterson top the board" description: "USA Today’s mock draft 18.0 projects BYU’s AJ Dybantsa to Washington at No. 1, Duke’s Cameron Boozer to Utah at No. 2, and Kansas’s Darryn Peterson to Memphis at No. 3, backed by combine metrics and league chatter ahead of the Barclays Cent" url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nba-mock-draft-18-0-what-i-m-hearing-updates-rumors-about-96e2d4ca published: 2026-07-01T07:09:07.891+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T07:09:07.891+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # 2026 NBA mock draft: Dybantsa, Boozer, Peterson top the board > USA Today’s mock draft 18.0 projects BYU’s AJ Dybantsa to Washington at No. 1, Duke’s Cameron Boozer to Utah at No. 2, and Kansas’s Darryn Peterson to Memphis at No. 3, backed by combine metrics and league chatter ahead of the Barclays Cent The Washington Wizards are projected to select BYU wing AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, according to USA Today’s latest mock draft (version 18.0). The Utah Jazz are slated to take Duke forward Cameron Boozer at No. 2, while the Memphis Grizzlies are expected to tab Kansas guard Darryn Peterson at No. 3. The projections draw on combine data, biomechanical evaluations from P3, and league-wide insider conversations, offering a data-driven snapshot of the talent pool just days before the draft at New York’s Barclays Center. Dybantsa, a 6-foot-6 guard with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, is highlighted for his elite athleticism and defensive versatility, metrics that align with modern NBA positional demands. Boozer, a 6-foot-9 forward with a 7-foot wingspan, brings a stretch-four profile with improving rim protection instincts, according to scouting reports. Peterson, a 6-foot-4 guard with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, is noted for his explosive first step and floor-spacing potential, attributes that fit the Grizzlies’ up-tempo identity. The mock draft includes projected measurements for all 60 picks, emphasizing height, wingspan, and age to contextualize each prospect’s physical profile. USA Today’s team cites biomechanical insights from P3’s lab testing, which has become a staple in pre-draft evaluations, alongside traditional scouting reports. The document reflects a league-wide shift toward quantifiable metrics as a complement to film study and character assessments. League insiders describe the top tier as ‘a tier of their own,’ with Dybantsa’s combination of size, speed, and defensive IQ setting him apart. Boozer’s offensive versatility and Peterson’s two-way potential are cited as key drivers for their projected landing spots. The chatter also suggests teams are prioritizing ‘fit over flash,’ a trend that could redefine rookie development narratives. What’s next: The draft kicks off at Barclays Center on June 26, with teams finalizing their boards based on last-minute combine data and medicals. The top three projections will face their first major test as teams reconcile analytics with on-court projections. For fans, the mock draft serves as a roadmap to the league’s next era, where data and tradition collide. ## Why this matters This mock draft isn’t just a fan exercise—it’s a blueprint for how teams are blending biomechanics with traditional scouting to reshape rosters. The top three picks reflect a league prioritizing length, versatility, and two-way impact, signaling a potential shift in positional archetypes. For teams, the data offers a competitive edge in player development and roster construction, while fans get a front-row seat to the evolution of the NBA’s next generation of stars. ## Frequently asked ### Who is projected to go No. 1 in the 2026 NBA Draft? BYU wing AJ Dybantsa is slated to be the top pick by USA Today’s mock draft 18.0, selected by the Washington Wizards. His 6-11 wingspan and defensive versatility are central to his projection. ### Which teams are picking at No. 2 and No. 3? The Utah Jazz are projected to take Duke forward Cameron Boozer at No. 2, while the Memphis Grizzlies are slated to select Kansas guard Darryn Peterson at No. 3. Both picks hinge on their positional fit and athletic profiles. ### What data sources are informing this mock draft? The projections rely on combine measurements, biomechanical scouting from P3, and league insider conversations. Height, wingspan, and age metrics are emphasized for each prospect. ### When and where does the 2026 NBA Draft take place? The draft is scheduled for June 26 at Barclays Center in New York. Teams will finalize their selections based on combine data and medical evaluations leading up to the event. ### How does this mock draft differ from previous versions? Version 18.0 incorporates updated combine data and biomechanical insights, reflecting a league-wide trend toward data-driven scouting. The top three picks are now framed as a ‘tier of their own’ based on their physical profiles. ## Sources & Citations - [NBA mock draft 18.0: What I'm hearing, updates, rumors about all 60 picks - USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2026/06/20/nba-mock-draft-projecting-all-60-picks/90602640007/) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-20) --- Cite: 2026 NBA mock draft: Dybantsa, Boozer, Peterson top the board. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nba-mock-draft-18-0-what-i-m-hearing-updates-rumors-about-96e2d4ca