The 2026 NBA Draft Combine is right around the corner, and with the draft lottery just days away, the buzz around this year's prospects is reaching a fever pitch. This latest mock draft—our fifth edition—pulls together intel from conversations with coaches, executives, and scouts to give you the inside track on who's rising and who's falling.

If last year's class was guard-light, 2026 is a different story entirely. This draft is loaded with shot-making guards, versatile forwards, and athletic wings who can do it all. That said, there are a few standout big men worth watching, which means we'll likely see some reaches in the frontcourt. The big question on everyone's mind: after the top three picks, who will truly separate from the pack?

Let's break down the top prospects making headlines.

AJ Dybantsa is already producing like a pro. A powerful, skilled forward who scores at all three levels and rebounds outside his area code, he passes, dribbles, and shoots with confidence (1.058 PPP, top 25%). Defensively, he can guard positions one through four (0.755 PPP allowed). The tape backs it up. Though still a teenager, his quick learning curve has him playing like a seasoned veteran. One pro scout told HoopsHype: "AJ showed a lot more improvement throughout the year as a playmaker. His scoring talent is so bankable. He's bigger than Darryn Peterson, and that matters."

Darryn Peterson is a smooth, scoring guard with real shooting touch. He's flashed as an explosive playmaker, and his deadeye three-point shot combined with above-average defensive ability (0.890 PPP allowed) suggests a high-floor, shot-making combo guard—at the very least. But can he create for others at the next level? That's the million-dollar question. A pro scout shared: "I'm worried about Darryn's playmaking. The reason you draft a guy like that No. 1 is you're running your team's offense through him. Him as an initiator is still a work in progress."

With the combine just ahead, expect these rankings to shift as measurements, interviews, and workouts come into play. Whether you're scouting for your fantasy league or just love the game, this draft class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years.