ESPN NBA Mock Draft: Latest 2026 projection includes 6 SEC stars taken in Round 1
By Ethan Stone
Published:
The 2026 NBA Draft tips off in just over a month, and ESPN’s Mike Rodak has revealed his latest mock draft, working his way through all 60 selections.
The top of this year’s draft is absolutely loaded, with Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cam Boozer all realistic picks to be selected No. 1 overall. Washington could also look to trade the first pick with No. 2 pick Utah eyeing the BYU star Dybantsa.
Rodak’s latest mock draft includes 6 former SEC stars being selected in the first round, including 2 within the top 10 and 3 in the lottery. Those looking for a full look at Rodak’s mock draft can click here.
As far as the SEC is concerned, here’s a look at each first-round pick:
- No. 6, Brooklyn Nets — Darius Acuff, Arkansas PG
- No. 10, Milwaukee Bucks — Nate Ament, Tennessee SF
- No. 13, Miami Heat — Labaron Philon, Alabama G
- No. 20, San Antonio Spurs — Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky C
- No. 26, Denver Nuggets — Dailyn Swain, Texas SF
- No. 28, Minnesota Timberwolves — Meleek Thomas, Arkansas G
Notably, Rodak has former Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner being selected No. 33 by the Brooklyn Nets, just after Alabama’s Amari Allen, who is projected to be selected by the Grizzlies at No. 32. Both are definitely first-round options.
Here’s a look at the latest odds for each top player to be selected No. 1 overall in late June, per Kalshi:
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
