Early 2026 NBA Mock Draft: Before the New College Season Begins

Two full rounds, all 60 picks, and complete team fits — who should each franchise take before the new season begins.
USA v Germany: Final - FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025
USA v Germany: Final - FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 | Milad Payami/GettyImages
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51. Charlotte Hornets - Xaivian Lee

Florida - 6'3" - PG

I went with a point guard here. It seems like the Hornets are always trying different guys in that backup point guard spot, during the Lamelo Ball era. Lee gives them a nice option there to potentially be Ball's backup and possibly start if there's games Ball is out with an injury. There's also rumors that Ball might not stay in Charlotte much longer so you can't go wrong by drafting the best point guard available as insurance.

52. Los Angeles Clippers - Pavle Backo

OKK Beograd - 6'11" - Center

This is an upside swing. Backo is very young (only 18 years old on draft night) but the skill level for a big man of his size is very advanced for his age. I'm not saying he'll be as good as Jokic but his play style is similar, they're from the same country (Serbia), wear the same number (15), are the same height and about the same weight at age 18. Five years from now, this pick could end up looking like a steal.

Backo could give the Clippers a solid backup for Ivica Zubac and I could even see a world where they could play them together in a double big lineup (given Backo's perimeter shooting potential and Zubac's ability to hold his own defending out on the perimeter).

53. Washington Wizards - Mario Saint-Supery

Gonzaga - 6'3" - Guard

We already drafted a point guard earlier in the draft for the Wizards in Mingo. But it can't hurt to take another one here - two bites at the apple. Saint Supery was solid last season in ACB (the most competitive domestic pro league in the world after the NBA) and vs NBA players at this summer's FIBA EuroBasket tournament so it is possible he ends up being the better player than Mingo.

54. Toronto Raptors - Luigi Suigo

KK Mega - 7'3" - Center

It's uncertain how much longer Jakob Poeltl will be a Raptor. And Collin Murray-Boyles is perhaps more of a four than a five. So why not add some depth at the five and draft a center who is young with some upside.

55. New York Knicks - Miles Byrd

San Diego State - 6'5" - Wing

The Knicks may be trading Pacome Dadiet soon so it makes sense to add another young wing prospect to the pipeline. Byrd's potential to shoot the three, defend and pass makes him an intriguing option - especially this late in the draft.

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