Where The Race To Become The Nba’s No. 1 Draft Pick Stands

The 2026 NBA Draft people is looking to beryllium a historical one, astatine slightest adjacent nan top.

The top-three of Kansas defender Darryn Peterson, Duke guardant Cameron Boozer and BYU helping AJ Dybantsa person been lauded arsenic 1 of nan champion trio’s successful immoderate time, making up an elite tier of No. 1-level prospects.

Through a fewer convention games, nan hype hasn’t died down, pinch each 3 seeing occurrence successful 1 measurement aliases another.

But wherever does nan title to go nan apical prime really stand? For now, it still feels gettable for each 3 players, and could beryllium somewhat squad dependent, though Peterson and Dybantsa look to person a flimsy lead.

To this point, Peterson still seems to beryllium No. 1 connected astir pundits boards and mocks, and that sentiment is apt to clasp existent pinch NBA decision-makers and scouts.

Even successful dealing pinch a hamstring injuries and intermittent cramping, Peterson has looked a superstar astatine nan defender position. He’s averaging 21.8 points per crippled connected 47% shooting from nan section while hitting 40% of his triples. 

Peterson projects to beryllium an elite three-level scorer astatine nan NBA level, capable to thrust pinch a good grip and awesome athleticism, and absurdly assured shot-making that fewer players have. When watching him run connected nan tribunal — pinch nan shot aliases without — it’s easy to envision Peterson successful nan NBA.

Dybantsa, though, is basking connected his heels.

A 6-foot-9 wing, Dybantsa is nan only 1 of nan apical 3 pinch declare to an upward trajectory. His commencement to nan play was fine, though he’s revved up quickly pinch nan Cougars.

He has scored 20 aliases much points successful 10-straight games, averaging astir 26 points per crippled successful that stretch, which has included respective beardown protect teams. Additionally, he’s added 7.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.0 steals, looking for illustration an all-around star.

The likelihood and wide consciousness apt opportunity that Peterson is still projected to spell No. 1, though fewer would respond powerfully if Dybantsa did.

Boozer is past but surely not least, averaging 22.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.7 steals per crippled arsenic conscionable an 18-year-old forward. He’s an immensely high-feel player, capable to process nan crippled and spit retired winning hoops pinch startling consistency.

He whitethorn person much diversion limitations than Peterson and Dybantsa, but immoderate teams are surely to worth nan axenic effect he brings.

All 3 prospects will proceed to person chances to raise their banal arsenic nan play wears on, though it's abundantly clear astatine this constituent that each 3 are elite and No. 1-worthy.