It was easy to predict who would be selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft more than a year in advance of commissioner Adam Silver calling names. It was always going to be Cooper Flagg. But the 2026 NBA Draft has more questions at the top and features at least three prospects who could reasonably lead front office big boards right now -- specifically Darryn Peterson,

With the draft in the books, the page for scouting departments flips to 2026 straight away. Teams that are not in position to contend will be studying tapes and reports intensively for the next year,

There are four strong No. 1 pick candidates -- Peterson, Dybantsa, Boozer and Ament -- although most NBA teams think it would be difficult, but not impossible, to usurp Peterson and Dybantsa as the top two players, barring a major surprise.