While the 2025 NBA draft is considered significantly stronger than 2024 and is headlined by Cooper Flagg, the 2026 draft could be even stronger. Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Nate Ament are all potential candidates to be selected first. Because of the depth in next year’s class, the NBA could again have a crowded field of teams extending their rebuilds.
“Right now there are nine teams tanking,” one league executive said. “And next year’s draft is going to have maybe more franchise players than this year’s draft. A year from now, you may still have nine teams tanking.”
The Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets will likely be amongst the worst teams in the NBA again next season, while the New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers could climb back up the standings next season with better health. The Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls are more unknowns at this point though all seem more motivated to compete.
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