Now that the 2026 NBA Draft is behind us, scouts and executives fully shift their evaluation focus to the 2027 NBA Draft and a new crop of players.
12 months away from when these prospects will actually hear their names called, it is nearly impossible to predict which players will emerge at the top of the next class. Experts feel the upcoming class is not nearly as loaded at the top as 2026 was with AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer.
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However, there are still plenty of talented prospects who will soon make a name for themselves at the next level in college basketball and overseas.
NBA Draft analysis: 2026 NBA Draft team grades: Which front offices did the best in both rounds?
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Red carpet fashion shines during first round of 2026 NBA Draft
Draft prospect AJ Dybantsa poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Red carpet fashion shines during first round of 2026 NBA Draft
Draft prospect AJ Dybantsa poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Red carpet fashion shines during first round of 2026 NBA Draft
Kingston Flemings poses on the red carpet prior to Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Caleb Bowlin, Getty Images)
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Red carpet fashion shines during first round of 2026 NBA Draft
Kingston Flemings poses on the red carpet prior to Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
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Red carpet fashion shines during first round of 2026 NBA Draft
Draft prospect Cameron Boozer poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Red carpet fashion shines during first round of 2026 NBA Draft
Draft prospect AJ Dybantsa poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Red carpet fashion shines during first round of 2026 NBA Draft
Draft prospect Yaxel Lendeborg poses for photos on the red carpet.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Red carpet fashion shines during first round of 2026 NBA Draft
Draft prospect Morez Johnson Jr. poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Red carpet fashion shines during first round of 2026 NBA Draft
Draft prospect Dailyn Swain poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Red carpet fashion shines during first round of 2026 NBA Draft
Keaton Wagler poses on the red carpet prior to Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Arturo Holmes, Getty Images)
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Every player selected in the NBA Draft 2026 first round in photos
An interior view of Barclays Center prior to Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
(Caleb Bowlin, Getty Images)
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Red carpet fashion shines during first round of 2026 NBA Draft
Draft prospect Aday Mara poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA draft at Barclays Center.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
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Red carpet fashion shines during first round of 2026 NBA Draft
Draft prospect Darryn Peterson poses for photos on the red carpet.
(Brad Penner, Imagn Images)
2027 NBA mock draft
While the lottery process will look very different next season, here is a quick look at the top players to know heading into the upcoming season:
Memphis Grizzlies (from UTA): Amari Allen (Alabama, Wing)
