Pre-Final Four NBA Mock Draft: Bucks Strike Gold in Loaded 2026 Class

The Final Four is officially here, which means we’re entering the final stretch of the college basketball season, and for NBA teams, this is when draft boards start to take real shape.

I used a Tankathon simulation, and the draft order delivered some madness once again. The biggest storyline? The Milwaukee Bucks are jumping into the top four.

Here’s how the lottery shakes out and who each team selects based on fit, direction, and long-term upside.

1. Sacramento Kings: AJ Dybantsa (Wing, BYU)

This one feels like it’s trending toward a lock. Dybantsa isn’t just a scorer, he’s a complete offensive weapon. At 6’9”, he creates shots effortlessly, plays through contact, and has the kind of presence that makes everything revolve around him.

2. Indiana Pacers: Darryn Peterson (Guard, Kansas)

Even with some ups and downs this year, the talent is undeniable. Peterson plays with pace, control, and confidence. He’s the type of guard who can run an offense but also take over when needed. For Indiana, pairing him long-term with Haliburton gives them insurance and upside.

3. Atlanta Hawks (via NO): Cameron Boozer (Forward, Duke)

Boozer just wins. He’s physical, polished, and always in the right spot. Coming off a dominant freshman season where he piled up double-doubles and major awards, he’s as safe a bet as you’ll find at the top of the draft.

4. Milwaukee Bucks: Caleb Wilson (Forward, North Carolina)

This is the pick. And honestly? It might be exactly what Milwaukee needs. Wilson isn’t the flashiest name in this class, but he might be one of the most versatile. He’s long, mobile, defends multiple positions, and plays within a team concept, something the Bucks have lacked consistency with this year.

5. Washington Wizards: Kingston Flemings (Guard, Houston)

Washington goes with a guard who can score but also play off others. Flemings has a smooth offensive game and doesn’t force things, perfect for a team still figuring itself out.

6. Brooklyn Nets: Darius Acuff Jr. (Guard, Arkansas)

Brooklyn needs someone who can generate offense from nothing. Acuff brings that with his creativity and shot-making, even if the efficiency still comes and goes.

7. Utah Jazz: Nate Ament (Forward, Tennessee)

Utah leans into length and upside. Ament gives them a rangy forward who can defend and develop into a two-way piece.

8. Dallas Mavericks: Mikel Brown Jr. (Guard, Louisville)

Dallas adds another playmaker to ease the pressure on Luka. Brown is quick, smart, and can keep the offense moving.

9. Memphis Grizzlies: Brayden Burries (Wing, Arizona)

One of the biggest risers during March Madness. Burries has been scoring efficiently and confidently on a big stage, showing he can handle pressure and produce when it matters.

10. Chicago Bulls: Koa Peat (Forward, Arizona)

Chicago gets physical. Peat brings strength, interior scoring, and energy, something this team has been missing for years.

11. Golden State Warriors: Labaron Philon (Guard, Alabama)

A classic Warriors-type guard. High IQ, plays fast, moves without the ball, and fits into a system immediately.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Keaton Wagler (Wing, Illinois)

A plug-and-play wing who spaces the floor and competes defensively. The Thunder go for fit over upside here.

13. Miami Heat: Yaxel Lendeborg (Forward, Michigan)

This just feels like a Heat pick. Tough, productive, experienced, and does a little bit of everything. Miami adds someone who can contribute right away and fits their culture perfectly.

14. Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL): Chris Cenac Jr. (Big, Houston)

Memphis continues to build size and defense. Cenac gives them a rim protector with long-term upside.

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