The NBA regular season has ended, prompting teams to focus on the 2026 NBA Draft. With many collegiate players declaring for early entry, the draft class is taking shape ahead of the lottery on May 10 in Chicago.
The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.
With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.
As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.
The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.
Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 8 pick will play out with Dallas Mavericks making the selection.
Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
The Mavericks had the worst offensive rating in the Western Conference and could benefit from a player like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler. The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role to help the Fighting Illini earn a spot in the Final Four, where he recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds against UConn in the national semifinals. The freshman also dropped 25 points in the Elite Eight. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman, while connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has athletic limitations but is a cerebral basketball player who averaged 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.
See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here
(all stats as of April 8)
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
UConn senior Tarris Reed Jr. helped himself quite a bit during the NCAA tournament en route to an appearance in the national championship game. He recorded four double-doubles during March Madness, notching 31 points and 27 rebounds against Furman. Reed also had 26 points with 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals during a win over Duke. Expect him to come into the league and find a role sooner rather than later.
See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here
(all stats as of April 8)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dallas Mavericks NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs
The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is scheduled for May 10 in Chicago.
Nearly half of the NBA teams are shifting their focus to the 2026 NBA Draft as their regular season concludes.
Several prospects showcased their potential during the March Madness tournament, influencing their chances of being selected in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Following the lottery, the draft combine will take place in Chicago during the same week.
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