Malachi Moreno selected in new 2026 NBA Mock Draft by ESPN

TL;DR

Malachi Moreno is projected to be selected 43rd overall by the Brooklyn Nets in ESPN's latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft. His stock has risen, prompting speculation about his potential entry into the NBA Draft.

Key points

Malachi Moreno is projected 43rd overall in the 2026 NBA Mock Draft.
He is currently testing the NBA Draft waters.
Jayden Quaintance is projected 15th overall to the Chicago Bulls.
Ugonna Onyenso was selected 50th overall by the Toronto Raptors.

Kentucky WildcatsBrooklyn NetsChicago BullsToronto Raptors

Are the Kentucky Wildcats in danger of losing Malachi Moreno to the NBA Draft?

When Moreno first announced he was testing the NBA waters, many assumed that he’d ultimately withdraw and return to school. While that’s still the likeliest outcome, his NBA stock appears to be higher than anticipated.

The latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft from ESPN’s Jeremy Woo has Moreno going 43rd overall to the Brooklyn Nets, right in the middle of Round 2. While it’s still pretty far from a first-round selection and guaranteed money, it does give Moreno something to think about if he feels confident that he’d be one of the 60 selections in this year’s draft.

Elsewhere, Jayden Quaintance went 15th overall to the Chicago Bulls, while no other Wildcats from this past season were selected, though Ugonna Onyenso, who finished his career at Virginia, went 50th overall to the Toronto Raptors.

I’d still wager on Moreno returning for his sophomore season, especially with the 2027 draft class looking significantly weaker than this one. A sophomore leap could very well put him in the first-round range of next year’s draft.

In other words, it’s far too early to panic about potentially losing Moreno to the NBA, but it will be interesting to watch the pre-draft process unfold for him, especially if he gets invited to the NBA Combine in Chicago on May 10-17.

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Q&A

What position does Malachi Moreno play for the Kentucky Wildcats?

Malachi Moreno plays as a forward for the Kentucky Wildcats.

What are the implications of Malachi Moreno being drafted 43rd overall?

Being drafted 43rd overall suggests Moreno's NBA stock is higher than expected, but it also means he may miss out on guaranteed money typically associated with first-round picks.

Who else was selected in the 2026 NBA Mock Draft besides Malachi Moreno?

In the same mock draft, Jayden Quaintance was selected 15th overall by the Chicago Bulls, and Ugonna Onyenso was picked 50th overall by the Toronto Raptors.