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As Adam Silver will no doubt tout this year and perhaps beyond, the reigning champion Knicks are a great example of how talent can be found just about anywhere in the NBA Draft.
While the Knicks didn't actually draft many of their key pieces, they have a bit of everything on their roster. Their nine-man playoff rotation included four second-round picks, headed by Jalen Brunson, along with three players selected in the last 10 picks of the first round. Only Mikal Bridges (No. 10) and Karl-Anthony Towns (No. 1) were lottery picks.
There is no doubt AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer are the prizes of this draft class, but this crop of players is deep enough that late first-round picks and perhaps beyond have the potential to quickly become high-impact NBA players.
Here's a look at the best remaining players available in the NBA Draft as the first round plays out.
MORE 2026 NBA DRAFT NEWS:
- Final two-round NBA mock draft
- Safest picks in 2026, including Cam Boozer and Bennett Stirtz
- Nate Ament, Jayden Quaintance lead riskiest draft prospects
NBA Draft best players remaining in Round 1
The rankings below reflect the original positions on Sporting News' top 60 big board. All analysis is from SN's Elliott Pohnl.
1. Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Age: 18
Position: G/F
Height: 6-6
As the saying goes, the No. 1 ability in sports is availability. That applies to a couple of top prospects in the 2026 draft, starting with Peterson. After a season marred with mysterious cramping issues, he finally began opening up to the media about what exactly he was dealing with. NBA teams certainly have been asking, too.
When he is on the court, Peterson can be completely dominant on both ends. He is long, athletic and has a very underrated basketball IQ. Offensively, Peterson's mid-range game and shot creation are very advanced for a young player. His shooting suffered late in the season for Kansas when his availability and minutes increased, which was somewhat notable.
Peterson had a solid NBA combine from a testing perspective. He does not want to play for the Utah Jazz, who could select him at No. 2 overall if Washington takes Dybansta with the top pick.
2. AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Age: 19
Position: F
Height: 6-9
Dybantsa was always available for BYU, even when things began to fall apart for the Cougars due to late-season injuries. As the season went on, his usage increased and he showed he could be a point forward at times, creating for himself and others, especially in transition.
The one question mark about the versatile prospect: shooting. Dybantsa shot just 33 percent from 3-point range in his freshman season. The shot mechanics could use some refinement, but he is still good enough offensively to find ways to score even without a super consistent jumper.
3. Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
Age: 19
Position: F
Height: 6-10
Wilson's lone season with the Tar Heels was marred by injuries, but when he played, he did so with impressive force on both ends of the court. He projects as a perfect modern NBA player, with versatility and a ton of upside.
One of his most impressive games came against Darryn Peterson and Kansas in November. He dropped an easy 24 points on only 11 shots, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out four assists to go along with four steals and a block.
That type of performance against a high-profile opponent and star certainly turned heads for NBA scouts.
4. Cameron Boozer, Duke
Age: 18
Position: F
Height: 6-9
Boozer is a classic (very) high floor prospect, but his ceiling is not quite in the same stratosphere as some of the fellow NBA draftees this year. He projects as a 20-10-5 type of player who can do a little bit of everything offensively.
Defensively, he probably will be average at best given his athletic profile. If he lands in the right spot, he has a chance to be a multiple-time NBA All-Star.
5. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
Age: 19
Position: G
Height: 6-3
Acuff is a certified bucket getter who produced one of the best, if not the best, statistical seasons of any star freshman guard in John Calipari's storied coaching career. His shot making stands out, but his assist-to-turnover ratio (3.2-1) might be even more impressive.
At 6-3, he can get his shot off against bigger defenders thanks to his ability to elevate. He hit 44 percent from 3-point range while leading the SEC in both scoring and assists.
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6. Kingston Flemings, Houston
Age: 19
Position: G
Height: 6-4
Flemings is incredibly fast and twitchy which makes his slight frame less of a concern for NBA teams. He was able to blow by opponents with ease as a freshman at Houston, and should be able to do the same at the next level.
His shooting form is both unusual and inconsistent and needs a major overhaul. As the offensive game develops, Flemings will make a big impact on the defensive end from Day 1. If everything comes together, he could be Russell Westbrook offensively while also being an elite defender.
7. Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
Age: 20
Position: G
Height 6-5
Brown's lone season at Louisville had a good deal of drama. He missed time, came off the bench briefly, and then didn't play in the NCAA Tournament due to a back injury.
In terms of basketball ability, he has as much potential as any guard in this class. He will need to land in the right environment to reach his ceiling. Brown was a star for USA Basketball squads as a prep, which could give NBA teams confidence he can put it all together.
8. Nate Ament, Tennessee
Age: 19
Position: F
Height: 6-10
Ament put together some monster games at Tennessee. He has a high release and can score from anywhere, especially against smaller defenders. Some NBA scouts believe he could have been even more dominant as a freshman, but it is hard to argue with 16.7 PPG and 6.3 RPG.
One of the most baffling parts of Ament's game: his shooting 39.9 FG percentage, which included a 1-for-13 effort against Vanderbilt and a 2-for-12 performance in his final game against Yaxel Lendenborg and Michigan.
MORE: Full 2 round NBA Mock Draft
9. Keaton Wagler, Illinois
Age: 19
Position: G
Height: 6-6
NBA personnel and draft analysts alike don't necessarily put too much stock in the NBA combine. Wagler's showing in Chicago did, however, reinforce concerns about his athletic profile. At 6-6, he had no problem getting shots off against college defenders. His usage rate increased as his freshman season progressed, and strong scoring numbers followed.
The problem with Wagler is he isn't explosive or strong. He has reportedly gained weight since the combine, but is still much more of a project than the other guards ranked above him on this list. Shooting will be his calling card at the next level, but he might struggle in other areas, especially early.
10. Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Age: 23
Position: F
Height 6-9
Lendenborg is starting to slip in some mock drafts, possibly because of his age and a lack of clear fit in the lottery. He is one of several players who entered college as complete afterthoughts who are now about to cash in big time.
His physical strength and athleticism overwhelmed many opponents at UAB and then Michigan last season. That said, there is some question as to what Lendeborg's true "NBA skill" will be. His best chance to make an impact is as a top reserve for a good team - not a true needle mover for a struggling franchise.
MORE: Complete order of every pick in 2026 NBA Draft
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11. Hannes Steinbach, Washington
Age: 20
Position: F/C
Height 6-11
The native of Germany made a huge impact in his lone collegiate season, leading the country with 11.8 rebounds per game. He was a double-double machine despite playing on a Washington team that basically ran out of players as the season went on.
What he lacks in true athletic upside is made up for with constant energy and activity. Steinbach's offensive rebound rate also led all of D-1, and that skill will ensure he has a long NBA career.
12. Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
Age: 19
Position: F
Height: 6-10
Cenac moves extremely well for a player of his size, and has a frame that should allow him to add 20-30 pounds of muscle without losing any of his speed and quickness.
His shot is a mess, and despite his potential, he didn't necessarily live up to expectations as a highly-touted freshman for Kelvin Sampson at Houston.
He projects as a solid defender and active rebounder. Any offense early in his career will be a bonus.
13. Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers
Age: 19
Position: F
Height: 6-9
No matter where he goes in Round 1, Lopez will become the highest Mexican-born player ever drafted into the NBA after playing his second season as a pro in the NBL. At 6-9, he's already fairly strong physically.
His defensive numbers in Australia turned heads despite being just 18 years old competing against seasoned pros. He might not contribute right away, but projects as a very well-rounded NBA player down the line.
14. Aday Mara, Michigan
Age: 21
Position: C
Height: 7-3
Mara is tall, which will be a major factor in his move up draft boards this year. Seriously, that is probably the biggest reason teams will take a long look at a player who couldn't get off the bench at UCLA.
His camp has been putting out footage of him improving his 3-point shot, which would be a nice addition to his game. Mara has a high skill level, but still needs to work on his conditioning and agility. If he can stay on the floor, he could be a solid role player off the bench for almost any team.
15. Brayden Burries, Arizona
Age: 20
Position: G
Height: 6-4
Burries played a rugged style as a freshman, willing to attack the basket and showing he was an average defender. His perimeter shooting needs work, and he hasn't shown he can be a pure point guard.
There is still upside here, and he doesn't have much bust potential, so he should be a mid-first-round pick at worst. Think Quentin Grimes at the next level.
DECOURCY: Is this freshman class the best in college hoops history?
16. Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama
Age: 20
Position: G
Height: 6-4
Philon is another quintessential certified bucket getter who enjoyed a lot of freedom in the Nate Oats system at Alabama. He nearly entered last year's NBA Draft, but stayed in school and improved his 3-point numbers dramatically.
Despite not being an elite athlete and lacking physical strength, he should still be able to get buckets at the NBA level. His performance against Darius Acuff Jr. in February turned heads among NBA scouts, as Philon finished with 35 points, seven assists and just two turnovers in a 117-115 win.
17. Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
Age: 22
Position: G
Height: 6-4
Stirtz helped himself with a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament, authoring a surprising final chapter in his remarkable story from D-II recruit to NBA first-round draft pick. His offensive creativity and effortless shot-making has a number of teams interested, including the Golden State Warriors.
Stirtz is sneaky athletic, but not overly quick and likely will struggle to defend at the NBA level. His ideal role is as a rotation player for a team with plenty of established vets.
18. Allen Graves, Santa Clara
Age: 19
Position: F
Height: 6-9
The Santa Clara first round NBA Draft pipeline continues with Graves, who resisted the urge to pocket NIL deals through the transfer portal and decided to stay in the draft.
He has a very unique game, with good analytic metrics that highlight his efficiency as an offensive player. Graves played well when going against top competition, including against Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament.
19. Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan
Age: 20
Position: F/C
Height: 6-9
Johnson has long arms and considerable upside. His switchability and tenacity was frequently on display, especially in the NCAA Tournament.
He showed some signs of being a player capable of developing a 3-point shot, which makes him an attractive prospect.
20. Christian Anderson Jr., Texas Tech
Age: 20
Position: G
Height: 6-3
Anderson waited until the last few days to declare for the NBA Draft, bypassing lucrative NIL offers to stay in school. That probably won't hurt his chances of sliding up to lottery range, but his upside is difficult to project compared to other guards in this class.
His biggest skill offensively is operating in a pick-and-roll offense. His shot is reliable, and he is a willing defender.
MORE: How Koa Peat is ready to make his own name in NBA
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21. Cameron Carr, Baylor, G
22. Dailyn Swain, Texas, G/F
23. Meleek Thomas, Arkansas, G
24. Koa Peat, Arizona, F
25. Isaiah Evans, Duke, G
26. Ebuka Okorie, Stanford, G
27. Sergio de Larrea, Valencia, Spain, G
28. Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky, C
29. Zuby Ejiofor, Saint John's, F
30. Luigi Suigo, Mega Superbet, Spain, C
31. Jack Kayil, Alba Berlin, Germany, G
32. Baba Miller, Cincinnati, C
33. Ryan Conwell, Louisville, G
34. Dillon Mitchell, St. John's, F
35. Henri Veesaar, North Carolina, F/C
36. Trevon Brazile, Arkansas, F/C
37. Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee, G
38. Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State, F
39. Emmanuel Sharp, Houston, G
40. Jaden Bradley, Arizona, G
41. Tarris Reed, UConn, F/C
42. Tobe Awaka, Arizona, F
43. Izaiyah Nelson, South Florida, F/C
44. Felix Okpara, Tennessee, C
45. Noam Yacoov, BC Oostende, G
46. Bryce Hopkins, St. John's, F
47. Richie Saunders, BYU, G
48. Braden Smith, Purdue, G
49. Ugonna Onyenso, Virginia, C
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