Combined 2025 and 2026 NBA draft classes ranked by top prospects

Cooper Flagg leads a stacked combined draft class, followed by AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Dylan Harper.

Cooper Flagg dominates both draft classes Fresh off winning Rookie of the Year, Cooper Flagg’s seamless NBA transition makes it easy to overlook his youth—he’s still just 19. Years ago, he was part of the 2025 high school class, battling AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Darryn Peterson in a legendary recruiting battle. Each of those three is projected to land in the top three picks at next week’s draft. Flagg reclassified to graduate high school in 2024, making him roughly the same age—or even younger—than most top freshmen in this draft. Imagine if he had stayed with his original class, played at Duke last season, and entered the 2026 draft instead. Would he still have been the first overall pick? The answer feels straightforward now, especially after he just averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in his debut season. ## Top five prospects ranked in combined draft Here’s how the top five prospects from each draft class stack up based on their pre-college evaluations. Cooper Flagg sits at No. 1, with AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Dylan Harper rounding out the top five in this combined ranking. Flagg’s college numbers paint an elite picture: 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, with a 59.3% true shooting percentage and a 14.9 box plus-minus. His offensive growth, defensive versatility, and maturity set him apart even before he reached the NBA. Scouts highlighted his relentless competitiveness and two-way impact, noting how his defense often came before his offense—a rare trait in young stars. Though his rookie three-point shooting sat at 29.5%, his overall production proved he could thrive as a primary option right away. ## AJ Dybantsa emerges as Flagg’s closest rival AJ Dybantsa delivered a standout college season with 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 60% true shooting and posting a 10.1 box plus-minus. He evolved into a more complete offensive creator, improving his playmaking and decision-making, though BYU’s 23-12 record included tough stretches after Richie Saunders suffered an ACL injury in mid-February. Comparing Dybantsa and Flagg is intriguing—they share the same position, similar size, and have faced each other multiple times over the years. Dybantsa’s physical profile and downhill scoring give him higher upside, but Flagg’s all-around game and defensive edge give him the early edge. Both players project as stars, though Flagg’s ceiling still looks slightly higher. ## Darryn Peterson’s shooting and scoring profile Darryn Peterson entered the season as a top contender for the No. 1 pick, with elite offensive talent and an NBA-ready scoring skill set. His college stats—20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 57.8% true shooting—reflect a dynamic shotmaker who can fill the stat sheet. The draft’s historical preference for size at the top usually keeps guard prospects from the top spot, but Peterson’s scoring ability could challenge that norm. His upside is immense, with the potential to become the best player in this combined group if everything clicks. Still, the safety Flagg provides keeps him slightly ahead in most projections. ## Cameron Boozer shines with elite production Cameron Boozer delivered one of the greatest one-and-done seasons ever, averaging 22.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 65.3% true shooting and posting a 17.1 box plus-minus. His statistical dominance cements his status as a top-three prospect in this draft, with analytics models universally valuing his efficiency and impact. Boozer’s basketball IQ, toughness, and playmaking for teammates make him an immediate NBA contributor. His ability to read the game faster than most players offsets concerns about his athleticism. The biggest question is whether his lack of elite explosiveness will limit his defensive versatility, but his strengths should outweigh any deficiencies. ## Dylan Harper’s rookie impact and upside Dylan Harper entered the NBA as the No. 2 prospect behind Flagg in the 2025 class and has already made his mark in the playoffs. His college season at Rutgers showed promise—19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on 58.6% true shooting—but left questions about consistency and three-point shooting. Harper has thrived in San Antonio, proving his playmaking and size can translate at the next level. His rookie success highlights how talent can break through even in unfavorable team situations. Still, questions linger about his long-term shooting development, though his playoff performances suggest progress. ## Caleb Wilson’s raw athleticism and upside Caleb Wilson ranks fourth in the 2026 class, though some NBA evaluators place him ahead of Boozer based on his projected ceiling. His explosive athleticism, dunking ability, and game-changing plays make him an exciting prospect with raw but promising skills. Wilson is a year older than Boozer, sharing the same birthday, and his development timeline may take longer due to his current skill gaps. He needs work on perimeter shooting and ball-handling to fully unlock his potential as a power forward. Despite the risks, his upside is undeniable, and he could exceed expectations with proper development. ## VJ Edgecombe exceeds rookie expectations VJ Edgecombe exceeded expectations in his rookie season, becoming the 76ers’ backcourt cornerstone after being selected at No. 3. His 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game on 54.0% true shooting don’t tell the full story—he played heavy minutes, learned on the fly, and helped Philly win a playoff series while earning All-Rookie first-team honors. Pre-draft reports praised his two-way upside, athleticism, and scoring instincts, though he was still developing as a playmaker. His playoff contributions showed he was ahead of schedule, proving his readiness for the NBA grind. ## Ace Bailey’s high-ceiling projection Ace Bailey’s rookie season at Utah fell short statistically—17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game on 53.6% true shooting—but his upside remains enticing. His tough shotmaking and physical tools suggest a high ceiling if he refines his efficiency and playmaking. Bailey struggled to get to the foul line and handle a heavy load as a freshman, but Utah’s patient development approach could help him grow. His defensive progress was a bright spot, though his offensive role will need clearer definition as the Jazz aim to compete. Time will tell if his raw talent translates into sustained production. ## Keaton Wagler stands out among late prospects Keaton Wagler ranks as the top prospect after the top four in this draft, with a unique trajectory, rapidly improving offense, and exceptional decision-making. His 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 59.6% true shooting showcase his playmaking and scoring versatility. Wagler’s size and instincts compensate for average athleticism, giving him an appealing ceiling as a lead guard. Though Kon Knueppel may have been ranked slightly too low a year ago, Wagler’s upside feels more bankable. The late bloomer’s slow start could turn into a long-term asset if his game continues to develop. ## Kon Knueppel proves NBA-ready as rookie Kon Knueppel finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, proving his NBA readiness with 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 64.2% true shooting at Duke. His efficiency and skill translated immediately to the NBA, where he set the rookie record for three-pointers made. Knueppel’s lack of elite athleticism didn’t stop him from contributing at a high level, though his upside depends on how much he can expand his scoring role. His rookie impact validates pre-draft concerns about his athleticism, showing that skill can sometimes outweigh physical tools. ## Draft combine measurements for top prospects | Player | Position | Height (barefoot) | Wingspan | Standing Reach | |------------------|----------|-------------------|-----------|----------------| | Cooper Flagg | F | 6-7¾ | 7-0 | 8-10½ | | AJ Dybantsa | SF | 6-8½ | 7-½ | 8-10 | | Darryn Peterson | PG/SG | 6-4½ | 6-9¾ | 8-7 | | Cameron Boozer | PF/C | 6-8¼ | 7-1½ | 9-0 | | Dylan Harper | PG/SG | 6-4½ | 6-10½ | 8-6 | | Caleb Wilson | PF/C | 6-9¼ | 7-¼ | 9-0 | | VJ Edgecombe | SG | 6-4 | 6-7½ | 8-5½ | | Ace Bailey | SG/SF | 6-7½ | 7-½ | 8-11 | | Keaton Wagler | PG/SG | 6-5 | 6-6¼ | 8-4 | | Kon Knueppel | SG/SF | 6-5 | 6-6¼ | 8-5½ |