The 2026 NBA Finals are coming to a climax, which means that every team could officially turn its attention to the offseason. First up on the NBA offseason check is the 2026 draft, which takes place June 23-24.
The 2026 NBA draft is loaded with talent, not only at the top, where there are four players considered to be ‘can’t miss prospects but there are strong candidates throughout the lottery. Specifically, the 2026 draft is receiving high marks for depth of the guards.
In fact, this year’s draft is considered far superior to the most recent variations and is considered one of the best in the last 10 years. There has been talk that the upcoming draft talent and depth potentially rivals the class of 2018 (Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Trae Young, and Jaren Jackson Jr.), 2021 Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Josh Giddey, Scottie Barnes, and Franz Wagner), and 2020 (LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Maxey, and Tyrese Haliburton).
As many flowers as are being thrown the way, that doesn’t mean there aren’t questions. Like, who is going No. 1 – AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson or Cam Boozer? That same question can be considered through the first four selections with Caleb Wilson entering the mix. You can check out any sportsbook online for more information on the 2026 NBA draft.
The following will look at some of the top under-the-radar prospects who could make an impact in 2026-27.
Reed is a late-bloomer who is coming off a career season. The consensus No. 31 recruit in the class of 2022 is projected to be a late first-round-to-early second-round selection (between 27-40 with average draft of 36.6). However, the 6-10 big is seen as a plug-and-play big due to physicality, rebounding, and passing.
Reed is long, possessing a 7-foot-4 wingspan and a wide body (260 pounds). Reed plays through contact and finishes above the rim, with soft hands and touch. He connected on nearly 69% of his attempts at the basket this past season.
The 22-year-old is an elite rebounder and screener who thrives in pick-and-rolls. Reed can operate in the post or elbow and is a good passer as he sees cutters make smart reads. Defensively, he doesn’t get pushed around and moves his feet well.
Reed averaged 14.7 points on 60.7% shooting from the field, 9.0 rebounds (3.2 offensive), 2.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks this past season. He produced 14 double-doubles, including a 31-point and 27-rebound effort against Furman in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
Jefferson is also a late first-round to early second-round pick (draft range between 20 and 35) and is coming off a career season. A second-team All-American selection, Jefferson projects as an immediate contributor due to his strength, playmaking feel, and two-way capabilities.
Jefferson averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals. The 6-8 combo forward has an NBA body (246 pounds) and has shown he loves to play physical. He does an excellent job of getting to the free-throw line, is a high-effort rebounder, and is an excellent passer with a high IQ. In addition, he has shown improvement as a 3-point shooter throughout his college career.
Defensively, Jefferson is very active on that end of the floor. The 22-year-old can guard multiple positions (2-4).
Jefferson averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals this past season. Jefferson drained a career-best 1.1 threes a game with shooting splits of 47.1/34.5/70.0. He also produced 10 double-doubles and two triple-doubles.
Brown is one of the big risers in the 2026 NBA Draft. Brown began the season not listed on any draft boards, but is now a potential early-to-late second-round selection because of his motor, rebounding, and physicality.
Brown has a “grown-man body” and is a relentless defender and rebounder. Brown, the 2026 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, can guard 2 through 4 and some small-ball 5s.
While limited offensively, Brown is an efficient shooter. The athletic 6-8 forward is also an excellent screener and cutter.
Brown averaged 4.9 points on 62.9% shooting from the field and 5.2 rebounds (1.9 offensive) this past season. He also contributed 1.6 assists and 1.8 steals.
Sharp projects a late first-round to early second-round draft pick (25-40). Sharp will likely have a chance to contribute immediately due to his shooting ability, physical frame, and defensive toughness. He is coming off his most productive collegiate campaign and is Houston’s all-time leading 3-point shooter.
Sharp, one of the best shooters in the 2026 draft, has a quick release and excels at shooting off the move. The 6-3 guard, who has a powerful frame, is a capable facilitator who doesn’t turn the ball over. He is also a good finisher when he gets to the rim.
However, it is on the defensive end where Sharp thrives. Sharp, an All-Big-12 Defense selection, loves to get into opposing ballhandlers. He also does an excellent job fighting through screens and competing on that end.
Sharp averaged 15.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals this past season. Sharp made 2.6 threes a game with shooting splits of 41.3/37.2/89.9. He scored in double-figures in 30 of his 37 appearances, topping the 20-point mark nine times, and recorded at least one triple on 35 occassions with five games of at least five treys.
Karaban has been one of the most steady and reliable college basketball players over the last few seasons. The 6-8 forward, projected to be selected late in the first round to early second round choice (20-35), should be able to come right in and contribute off the bench as a result of his shooting and decision-making.
While Karaban doesn’t possess off-the-charts athleticism or the ability to create, he has excellent size and sharpshooting ability. Karaban, who averages 1.9 treys for his career at a 37.4% clip, is comfortable shooting on the move, pick-and-pops, as well as off the catch.
Karaban also possesses a high basketball IQ and is a willing passer. He excels off-ball, whether cutting, relocating, screening, or creating space. While not known for his defensive ability, the 23-year-old plays with physicality on that end, is disciplined, and understands positioning and team rotations. He can guard both forward spots.
Karaban averaged 13.2 points, 5.3 rebounds (1.8 offensive), and 2.4 assists. Karaban drained 1.9 threes with shooting splits of 46.4/37.4/85.1.
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