The 2026 NBA draft is just around the corner, and teams are gearing up to address their biggest needs. Here's a breakdown of each team's top priority, along with personal commentary and analysis from an expert perspective.
Atlanta Hawks: Isolation Scoring
The Hawks need to boost their isolation scoring, ranking last in the NBA in this category. With two first-round picks, they should target elite guards like Keaton Wagler or Darius Acuff Jr. to address this weakness.
Boston Celtics: Frontcourt Depth
Boston's frontcourt is thin, especially with Nikola Vučević's free agency. They could target a big like UNC's Henri Veesaar or Kentucky's Malachi Moreno to add depth behind Neemias Queta.
Brooklyn Nets: Best Player Available
The Nets should prioritize the best player on the board, even if it means missing out on some positional needs. Egor Dёmin stands out as a 6'8" point guard with franchise centerpiece potential.
Charlotte Hornets: Interior Scoring
Charlotte's interior scoring needs improvement, ranking 29th in made twos. Adding a big with interior scoring ability will help balance their offense.
Chicago Bulls: Franchise Center
The Bulls need a franchise center, and Caleb Wilson or Michigan's Aday Mara could be options. Wilson's 6'9" frame is a concern, but Mara's 7'3" frame and wingspan make him an attractive prospect.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Big Wing
Cleveland needs more size on the wing, and Dailyn Swain or Duke's Isaiah Evans could provide that. They should target players with size to add depth off the bench.
Dallas Mavericks: Franchise Point Guard
The Mavericks need a franchise point guard, and Mikel Brown Jr. or Kingston Flemings could be options. Kyrie Irving's age and injury concerns make this a priority.
Denver Nuggets: Defensive Help
The Nuggets need young talent with defensive skills, especially with Peyton Watson's restricted free agency. Backup point guard is also a need.
Detroit Pistons: Offensive Creation
The Pistons need help creating offense behind Cade Cunningham. Tobias Harris's free agency and Ausar Thompson's lack of offensive threat make this a priority.
Golden State Warriors: Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Warriors should pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo, who could bring title contention and serve as a new face when Stephen Curry retires. Trading their No. 11 pick for Antetokounmpo is a tempting move.
Houston Rockets: Guard Play
The Rockets need to improve their guard play, especially in assist-to-turnover ratio. Fred VanVleet's return is a start, but they should target second-round guards for additional playmaking and shooting.
Indiana Pacers: Wing Scorer
The Pacers need a wing scorer, especially after trading Benedict Mathurin. They should target a scorer to boost their offensive output.
Los Angeles Clippers: Center
The Clippers need a center, and Michigan's Aday Mara is a strong option. They should consider trading their picks for a guard-needy team with an All-Star center.
Los Angeles Lakers: Rim Protection
The Lakers need to improve their rim protection, allowing opponents to shoot 72.0% in the restricted area. They should target shot-blocking centers in the late first or early second round.
Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson
The Grizzlies should choose between Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson for their starting power forward. Both have NBA-ready athleticism and skill.
Miami Heat: Best Talent Available
Miami should pursue star players, targeting any position. Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins are free agents, and Bam Adebayo is versatile. They should take the best player available at No. 13.
Milwaukee Bucks: Best Wing Available
The Bucks need a wing, especially if Kevin Porter Jr. turns down his player option. They should target the best wing available at No. 10.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Point Guard
The Timberwolves need a point guard, with Donte DiVincenzo's injury and free agents Mike Conley Jr. and Ayo Dosunmu. Christian Anderson could be a fit at No. 28.
New Orleans Pelicans: Stretch Big
The Pelicans need a stretch-big to improve their three-point shooting. UCLA's Tyler Bilodeau is a target for the end of the second round.
New York Knicks: Center Depth
The Knicks need center depth, especially with Mitchell Robinson's free agency. They should target a big man who can protect the rim.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Trade Opportunities
The Thunder have multiple first-round picks but may not have room for rookies. Trading picks for future capital is a smart move.
Orlando Magic: 3-Point Shooting
Orlando needs to improve their 3-point shooting, ranking low in made threes and accuracy. They should target a shooter or shot-creator in the second round.
Philadelphia 76ers: Power Forward
The 76ers need a power forward, with Paul George's versatility. Arizona's Koa Peat or Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson could provide frontcourt depth.
Phoenix Suns: Point of Attack Defender
The Suns need a point-of-attack defender, with a strong defense overall. Tennessee's Ja'Kobi Gillespie has strong defensive instincts and good hands.
Portland Trail Blazers: Outside Shooting
Portland needs more outside shooting, especially after a poor season. They should explore trading back in the draft if a suitable shooter becomes available.
Sacramento Kings: Franchise Star
The Kings need a superstar, and they should avoid reaching for players like Aday Mara. Position doesn't matter, as they can trade veterans for a franchise-changing talent.
San Antonio Spurs: Forward Depth
The Spurs should focus on forward depth, with 34-year-old Harrison Barnes's free agency. They should target solid role players off the bench.
Toronto Raptors: Volume Shooting
The Raptors need to increase their 3-point shooting, ranking low in volume. They should target a rotation player who can shoot threes at a high level.
Utah Jazz: AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson
The Jazz should prioritize AJ Dybantsa at No. 2, pairing him with a strong core. Darryn Peterson is a fine consolation prize if the price is right.
Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa
The Wizards should prioritize AJ Dybantsa at No. 1, building around a 6'9" wing to compete for playoff contention.
