NBA Draft 2026: 71 Early Entry Candidates Set Stage for High-Stakes Selection Process

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport

The NBA’s 2026 draft class just got deeper—and more unpredictable. The league announced on Monday that 71 players have filed as early entry candidates for the two-night event scheduled for June 23–24 in New York, marking one of the largest early-entry pools in recent memory. With college stars, international prospects, and G League standouts all vying for coveted spots, the 2026 draft is shaping up to be a defining moment for franchises and young talent alike.

What the Numbers Reveal About the 2026 Draft Class

The 71 early entrants represent a 15% increase from the 2025 draft’s early-entry pool (62 players) and a 31% jump from 2024 (54 players), according to league records. While not all will remain in the draft—players have until June 13 at 5 p.m. ET to withdraw—this year’s group reflects a growing trend: elite prospects are testing the waters earlier, often leveraging the NBA’s new pre-draft process to gauge their stock without sacrificing eligibility.

“The combine and G League Elite Camp supply players a real sense of where they stand,” said an NBA spokesperson. “It’s no longer a binary choice between declaring or staying in school. The system is designed to let them explore their options.”

Key Prospects Who’ve Already Declared

Among the 71 early entrants, several names have already generated buzz in mock drafts and scouting reports. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable prospects who’ve thrown their hats into the ring:

• Cooper Flagg, Duke (Freshman): The 6-foot-9 forward is widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in most 2026 mock drafts, thanks to his elite two-way versatility. Flagg averaged 16.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game in his lone season at Duke, drawing comparisons to Evan Mobley and Scottie Barnes for his defensive impact.
• Ron Holland II, G League Ignite: The 6-foot-8 wing is a consensus top-three pick after a dominant G League season, where he posted 20.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His athleticism and playmaking have scouts comparing him to Jayson Tatum.
• Matas Buzelis, Indiana (Freshman): The 6-foot-10 Lithuanian big man declared after a breakout season (14.3 points, 7.1 rebounds per game) that saw him emerge as a potential lottery pick. His shooting stroke (38% from three) makes him a modern stretch-five.
• Dylan Dybantsa, BYU (Sophomore): The 6-foot-7 guard is one of the draft’s most polarizing prospects. After averaging 18.7 points and 5.2 assists as a sophomore, Dybantsa’s scoring ability has drawn praise, but questions about his efficiency (42% FG) and defensive effort linger.
• Nikola Topić, KK Crvena Zvezda (Serbia): The 19-year-old Serbian guard is the son of former NBA player Miloš Topić and has already made waves in EuroLeague play. His court vision and 6-foot-7 frame have scouts projecting him as a potential top-10 pick.

Other notable early entrants include KJ Evans (Michigan State), Baye Fall (St. John’s), and Jahlil Bethea (St. John’s), all of whom could hear their names called in the first round.

How the Draft Process Works: Key Dates and Stages

The NBA’s draft process is a months-long gauntlet, designed to give teams—and players—ample time to evaluate talent. Here’s a breakdown of the critical milestones leading up to June 23:

What This Means for Teams and the Draft Order

The 2026 draft order was finalized on April 27, with the Pistons securing the top spot after a 14–68 season. Here’s how the top 10 shakes out, including traded picks that could change hands:

1. Detroit Pistons (Own pick)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Own pick)
3. Houston Rockets (Own pick)
4. Charlotte Hornets (Own pick)
5. Portland Trail Blazers (Own pick)
6. Washington Wizards (Own pick)
7. Utah Jazz (via Oklahoma City Thunder, top-10 protected)
8. Memphis Grizzlies (via Los Angeles Lakers, top-6 protected)
9. Toronto Raptors (Own pick)
10. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland Cavaliers, top-10 protected)

Notable traded picks include:

• The Philadelphia 76ers will receive the Houston Rockets’ first-round pick (top-4 protected) as part of the Tyrese Maxey trade.
• The Los Angeles Clippers will get the Indiana Pacers’ first-rounder (top-4 protected) from the Ivica Zubac trade.
• The Atlanta Hawks will receive the more favorable of the New Orleans Pelicans’ or Milwaukee Bucks’ picks from the Dejounte Murray trade.

International Prospects to Watch

The 2026 draft could feature one of the strongest international classes in years, with several prospects already playing professionally overseas. Here are the top names to monitor:

• Nikola Topić (Serbia): The 19-year-old guard is already a star for KK Crvena Zvezda in the EuroLeague, averaging 12.3 points and 4.7 assists per game. His playmaking and size (6-foot-7) make him a potential top-five pick.
• Juan Núñez (Spain): The 20-year-old point guard has been a standout for Real Madrid, showcasing elite court vision and shooting ability. He’s projected as a late first-rounder.
• Zaccharie Risacher (France): The 6-foot-9 forward has impressed in France’s LNB Pro A, averaging 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. His versatility and shooting stroke (39% from three) have scouts intrigued.
• Ilija Milijašević (Serbia): A 6-foot-11 big man with a soft shooting touch, Milijašević is drawing comparisons to Kristaps Porziņģis for his ability to stretch the floor.

What’s Next for Prospects and Teams

With the early-entry deadline now passed, the focus shifts to the NBA Draft Combine (May 10–17) and G League Elite Camp (May 8–10), where prospects will undergo medical testing, interviews, and on-court evaluations. These events often serve as a make-or-break moment for fringe first-round candidates.

For teams, the next six weeks will be spent refining draft boards, conducting private workouts, and weighing trade scenarios. The Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets—all holding top-five picks—are expected to be the most active in exploring trade-up opportunities.

One wild card? The potential for a draft-day trade involving established stars. With several teams looking to accelerate their rebuilds (e.g., Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards), don’t be surprised if a veteran like Brandon Ingram or Devin Booker becomes part of a draft-night blockbuster.

Key Takeaways for Fans

• The 2026 draft is the deepest in years, with 71 early entrants—including 12 international prospects—vying for 60 spots.
• Cooper Flagg and Ron Holland II are the consensus top-two picks, but the draft order (and team needs) could shuffle the board.
• International prospects are rising, with Serbian guard Nikola Topić and French forward Zaccharie Risacher poised to crack the first round.
• Traded picks add complexity, with the 76ers, Clippers, and Hawks all holding valuable selections that could change hands.
• The combine (May 10–17) will be pivotal, as teams look for hidden gems and red flags among the 71 early entrants.

How to Follow the 2026 NBA Draft

For fans looking to stay updated, here are the best resources:

• Official NBA Draft Hub: www.nba.com/draft/2026 (prospect profiles, lottery odds, and key dates)
• ESPN’s Big Board: Updated rankings and scouting reports
• NBA Draft Combine: Live coverage on ESPN and the NBA App (May 10–17)
• Draft Night: First round on ABC/ESPN (June 23, 8 p.m. ET), second round on ESPN (June 24, 8 p.m. ET)

The Bottom Line

The 2026 NBA Draft is set to be one of the most consequential in recent memory, with a record number of early entrants, a loaded international class, and multiple teams holding valuable traded picks. For prospects, the next six weeks will be a whirlwind of workouts, interviews, and evaluations—all leading to a life-changing night in Brooklyn. For fans, it’s a chance to see the next generation of NBA stars take their first steps toward greatness.

The next major milestone? The NBA Draft Lottery on May 10, where the fate of the top four picks—and the futures of franchises like the Pistons and Spurs—will be decided. Until then, the speculation, analysis, and debate will only intensify.

What do you think of the 2026 draft class? Who’s your pick to go No. 1? Share your thoughts in the comments below.