Tim Bontemps
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Tim Bontemps
Senior Correspondent for ESPN
- As a veteran NBA correspondent for ESPN.com, Tim Bontemps chronicles the league and its influences both on and off the court, offering insights on subjects such as trade deadline information, league expansion, and his MVP Straw Polls. Audiences can also hear Tim featured with Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon on The Hoop Collective podcast.
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Although the NBA’s standard season has over a week left, the attention of numerous team executives has already turned towards May 10. This is the date when the league will hold its yearly lottery, establishing the draft sequence for what could be a particularly notable 2026 class.
As the men’s Final Four unfolds this weekend, what are league experts discussing regarding BYU wing AJ Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and other leading hopefuls?
We canvassed over twelve NBA scouts and executives to gather their perspectives on the prospective draft sequence, the top-tier athletes, and the abundance of point guards poised to characterize the initial phase of Round 1.
Whom do you anticipate being the first selection?
As Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer have all completed their freshman campaigns, a close contest for the top pick is set to unfold privately.
Even though teams consistently emphasize that the forthcoming month’s lottery will play a significant role, most of the scouts and executives consulted view Dybantsa as the front-runner.
“I suppose you’d prefer to take a chance on [AJ] and his potential, rather than not,” a Western Conference general manager informed ESPN. “And I know Peterson possesses potential, perhaps Boozer’s potential is a little lower. … I simply believe that [AJ], given he’s 6-9 and could develop to around 6-10, 230 [pounds] by the age of 25, has the potential to become a dominant force. I think you simply must take a chance with him, win or lose.”
“I believe Peterson is the most gifted individual,” an Eastern Conference executive stated, “but his health issues pose a genuine concern. That is a legitimate worry, and it’s been an unusual season. Yet, he possesses immense skill, and he held the top spot at the season’s outset for a reason.”
Certain executives favored Peterson, who experienced an inconsistent campaign at Kansas, including stunning flashes of genius interspersed with periods of inactivity due to injuries and intervals where his presence on the court was minimal.
Other individuals supported Boozer, who recently concluded one of the most remarkable statistical campaigns in college basketball history — Boozer stands as the sole player nationally to rank within the top 12 for both points (22.5) and rebounds (10.2) per game — thereby propelling Duke to within a single improbable 35-foot shot away from reaching the Final Four.
Regardless, as a Western Conference executive explained, the extensive talent reservoir presents an opportunity for this year’s draft to take numerous paths.
“I believe this draft is, in certain aspects, comparable with the [2024 Zaccharie] Risacher year, yet on an elevated plane,” they remarked. “That year it felt like, ‘Will anyone be truly exceptional?’ This year, it’s more like, ‘Well, heck, there are numerous individuals.’ You possess strong assurance that a minimum of a few of them will be truly, truly excellent. You’re simply uncertain which ones.
“You certainly don’t want to be selecting first overall and then acquire only the fifth-best player.”
What is your perspective on Peterson’s draft valuation?
While Dybantsa has strengthened his argument for the top spot, no one is prepared to entirely dismiss Peterson. As the most gifted offensive player in this freshman class, Peterson was afflicted with lower limb ailments and spasmodic problems that restricted his participation to 24 games.
“It’s undoubtedly an issue,” an East scout remarked. “If your team is contending for the No. 1 or 2 pick, you will need to acquire extensive data on what transpired, and the reasons behind it.”
Acquiring more information concerning Peterson’s physical condition, crucially whether any of these issues will develop into enduring problems, was identified by many league insiders as a crucial component of the evaluation period before the draft. When Peterson performs optimally, like when he decisively surpassed Dybantsa in the first half of their contest in Lawrence, Kansas, before scores of NBA executives, he appears to be an exceptional talent.
“I believe it compels one to commence numerous inquiries that one typically wouldn’t pose for an individual like [Peterson],” a West executive commented. “Simply the handling of his circumstances and his [health] subjected him to a certain level of additional scrutiny, beyond the rigorous examination a No. 1 pick would already undergo.
“In the forthcoming months, there exists a distinct possibility that the underlying cause of this problem, contingent on its nature, could impact his valuation.”
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To what extent did Darryn Peterson’s draft valuation suffer?
Seth Greenberg appears on “Get Up” to analyze Darryn Peterson’s showing against St. John’s on Sunday evening and its potential influence on his draft valuation.
At what position should Boozer be placed?
Scarcely any athletes have approached the selection procedure from a more intriguing circumstance.
As the offspring of an All-Star power forward, Boozer will join the professional ranks possessing an extensive record of athletic achievements. He has triumphed at each stage he has competed in, including an overwhelming statistical performance that was instrumental in propelling Duke to the Elite Eight.
While all of that strongly indicates a top selection, Boozer’s prospect evaluation is rife with inquiries regarding his possible deficiency in burst and agility, and whether he is solely a single-role athlete at power forward.
“I am not a strong advocate for a specialized power forward,” an East scout remarked. “If that is indeed his role, then you must construct your roster tailored to that, considering his absence of adaptability.”
An East executive likened the discussion surrounding Boozer’s prospect valuation to another highly praised athlete who succeeded at each stage but faced concerns regarding physical prowess upon entering the association: Luka Doncic.
“He lacks the athletic appearance, so individuals impose restrictions upon him,” they commented regarding Boozer. “I do not understand why people continue constraining his potential before he reaches 19. There are numerous approaches to defining physical capability, not merely vertical leap, and he consistently plays in the most effective manner possible to aid his team in winning.”
However, almost all individuals consulted concurred that Boozer’s playing style possesses the most assured baseline of any player in the draft.
“I believe people have become desensitized to him, his output, and his prototype,” another East executive remarked. “The adaptability he offers on offense is
Unparalleled within his cohort.
“I acknowledge the challenges: his scoring efficiency, absence of interior defense, and fatigue. Yet, to my mind, he functions as an offensive initiator—similar to figures such as [Domantas] Sabonis, [Alperen] Sengun, or any other individuals whose athletic prowess has been questioned. His intelligence and innate understanding have surmounted numerous obstacles. In my estimation, he has addressed every possible concern.”
Is Wilson’s position at No. 4 Assured?
Caleb Wilson, from North Carolina, who ranks as the No. 4 prospect in ESPN’s top 100, emerged as a standout performer this season. He made significant progress in his development during his freshman year, thereby solidifying his status as a probable top-five selection. This robust, well-equipped forward has elicited comparisons to Pascal Siakam and Aaron Gordon. These individuals are known as high-motor, adaptable defenders possessing the talent and creative capacity to bolster supplementary offensive plays.
His draft trajectory experienced a setback due to an unfortunate series of injuries. He fractured his left hand on Feb. 10, followed by a right thumb injury during practice in early March, all while striving for a return to postseason play.
Nevertheless, this has not prevented him from garnering considerable admiration.
“Caleb demonstrated greater output and exerted more effort during his collegiate career than Jalen Johnson, the Atlanta Hawks All-Star, whose college game was predominantly focused on the perimeter,” an East executive commented. “Should you perceive Cam [Boozer] as akin to Al Horford, and view Caleb as comparable to Jalen, then opting for Caleb would be logical.”
Numerous scouts and executives contend that Wilson’s style of play, owing to his blend of stature, promise, and athletic ability, suggests significant high-tier potential and might propel him into the draft’s top three by late June. His potential selection is largely perceived to hinge on team compatibility, contingent upon the lottery’s outcome and organizational requirements.
“The intelligence gathered on him is remarkable,” commented another executive from the East.
“I anticipate he could readily be a top-three pick,” an East scout stated. “It seems plausible he might be favored over Boozer at that position.”
Which backcourt player is most suitable for the No. 5 slot?
A definite agreement is beginning to form regarding Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, and Wilson as the leading prospects on draft boards. Following these, a surplus of guards skilled in ball-handling will largely shape the subsequent course of the draft.
Furthermore, the exact hierarchy varies based on individual perspectives, with diverse placements for Darius Acuff Jr. of Arkansas, Kingston Flemings from Houston, and Keaton Wagler of Illinois; some also express a preference for Mikel Brown Jr. from Louisville and Brayden Burries of Arizona.
Numerous executives highlighted the potential significance of combine evaluations in this selection process, especially for Acuff (listed at 6-3) and Flemings (6-4). This pair, along with Wagler (6-6), is extensively regarded as the most formidable contenders for the No. 5 position.
Commencing with Acuff, he is an electrifying offensive guard, though worries persist regarding his stature and defensive capabilities in professional play. His performance during the season’s closing two months, notably a victorious run in the SEC tournament, garnered widespread approval within the NBA community. However, these deficiencies will render team composition and compatibility crucial elements.
“His exceptional shooting prowess, the relentless drive he’s displayed, and his aptitude for scoring from all three ranges are impressive,” an East executive observed. “While his defensive efforts cause me some apprehension, it must be acknowledged that he has shouldered a substantial responsibility.”
“In my view, there has never been a more inopportune moment to construct a team around deficient defensive guards,” a West executive declared. “Repeatedly, we witness this phenomenon: the most dazzling offensive contributions in the draft do not always translate into the most victories.
“Instead, success often comes from players like Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Alex Caruso, to name a few notable examples. Moreover, we currently possess tangible evidence of this principle within the trade market, as exemplified by Trae Young being traded for ostensibly minimal returns. … Individuals are often captivated by guards, and I am aware of several organizations currently developing a strong affinity for Acuff.”
Flemings, conversely, stands as a robust and agile two-way competitor who garnered commendation for his desire to compete under Houston’s coach Kelvin Sampson, a traditional and rigorous leader. Nonetheless, his shooting ability and physical dimensions present prospective challenges.
“Kingston functions somewhat uniquely; he offers a superior comprehensive skill set when considering both offensive and defensive aspects,” a West executive remarked. “His performance is truly noteworthy… especially for a freshman to assume such a significant role on one of the nation’s premier squads, and moreover, on a team known for being demanding if players do not exhibit intense effort.”
“It is exceedingly remarkable that he is entrusted with crucial shots, particularly on a team comprising veteran guards who have a history of success at that institution,” an East scout observed. “One can observe his shooting mechanics, yet I would wager on his other attributes, and his jump shot can certainly be refined.”
Wagler, conversely, presents an extraordinary narrative, having suddenly gained prominence during the Illini’s advancement to the Final Four, thereby transforming into a mid-lottery selection. Initially a three-star high school recruit who began the season without national recognition, Wagler’s capacity to operate both as a primary ball-handler and off-ball at his dimensions provides him with enhanced role flexibility.
“Discussions concerning potential ceilings often delve into physical attributes,” an East executive noted. “However, what truly unifies all premier [NBA] athletes is their mental superiority, an aspect frequently underestimated throughout this entire process.”
“[Wagler] will need to enhance his physical strength,” a West executive opined, “yet I am inclined to take a risk on a 6-6 individual who can fundamentally orchestrate the offense. Moreover, he performs with exceptional tempo and intuition.”