Three Prospects Who Could Shockingly Rise in the 2026 NBA Draft

The 2026 NBA Draft theme of surprise risers centers on three prospects projected to climb unexpectedly into the first half of the lottery. Nate Ament, a tall but mobile forward, is highlighted as a potential leap after posting 16.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, while shooting under 40% from the field and 33.3% from three. Morez Johnson Jr., the 6-foot-8 wing from Michigan, is described as a high-level rebounder and versatile defender; early projections from early June had him going 18th to Charlotte, but teams like Oklahoma City and Golden State could use his frontcourt fit. Ebuka Okorie, a 6-foot-2 Stanford scorer, could also push into the back end of the first round as a high-IQ defense and playmaking option. The possibility of trades and team needs frames why these movements remain plausible.