Who experts predict Warriors, Kings will select in first round of 2026 NBA Draft

It’s officially June, which means the 2026 NBA Draft on the 23rd and 24th is that much closer — and with that comes updated mocks.While the Kings shut their eyes at the sight of the 2026 NBA Finals, they’re looking to potentially add their next cornerstone player to the roster. As for the Warriors, it’s much of the same — minus Draymond Green making his decision — with Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler returning from injury and Steve Kerr returning to coach. Here’s a look at some projected first-round picks for both teams from experts around the web.ESPNKings (No. 7): Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston“Flemings measured smaller than his listed 6-4, at 6-2½ barefoot with just a plus-1 wingspan, but he unsurprisingly tested quite well athletically. Though the size factor might not help him as lottery teams split hairs among the guards, the feedback was positive on his interview process, reaffirming the intangibles that helped make him successful at Houston.”Warriors (No. 11): Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona“Burries is drawing looks inside the top 10 but could also end up being the guard who falls. He would be a solid fit for the Warriors in this scenario. His dimensions will play up better on the ball than at the two, but his sturdy build should also help him defend wings.”– Jeremy WooCBS SportsKings (No. 6): Darius Acuff Jr., PG, ArkansasIn this mock draft, the Kings are projected to trade with the Brooklyn Nets to jump up one spot to the No. 6 overall pick in the draft.“The price to move up one spot would likely be a handful of second-round picks or some combination of a protected first-round pick and/or pick swap, depending on the demand. I’ve been on record to say Acuff is a tier above the other guards in this range. He’s an elite scorer, facilitator and shooter. He is exactly what Sacramento needs.”Warriors (No. 11): Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan“His combination of size, strength and athleticism is hard to pass on in the late lottery. Yes, his age is a question mark, but it won’t be as big a deal if he joins a win-now team like Golden State. Lendeborg will slot into any NBA rotation immediately and make an impact.”– Cameron SalernoUSA TodayKings (No. 7): Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas“The Kings need a potential star and according to Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor, folks around the league “widely believe” they are targeting Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. right now.En route to the Sweet 16, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. … He has significant defensive deficiencies but is one of the most exciting offensive prospects in recent memory. It’s also worth noting Kings executive Scott Perry coached Acuff’s father in college.”Warriors (No. 11): Karim Lopez (Mexico), SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers“Karim Lopez had a low usage rate and played fewer minutes than other players in this range while playing against pros, but was still very productive for the NBL Next Stars program in Australia. The Mexican-born forward is physically gifted, athletic, and universally seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas.”– Bryan KalbroskyThe RingerKings (No. 7): Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville“Brown entered last college season with real intrigue; he was seen as one of the players who could potentially rise into the top four. That intrigue dissipated pretty swiftly as his up-and-down play created some worry about who he really is as a player and as his unusual injury situation kept him out of the lineup on many occasions.”Warriors (No. 11): Labaron Philon Jr., G, Alabama“His toughness and savvy would allow him to blend in with the absurd amount of experience on this team, and even though he feels like less of a star bet than some of the other highly regarded guards in the class, I don’t expect him to stagnate after getting to the league. Philon grew immensely at Alabama after taking on a significantly bigger role in year two—he was one of the more prolific pick-and-roll operators in all of college basketball and sported impressive efficiency.”– J. Kyle MannThe AthleticKings (No. 7): Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston“Flemings is a wildly explosive and powerful lead guard, using a lightning-quick first step to get by defenders with ease. …You can see his burst every time he touches the court. He’s also an excellent decision-maker who improved defensively throughout the season.”Warriors (No. 11): Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan“Even though Lendeborg gutted through an ankle injury in the Final Four, he led Michigan to a title and transformed his game. His counting numbers were down from his heights at UAB, but he averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists while playing aggressive defense.”– Sam VecenieBleacher ReportKings (No. 7): Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston“The Sacramento Kings figure to be hunting down a new point guard with a number of lottery-caliber ball-handlers to choose from. … [Flemings] surprised by leading the NBA combine in the three-point star drill (overtaking Alex Karaban), making 19-of-25 shots. He also hit 15-of-25 spot-ups threes, encouraging signs for a guard whose bread and butter in college was separating into mid-range jumpers.”Warriors (No. 11): Karim Lopez (Mexico), SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers“Age, NBL production, a 6’8”, 221-pound frame and expanding versatility could suggest Karim Lopez can offer both effective, immediate minutes and long-term upside.”– Jonathan WassermanSB NationKings (No. 7): Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston“There’s already rumors that Sacramento has a preference for Darius Acuff, and that would be fine, but I like Flemings more. The Houston guard is a lot more disruptive defensively off the ball, and I give him a slight edge as a live-dribble playmaker.”Warriors (No. 11): Hannes Steinbach, F/C, Washington“Steinbach’s offensive rebounding is potentially the single best skill in this draft class (behind Cameron Boozer’s brain), and he could feast off misses from Steph Curry and Brandin Podziemski to generate extra possessions.”– Ricky O’DonnellDownload and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Who experts predict Warriors, Kings will select in first round of 2026 NBA Draft

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