Washington's Hannes Steinbach declares for 2026 NBA draft: Latest mock draft projection

NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage. The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June.

In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , Washington's Hannes Steinbach is expected to go in the first round after declaring his intention to turn pro on Tuesday . Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Forward's draft night will play out. Our draft order is based on Tankathon.

com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections. Hannes Steinbach 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 19 overall, San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks) Kalbrosky's Analysis: German big man Hannes Steinbach is a name worth watching in the 2026 NBA Draft.

While his team missed the tournament, the All-Big Ten post is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, including an absurd 24 rebounds against USC on March 4. Additionally, the center is one of the more prolific pick-and-roll finishers in college basketball. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup, too, and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.