Five Hidden Gems Poised to Surprise in the 2026 NBA Draft

NBA.com highlights five players who could outpace their draft projections in the deep 2026 class: Jayden Quaintaince (Kentucky), Christian Anderson (Texas Tech), Cameron Carr (Baylor), Dailyn Swain (Texas) and Bennett Stirtz (Iowa). Each brings a unique profile—Quaintaince a 6’10 floor-spacer with knee risk, Anderson a dynamic lead guard, Carr a 6’6 high-motor wing with shooting potential, Swain a lengthier three-and-D wing with playmaking, and Stirtz a steady 6’4 floor general—and teams patient with development could land late-first-round steals.