NC State’s Quadir Copeland Appears in Multiple 2026 NBA Mock Drafts

Quadir Copeland’s lone season at NC State may have done more than earn him All-ACC honors.

It may have played him into the NBA Draft.

Earlier today, ESPN released its latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft, projecting Copeland to be selected with the 53rd overall pick by the Houston Rockets.

Copeland also appeared in mock drafts from multiple other outlets.

Sports Illustrated projects him to be selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the 58th overall pick, while Tankathon currently has Copeland going with the final selection in the draft at No. 60 overall to the Washington Wizards.

Regardless of where he lands, the fact that Copeland is appearing in multiple mock drafts is noteworthy.

Heading into the 2025-26 season, few projected the former Syracuse and McNeese State guard to hear his name called on draft night.

A Breakout Season in Raleigh

Copeland quickly became the heart and soul of NC State’s basketball team during his lone season with the Wolfpack.

His energy, leadership, and versatility helped him earn Third Team All-ACC honors while stuffing the stat sheet throughout the season.

2025-26 Statistics

• 13.9 points per game
• 6.5 assists per game
• 3.6 rebounds per game
• 1.8 steals per game

Copeland finished second on the team in scoring and led the entire ACC in assists.

He also led NC State in steals, routinely impacting games on both ends of the floor.

While NBA evaluators have long questioned his shooting ability, Copeland proved to be a legitimate point guard this past year.

A Potential End to NC State’s Draft Drought

If Copeland hears his name called on draft night, it would be significant not only for him, but for NC State as a program.

The Wolfpack has not had a player selected in the NBA Draft since 2017, when Dennis Smith Jr. was chosen with the 9th overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks.

That’s a drought that has stretched nearly a decade.

Copeland may not be projected as a lottery pick, but becoming an NBA Draft selection would be a testament to the season he put together in Raleigh.

Final Thoughts

At this point, Copeland is projected as a late second-round pick by several outlets.

That means nothing is guaranteed.

However, appearing in multiple mock drafts from ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and Tankathon suggests NBA teams are taking a serious look at the former Wolfpack star.

For a player who entered last season with virtually no draft buzz, that’s a remarkable rise.

And if his name is called on draft night, it would mark NC State’s first NBA Draft selection in nearly nine years.