The 2026 NBA Draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. EDT, but the excitement has already started due to recent news of Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded to the Miami Heat. The Washington Wizards, with the first overall pick, are deciding between top prospects AJ Dybantsa from BYU and Darryn Peterson from Kansas. Other notable prospects include Duke’s Cameron Boozer and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson.
Join The Athletic’s NBA staff for live updates, analysis, and reactions as the draft progresses.
Broadcast Information:
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV: ABC, ESPN, ESPN Unlimited
- Streaming: Fubo
Former North Carolina coach Hubert Davis was seen attending the draft with prospect Caleb Wilson. Davis reminisced about Wilson’s impressive performance against Dybantsa in a preseason exhibition where Wilson scored 22 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and blocked three shots. Despite Wilson’s season-ending injuries, Davis was invited to the draft, demonstrating Wilson’s appreciation for his former coach.
John Wall, the last No. 1 pick for the Wizards in 2010, offered advice to the new draftees: “Embrace the community and be approachable.” His presence adds significance to the Wizards’ draft event.
AJ Dybantsa is highly favored to be the number one pick, with sportsbook odds reflecting a 96 percent probability of this outcome. Initially, Darryn Peterson was favored, but Dybantsa’s performance during the Big 12 tournament changed the odds.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver mentioned on ESPN the league’s increased interest in various areas, with attendance at an all-time high and finals ratings being the highest in 28 years. Silver discussed expansion possibilities for Las Vegas and Seattle, aiming for decisions by the end of the calendar year.
The league’s lottery system will not return to its previous form. Silver expressed that incentivizing poor performance is not appealing to fans. The new system aims to remove any incentive to be bad and will be assessed over three years to check its effectiveness.
The Mavericks are eyeing Nate Ament for their ninth pick, fitting the profile team president Masai Ujiri prefers. With Dusty May hired as their new coach, league speculation centers around Michigan players joining the Mavericks.
Brooklyn Nets are considering Mikel Brown Jr. for the sixth pick, but Nate Ament and Michigan’s Aday Mara are also in the mix following a center trade with Chicago.
Sources reveal the Atlanta Hawks are looking into various trade scenarios for their eighth pick, having recently acquired Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Come hang out with The Athletic’s crew for live reactions during the entire draft.
Leave a Reply