Introduction to the 2026 NBA Draft
The 2026 NBA Draft is here. The Washington Wizards have the first pick, followed by the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, and LA Clippers. There are 30 first-round selections to watch.
Top Prospect: AJ Dybantsa
AJ Dybantsa from BYU is anticipated to be the number one pick by the Wizards. Names like Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson are among the top contenders in this year’s draft.
How to Watch the Draft
The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft starts at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 23. You can view it on ESPN and ABC.
Picks 21-30
- 21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves)
- 22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets)
- 23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers)
- 24. New York Knicks
- 25. Los Angeles Lakers
- 26. Denver Nuggets
- 27. Boston Celtics
- 28. Brooklyn Nets (via Pistons)
- 29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs)
- 30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder)
Dallas Mavericks Strategy
The Dallas Mavericks have two first-round picks, No. 9 and No. 30, following significant changes after trading Luka Doncic. They aim to build around Cooper Flagg, the NBA rookie of the year.
With Dusty May hired as coach from Michigan, Dallas seeks to select promising one-and-done guards and possibly freshman forward Nate Ament from Tennessee.
Several NCAA Champs Could Go Early
Michigan’s NCAA title-winning group, including forwards Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and center Aday Mara, might become lottery picks in the draft. They played vital roles in Michigan’s success.
Mara stands out with his size and defense, while Lendeborg and Johnson offer versatile skills. This could be a repeat of Michigan’s strong draft presence from 1990.
Picks 1-10
- 1. Washington Wizards
- 2. Utah Jazz
- 3. Memphis Grizzlies
- 4. Chicago Bulls
- 5. LA Clippers (via Pacers)
- 6. Brooklyn Nets
- 7. Sacramento Kings
- 8. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans)
- 9. Dallas Mavericks
- 10. Milwaukee Bucks
AJ Dybantsa’s Anticipated Success
AJ Dybantsa has long been in the spotlight. At BYU, he led the nation in scoring with 25.5 points per game and earned First-Team All-American honors.
The Wizards face choices between his scoring prowess, Darryn Peterson’s guard abilities, and Cameron Boozer’s performance at Duke.
Washington Wizards’ Opportunity
The Wizards hold the No. 1 pick, aiming to end their title drought that dates back to 1978. Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer are top options, each bringing premier college performances.
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