The Washington Wizards Hold the Spotlight
The 2026 NBA draft is pivotal, with the Washington Wizards having the top pick. The draft begins with the Wizards selecting first, followed by the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, and LA Clippers. This order sets the stage for selecting promising talents that could shape team futures.
Top Prospects
AJ Dybantsa from BYU is widely expected to be the No. 1 pick by the Wizards. Dybantsa has demonstrated exceptional skill, leading in scoring at the national level with a stunning average of 25.5 points. Other top prospects include Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson. Each has shown strong performance in their college seasons.
How to Watch
The first round of the 2026 NBA draft starts at 8 p.m. ET, Tuesday, June 23, broadcasting on ESPN and ABC.
Team Strategies and Player Selections
Dallas Mavericks’ Strategy
The Dallas Mavericks are actively reshaping their team post-Luka Doncic trade. Their recent hire, Dusty May, aims to strengthen the team. With two first-round selections available, including the No. 9 and No. 30 picks, they intend to build around rookie star Cooper Flagg. Key players returning include Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II. These selections will strategically enhance their roster.
Mavericks Coach Announcement
The hiring of Dusty May was officially announced before the draft’s commencement. May transitions to the NBA from Michigan, where he led the team to an NCAA championship. His impressive record of 64-13 positions him as a valuable addition to the Mavericks. This comes as they prepare to further develop their team around Cooper Flagg, their 2025 No. 1 pick.
Picks 11-20 Overview
- 11. Golden State Warriors
- 12. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 13. Milwaukee Bucks
- 14. Charlotte Hornets
- 15. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers)
- 16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns)
- 17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers)
- 18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic)
- 19. Toronto Raptors
- 20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks)
NCAA Champions’ Prospects
Michigan’s recent NCAA title win introduced several potential NBA prospects. Yaxel Lendeborg, Roddy Gayle Jr., Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr., and Nimari Burnett made headlines. Mara, notably at 7-foot-3, could prove a defensive asset. Lendeborg’s shooting has improved, placing him in high demand along with versatile player Johnson.
Picks 1-10 Breakdown
- 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 Promising Future
AJ Dybantsa’s talent marks him as a favorite for the No. 1 pick. His aggressive play style at BYU, characterized by personal scoring and drawing fouls, builds his appeal. Possible competition includes Darryn Peterson, whose brief college season at Kansas exhibited substantial skill despite interruptions. The Wizards now aim to break their championship drought with these fresh talents.