2026 NBA Draft Overview
The 2026 NBA draft is an eventful night for basketball fans and teams as they look to add new talent to their rosters. Key updates and analysis will be shared throughout the night as 30 teams make their first-round selections. The Washington Wizards are the first team on the clock, holding the number one overall pick.
Top Picks and Prospects
The Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 pick in the draft. Top prospects include AJ Dybantsa from BYU, who is expected to be selected first. Other top prospects are Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson.
The Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, and LA Clippers complete the top five picks.
How to Watch
The first round of the 2026 NBA draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 23. Coverage will be available on ESPN and ABC.
End of First Round Picks
- 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 Set for Roster Overhaul
The Dallas Mavericks are positioned for another shakeup following Luka Doncic’s trade. They now have two first-round picks and a new coach, Dusty May from Michigan. Fresh off coaching Michigan to an NCAA championship, May is tasked with strengthening the team’s roster.
In addition to NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks eagerly anticipate the return of star guard Kyrie Irving from injury. Key roster pieces such as forwards P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, along with center Dereck Lively II, add depth.
The No. 9 pick could yield one-and-done guards from Arkansas, Houston, Louisville, Illinois, and Arizona. Nate Ament from Tennessee provides another option.
Mavericks Announce New Coach
The Dallas Mavericks formally announced Dusty May as their new coach just hours before the draft. May transitions to the NBA after leading Michigan to its first NCAA championship since 1989 with a 64-13 record. Under May’s leadership, Michigan clinched the title with a significant win over UConn.
Dallas, looking to build around Cooper Flagg, hopes to leverage May’s expertise to develop its new roster.
Draft Picks 11-20
- 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 Eye NBA Draft
Several players from Michigan’s NCAA championship team may become NBA lottery picks. Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., and Aday Mara are standout prospects.
The 7-foot-3 Mara presents a formidable defensive presence. Lendeborg, an Associated Press All-American, has honed his outside shot. Johnson’s versatility suits roles both as a forward and a small-ball center.
If these players are selected in the first round, Michigan will have its first trio of first-round picks since the 1990 draft.
Draft 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 Number 1 Selection
AJ Dybantsa has consistently been favored for the No. 1 overall pick. The 6-foot-9 freshman excelled at BYU, leading the nation with 25.5 points per game.
Dybantsa’s scoring prowess and All-American status make him a strong candidate to be chosen by the Washington Wizards. His competition consists of Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and Duke forward Cameron Boozer.
The Wizards’ last title win was in 1978. Selecting Dybantsa could revitalize the franchise.