Anticipation Builds for 2026 NBA Draft: Wizards Hold No. 1 Pick

The much-awaited 2026 NBA draft is set to commence, with the Washington Wizards standing first in line to make their selection. Keep pace with live updates, detailed analysis, and comprehensive data regarding all 30 first-round picks of the draft.

Teams on the Clock

The Washington Wizards hold the prestigious No. 1 pick, with the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, and LA Clippers completing the top five positions in the draft order.

Top Prospects

AJ Dybantsa, hailed from BYU, is projected as the top candidate to be chosen by the Wizards. Joining him among the favored prospects are Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson, who have secured their positions among the consensus top four talents in the draft.

Draft Viewing Details

Round 1 of the 2026 NBA draft is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 23, and will be broadcast on both ESPN and ABC.

Late 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’ Strategic Moves

The Dallas Mavericks are strategizing post-trade of Luka Doncic by appointing Michigan’s Dusty May as their new coach. This marks a vital progression with two first-round selections, enhancing their roster surrounding the NBA rookie of the year, Cooper Flagg.

Holding the No. 9 and No. 30 overall picks, Dallas aims to reinforce their team, which boasts returning star guard Kyrie Irving and key figures like forwards P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, alongside center Dereck Lively II.

The Mavericks’ No. 9 pick opens possibilities for one-and-done guards, featuring prospects like Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr., Illinois’ Keaton Wagler, and Arizona’s Brayden Burries. Additionally, freshman forward Nate Ament from Tennessee is under consideration.

Dusty May’s Role with Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks officially announced Dusty May’s transition to head coach mere hours before the draft’s commencement. After steering Michigan to an NCAA championship, May boasts a 64-13 record with a climactic victory against UConn. This strategic hiring aligns with Dallas’s rebuilding efforts around Cooper Flagg, alongside imminent draft selections like the 48th choice in the upcoming second round.

NCAA Champions Eyeing NBA Opportunities

Michigan’s triumphant NCAA champions Yaxel Lendeborg, Roddy Gayle Jr., Aday Mara, Morez Johnson Jr., and Nimari Burnett might land early during the draft.

Mara, a formidable presence at 7-foot-3, promises defensive prowess akin to rim protection. Lendeborg, acclaimed as a first-team Associated Press All-American, has honed his shooting skills. Johnson remains a flexible asset offering versatility between forward and small-ball roles.

The Wolverines may witness three first-round selections for the first time since 1990’s draft.

Top 10 Picks

• 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: The Anticipated Top Pick

AJ Dybantsa has been gaining substantial traction as the predicted No. 1 overall NBA draft pick. His exceptional performance at BYU, leading college basketball in scoring with 25.5 points per game, earned him a spot as a first-team Associated Press All-American.

Dybantsa’s scoring efficiency and penetration skills have posed consistent challenges for defenses, increasing anticipation for the Wizards’ decision in picking him.

However, there is consideration towards other contenders like Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, renowned yet cautious with injury setbacks, alongside Cameron Boozer’s acclaimed tenure as a forward at Duke.