2026 NBA Draft: Expert Reaction to Every First Round Pick

They’re getting a player with length on the wing — he’s 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-plus wingspan. The way he gets around and rises above defenders in the midrange game is his bread and butter — it’s almost unguardable with his high release. Defensively, he can guard every position on the perimeter; he can guard the switch, so he’s very, very versatile in one through four defensively. He was the only freshman this year to post 40 or more points twice. He had 43 points in a win at home against rival Utah, and then he had 40 points in the Big 12 Tournament. 

For the Wizards, he’s going to be able to slide in the backcourt and on the perimeter alongside Trae Young and Tre Johnson. This is a step in the right direction for Washington.

2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, 6-foot-6 freshman guard, Kansas

Andy Katz: No surprise that Darryn Peterson goes No. 2 to Utah once AJ Dybantsa went one to Washington. Look, it’s a great pick for the Jazz. Peterson easily could end up being the best player in this draft. Might have been the No. 1 pick had he been healthy throughout the course of the season. 

It didn’t matter that he didn’t work out for Utah. Ace Bailey didn’t last year. Danny Ainge and Austin Ainge know what they’re doing. They now have a bona fide superstar in the making: Darryn Peterson in Utah. This is the way the Jazz historically have rebuilt their franchise: through the draft, always a little harder to get free agents. So a marvelous pick for Utah to take Darryn Peterson at No. 2.

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, 6-foot-9 freshman forward, Duke

Krysten: Cameron Boozer is heading to the Memphis Grizzlies with the No. 3 overall pick. What are the Grizzlies getting in Cam Boozer? They’re getting one of the winningest players at every level so far. Nobody won more awards and games than Cameron Boozer in high school. Three straight Peach Jam titles, four straight state Florida titles, a Chipotle National, two gold medals with Team USA. Then he goes to Duke: ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie Player of the Year, ACC Tournament MVP and the Naismith College Basketball Player of the Year. 

He’s going to space the floor very, very well for Memphis alongside their bigs. Look, he’s said it before: He is a winner. He is going to help any organization win, and this is a steal for the Memphis Grizzlies. 

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, 6-foot-10 freshman forward, North Carolina

Andy: As expected, Caleb Wilson going No. 4 to Chicago. It’s a great pick for the Bulls. You can hear the music behind me, possibly, because I think Caleb Wilson is a kind of electric player, a highlight player that can bring some juice back to the United Center. It’s a new era there. 

There’s no question that the Bulls need a little bit of a lift, shall we say, and he could be a superstar for them. He plays both sides of the court, rim protector, rips and runs. If he wasn’t hurt, I think we’d be talking a lot more about him in the NCAA Tournament. So a big pickup for Chicago at No. 4 with Caleb Wilson.

5. Sacramento Kings: Keaton Wagler, 6-foot-6 freshman guard, Illinois

Krysten: Keaton Wagler is off the board at No. 5 to the Los Angeles Clippers. There is no better story in college basketball this year. He went from an unranked high school recruit to one of the most impactful questions this year. What the Clippers are getting is someone that they can slide into the backcourt with Darius Garland. 

He’s got the length at 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wingspan. He shoots the ball at a very high percentage. He went into Purdue and put up 46 points. He had the first 14 points of the season. It’s very clear that the Clippers are prioritizing fit over maybe best prospect available on the board, but make no mistake, Keaton Wagler is going to come in and be dynamic in the city of Los Angeles.

6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr., 6-foot-5 freshman guard, Louisville

Andy: All right, so the Brooklyn Nets took Mikel Brown Jr. from Louisville. He had an interesting freshman year. When he was on, he was sensational; obviously had some injuries. But the Nets need an electric point guard, someone who can push the basketball, match the excitement — obviously nearby in Madison Square Garden — here at Barclays, and so I think this is a solid pick for the Nets. They were going to get one of the elite guards, there are plenty to choose from, so getting Mikel Brown Jr. from Louisville is a great selection for Brooklyn at No. 6.

7. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr., 6-foot-3 freshman guard, Arkansas

Krysten: The Sacramento Kings select Darius Acuff Jr. out of Arkansas with the No. 7 overall pick, and this is a great pickup for them. Darius already has ties to Sacramento — general manager Scott Perry actually coached Darius’ dad when he was in college. 

What Sacramento is getting with this pick is their future point guard. There was no lead guard better in college basketball this year with what he was able to do. He shot over 40 percent from three-point range, and had 49 points against Alabama. He is a bucket-getter. He is a wonderful facilitator. He has the foot speed to really improve his defense, and Sacramento has been waiting for that franchise point guard after first moving on from DeAaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton. They got their guy with Darius Account at pick No. 7.

8. Atlanta Hawks: Kingston Flemings, 6-foot-4 freshman guard, Houston

Andy: All right. I absolutely love this pick of Kingston Flemings at No. 8 to Atlanta. I’m a huge Kingston Flemings fan. Trae Young, obviously gone from the Hawks. I think Flemings is a star. He played for Kelvin Sampson, likes to defend, very coachable, makes big shots. I think this is a tremendous pick for Atlanta at No. 8 — I think he could be one of the best players in this draft. So they get a replacement for Trae Young, and obviously it’s a team on the rise. I love this pick for Atlanta. 

9. Dallas Mavericks: Morez Johnson Jr., 6-foot-9 sophomore forward, Michigan

Krysten: With the No. 9 pick, the Dallas Mavericks select Morez Johnson Jr. out of Michigan. Former Michigan head coach Dusty May went out and got his guy. They won a national title together. What Morez Johnson possesses — he is a connector. He won a gold medal with Team USA for U19 last summer. He was instrumental in the frontcourt. He’s great defensively in drop coverage, so you’re going to slide him in as a connector in the frontcourt alongside Cooper Flagg. He’s going to be able to space the floor for him. Defensively, they’re going to be able to execute in Dallas. Dusty May is very familiar with Morez’ game and happy to be keeping the Wolverines together.

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10. Milwaukee Bucks: Brayden Burries, 6-foot-4 freshman guard, Arizona

Andy: Right, so Milwaukee gets Braden Burries at No. 10. Remember, early in the season he was hurt and it was a lot of Koa Peat talk. Then Burries got hot and sustained it, and really helped Arizona get to the Final Four. 

Milwaukee’s rebuilding after the trade with Giannis to Miami, so they need young pieces, potential stars, and Braden Burries certainly has that makeup. He can be a scorer, he can play multiple guard positions, bigger guy, and they want the youth brigade now. I think it’s a solid pick for the Bucks to get him at No. 10.

11. Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, 6-foot-10 senior forward, Michigan

Krysten: The Golden State Warriors select Yaxel Lendeborg from Michigan with the No. 11 pick. Yaxel went through the pre-draft process last year, elected to return to school to help his draft stock, and it paid off. He won a national championship at Michigan, and now he’s a lottery pick in this year’s draft. 

What is Golden State getting in Yaxel Lendeborg? They’re getting someone that competes at a high level. He’s so good defensively, he’s really good off the PNR and rolling to the basket. And there is no better story than Lendeborg in terms of the adversity he’s been through. When you look at a team that might be looking to move on from Draymond Green, Yaxel is your guy. He’s going to be plug and play immediately.

12. Oklahoma City: Aday Mara, 7-foot-3 junior center, Michigan

Andy: Aday Mara, No. 12 to Oklahoma City. Again, I love the locations for these picks. Look, the Thunder lost to the Spurs in the conference finals. Chet Holmgren did not have a great series against Victor Wembanyama. What I love about Aday Mara is he’s got a bigger base, strong legs, trunks — he can hold his position, I think, better than Holmgren. He can change the game, so I won’t be shocked at all if he surpasses him in their rotation. 

I think he’s a perfect fit for the Thunder. Aday Mara is going to be a star. I really believe that. I think he was the MVP for Michigan for much of the season, especially down the stretch. So, great selection at No. 12 by the Thunder.

13. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament, 6-foot-10 freshman forward, Tennessee

Krysten: With the No. 13 pick, the Milwaukee Bucks select Nate Ament out of Tennessee. The wing has tremendous upside, many thought he’d speak inside the top 10, but the Bucks are getting him at 13. Remember, because of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, this is a huge get — he’s got great length and versatility, and him falling to No. 13 is a steal for the Milwaukee Bucks. 

What are they getting in him? It’s obvious that they’re moving on from their superstar in Giannis, as he goes to Miami. What they’re getting with pick No. 10, Nate Ament is they’re investing in the future of the organization. 

14. Charlotte Hornets: Hannes Steinbach, 6-foot-10 freshman forward, Washington

Andy: Hannes Steinbach goes No. 14 to Charlotte. Best rebounder in the country as a freshman, had a great season in Washington. This team did not meet its expectations, a lot of injuries for the Huskies, but Hannes Steinbach will be an important piece for Charlotte — a rebounder like that, a young talent who’s only going to get better offensively. 

This is a borderline playoff team, and I think Hannes Steinbach could be the piece that continues their growth toward being a traditional playoff team. I loved his game, and I think that he’s another really good selection here in the lottery.

15. Chicago Bulls: Dailyn Swain, 6-foot-8 junior wing, Texas

Krysten: The Chicago Bulls select Dailyn Swain out of Texas with the No. 15 overall pick. They won, and they got their star in Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 pick. Dailyn Swain is another long, versatile wing out of Texas. 

Swain spent two years at Xavier, then followed Sean Miller to Texas. He became one of the most improved players in the SEC, and one of the best passing perimeter players in the country. What he does with his length and upside, he’s going to be a dream for the Chicago Bulls as they look to get a spark in this rebuild process. He averaged more assists from the perimeter in the NCAA Tournament than any other player. Him, alongside another athletic player in Caleb Wilson, is just a win-win scenario, especially in the top 15 of this round. 

16. Oklahoma City: Bennett Stirtz, 6-foot-4 senior guard, Iowa

Andy: Bennett Stirtz goes No. 16, originally drafted by Memphis but ends up at Oklahoma City. What an unbelievable pick, I think, for OKC. Great shooter. I talked to Ben McCollum, his head coach — look, Bennett Stirtz has been able to shoot at every level of basketball: Northwest Missouri, Drake, Iowa. It’s a transferable skill. He can also defend, and is a really good passer. High basketball IQ. He fits in perfectly with Oklahoma City. It’s a great pick for them at No. 16.

17. Detroit Pistons: Ebuka Okorie, 6-foot-2 freshman guard, Stanford

Krysten: The Memphis Grizzlies selected Stanford point guard Ebuka Okorie, but that pick is now going to Detroit. There was a trade in place for Memphis to take the No. 21 pick, so Detroit will be getting Okorie. What they’re getting is a legit bucket-getter. 

Okorie loves to get downhill, he can get underneath defenders and finish at the rim. He was one of six freshmen this year that scored 40 or more points — he had 40 points against Georgia Tech. He’s someone that really showed flashes of development, and he’s got speed, he’s got shot creation and he’s a great defender. He’s a really big get for Detroit. He’ll be able to slide alongside Cade Cunningham, take over the secondary unit and really bring some athleticism and speed to the slot.

18. Charlotte Hornets: Christian Anderson, 6-foot-2 sophomore guard, Texas Tech

Andy: Christian Anderson going No. 18 to Charlotte. I love Christian Anderson. I think he could be one of the stars of this draft. He can go for 30 or 40 on you, not in the NBA, but he certainly could in college. He had to play a lot at Texas Tech without J.T. Toppin towards the end of the season. He’s a big-time talent. So, I think it’s a monster pickup for them to get him at No. 18, and I really think a hidden gem in this draft.

19. Toronto Raptors: Allen Graves, 6-foot-9 freshman forward, Santa Clara

Krysten: The Toronto Raptors selected Allen Graves out of Santa Clara, the redshirt freshman. The 6-foot-9 forward was incredible in the NCAA Tournament — he put Kentucky on the ropes in overtime, had 17 points in that game. 

He really solidified himself as a first round pick going through the pre-draft process: He tested very well in the combine, he interviewed extremely well. So what Toronto is getting is a high-character kid, a workhorse and someone that has untapped potential that can really grow in the frontcourt alongside last year’s draft pick, Collin Murray-Boyles. They nailed that pick last year. I think they got a gem in Allen Graves this year.

20. San Antonio Spurs: Jayden Quaintance, 6-foot-10 sophomore center, Kentucky

Andy: Jayden Quaintance goes No. 20 to San Antonio. I have to admit, he was one of those players that I was not as high on, because we did not see him healthy at Kentucky after he came over from Arizona State. 

Look, I don’t doubt San Antonio, not in the draft, not in the way they develop talent, so they clearly believe in him. They’ve proven it through the drafts over the years, decades. So I will trust the Spurs on this one, even though I was not a believer in Jadyen Quaintance at this point in his career. We shall see. 

21. Memphis Grizzlies: Karim López, 6-foot-8 wing, NZ Breakers (Australia’s NBL)

Krysten: Karim López makes history as the first Mexican-born basketball player drafted in the first round. The 6-foot-9 forward out of Australia’s NBL, he played for the NZ Breakers, averaged 12 points and six rebounds, and is now headed to the Memphis Grizzlies. They traded back five spots to get him.

López elected to go over to Australia to play in their league, instead of going to college or staying in Europe, where he previously played for Spain. So, the Grizzlies adding some length, getting some versatility and floor-spacing from Karim López.

22. Philadelphia 76ers: Labaron Philon Jr., 6-foot-4 sophomore guard, Alabama

Andy: Labaron Philon goes No. 22 to Philadelphia. Look, the Sixers like scoring guards and Philon can light it up. I think he’s a little disappointed that he slid all the way to 22, but hey, fit matters. You’re going to a team that was in the playoffs, you could back up Tyrese Maxey potentially. Philon can light it up. So, I like the pick. A lot of times, you’re gonna have good finds later in the 20s. So yeah, maybe it’s not exactly the same money, but fit matters in the NBA Draft.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Zuby Ejiofor, 6-foot-9 senior forward, St. John’s

Krysten: The Atlanta Hawks selected Zuby Ejiofor with the No. 23 overall pick. They got their point guard in the lottery with Kingston Flemmings, then they went out and they got their big, Zuby. By the way, he didn’t even get a green-room invite. This is a sleeper pick. 

Zuby is someone that a lot of people thought could sneak into that first round, and the Hawks went out and got him right before the New York Knicks were on the clock. He’s out of St. John’s. A lot of New York Knicks fans were here. They wanted Zuby. 

What are the Hawks getting? They’re getting an elite, athletic plug-and-play guy right away to slide in alongside Onyeka Okungwu in that frontcourt. Six-foot-9, averaged 17, six and three and a half assists. He’s a great passing big, but it’s adding that size in the frontcourt that’s going to help alleviate the rim pressure for Onyeka. Really good draft for the Atlanta Hawks — Kingston Flemings in the lottery and now Zuby Ejiofor.

24. Los Angeles Lakers: Cameron Carr, 6-foot-5 junior guard, Baylor

Andy: Cameron Carr goes No. 24 to the Lakers, originally picked by the Knicks in a trade. Carr was one of those guys that blew up in the Chicago combine. Had a good year for Baylor, no question about it. They didn’t have a great year in the Big 12.

Look, he’s one of these players who was willing to play at the combine and prove that he could score against high-level competition. For the Lakers, they’re going to need some offensive production, and he could be a good second unit guy. So look, we all thought he was going to go in the first round, in the 20s, and that’s where he landed. Not to New York, but to the Lakers.

25. Dallas Mavericks: Sergio de Larrea, 6-foot-6 guard, Spain (Valencia)

*Editor’s Note: The New York Knicks traded Sergio De Larrea to the Dallas Mavericks for No. 30 Koa Peat and two second-round picks after this reaction was recorded. 

Krysten: The defending NBA champs, the New York Knicks, traded back one spot, from 24 to 25 with the Los Angeles Lakers. Who did they select? Sergio De Larrea out of Spain. He played for Valencia. De Larrea has great positional size at the guard level, 6-foot-6, really, really speedy, great passer, great facilitator. De Larrea will add some length and size in the backcourt and really alleviate some of the ball pressure on top scorers.

26. San Antonio Spurs: Tarris Reed Jr, 6-foot-10 senior center, UConn 

*Editor’s Note: The Denver Nuggets traded Tarris Reed Jr. to the San Antonio Spurs for the 2026 No. 35 overall pick and two future second-round picks after this reaction was recorded. 

Andy: So, the Nuggets at No. 26 take Tarris Reed Jr. from UConn. He originally started his career at Michigan, had a great career at UConn and helped the Huskies get to the Final Four. Reed is really just productive offensively — he could be a really good second scoring forward and he can rebound, no question about it. He’s a player that continued to get better throughout the course of his college career.

27. Boston Celtics: Chris Cenac Jr., 6-foot-11 freshman center, Houston

Krysten: Chris Cenac is off the board with the No. 27 pick — he’s headed to the Boston Celtics. Chris’ mom took Chris and his little sister to the 2018 NBA Draft as fans, and afterwards he said, “Mom, one day I’m going to be here, this is going to be me.” Tonight, he realized his dreams. There were hugs, there were tears. 

Going No. 27 to the Boston Celtics, he’s going to be able to alleviate some of that rim protection. I think he’s going to be able to space the floor for players like Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown. He’s got that pick-and-pop action game, great hands, magnetic hands and foot speed. So, congrats to Chris Cenac. It was a dream only eight years ago, and now he’s in the NBA.

28. Brooklyn Nets: Joshua Jefferson, 6-foot-9 senior forward, Iowa State

Andy: Joshua Jefferson goes at No. 28. Senior out of Iowa State, ends up at Brooklyn via trades, and look, had Jefferson been healthy down the stretch for Iowa State, there’s no question that the Cyclones had a potential Final Four team. There’s no question that he’s a player that could be one of those really deep sleepers in the first round. This is a real, solid pick at the back end of the first round.

29. Los Angeles Clippers: Alex Karaban, 6-foot-8 senior wing, UConn

*Editor’s Note: The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Alex Karaban to the Sacramento Kings for the 2026 No. 34 overall pick and a future second-round pick after this reaction was recorded. 

Krysten: Alex Karaban is the No. 29 pick in the first round of the 2026 draft. He is the winningest player in UConn history. This is a player who two years ago elected to test the NBA waters and decided to go back and improve his game. When he showed up to the combine this year, you could see his confidence: He was bigger, he was stronger, he’s more confident.

So Alex Karaban out of UConn, heading to Cleveland, is going to add some much-needed pressure. They’re getting a winner, they’re getting someone who plays the right way in the right system. He was great for Dan Hurley at UConn.

30. Phoenix Suns: Koa Peat, 6-foot-8 freshman forward, Arizona

*Editor’s Note: The Dallas Mavericks traded Koa Peat and two second-round picks to the New York Knicks for No. 25 Sergio de Larrea. The Knicks then traded Peat to the Phoenix Suns for three second-round picks and cash after this reaction was recorded.

The last pick at No. 30, Koa Peat from Arizona. A lot of debate about whether Peat should have stayed in this NBA Draft. He could have gone back to Arizona for a lot of money, but he decided to stay in. 

By the way, Koa had 30 to start the season — that’s where he blew up, game one, when Arizona beat Florida — and he ends up being No. 30, last pick in the first round. So Koa Peat gets in that first round, which I think probably makes it all worth it.