Chicago – The Washington Wizards have won the draft lottery for the second time in franchise history, securing the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft in June. The Wizards entered the lottery with the best odds (14 percent) after a 17-65 season and had a bit of luck with their No. 1 pick from the 2010 draft John Wall representing the team at the drawing. This is widely considered one of the deepest and talented draft classes, particularly at the top with AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson headlining.
The Utah Jazz received the second pick and they will have options whether to go for team need and fit (Wilson and Boozer) or best available prospect (Peterson). The Memphis Grizzlies only had a 9 percent chance at the No. 1 pick and jumped to third while the Chicago Bulls had only a 4.5 percent chance at the first pick and made it all the way to the fourth spot.
After the top four it becomes a lead guard lottery and all top 10 picks could end up being one-and-done freshmen. Here’s a look at the first and second round and how things could end up in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23 and 24.
AJ Dybantsa
BYU Cougars
6'9" / 196
Forward
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, 6-foot-9 freshman guard, BYU
Dybantsa had an incredible year at BYU under head coach Kevin Young and really finished the season strong when he broke the Big 12 Tournament scoring record (previously held by Kevin Durant) after he scored 93 points in three games. His size as a perimeter threat at 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan gives him the ability to rise up over any defender in the midrange. Having the option to pair Dybantsa alongside Trae Young could be the dream tandem the Wizards have been looking for as they rebuild.
Darryn Peterson
Kansas Jayhawks
6'6" / 205
Guard
19
2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, 6-foot-6 freshman guard, Kansas
The Jazz have options at No. 2, but if they’re looking at the next-best available prospect to build a team around, it’s Peterson. He didn’t have the year he expected at Kansas as he dealt with full-body cramps and a hamstring issue all season. There’s no denying his talent as a three-level scoring threat, which will make it much easier for Keyonte George and Jaren Jackson Jr. to space the floor. Even through all his injuries, Peterson averaged 20.2 points in 29 minutes of action and shot 38.2 percent from behind the arc. He played more on the ball at Kansas and is much better at coming off screens and moving off-ball.
Cameron Boozer
Duke Blue Devils
6'9" / 234
Forward
18
3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, 6-foot-9 freshman forward, Duke
Boozer falling to No. 3 is a gift to Memphis and he has proven over time that he is a winner, a connector and can contribute right away for the struggling Grizzlies. Boozer was named ACC Freshman of the Year after averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He has a high IQ and plays in space extremely well for a big. Boozer shot 39 percent from three-point range and is a true pick-and-pop threat at the next level.
Caleb Wilson
North Carolina Tar Heels
6'10" / 215
Forward
19
4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, 6-foot-10 freshman forward, North Carolina
Wilson broke his right thumb in March and didn’t return for the rest of the season. His defensive upside and the way he can guard every switch on the perimeter and in the paint is so impressive. Wilson has been shooting the three-ball well during the pre-draft process and could be an instant-impact player for the Bulls next season.
Darius Acuff Jr.
Arkansas Razorbacks
6'3" / 190
Guard
19
5. LA Clippers: Darius Acuff Jr., 6-foot-3 freshman guard, Arkansas
It’s really going to be hard for any team to pass on Acuff after the first four are off the board with his scoring ability and the way he manipulates the defense off the dribble. He was third in the country in scoring, averaging 23.5 points, and was named SEC Player of the Year. Acuff proved in his one year at Arkansas that he can play alongside other lead guards and still impact the game positively, and there were countless times when the game was on the line and Acuff delivered a big shot. Acuff played with two other lead guards at Arkansas (Meleek Thomas and DJ Wagner) and led the Razorbacks to an SEC championship, so he could play alongside Darius Garland and Kris Dunn or lead the secondary unit on his own.
Keaton Wagler
Illinois Fighting Illini
6' 6" / 180
Guard
19
6. Brooklyn Nets: Keaton Wagler, 6-foot-6 freshman guard, Illinois
Wagler went from unranked as a high school prospect to a lottery pick in his one year at Illinois. When Kylan Boswell was out for a month with a fractured hand, Wagler became the floor general for the Illini and carried that through the entire season. Wagler averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game and shot 39.7 percent from three on six attempts per game. Brooklyn drafted Egor Demin in the lottery last year and adding another guard with size alongside Demin and his playmaking can work as the Nets rebuild.
Kingston Flemings
Houston Cougars
6' 4" / 190
19
Guard
7. Sacramento Kings: Kingston Flemings, 6-foot-4 freshman guard, Houston
Flemings is the quintessential Houston guard and was consistent throughout conference play in the Big 12. In the month of January he averaged 19.8 points, and 6.3 assists and had a 42-point game against Texas Tech. He’s a tough two-way player who gets to his spots and shoots well off the dribble. Bringing in a true floor general like Flemings can give Sacramento the spark they need at the guard position and there’s a lot he can learn behind two veteran guards in Russell Westbrook and Zach Levine.
Mikel Brown Jr.
Louisville Cardinals
6' 5" / 190
Guard
20
8. Atlanta Hawks: Mikel Brown Jr., 6-foot-5 freshman guard, Louisville
Brown dealt with a back injury during his freshman year at Louisville but looks great in pre-draft workouts leading up to the combine. His best game of the year was against NC State in February where he hit 10 three-pointers and finished with 45 points. He became the fourth freshman to post a 40-point game and followed up that performance with back-to-back games scoring 29 points before eventually shutting it down late in February. The Hawks have plenty of options with this pick and a lot of movement could happen between now and the draft, but Brown is the next best available prospect with his shot creation and the way he can read different defensive coverages.
Nate Ament
Tennessee Volunteers
6'10" / 207
Forward
19
9. Dallas Mavericks: Nate Ament, 6-foot-10 freshman forward, Tennessee
Ament is one of the most polarizing players in the lottery and has a ton of upside but is still a very raw prospect. His size at the wing and natural scoring instincts will be intriguing for any team inside the top 10, and he could really help Cooper Flagg with some size on the perimeter and floor spacing as an offensive threat.
Brayden Burries
Arizona Wildcats
6'4" / 205
Guard
20
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Brayden Burries, 6-foot-4 freshman guard, Arizona
Once conference play started, Burries became the first or second option offensively for Arizona. He can play on or off the ball and is a quick decision maker when reading different defensive coverages. Although he’s one of the older freshmen in the class, he still has a lot of room for growth. And with his maturity at the point guard position, Burries can come in and contribute right away to the Bucks.
Yaxel Lendeborg
Michigan Wolverines
6' 9" / 240
Forward
23
11. Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, 6-foot-10 senior forward, Michigan
Lendeborg was a buzzy name coming out of last year’s draft combine and his decision to return to school paid off in a big way while helping Michigan win a national title. He has great size as an interior player and moves well for his size. Although he’s 23 years old (turning 24 in September), his consistency and athleticism as a big will help the Warriors right away.
Labaron Philon Jr.
Alabama Crimson Tide
6'4" / 185
Guard
20
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Labaron Philon Jr., 6-foot-4 sophomore guard, Alabama
Philon returned to Alabama after testing the NBA waters last season and wanted to improve his draft stock. He accomplished that during his sophomore season, averaging 22 points and five assists as the No. 1 option in Alabama’s fast-paced offense. He shot 40 percent from three-point range and is a strong defender with his lateral quickness, making him a two-way threat at the NBA level.
Hannes Steinbach
Washington Huskies
6'11" / 220
Forward
20
13. Miami Heat: Hannes Steinbach, 6-foot-10 freshman forward, Washington
Steinbach emerged as a prospect at the U19 FIBA World Cup where he was dominant in the paint for Germany and averaged 17.4 points and 13 rebounds during the tournament. He followed that up with a strong season at Washington, averaging a double-double (18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds) while shooting nearly 60 percent from the field.
Karim López
New Zealand Breakers (NBL)
6'9" / 225
Forward
19
14. Charlotte Hornets: Karim López, 6-foot-8 wing, NZ Breakers (Australia’s NBL)
López, originally from Hermosillo, Mexico, elected to play two seasons in Australia’s NBL for the NZ Breakers to prepare for the NBA. Many scouts and GMs made the trip over to Australia to see López during his two seasons, and his size at the wing and upside as a shooter off the dribble is why he could sneak into the late lottery.
Post-Lottery
Aday Mara
Michigan Wolverines
7' 3" / 255
Center
21
15. Chicago Bulls: Aday Mara, 7-foot-3 junior center, Michigan
Sometimes fit is everything, and Mara proved that to be the case after transferring to Michigan after two seasons at UCLA. No center had a better jump in the statline than Mara this year and he was so impactful as a rim protector and block threat. He runs the floor well for his size and if any team in the Eastern Conference has a chance against what the Western Conference is building with Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio and Chet Holmgren in Oklahoma City, they’ll be targeting Mara as the top true center off the board.
Cameron Carr
Baylor Bears
6' 5" / 175
Guard
21
16. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Carr, 6-foot-5 junior guard, Baylor
Similarly to Mara, Carr transferred from Tennessee to Baylor and it made all the difference in the world. His dad, Chris, played six seasons in the NBA and was Selected 56th overall in the 1995 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Sun. Carr averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game and he’s one of the most explosive athletes at the rim, arguably having the dunk of the year against Arizona State.
Allen Graves
Santa Clara Broncos
6' 9" / 225
Forward
19
17. Oklahoma City Thunder: Allen Graves, 6-foot-9 freshman forward, Santa Clara
Graves is one of the buzziest names going into the combine and Sam Presti already found one gem coming out of Santa Clara when he drafted Jalen Williams with the 12th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Graves has excellent positional size and shot 41.5 percent from behind the arc on three attempts per game. The combine is an excellent test to see how mid-major players stack up against high-major talent, and Graves could be that one guy that shoots into the first round after a strong combine performance.
Chris Cenac Jr.
Houston Cougars
6'11" / 240
Center
19
18. Charlotte Hornets: Chris Cenac Jr., 6-foot-11 freshman center, Houston
The Hornets have a strong trio in the backcourt with LaMelo Ball, Kon Kneuppel and Brandon Miller and would benefit in adding a connecting big like Cenac. The freshman center didn’t make the U19 USA Basketball team and it motivated him in the summer to really work on his body and foot speed. There is no better program than Houston in conditioning and footwork around the rim and Cenac entered the season visibly stronger, in shape and with better touch around the rim.
Isaiah Evans
Duke Blue Devils
6'6" / 180
Guard
20
19. Toronto Raptors: Isaiah Evans, 6-foot-6 sophomore wing, Duke
What’s better than one Brandon Ingram? Two Brandon Ingrams. That’s been one of Evan’s NBA comps since high school. He’s a high-volume shooter from three-point range and really improved his shot selection and confidence during his sophomore season at Duke. Evans shot his way into the Elite Eight after matching St. John’s excellent shooting night, finishing with 25 points and going 4-for-8 from behind the arc.
Koa Peat
Arizona Wildcats
6'8" / 235
Forward
19
20. San Antonio Spurs: Koa Peat, 6-foot-8 freshman forward, Arizona
Peat was one of the toughest forwards in college hoops and held his own against bigger and stronger interior players in the Big 12 as a 19-year-old freshman. His draft range is anywhere from 14 to 25, with his size as a small-ball big and inconsistent jumper giving pause. The good news is the Spurs don’t have that problem with the floor spacing Wembanyama brings; he can take care of the rim while Peat can body the stronger bigs.
Jayden Quaintance
Kentucky Wildcats
6'10" / 255
Forward
18
21. Detroit Pistons: Jayden Quaintance, 6-foot-10 sophomore center, Kentucky
Quaintance didn’t have the year he hoped at Kentucky after tearing his ACL during his freshman season at Arizona State. The staff took their time in allowing him to return to the court for games and there were glimpses of what he could project as a future NBA center. The Pistons have an established frontcourt in Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewert, so they have the room and patience to give the 18-year-old time to develop at the next level.
Morez Johnson Jr.
Michigan Wolverines
6'9" / 250
Forward
20
22. Philadelphia 76ers: Morez Johnson Jr., 6-foot-9 sophomore forward, Michigan
The 76ers found the backcourt pairing for Tyrese Maxey last year in VJ Edgecombe, and even though Joel Embiid has been somewhat healthy this year, some help in the frontcourt is needed. Johnson was a seamless pairing alongside Lendeborg and Mara at Michigan and is a true connecting big who plays hard, is unselfish and does all the little things well. He averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds at Michigan during his sophomore season.
Bennett Stirtz
Iowa Hawkeyes
6'4" / 190
Guard
22
23. Atlanta Hawks: Bennett Stirtz, 6-foot-4 senior guard, Iowa
The Hawks moved on from Trae Young and received veteran guard CJ McCollum in the trade. There are a ton of very good young point guards in this draft, particularly in the lottery, but if the Hawks are looking for a reliable, older guard who can come in right away and lead the secondary unit on a playoff team, Stirtz is the guy. He averaged 18.3 points and 3.5 assists in postseason play, but the most impressive statline was playing 40 minutes and averaging 0.8 turnovers in four tough NCAA Tournament games. Stirtz is consistent and there’s nothing super flashy about his game, but he runs the offense well and has good size at 6-foot-4.
Amari Allen
Alabama Crimson Tide
6' 8" / 205
Forward
20
24. New York Knicks: Amari Allen, 6-foot-8 freshman wing, Alabama
Amari Allen is going to get some serious looks as a first-round prospect with his size at the wing and his long-term potential as a 3-and-D threat. The Knicks have the space to really develop him before he hits their established rotation and can contribute. He’s one of the older freshmen — already 20 years old — but the combination of size and athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect late in the first. Allen posted 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists during his one season at Alabama.
Tyler Tanner
Vanderbilt Commodores
6' 0" / 173
Guard
20
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Tyler Tanner, 6-foot sophomore guard, Vanderbilt
This could be LeBron James’ last season and a reboot for the Lakers. Tanner was one of the most electric lead guards in college hoops. Even though he is undersized, he plays bigger than his listed height. His analytics are off the charts and is a high-level two-way impact player. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.15 ranks in the 94th percentile nationally, according to Synergy, and he recorded a 62.3-percent True Shooting and a 128.9 Offensive Rating, backed by his ability to get downhill and finish in traffic.
Dailyn Swain
Texas Longhorns
6' 8" / 220
Forward
20
26. Denver Nuggets: Dailyn Swain, 6-foot-8 junior wing, Texas
The Nuggets got it right in 2022 when they drafted Peyton Watson with the 30th pick, and Swain is a little bit more polished than when Watson was coming into the league. Swain’s passing and defensive versatility stands out immediately as a small forward. He logged 21 assists in four NCAA Tournament games against tough teams, and although his three-point shot needs some improving, his scoring instincts are there and his long-ball is something he can develop at the next level.
Christian Anderson
Texas Tech Red Raiders
6'3" / 178
Guard
20
27. Boston Celtics: Christian Anderson, 6-foot-2 sophomore guard, Texas Tech
Anderson could make a jump on draft boards with a strong combine and team workouts, and if his name is still on the board at No. 27, this is a steal for the Celtics. Anderson is a tough lead guard who plays bigger than his listed 6-foot-2 frame, and he is an excellent facilitator. He was fourth in the country in assists, averaging 7.4 per game, and shot 41.5 percent from behind the arc.
Tounde Yessoufou
Baylor Bears
6'5" / 215
Guard
19
28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Tounde Yessoufou, 6-foot-5 freshman guard, Baylor
In any other draft, a player who averaged 18 points and six rebounds in the Big 12 would be much higher on draft boards. This is such a deep draft and Yessoufou’s lack of creation (averaging only 1.6 assists) and three-point shot accuracy (29.3 percent) is why he might still be around at the end of the first round. Yessoufou is so strong with the ball in his hands and is excellent at finishing though contact.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers: Meleek Thomas, 6-foot-5 freshman guard, Arkansas
Thomas was excellent in the NCAA Tournament playing alongside Acuff and complimenting him well. He’s a high-volume shooter from behind the arc and shot 41.6 percent on four attempts per game. Thomas was consistent during the NCAA Tournament and averaged 19 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 steals in three games, showing scouts his potential as a two-way threat in the NBA.
Ebuka Okorie
Stanford Cardinal
6' 2" / 185
Guard
19
30. Dallas Mavericks: Ebuka Okorie, 6-foot-2 freshman guard, Stanford
The Mavericks have their franchise guy with Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg and will want to add some playingmaking. What Okorie did during his one season at Stanford was incredible. He shattered the Stanford freshman scoring record (previously held by Brooklyn Nets wing Ziaire Williams) and became the first Cardinal player in 24 years to score 40 points in a single game when he finished with 40 in a win over Georgia Tech in February. He also set an ACC freshman record with eight games of at least 30 points and finished eighth in the country in scoring, averaging 23.2 points per game.
Second Round
31. New York Knicks: Tarris Reed, 6-foot-10 senior center, UConn
32. Memphis Grizzlies: Joshua Jefferson, 6-foot-9 senior forward, Iowa State
33. Brooklyn Nets: Henri Veesaar, 7-foot-1 junior center, North Carolina
34. Sacramento Kings: Flory Bidunga, 6-foot-10 sophomore center, Kansas
35. San Antonio Spurs: Milan Momcilovic, 6-foot-8 junior wing, Iowa State
36. Los Angeles Clippers: Luigi Suigo, 7-foot-4 center, Italy (Mega)
37. Oklahoma City Thunder: Zuby Ejiofor, 6-foot-9 senior forward, St. John’s
38. Chicago Bulls: Billy Richmond III, 6-foot-5 sophomore wing, Arkansas
39. Houston Rockets: Sergio de Larrea, 6-foot-6 guard, Spain (Valencia)
40. Boston Celtics: Alex Karaban, 6-foot-8 senior wing, UConn
41. Miami Heat: Andrej Stojakovic, 6-foot-5 junior guard, Illinois
42. San Antonio Spurs: Trevon Brazile, 6-foot-10 senior forward, Arkansas
43. Brooklyn Nets: Richie Saunders, 6-foot-5 senior guard, BYU
44. San Antonio Spurs: Jaden Bradley, 6-foot-3 senior guard, Arizona
45. Sacramento Kings: JT Toppin, 6-foot-9 junior forward, Texas Tech
46. Orlando Magic: Ryan Conwell, 6-foot-4 senior guard, Louisville
47. Phoenix Suns: Jojo Tugler, 6-foot-8 junior forward, Houston
48. Dallas Mavericks: Reuben Chinyelu, 6-foot-10 junior center, Florida
49. Denver Nuggets: Izaiyah Nelson, 6-foot-9 senior forward, South Florida
50. Toronto Raptors: Braden Smith, 6-foot-1 senior guard, Purdue
51. Washington Wizards: Otega Oweh, 6-foot-6 senior guard, Kentucky
52. Los Angeles Clippers: Baba Miller, 6-foot-11 senior wing, Cincinnati
53. Houston Rockets: Keyshawn Hall, 6-foot-7 senior wing, Auburn
54. Golden State Warriors: Dillon Mitchell, 6-foot-7 senior wing, St. John’s
55. New York Knicks: Ugonna Onyenso, 7-foot-1 senior center, Virginia
56. Chicago Bulls: Milos Uzan, 6-foot-5 senior guard, Houston
57. Atlanta Hawks: Rafael Castro, 6-foot-11 senior center, George Washington
58. New Orleans Pelicans: Emanuel Sharp, 6-foot-3 senior guard, Houston
59. Minnesota Timberwolves: Ja’Kobi Gillespie, 6-foot-1 senior guard, Tennessee
60. Washington Wizards: Tre White, 6-foot-7 senior guard, Kansas
Meet your guide
