NBA Draft 2026: Wizards secure Dybantsa as Mavericks face scrutiny over Johnson selection
The 2026 NBA Draft concluded in Brooklyn on Tuesday, 24 June, with the Washington Wizards selecting AJ Dybantsa first overall. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks’ choice of Morez Johnson Jr. at ninth has drawn criticism for its limited ceiling, highlighting the varied approaches teams took to reshape their rosters.
The 2026 NBA Draft unfolded on Tuesday night in Brooklyn, concluding a process that analysts have described as one of the deepest and most talented in recent memory. The Washington Wizards secured the first overall pick, selecting AJ Dybantsa from Brigham Young University. Dybantsa, who led the NCAA in scoring during his lone collegiate season, becomes the highest-drafted player in BYU history, surpassing Shawn Bradley’s 1993 selection. He joins a roster already featuring Anthony Davis and Trae Young, a move designed to alleviate immediate pressure on the rookie while addressing a franchise that has not won 20 games in a season since 2023.
The Utah Jazz followed with the second pick, choosing Darryn Peterson from the University of Kansas, while the Memphis Grizzlies selected Cameron Boozer third. Boozer’s selection was viewed as a significant strategic win, with analysts noting his potential to challenge for an All-Star spot as a rookie. The Grizzlies further bolstered their position by trading for additional second-round picks, ultimately selecting Karim Lopez with the 21st pick. Lopez, who played for the New Zealand Breakers in Australia’s National Basketball League, marked the first non-college player selected since 1994.
In contrast to the consensus top selections, the Dallas Mavericks’ ninth pick of Morez Johnson Jr. sparked debate. Johnson, a forward from the University of Michigan, was selected days after the Mavericks hired Dusty May as head coach, establishing a pre-existing connection between the player and the new coaching staff. However, the move was widely criticised for its low upside. Johnson, who averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds last season, was not projected as a top-10 talent and lacks the offensive creation skills typically expected of lottery picks.
The Los Angeles Clippers selected Keaton Wagler fifth overall, a pick that represents a significant rise for the guard, who was ranked 150th in the country out of high school. Wagler, who led Illinois to the Final Four, described the selection as validation of his hard work. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors selected Yaxel Lendeborg 11th, opting for a seasoned 23-year-old over trading the pick. Lendeborg is viewed as a polished contributor ready to support the Warriors’ contention window before the Stephen Curry era concludes.
Other notable first-round selections included Darius Acuff to the Sacramento Kings, Brayden Burries to the Milwaukee Bucks, and Aday Mara to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mara, a 7-foot-3 rim protector, was seen as a strategic addition to complement Victor Wembanyama’s potential future presence in San Antonio. The draft concluded with a relatively quiet night for major trades, as most franchises adhered to projected rankings rather than executing high-profile moves.
