Wizards hold top pick as 2026 NBA Draft commences
With BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson leading the field, the Washington Wizards open Round 1 of a two-night event that includes the Jazz, Grizzlies, Bulls, and Clippers in the top five.
The 2026 NBA Draft began on Tuesday night, with the Washington Wizards positioned to make the first overall selection. The franchise secured the top pick during the draft lottery in May, marking a significant structural shift for the organisation as it seeks its first No. 1 selection since 2010.
BYU prospect AJ Dybantsa and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson are identified as the leading candidates for the top spot. The draft class is described by experts as loaded, with Duke’s Cameron Boozer and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson also projected as top-five selections.
The draft order for the top five spots has been finalised, with the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Clippers holding the subsequent picks. The event is structured over two nights, with Round 1 proceedings taking place on Tuesday and Round 2 scheduled for Wednesday.
Both rounds comprise 30 picks, resulting in a total of 60 selections. The full order includes several trade-related designations, such as the Chicago Bulls picking via the Portland Trail Blazers and the Oklahoma City Thunder picking via the Philadelphia 76ers.
Recent lottery outcomes have demonstrated the volatility of the selection process. The Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick in 2025 with a 1.8% probability, selecting Cooper Flagg, who subsequently won Rookie of the Year. Similarly, the Atlanta Hawks had a 3% chance of landing the top spot in 2024 before selecting Zaccharie Risacher.
The Washington Wizards’ position at the top of the order provides a clear focal point for the opening night, though the final selection remains subject to team decision-making. The draft continues through Wednesday with the second round.
