Washington Wizards select AJ Dybantsa as top pick in 2026 NBA Draft

By Liam Tremblay — 25 June 2026 — 4 min read

Top Selections and Team Prospects

The 2026 NBA Draft saw significant talent at the top, with the Washington Wizards selecting AJ Dybantsa as the first overall pick. Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 forward from BYU Cougars, described himself as the most versatile player in his draft class, noting his ability to perform a variety of skills. Following Dybantsa, the Utah Jazz chose Darryn Peterson, a guard from Kansas, as the second overall pick. Peterson, also 6-foot-9, expressed gratitude for his family’s support.

The Memphis Grizzlies then selected Cameron Boozer, an 18-year-old from Duke University and the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, as the third overall pick. Boozer stated his belief in his winning ability. The Chicago Bulls picked Caleb Wilson, a forward from the North Carolina Tar Heels, as the fourth overall selection. Wilson, who modeled his game after Kobe Bryant, aims to bring confidence to the team.

The fifth pick went to the Los Angeles Clippers, who drafted Keaton Wagler, a guard from Illinois Fighting Illini. Wagler highlighted his shooting ability as a key strength. The Brooklyn Nets chose Mikel Brown Jr., a guard from Louisville Cardinals, with the sixth pick. Brown Jr. emphasized his skill in creating advantages for his team. The Sacramento Kings selected Darius Acuff Jr., a guard from Arkansas Razorbacks, as the seventh pick, with Acuff Jr. having modeled his game after Derrick Rose.

The Atlanta Hawks drafted Kingston Flemings, a point guard from Houston, with the eighth pick. Flemings, who models his game after Tyrese Maxey, focuses on driving to the rim and scoring in transition. The Dallas Mavericks selected Morez Johnson Jr., a forward from Michigan, as the ninth pick, reuniting him with his former coach Dusty May. Johnson Jr. models his game after Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks, after a trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, picked Brayden Burries, a guard from Arizona Wildcats, as the tenth overall selection.

Team Strategies and Player Development

The Atlanta Hawks, despite several backcourt players being drafted early, secured Kingston Flemings. The team already possesses a guard corps with diverse skill sets, including Nickeil Alexander-Walker, CJ McCollum, and Dyson Daniels. Flemings, at 19 years old, is expected to develop within the team’s system. The Hawks also added Zuby Ejiofor, a four-year college player, for frontcourt depth.

The Boston Celtics selected Chris Cenac Jr., a versatile big man, to address a positional need in their frontcourt. Cenac, who stands 6-foot-11 and weighs 240 pounds, is anticipated to bring energy to the bench and potentially expand his role by improving his 3-point range and finishing skills. The Brooklyn Nets, after slipping in the lottery, chose Mikel Brown Jr., an intriguing guard who had previously dealt with back injuries. The Nets also added Joshua Jefferson, a four-year college player, late in the first round.

The Charlotte Hornets drafted Hannes Steinbach, a German center, and Christian Anderson, a shooter, to address their need for interior depth and shooting. Steinbach is effective around the basket, while Anderson is known for his pure shooting. The Chicago Bulls added Caleb Wilson, known for his athleticism, and Dailyn Swain. Wilson expressed a desire to surpass Michael Jordan’s legacy in Chicago, though both players need to develop their shooting. The Bulls also acquired center Nic Claxton in a trade.

The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Meleek Thomas in the second round. Thomas, a player focused on shooting, could enhance the Cavaliers’ perimeter attack, which saw a drop in 3-point percentage last season. The Dallas Mavericks picked Morez Johnson Jr., a day after hiring former Michigan Wolverines coach Dusty May. Johnson Jr.’s energy as a defender and rebounder was crucial to Michigan’s NCAA championship run. The Mavericks also added Sergio De Larrea and Tobi Lawal.

Notable Draft Selections and Michigan’s Historic Trio

The Denver Nuggets selected Trevon Brazile and Bryce Hopkins in the second round. Brazile, known for his high-flying play, is expected to provide another option behind Aaron Gordon, while Hopkins brings wing size and college experience. The Detroit Pistons drafted Ebuka Okorie in the first round and Ugonna Onyenso in the second, aiming to address their need for secondary playmakers, as their offensive efficiency declined in the playoffs.

A significant highlight of the draft involved three players from Michigan: Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and Aday Mara. These three players made history by becoming the first trio from the school to be selected in the first round in 36 years. Johnson Jr. was drafted ninth by the Dallas Mavericks, Lendeborg went eleventh to the Golden State Warriors, and Mara was picked twelfth by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mara noted the familiarity among the trio, anticipating that playing against each other would be easier.

The draft unfolded with few early trades, and no top 12 picks changed hands. Twenty-nine of the NBA’s 30 teams made at least one selection, with the Portland Trail Blazers being the only team not to make a pick in the first round due to a trade five years prior.

Source: tsn.ca