NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

NBA DRAFT AND OFFSEASON MOVES

The 2026 NBA Draft kicked off with the Washington Wizards making AJ Dybantsa the No. 1 overall pick, ushering in a new era for the franchise. Dybantsa, a standout from BYU, was selected over Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, who ultimately landed with the Utah Jazz at No. 2. The Memphis Grizzlies continued their rebuild by selecting Duke's Cameron Boozer third overall, a move seen as accelerating the club's reset. The Chicago Bulls bolstered their frontcourt by taking North Carolina's Caleb Wilson fourth, lauded for his athleticism and high upside.

The draft also saw significant lottery selections, including Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr., who was taken ninth by the Dallas Mavericks and reunited with former Wolverines coach Dusty May. Yaxel Lendeborg, another Michigan wing, was drafted 11th by the Golden State Warriors, admitting he "used to hate Steph" Curry during the Warriors-Cavaliers rivalry era. Karim Lopez made history as the first player born in Mexico to be selected in the first round, going 21st to the Detroit Pistons before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Amidst the draft-day action, several teams addressed player retention and potential trade scenarios. Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens stated that Jaylen Brown remains "valued" by the organization, despite reports of trade talks surrounding the star forward. Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst, while declining to discuss specifics regarding superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade status, repeatedly emphasized "a theme of building". Tyler Herro is positioned as one of the beneficiaries of the potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, according to fantasy basketball analysts.

FANTASY BASKETBALL AND COACHING NEWS

Fantasy basketball analysts are dissecting the early offseason moves, with Julius Randle's trade to Brooklyn highlighted as a significant development. The trade is expected to have a notable impact on fantasy leagues, with experts breaking down the implications for various players. Beyond player movement, Kevin Durant is set to take on a coaching role in a 3x3 charity tournament for USA Basketball this summer, adding another dimension to his involvement with the sport.

WNBA coaching news also surfaced, with Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon addressing comments about Jalen Brunson. Hammon acknowledged Brunson's unique standing among players but maintained her general stance that smaller guards typically do not lead teams to championships. Meanwhile, the fashion statements of top NBA draft picks continue to evolve, with AJ Dybantsa's selection at No. 1 drawing attention to the sartorial choices of incoming rookies.

DRAFT PROJECTIONS AND SCOUTING INSIGHTS

As the first round unfolded, ESPN draft insiders analyzed the biggest winners and question marks from the initial selections. Projections for the second round of the NBA draft are also circulating, stacking the best available players and predicting where they might land. The draft itself was a display of the league's next generation of talent arriving in style in Brooklyn, with players like Boozer and Dybantsa turning heads with their draft-night presence. The theme of building for the future was evident across multiple franchise decisions, as teams looked to mold their rosters for the upcoming seasons and beyond.