NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

NBA DRAFT AND OFFSEASON MOVES

The 2026 NBA Draft commenced with the Washington Wizards selecting AJ Dybantsa first overall, ushering in a new era for the franchise. Dybantsa, who had been considered a top prospect, was chosen ahead of Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, who subsequently landed with the Utah Jazz at the No. 2 pick as the draft's second selection. The Memphis Grizzlies continued their rebuild by snagging Duke's Cameron Boozer at No. 3, a move that signals a potential acceleration of their team reset. Following this, the Chicago Bulls bolstered their frontcourt with UNC's Caleb Wilson at No. 4, a player noted for his athleticism and high upside.

The draft also saw significant player movement and notable selections. Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. was taken ninth by the Dallas Mavericks, reuniting with his former Wolverines coach Dusty May. The Detroit Pistons selected Karim Lopez with the 21st pick, making him the first player born in Mexico to be drafted in the first round, before a trade sent him to the Memphis Grizzlies. Yaxel Lendeborg, a Michigan wing who admitted to previously disliking Warriors star Steph Curry, was drafted 11th by Golden State, a nod to the enduring rivalry and his own journey. The draft's fashion statements also drew attention, with top picks like Dybantsa making sartorial waves, continuing a trend of elaborate pre-draft presentations.

The fallout from the draft and ongoing offseason machinations continued to shape team dynamics. Despite reports of trade discussions involving Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens stated that the star forward remains "valued" and a "big part of us" amid trade rumors. Meanwhile, Bucks General Manager Jon Horst remained circumspect regarding superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo's future, repeatedly emphasizing a "theme of building" for the franchise without detailing specific plans. The fantasy basketball implications of potential moves also began to surface, with Tyler Herro identified as a potential beneficiary of any significant transaction involving Antetokounmpo according to fantasy analysts.

NBA COACHING AND LEAGUE NEWS

In broader league news, Kevin Durant, a decorated Olympian, is set to take on a coaching role in a 3x3 charity tournament for USA Basketball this summer. This initiative highlights the continued involvement of prominent players in various facets of the sport beyond their playing careers. Elsewhere, Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon addressed her controversial comments regarding smaller guards, acknowledging that Knicks star Jalen Brunson is an "outlier" while maintaining her general stance. This discussion underscores the ongoing debates about player archetypes and their impact on team success. The draft itself also provided a glimpse into potential future rivalries and player narratives, with young prospects like Lendeborg already referencing past matchups and player dynamics.