NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

NBA Draft Dominates Headlines

The 2026 NBA Draft saw the Washington Wizards usher in a new era by selecting AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick, opting for the BYU star over Kansas' Darryn Peterson. Peterson, who had been considered a potential No. 1 selection, landed with the Utah Jazz at the second pick. The Memphis Grizzlies continued their rebuild by selecting Duke's Cameron Boozer at No. 3, a move that could accelerate the club's organizational reset. The Chicago Bulls bolstered their frontcourt by taking North Carolina's Caleb Wilson at No. 4, acquiring a player viewed as perhaps the best athlete with significant upside in this year's draft class.

Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the ninth pick, reuniting him with his former coach at Michigan, Dusty May. Johnson was one of three Wolverines to be selected in the lottery, joining Yaxel Lendeborg, who was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the 11th pick. Lendeborg admitted to having previously disliked Stephen Curry due to his time as a Cavaliers fan. Karim Lopez made NBA history as the first player born in Mexico to be selected in the first round, going 21st overall to the Detroit Pistons before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Front Office & Player Commentary

Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon acknowledged Tuesday that New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson has carved out a unique place among elite players, though she did not retract her earlier criticism regarding small guards typically leading teams. Hammon stated her "opinion was wrong" regarding Brunson but maintained she was not apologizing for holding it. In Milwaukee, amid speculation about a potential trade involving superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks General Manager Jon Horst declined to comment on specifics, instead emphasizing a "theme of building" for the franchise. Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens also addressed trade rumors surrounding Jaylen Brown, asserting that the forward remains "valued" by the organization and a "big part of us."

Offseason Moves & Fantasy Impact

The NBA offseason has already seen significant player movement, with speculation surrounding potential blockbuster trades continuing. One such move, the reported trade of Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets, has been analyzed for its fantasy basketball implications by analysts Andre Snellings and Eric Moody. The potential trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo could also prove beneficial for several players, with Tyler Herro identified as one of the biggest beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, the NBA's all-time leading scorer in Olympic basketball and a four-time gold medalist, is set to take on a coaching role in a 3x3 charity tournament for USA Basketball this summer.

Draft Class Analysis & Future Outlook

The second round of the NBA draft has historically produced some of the league's most impactful talent, a trend that will be closely watched as this year's selections are made. Mock drafts are projecting potential second-round picks, allowing teams to identify available talent and strategize for later selections. The first round of the NBA draft presented numerous twists and turns, with draft insiders breaking down the biggest winners and lingering question marks. The current draft class features players like Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa, who drew significant attention during the draft proceedings in Brooklyn, signaling the arrival of the league's next generation of stars.