NBA Basketball 8 Hours

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

NBA Draft Day 1 & Early Moves

The 2026 NBA Draft kicked off with the Washington Wizards selecting AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick, opting for the BYU star over Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, who ultimately landed with the Utah Jazz at pick No. 2 as projected. The Memphis Grizzlies took another significant step in their rebuild by drafting Duke's Cameron Boozer at No. 3, a move that could accelerate their organizational reset. The Chicago Bulls bolstered their frontcourt by choosing North Carolina's Caleb Wilson at No. 4, a prospect lauded for his athleticism and high upside.

The first round saw a notable international milestone as Karim Lopez became the first Mexico-born player selected in the first round, going 21st to the Detroit Pistons before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. landed at No. 9 with the Dallas Mavericks, reuniting with former Wolverines coach Dusty May. Johnson was one of three Michigan players to be picked in the lottery, alongside Yaxel Lendeborg, who was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the 11th pick. Lendeborg, a wing, admitted he once "hated Steph" Curry due to the Cavaliers-Warriors rivalry, a sentiment that provided a surprising anecdote on draft night for the Warriors.

Amidst swirling trade rumors, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens stated that Jaylen Brown remains a "big part of us", indicating the star forward is still valued by the organization. The draft's first round also featured players arriving in Brooklyn with flashy pre-draft presentations, setting the stage for the league's next generation.

Draft Round 2 Projections & Fantasy Impact

As the first round concluded, the focus shifted to potential second-round selections and the broader implications of offseason moves. Mock drafts projected a deep pool of talent still available on the board, with numerous players expected to hear their names called in round two as the draft continues. Analysts identified significant winners and question marks emerging from the first round's twists and turns, including several strategic trades that reshaped draft boards for multiple franchises.

Fantasy basketball analysts are already dissecting the impact of significant offseason acquisitions. The trade of Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets, for instance, is expected to alter fantasy league dynamics considerably for various teams. Meanwhile, Trae Young publicly welcomed AJ Dybantsa to Washington, hinting at potential future discussions about jersey numbers in the nation's capital. In other news, Aces coach Becky Hammon commented on Jalen Brunson's standout season, acknowledging his unique talent while standing by her general assessment of smaller guards in the league. Kevin Durant is set to coach in a 3x3 charity tournament for USA Basketball, adding another dimension to his involvement with the sport.