2026 NBA Draft

Recap: The picks, reactions and best moments from the 2026 NBA Draft

Relive all the picks and best moments from the 2026 NBA Draft with the NBA.com live blog.

Ben Lambert, for NBA.com

AJ Dybantsa was selected by the Washington Wizards with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Take a look back at the 2026 NBA Draft, the 80th anniversary of the event, with the NBA.com live blog.

What we know about the 2026 NBA Draft:

  • In the first round, AJ Dybantsa went No. 1 to the Washington Wizards, as we saw a record-tying eight freshmen selected in the first nine picks.
  • The second round featured an array of shooters and explosive athletes, with the league gearing up for the 2026 NBA Summer League, beginning July 9.
  • Check the Draft board for scouting and more information from the 2026 Draft.
  • Learn more about all the prospects of the 2026 NBA Draft.

10:58 PM | JUNE 24

‘It’s all about belief’

Congratulations to the 2026 NBA Draft class!

10:51 PM | JUNE 24

Shout out to the NBA Academy

10:42 PM | JUNE 24

Press Conference: 2026 NBA Draft, Second Round

10:30 PM | JUNE 24

Picks #57-60

10:24 PM | JUNE 24

Got to call Mom!

10:13 PM | JUNE 24

Picks #52-56

10:09 PM | JUNE 24

From Germany to the NBA

10:00 PM | JUNE 24

It’s a special family night

9:46 PM | JUNE 24

Picks #47-51

9:34 PM | JUNE 24

A moment for Meleek

9:21 PM | JUNE 24

Picks #42-46

9:02 PM | JUNE 24

Picks #37-41

8:47 PM | JUNE 24

36. LA Clippers: Baba Miller, Cincinatti

Miller is a 6’11” forward who averaged a double-double as a senior (13.0 ppg, 10.3 reb).

“He’s a graceful athlete. He plays above the rim,” said Jay Bilas. “I think he’ll be a really good NBA player.”

8:41 PM | JUNE 24

35. Denver Nuggets (via Spurs): Trevon Brazile, Arkansas

Brazile is a big-time athlete and a modern player. He became the first Arkansas player with 40+ three-pointers (45), 40+ blocks (58) and 40+ steals (53) last season.

8:35 PM | JUNE 24

34. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Kings): Meleek Thomas, Arkansas

Thomas shot 41.6% on 5.3 3PA in his freshman season at Arkansas, stepping it up to 47% in the NCAA Tournament. He also doubled his steals per game from 1.5 to 3.0 in the Tournament

“At times, he’s conscious-free,” said Jay Bilas. “He can shoot it from range. He can shoot it off the dribble, and he makes contested shots.”

This pick was reportedly dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers for No. 29, which the Kings used to take UConn’s Alex Karaban, and a future second-round pick.

8:31 PM | JUNE 24

33. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Nets): Isaiah Evans, Duke

Evans put up 15.0 ppg on 43.3/36.1/86.0 shooting in his sophomore season.

He more than doubled his scoring from his freshman season, putting a career-high 32 points against Florida State in the ACC Tournament.

This trade is still pending.

8:27 PM | JUNE 24

32. Memphis Grizzlies: Richie Saunders, BYU

Saunders scored 18.0 ppg in his senior season, hitting 37.6% of his 6.8 3PA.

The 6’5″ guard, an Utah native, adds shooting, hustle and off-ball movement to the Grizzlies. With he and Boozer, they’ve upgraded their basketball IQ.

8:16 PM | JUNE 24

31. Houston Rockets (via Knicks): Bruce Thornton, Ohio State

Thornton was a four-time captain at Ohio State, putting up 19.9 ppg, 5.1 reb and 3.9 ast in his senior season. He’s the university’s all-time leading scorer.

8:05 PM | JUNE 24

We’re ready to go at Barclays

7:13 PM | JUNE 24

A moment to joyfully reflect

6:35 PM | JUNE 24

The best remaining

NBA.com’s Krysten Peek ranked the best eight players remaining in the 2026 NBA Draft ahead of tonight’s festivities, including Cincinnati’s Baba Miller.

“NBA teams love length and versatility at the wing position and Miller has both. The 6-foot-11 forward tested the NBA draft waters two years ago and got good feedback from teams. He needed to add some muscle to his frame and improve his jumper off the block. His mid-range got better and he became a beast on the boards, averaging a double-double his senior season.”

1:35 PM | JUNE 24

Looking towards Round 2

The defending champion New York Knicks will be on the clock to open the second round tonight.

Award-winning players such as Nikola Jokić, Manu Ginóbili, Draymond Green, Dennis Rodman and Marc Gasol were taken in the second round — as was the reigning NBA Finals MVP, Jalen Brunson.

Who will enter the league tonight?

1:25 PM | JUNE 24

Takeaways from Round 1, including Michigan’s big night

NBA.com’s Jeff Zillgitt steps back to consider the big picture after the first round, including the trio of Wolverines entering the league, the dominance of college freshmen and the lottery reform that begins next season.

1:15 PM | JUNE 24

Learn more about the top picks

Cameron Boozer is one of the top picks looking to make an impact for their new squads after the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.

NBA.com’s Krysten Peek has an inside look at AJ Dybantsa, who’s on his way to D.C. after being the first player from Massachusetts to be drafted No. 1 overall.

Shaun Powell considers Darryn Peterson, the electric guard who joins the Utah Jazz as the No. 2 overall pick.

Maurice Brooks details the winning ways of Cameron Boozer, a second-generation NBA talent who is Memphis-bound and seeks to lead the Grizzlies back into contention.

11:44 PM | JUNE 23

A D.C. connection

11:31 PM | JUNE 23

Press Conference: 2026 NBA Draft

11:29 PM | JUNE 23

30. Phoenix Suns (via Mavericks): Koa Peat

A 6’7″, 245 forward, Peat is a hard-charging athlete, putting up 16.1 ppg on 52.8 FG% this past season at Arizona.

“Just a warrior who gets to the line and attacks bodies,” said Jay Bilas.

11:25 PM | JUNE 23

29. Sacramento Kings (via Cavaliers): Alex Karaban, UConn

The 6’7″ forward shot 46.4/37.4/85.1 from the field in his senior season, helping lead UConn to the national championship game.

He won two national titles in his time at UConn (2023, 2024) and became the first Husky to be inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame while an active player.

11:18 PM | JUNE 23

28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State

Jefferson was First Team All-Big 12 in his senior season and a Second Team AP All-American, putting up 16.4 ppg and 4.8 ast.

“He plays with what I call an old-man game. He sees the floor slowly,” said Jay Bilas. “He’s just a winning player.”

11:10 PM | JUNE 23

27. Boston Celtics: Chris Cenac Jr., Houston

The 6’11” big has a 7’5″ wingspan, hitting 33.3% of his 3-pointers in his freshman season at Houston. He has possibilities as both a shooter and defender.

11:09 PM | JUNE 23

The top two picks of the 2026 NBA Draft

11:05 PM | JUNE 23

26. San Antonio Spurs (via Nuggets): Tarris Reed Jr., UConn

The 6’10” big has a 7’4″ wingspan, as well as strong athleticism and some touch on the block.

He averaged 19 ppg and 13.5 reb in the NCAA Tournament, leading the Huskies to the NCAA Championship game, where they lost to Michigan.

“He can be a beast inside,” said Jay Bilas.

10:58 PM | JUNE 23

25. Dallas Mavericks (via Lakers, Knicks): Sergio de Larrea

A 6’6″ lead guard, De Larrea became the youngest-ever MVP of the Spanish Super Cup in 2025.

10:49 PM | JUNE 23

24. Los Angeles Lakers (via Knicks): Cameron Carr, Baylor

Carr put up a 42.5-inch vertical leap at the AWS NBA Draft Combine, demonstrating athletic ability reminiscent of his father, Chris, who was runner-up to Kobe Bryant in the 1997 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

He also hit 37% of his 3-pointers last season, dropping 18.9 ppg.

10:48 PM | JUNE 23

A beautiful moment for the Boozers

10:44 PM | JUNE 23

23. Atlanta Hawks: Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s 

The Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Ejiofor brings some Al Horford or Josh Smith-type defense to the Hawks.

10:36 PM | JUNE 23

22. Philadelphia 76ers: Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama

An athletic, aggressive guard, Philon Jr. dropped 35 points in the Sweet 16 against the eventual national champion Michigan.

“Arguably the most improved player, going from good player to star at Alabama,” said Jay Bilas.

10:30 PM | JUNE 23

21. Memphis Grizzlies (via Pistons): Karim López

López is coming off two years with the NBL’s New Zealand Breakers.

The 6’9″ wing put up 11.9 ppg in the second of those seasons, along with 1.2 blk and 1.0 stl.

10:29 PM | JUNE 23

The top picks react

10:26 PM | JUNE 23

A Bull-to-be from way back

10:22 PM | JUNE 23

20. San Antonio Spurs: Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky

The 6’9″ forward has a 7’5.25″ wingspan, adding shot-blocking to the Spurs’ already-massive front court.

He swatted 2.6 shots per game in his freshman year at Arizona State before transferring.

10:21 PM | JUNE 23

Wolverines!

10:14 PM | JUNE 23

19. Toronto Raptors: Allen Graves, Santa Clara

Graves has a 7’0″ wingspan with prototypical wing size, providing hustle and physicality while hitting 41.3% of his 3-pointers. He’s a connector and a versatile piece, fitting with the size of the Raptors’ wings.

10:08 PM | JUNE 23

18. Charlotte Hornets: Christian Anderson, Texas Tech

Anderson set the Texas Tech single-season record with 244 assists while knocking down 42% of his 3-pointers.

He should give Charles Lee another option for backing up LaMelo Ball, providing an alternative skillset to Sion James.

10:01 PM | JUNE 23

17. Detroit Pistons (via Grizzlies, Thunder): Ebuka Okorie, Stanford

Okorie’s a vertical athlete at 6’1″, putting up eight 30+ point games in his freshman season at Stanford.

He’s an old-school slashing point guard, with broad shoulders at his size.

9:54 PM | JUNE 23

16. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Grizzlies): Bennett Stirtz, Iowa

Stirtz is a considered, heady offensive engine with a strong shooting stroke — a little Ty Jerome to him.

He created 18 points per game in the pick-and-roll at Iowa, leading the nation with 1,396 minutes played.

“He never comes out of the game,” said Jay Bilas.

9:47 PM | JUNE 23

15. Chicago Bulls: Dailyn Swain, Texas

Swain led Texas in scoring (17.3 ppg), rebounding (7.5 reb), assists (3.6 ast) and steals (1.6 stl) in his junior season.

He has some Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Kyle Anderson to his game, getting downhill easily at 6’7″.

9:39 PM | JUNE 23

14. Charlotte Hornets: Hannes Steinbach, Washington

The 6’10” German forward grabbed 11.8 rebounds per game at Washington, leading the nation, and shot 57.7% from the field on his way to 18.8 ppg.

He should be a terror on the glass alongside Moussa Diabaté and Ryan Kalkbrenner.

Learn more about Steinbach and this class’ other international talents on NBA.com.

9:32 PM | JUNE 23

13. Milwaukee Bucks (via Miami Heat): Nate Ament, Tennessee

The 6’10” forward could be a lead offensive option for the new-look Bucks. He has a smooth handle and nice touch from the field, reminiscent of Jabari Smith Jr.

We’ll see how he adjusts to the NBA 3-pointer after shooting 33.3% from range in college, although he made 79.9% of his free throws.

9:27 PM | JUNE 23

A pair of Grizzlies meet

9:23 PM | JUNE 23

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Aday Mara, Michigan

Mara is 7’3″ with a 9’9″ wingspan, as well as a talented passer.

He adds a new element to an already-deep Thunder squad, forming a formidable shot-blocking combination with Chet Holmgren (2.6 bpg at Michigan) and giving them a new matchup to take on Victor Wembanyama.

9:17 PM | JUNE 23

11. Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan

The all-around forward is 6’9, 240 with a 7’3″ wingspan — he has some OG Anunoby to his frame.

Lendeborg led the country in plus-minus at Michigan, helping leading them to the national championship.

He should be an excellent understudy for Jimmy Butler III, potentially helping the Warriors bridge the gap to their next iteration.

9:08 PM | JUNE 23

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Brayden Burries, Arizona

Burries has good size at 6’4″, 215, as well as skills on both ends of the floor (16.1 ppg, 1.5 stl at Arizona) providing balance alongside Tyler Herro for the new-look Bucks.

9:05 PM | JUNE 23

9. Dallas Mavericks: Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan

The strong, athletic big forward adds toughness to the Mavericks’ front court, pairing with Dereck Lively to form a physical duo.

He plays a high motor and plenty of energy.

8:59 PM | JUNE 23

8. Atlanta Hawks: Kingston Flemings, Houston

Flemings is really quick, bringing even more punch to the Hawks’ up-tempo transition attack.

He should be a great floor general and complement to Jalen Johnson, giving them a strong stylistic identity.

Flemings also hit 38.1% of his 3-pointers on 2.9 3PA — if he can step that up, he has star potential.

8:48 PM | JUNE 23

7. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas

The next point guard in the John Calipari tree, Acuff Jr. was the Bob Cousy award-winner as the top point guard in college basketball.

He’s comfortable in all aspects of the game offensively, putting up 23.5 ppg and 6.4 ast on 44% from 3-point range.

Sacramento has a young leader now, building another dynamic duo with Domantas Sabonis.

8:43 PM | JUNE 23

6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville

A natural burst scorer, Brown Jr. should give the Nets another focal point on the offensive end.

He holds the ACC scoring record for a freshman, putting up 45 points against NC State, which also tied Wes Unseld’s school record for the Cardinals.

He can be streaky and is relatively slim, but brings excitement to Brooklyn.

“I’m home. I’ve found this home, so I’m so excited,” said Brown Jr.

8:36 PM | JUNE 23

5. LA Clippers: Keaton Wagler, Illinois

Wagler is a reliable playmaker and talented shooter, hitting 39.7% of his looks from 3-point range on 5.9 3PA.

He has his own pace and rhythm at 6’6″, reminiscent of Tyrese Haliburton or Greivis Vásquez, and can play either guard position.

He and Darius Garland should be a talented duo on offense, trading off initiation while finding space to shoot off the ball.

8:30 PM | JUNE 23

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, North Carolina

Wilson is a fluid, explosive athlete at 6’10”, bringing flashes of Kevin Garnett to the table in the open court.

He should pair well as a roll man and finisher for Josh Giddey, and take up huge chunks of the floor with Matas Buzelis defensively.

His effervescent personality is always apparent — a nice element for a young Bulls squad.

“It’s time to see red,” said Wilson.

8:24 PM | JUNE 23

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, Duke

Boozer’s extremely polished for a rookie, with a smooth scoring game, playmaking feel and grown man strength.

He shot 55.6% from the field and 39.1% from 3-point range, demonstrating the ease with which he finds buckets.

Boozer gives the Grizzlies a potential rock as they build back towards contention, upping their basketball IQ and versatility as a team.

“The best pure basketball player in the draft,” said Jay Bilas. “He’s an elite processor of the game.”

His Dad, Carlos, overcame being slightly undersized for a power forward to become a two-time All-Star; we’ll see how Cameron does, as he enters the NBA.

8:18 PM | JUNE 23

2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, Kansas

The explosive guard could help lead the Jazz back to the Playoffs in his rookie season, joining established veterans Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., as well as Keyonte George.

Danny Ainge knows about pairing two combo guards together in a successful backcourt, and takes Peterson to do exactly that. There are few two-guards with his athletic ability and scoring prowess.

He put up 20.2 ppg in his freshman season, knocking down 38% of his three-point looks.

“The most talented prospect in this draft — he is a fluid, smooth, almost artistic scorer,” said Jay Bilas. “He’s very athletic, but he can really shoot it.”

8:10 PM | JUNE 23

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, BYU

The 6’9″ wing is a talented isolation scorer and ball-handler, tailor-made for the modern NBA. He reminds me of Jaylen Brown, with a little more size.

He slots in beautifully with the Wizards, giving them a big wing and supplementary initiator.

Trae Young, Bilal Coulibaly, AJ Dybantsa, Alex Sarr, Anthony Davis sounds pretty good, especially with Tre Johnson, Will Riley and Kyshawn George off the bench.

7:30 PM | JUNE 23

‘It’s a great time to be alive’

7:21 PM | JUNE 23

All-Louis Vuitton for Darius

7:01 PM | JUNE 23

‘Ready to work, ready to help the team win’

Darryn Peterson wants to hit the ground running as he enters the NBA.

6:50 PM | JUNE 23

The class is ready to join the NBA

6:42 PM | JUNE 23

A Parisian suit for AJ

A nod to Terrence Clarke as well.

5:48 PM | JUNE 23

Darryn is debonair

A traditional look for the guard from Kansas.

5:25 PM | JUNE 23

Cam’s ready for the cameras

Shump knows fashion. Here, he shows some love to the big man from Duke.

5:24 PM | JUNE 23

The Dybantsa debut

The talented wing out of BYU is projected to be one of the top picks tonight. Give him his flowers.

5:15 PM | JUNE 23

What would you rate it?

Sartorial sensations, both.

5:01 PM | JUNE 23

The 2026 Draftees have arrived

3:18 PM | JUNE 23

Best attribute on court?

12:01 PM | JUNE 23

News & notes

Check out facts and notes about the 2026 NBA Draft as we prepare to go live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

11:10 PM | JUNE 23

Getting ready with AJ Dybantsa

11:02 AM | JUNE 23

Who’s going to be the best-dressed draftee?

10:45 AM | JUNE 23

Five potential sleepers

Kyrsten Peek highlights five players who could be ready to shine bright for teams that select them in the 2026 NBA Draft.

10:17 AM | JUNE 23

Consensus Mock Draft: final edition

Read the latest version of NBA.com’s Consensus Mock Draft ahead of tonight’s action.

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