Liam MacKenzie – Student Reporter
Brooklyn, New York – It is the middle of June, and the 2026 NBA Draft is quickly approaching. Set to take place June 23-24 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, this year’s draft features plenty of compelling storylines and one of the most exciting prospect classes in recent memory.
From franchise-changing stars to high-upside prospects, the 2026 class is loaded with elite talent, defensive versatility, and long-term potential. With that in mind, here is a prediction of how the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft could unfold.
1. Washington Wizards Selection – With the first pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select AJ Dybantsa, a small forward out of BYU. While there has been speculation that Washington could opt for Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer instead, Dybansta remains the favorite to go No. 1 thanks to his elite scoring ability and overall upside. He has the potential to become one of the most talented scorers to enter the NBA in recent memory, making him the ideal franchise cornerstone for Wizards.
If Dybantsa is drafted No. 1 overall, he would join a talented core that includes Trae Young, who opted out of his player option but is expected to sign a new contract extension, Anthony Davis, and fellow young standout Alex Sarr. That combination would give the Wizards an intriguing mix of established stars and emerging talent to build around.
2. Utah Jazz Selection – With the second pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz select Darryn Peterson, a combo guard out of Kansas. While many believed AJ Dybantsa was destined to land in Utah because of his local ties after playing college basketball in the state, as well as his strong connection with owner Ryan, Peterson is still an outstanding selection.
His scoring ability, shot creation, and two-way upside give the Jazz another potential franchise cornerstone to build around. He would fit well alongside Keyonte George and Ace Bailey, giving Utah another dynamic perimeter creator who can ease the offensive burden while also providing defensive versatility. Peterson’s ability to play both on and off the ball should allow him to thrive as the Jazz continue building one of the league’s most promising young corse
3. Memphis Grizzlies Selection – With the third pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select Cameron Boozer, a power forward out of Duke. The Grizzlies find themselves at a crossroads, with questions surrounding Zach Kleiman’s future and uncertainty regarding Ja Morant’s long-term outlook. As a result, Memphis has the opportunity to begin building around a new franchise cornerstone, and Boozer has all the tools to become that player with his polished scoring ability, high basketball IQ, and two-way potential.
Boozer would also join a talented young core in Memphis, giving the Grizzlies another foundational piece for the future. Alongside players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey, Boozer’s versatility, passing ability, and polished offensive game would give Memphis a frontcourt capable of competing on both ends of the floor. If the Grizzlies embrace a new era, Boozer has the talent to become the centerpiece of that next chapter.
4. Chicago Bulls Selection – With the fourth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls select Caleb Wilson, a combo forward out of North Carolina. Chicago is in need of establishing a new defensive identity, and Wilson gives them exactly that with his elite versatility, length, and ability to guard multiple positions. If he reaches his full potential, Wilson could end up being one of the biggest steals of the draft and a foundational piece for the Bulls’ rebuild.
Wilson also continues a recent trend of defense-first prospects being selected with the fourth overall pick. Players like Jaren Jackson, Scottie Barnes, Amen Thompson, Stephon Castle, and Kon Knueppel entered the NBA with their defensive versatility and athleticism as their biggest strengths, and Wilson possesses many of those same qualities. While his offensive game still has room to grow, his athleticism, defensive instincts, and long-term upside give him a chance to follow in the footsteps of those impact defenders.
5. Los Angeles Clippers Selection – With the fifth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers select Keaton Wagler, a combo guard out of Illinois. With the Clippers entering a new era and looking to add another young cornerstone, Wagler gives them a dynamic backcourt piece who can create his own shot and facilitate for teammates. He is one of, if not the best shooter in the draft, and his ability to score at all three levels makes him an ideal player for the Clippers to build around.
Another reason this pairing makes so much sense is Wagler’s ability to thrive without the basketball in his hands. With Darius Garland serving as the primary playmaker, Wagler can capitalize on catch-and-shoot opportunities, attack closeouts, and keep defenses honest with his elite shooting ability. At the same time, his secondary playmaking skills allow him to take pressure off Garland when needed, giving the Clippers a versatile backcourt that can seamlessly play both on and off the ball.
6. Brooklyn Nets Selection – With the sixth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets select Darius Acuff Jr, a point guard out of Arkansas. Acuff has quickly become one of the most beloved prospects in this draft class among fans and scouts alike thanks to his electric scoring ability, creative shot-making, and confidence with the ball in his hands. As Brooklyn continues to search for a long-term lead guard, Acuff has the upside to become the face of the franchise and one of the biggest steals if he is still available at No. 6.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of this selection is the backcourt pairing of Acuff and Egor Demin. While Demin thrives as a bigger playmaker who can facilitate from multiple spots on the floor, Acuff brings the scoring punch and shot creation needed alongside him. Their complementary skill sets give Brooklyn a dynamic young backcourt that can grow together for years, with Demin orchestrating the offense and Acuff providing the scoring spark.
7. Sacramento Kings Selection – With the seventh pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Mikel Brown Jr., a point guard out of Louisville. While there has been plenty of league buzz that Sacramento is high on Darius Acuff Jr., if Brooklyn selects him one pick earlier, the Kings still land an outstanding consolation prize in Brown. His elite playmaking, scoring ability, and leadership give Sacramento a potential franchise point guard who could develop into the face of the organization for years to come.
Brown’s playmaking would also complement Sacramento’s young core as he looks to elevate the players around him. His court vision and ability to create easy scoring opportunities would allow players like Keegan Murray and other young pieces to thrive, while his own scoring ability makes him a constant threat with the ball in his hands. Together, Brown and the Kings’ core could give the franchise a strong foundation for the future.
8. Atlanta Hawks Selection – With the eighth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks select Aday Mara, a center out of Michigan. While some may question this selection due to Atlanta’s need for a long-term point guard following the Trae Young trade and with CJ McCollum entering the later stages of his career, Mara’s talent and upside are simply too difficult to pass up. His elite size, defensive presence, and offensive potential give the Hawks a player who could develop into one of the biggest difference-makers in this draft class.
Mara also fills a major need in Atlanta’s frontcourt after the departure of Kristaps Porziņġis left the Hawks without the same interior presence they relied on. Pairing Mara with Onyeka Okongwu gives Atlanta a young, physical frontcourt capable of protecting the rim, controlling the glass, and anchoring the defense for years to come. That Combination could become one of the team’s biggest strengths as the Hawks continue building toward the future.
9. Dallas Mavericks Selection – With the ninth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks select Brayden Burries, a combo guard out of Arizona. Pairing Burries with Cooper Flagg gives Dallas another high-upside young cornerstone, as his shot creation, scoring ability, and secondary playmaking would complement Flagg’s all-around game. Together, they have the potential to form one of the league’s most exciting young duos as the Mavericks continue building for the future.
Beyond his fit alongside Cooper Flagg, Burries addresses a key need in Dallas’ backcourt. His ability to handle the ball, create offense, and defend multiple guard positions gives the Mavericks another reliable playmaker who can contribute immediately while continuing to develop. If Burries reaches his full potential, Dallas could look back on this selection.
10. Milwaukee Bucks Selection – With the tenth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks select Kingston Flemings, a point guard out of Houston. It is somewhat surprising to see Flemings still available at No. 10, as many projected him to come off the board a few picks earlier. While some may argue Milwaukee should address the wing with the uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future, Flemings’ talent and upside make him too good to pass up at this point in the draft.
Despite the questions surrounding Milwaukee’s roster construction, Flemings gives the Bucks a high-upside point guard they can build around for years to come. His combination of playmaking, scoring, and defensive intensity provides the type of backcourt leader every franchise covets, and his versatility allows him to contribute in a variety of roles. If Milwaukee is entering a new chapter, Flemings has the talent to become one of the key pieces leading the franchise forward.
The Rest of the Draft:
11. Golden State Warriors Selection – Nate Ament, SF, Tennessee
12. Oklahoma City Thunder Selection – Yaxel Lenderborg, PF, Michigan
13. Miami Heat Selection – Labaron Philon Jr., PG, Alabama
14. Charlotte Hornets Selection – Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor
15. Chicago Bulls Selection – Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
16. Memphis Grizzlies Selection – Karim López, SF, New Zealand
17. Oklahoma City Thunder Selection – Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
18. Charlotte Hornets Selection – Hannes Steinbech, PF, Washington
19. Toronto Raptors Selection – Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
20. San Antonio Spurs Selection – Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
21. Detroit Pistons Selection – Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
22. Philadelphia 76ers Selection – Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, Kentucky
23. Atlanta Hawks Selection – Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas
24. New York Knicks Selection – Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
25. Los Angeles Lakers Selection – Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
26. Denver Nuggets Selection – Isaiah Evans, SF, Duke
27. Boston Celtics Selection – Koa Peat, PF, Arizona
28. Minnesota Timberwolves Selection – Sergio de Larrea, PG/SG, Valencia
29. Cleveland Cavaliers Selection – Alex Karaban, SF/PF, UConn
30. Dallas Mavericks Selection – Joshua Jefferson, PF/SF, Iowa State
Final Takeaways – As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches in the coming days, these predictions represent how I believe the first round could unfold based on current team needs, prospect evaluations, and league buzz. While plenty can change before Commissioner Adam Silver steps to the podium, this mock serves as my final projection, and it’ll be exciting to see which prospects hear their names called and how closely the actual draft matches these predictions.
