A few years from now, we may be looking back at these grades for the 2026 NBA Draft and laughing. It is inevitable to happen, as you just never know who stands out and becomes a star for their team. After all, each of the last eight MVPs other than Joel Embiid was drafted outside the top 10.
AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson all have star-like potential, but did they end up in the picture-perfect spots? Not to mention, there were no trades made in the lottery of this year’s draft despite numerous teams being rumored to try to move up.
The Warriors, Hornets, and Thunder all discussed potential trade scenarios, yet they remained in their respective spots at the end of the lottery, sources told ClutchPoints.
There is a lot to like about this draft class, and there is a lot to share about what we just witnessed on Tuesday night in Brooklyn.
Here are initial grades following the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft and instant analysis on each of the first 30 picks made, starting with the Wizards’ selection of Dybantsa at the top of the draft.
1. Washington Wizards – SF AJ Dybantsa – BYU
After weeks of debate among league circles, the Wizards finally revealed who their top choice in the draft was, and it was no surprise to anyone. AJ Dybantsa now joins the Wizards and fills an immediate hole they have on the wing, cementing their status as a rising team in the Eastern Conference with a young core led by Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
What makes Dybantsa such a special, superstar-like prospect is his confidence and ability to score from anywhere. It would not come as a surprise if he leads the Wizards in scoring during the 2026-27 season, and this team now has the starpower needed to make a push in the East.
Dybantsa could not have landed in a better position, and the Wizards were wise to take him over Peterson.
GRADE: A+
2. Utah Jazz – PG/SG Darryn Peterson – Kansas
For me, the debate between Dybantsa and Peterson was never about talent, but more so about fit and leadership qualities for the Wizards. Dybantsa fits a clear need for the Wizards on the wing, just like Peterson will immediately fill a hole next to Keyonte George in the backcourt for the Utah Jazz.
Last year, the Jazz took Ace Bailey even though he didn’t want to visit with the franchise and instead went to the Wizards. The same thing happened this year with Peterson, although he seems more open to playing for the Jazz.
While it has not been mentioned as a concern, I still wonder about Peterson’s availability early in his career and if similar cramping problems will emerge as he looks to add muscle and frame during his rookie year. As far as talent goes, the Jazz couldn’t go wrong here with whoever didn’t go first overall in the draft. Peterson should immediately help this team elevate itself into the Western Conference playoff picture.
GRADE: A
3. Memphis Grizzlies – PF Cameron Boozer – Duke
With the Ja Morant adventure ending for the Memphis Grizzlies, they needed a young, high-IQ, and high-character prospect to become the face of their franchise in this year’s draft. There is no better player for this than Cameron Boozer, who is the epitome of an unselfish player who simply wants what is best for his team.
As good as Boozer is and can be, he isn’t the same dynamic scorer as the other top four prospects in this year’s draft. But he makes up for his lack of athleticism with elite decisions and playmaking skills at the power forward position. Boozer is the type of player who can get everyone involved and still average a 20-point double-double every night. Not to mention, he’s a teammate everyone loves to play with.
The Grizzlies are clearly rebuilding with Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, and Zach Edey as the young faces of their franchise. Now, they have an 18-year-old leader who will only elevate everyone’s overall talent on the court. This is the second-best pick in the draft behind Dybantsa, who went No. 1 overall.
GRADE: A+
4. Chicago Bulls – SF/PF Caleb Wilson – North Carolina
Bryson Graham made it clear when he took the Chicago Bulls’ lead executive job that he wanted to add SLAP to the roster: Size, length, athleticism, and physicality. He now gets all four of those, and then some, with Caleb Wilson in the draft.
Wilson is probably the most driven player in this entire draft class in the sense that he always finds something to motivate him. This guy is a freak athlete who has the tools to be an absolute menace on defense, and he doesn’t care whether he’s going up against the last-place team in the NBA or the best. They are all the same to him — an obstacle to get past in order to win.
Between his length and pure power as a playmaker on offense, Wilson checks all the boxes for what teams are looking for in a modern-day, versatile forward. With Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Nic Claxton, and now Wilson, the Bulls already have a ton of length in their starting rotation.
GRADE: A
5. Los Angeles Clippers – PG/SG Keaton Wagler – Illinois
For weeks, the debate with the LA Clippers was whether they would take Keaton Wagler or Mikel Brown Jr. Personally, I really like Brown’s fit because of how dynamic a scorer he can be. Although the Clippers have Darius Garland, Brown’s quickness and pure-scoring abilities would have been key in the backcourt.
Instead, the Clippers went with the safer pick in Wagler, who adds positional size and versatility as a combo guard who can be an off-ball shooter next to Garland. Both Wagler and Brown are terrific options, but my personal preference here would have leaned toward Brown.
It will be interesting to see how the Clippers look to utilize Wagler on offense early in his rookie season, as he always seemed to have the ball in his hands initiating Illinois’ offense. That won’t be the case alongside Garland in LA.
GRADE: B
6. Brooklyn Nets – PG Mikel Brown Jr. – Louisville
When watching Mikel Brown Jr. play, I see a rising star who could end up being the best player from the 2026 NBA Draft. Having an elite scoring guard at the point guard position who can open space for those around him with his driving abilities is extremely valuable in today’s league. That is what Brown is bringing to the Brooklyn Nets, who desperately needed to address their point guard position this summer.
Brown is as dynamic an offensive weapon on or off the ball among backcourt talents in this year’s draft class, and he joins a favorable team for his skills in Brooklyn. With All-Star potential and the ability to explode for 20-plus points any given night, the Nets finally find the answers they’ve been searching for at the guard positions.
Not to mention, this team has multiple scoring options now in Brown, Michael Porter Jr., and Randle, all of whom are capable of hunting their own shots and confusing defenses.
GRADE: A
7. Sacramento Kings – PG Darius Acuff Jr. – Arkansas
Everyone around the NBA has known since the draft lottery in May that the Kings wanted Darius Acuff Jr. Well, Scott Perry got his guy and did not bite at the Clippers’ and Nets’ attempts to get him to trade up for Acuff.
A lot needs to change for the Kings, and this is a major step in the right direction. Acuff’s scoring burst and speed at the point guard position immediately give Sacramento a young building block to take them into a new era, one that won’t involve Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis for too much longer.
Although there are some concerns about his defensive effort and impact, the Kings do have size and players who can guard multiple positions around him, like Keegan Murray, Nique Clifford, and De’Andre Hunter. This is a really smart pick by the Kings, but their work is far from done in terms of revamping this roster.
GRADE: A-
8. Atlanta Hawks – PG Kingston Flemings – Houston
The dream scenario for the Atlanta Hawks would’ve been taking either Mikel Brown Jr. or Keaton Wagler with the eighth pick if they fell. Well, the Hawks get Kingston Flemings instead, who probably would be a top-five pick in any other draft class.
Atlanta clearly needed to address their backcourt this offseason, and Flemings is a downhill attacking guard whose ability to score from all three levels will make the Hawks’ offense more unpredictable. The one question I do have is regarding his size, especially playing alongside another small guard in CJ McCollum. Defensively, this pairing could be exposed by rival teams.
But there is certainly no doubt that his athleticism fits in with Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker on the Hawks’ roster. This pick fits a need and is the best player available in this spot, which is why Hawks fans should be happy with Flemings. After discussing trades leading up to the draft, Onsi Saleh and the Hawks’ front office secured their backcourt for the foreseeable future.
GRADE: B+
9. Dallas Mavericks – PF/C Morez Johnson Jr. – Michigan
This was the first major surprise of the draft. That is not because Morez Johnson Jr. isn’t talented enough to be a top 10 pick, because he most certainly is, but there was a lot of buzz about either Aday Mara or Nate Ament being the pick here.
Just days after hiring Dusty May as their head coach, the Dallas Mavericks reunited him with his powerful weapon in the frontcourt from the national champion Michigan Wolverines. At 6’9″ with a huge frame and 7’3″ wingspan, Johnson will be a lob threat, as well as a screen-and-roll guy for Cooper Flagg to thrive next to.
Johnson may not have been expected to be the first Michigan guy taken, but he will immediately make an impact in Dallas. It seems like either PJ Washington or Daniel Gafford could be moved this offseason now.
GRADE: B+
10. Milwaukee Bucks – PG/SG Brayden Burries – Arizona
Right before the Golden State Warriors could get their hands on him, the Milwaukee Bucks started their post-Giannis Antetokounmpo era with a smart choice in Brayden Burries. Although he is not the most athletic or dynamic guard, Burries has a ton of strengths and really no weaknesses.
Burries can play on or off the ball offensively, he can guard multiple positions, and he will immediately be a focal option in the Bucks’ backcourt, regardless if they keep Tyler Herro or not. After leading Arizona in scoring at just over 16 points per game, Burries joins the Bucks as a tough-minded guard who will provide the foundation for the future in Milwaukee.
I really like this fit and pick only behind Brown for all the guards inside the top 10.
GRADE: A-
11. Golden State Warriors – PF Yaxel Lendeborg – Michigan
Once Burries was off the board, the Warriors fielded trade interest for this pick, sources told ClutchPoints. With no deal materializing, the Dubs settled on Yaxel Lendeborg, who was viewed as their second-best option in this spot.
At Michigan, Lendeborg was a do-it-all guy who ultimately led his team to a national championship. Now, he joins a Warriors team looking to get back in the championship mix in the final years of Stephen Curry’s career. There is nothing Lendeborg can’t do on the court, as he is the most NBA-ready player ranked inside the top 20 of this year’s draft.
Lendeborg will contribute as a key wing defender and a Swiss-Army-knife-like player right away for Golden State. I really like this fit, and I believed Lendeborg could be an All-Rookie performer throughout the pre-draft process. This was a smart pick by the Warriors.
GRADE: A
12. Oklahoma City Thunder – C Aday Mara – Michigan
If there was one position the OKC Thunder desperately needed in their series against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, it was another big man who could be an avid rim protector. Aday Mara can do just that, and now he joins a frontcourt with Chet Holmgren and Isiaah Hartenstein, if the Thunder look to bring him back on either his team option or a smaller deal in free agency.
It is rare to find a 7’3″ big man who moves as well as Mara, and his reach is simply insane. Just thinking about Mara and Holmgren in the paint is a major headache for opponents. Not even thinking about what he can do defensively, this guy is 7’3″ and is a really smart passer at the top of the arc, and he can even pick-and-pop as a 3-point shooter from the perimeter.
The Thunder had explored ways to possibly jump into the top 10 to possibly grab Mara, and now they get him at the 12th pick without having to trade anything. Another major draft win for Sam Presti.
GRADE: A+
13. Milwaukee Bucks – SF Nate Ament – Tennessee
Throughout the pre-draft process, the word surrounding Nate Ament was that his floor would be the Bucks with the 10th pick. Well, Milwaukee recognized that things were going there way where they could take Burries first and then grab Ament with the 13th pick, which was acquired in the Giannis trade.
Ament is a guy who has generated a ton of split opinions throughout the draft process. Some love his upside and size, while others don’t see his game translating well to the NBA. The Bucks and GM Jon Horst are taking a swing here with their second lottery pick after trading Giannis and selecting a player who, in time, can reach his full offensive potential.
This will be a wait-and-see pick that we will come back to a few years from now and either shake our heads saying, “I told you so,” or praising the Bucks for being one of the only teams to believe in Ament.
GRADE: B-
14. Charlotte Hornets – PF/C Hannes Steinbach – Washington
With all three Michigan guys off the board, all of whom were targets for the Charlotte Hornets here, and after discussing a potential trade to move up into the 11th pick from the Warriors, Hannes Steinbach ends up being the 14th pick. Upgrading their frontcourt talent was essential for Charlotte this offseason, especially after taking that next step as a franchise and rising the ranks in the Eastern Conference.
Steinbach is one of the best rebounders in this draft class, next to Mara, and he will immediately create rebounding opportunities on both sides of the court for the Hornets.
It just makes sense to take Steinbach in this spot since there is a major drop off in bigs after him until the 20 to 30 range. Not to mention, Charlotte can still add a wing or a guard with their second first-round pick. Although nothing is flashy about Steinbach’s game, you know what you are getting with him every night from a rebounding sense and the ability to be a big screener on offense.
GRADE: A-
15. Chicago Bulls – SG/SF Dailyn Swain – Texas
Here is where the draft starts getting interesting. The Bulls could’ve gone in a multitude of directions with this pick after selecting Wilson earlier, but with the Michigan guys off the board, along with Steinbach going one pick above them, the Bulls are taking a chance on an athletic two-way wing in Dailyn Swain.
New executive Bryson Graham made it clear he wanted to add length, athleticism, and size at every position, and Swain adds this on the wing. He is a very strong wing rebounder, and Swain has the tools to grow into a very impactful and explosive two-way wing for years to come.
Just like the Bucks taking a chance with their second pick, the Bulls are doing the same here with a 20-year-old who will fit in nicely next to Wilson and Matas Buzelis.
GRADE: B+
16. *TRADE* Oklahoma City Thunder – PG Bennett Stirtz – Iowa
*This pick belonged to the Memphis Grizzlies and is being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The second senior off the board after Lendeborg being picked in the lottery is Bennett Stirtz, the sharpshooting floor general from Iowa. After being interested in Stirtz, the Memphis Grizzlies traded him to the OKC Thunder for the 17th pick and two future second-round picks, according to ESPN.
Stirtz is among the best shot creators at the point guard position in this draft class, and his confidence is through the roof. He now provides key depth in Oklahoma City’s backcourt, which became a problem once Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell went down in the playoffs with injuries.
Behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stirtz is another reliable ball-handling guard who is not afraid to light it up from the perimeter. Presti gets another NBA-ready talent who can contribute to the team’s championship push right now.
GRADE: B+
17. *TRADE* Detroit Pistons – PG Ebuka Okorie
*This pick belonged to the OKC Thunder and is being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, which was then traded to the Detroit Pistons.
There were a lot of questions about where Ebuka Okorie would end up in this year’s draft. The Detroit Pistons had been interested in him and Cameron Carr with the 21st pick, as reported by ClutchPoints earlier this week, but they clearly did not think he would fall to them.
As a result, the Pistons acquire the 17th pick, which was dealt to the Grizzlies for Stirtz (No. 16), and end up with Okorie.
Okorie is the youngest guard in this year’s draft, but he is a dynamic scoring point guard who will supply immediate shooting and offensive production alongside Cade Cunningham in the backcourt. For a little cost, the Pistons got the guy they have been eyeing in the first round, so you can’t fault them for moving up four spots here.
GRADE: B
18. Charlotte Hornets – PG Christian Anderson Jr. – Texas Tech
Christian Anderson Jr. is one of the best sharpshooters in this draft class and will provide immediate depth behind LaMelo Ball and Coby White, if the Hornets re-sign him. Aside from being a great perimeter shooter, Anderson is a very strong passer and makes high-IQ players with the ball in his hands.
His 244 assists this past season at Texas Tech were a program record, and he will take a lot of pressure off Ball to be the main playmaker alongside Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller.
Although this is not a flashy pick, Anderson is a safe pick for the Hornets with all the confidence in the world despite measuring 6’1″ at the combine. Perhaps his most unique trait is that he is extremely durable and can play unlimited minutes. Charles Lee will surely love to hear that about his new guard.
My only problem with this pick is Anderson going above Philon, who I think would’ve been a better fit in Charlotte.
GRADE: C+
19. Toronto Raptors – PF Allen Graves
For weeks, the Toronto Raptors had been linked to Allen Graves, as reported by ClutchPoints. Now, they take him with the 19th pick to the Toronto Raptors, a team that is on the rise and adds a very smart analytic-darling-like player at either forward position.
What stands out about Graves is that he is extremely efficient and doesn’t really have any weaknesses to his game, other than the fact that he is not an extreme athlete. This is a pick that simply makes sense for a team that needed a role player who can bring the ball up the floor as a 6’8″ forward.
The hope is that he can be a critical 3-and-D rotational player in Toronto’s frontcourt as they look to push themselves up the East standings.
GRADE: B-
20. San Antonio Spurs – C Jayden Quaintance – Kentucky
Amid concerns about his overall knee health, the San Antonio Spurs are taking a risk here with Jayden Quaintance.
There was major talk Tuesday morning and throughout the afternoon that he could maybe slip to the end of the first round, especially since many teams took him off their draft board. Well, the Spurs see this as a high-risk, major high-reward pick at No. 20 overall, as Quaintance is arguably the best big man in this draft class… WHEN he is healthy.
That is the question here with this pick. Once a lottery-level talent, Quaintance’s impact is solely dependent if he can remain on the court. If he can, Quaintance can become someone like Robert Williams III, with his ceiling being a Bam Adebayo-like mold at the center position.
I really like this fit for the Kentucky big man, and if you look solely at his talent when healthy, this is a steal at the 20th pick.
GRADE: B+
21. *TRADE* Memphis Grizzlies – SF/PF Karim Lopez – Mexico/New Zealand
*This pick belonged to the DET Pistons and is being traded to the MEM Grizzlies.
What a historic moment for Karim Lopez, who becomes the first Mexican-born player to be drafted into the NBA.
After dropping back five spots in the draft in trades with the Thunder and Pistons, the Grizzlies leave this draft with Cam Boozer in the top four and now a dynamic, defensive-minded forward on the wing. Oh, and Zach Kleiman added two second-round picks from these trades.
Lopez was viewed as a lottery pick by a lot of teams, but he slipped on Tuesday night. Kleiman got a very athletic, NBA-ready 19-year-old forward who is gritty and already has professional experience under his belt from playing in the NBL. While he still needs to work on his offensive game, specifically his shooting, this is terrific value for Memphis as they continue to rebuild.
GRADE: A
22. Philadelphia 76ers – PG Labaron Philon Jr. – Alabama
Tyrese Maxey played way too many minutes this past year. So, the Philadelphia 76ers got him some help in the backcourt with Laaron Philon Jr., a really solid two-way guard who improved his offensive shooting during his sophomore year at Alabama.
One thing that stands out to me is that Alabama played in a high-octane offensive and Philon was their catalyst as their lead guard. He now joins Maxey and VJ Edgecombe on a Sixers roster that can certainly push the pace and get out in transition.
Finding some insurance in the backcourt behind Maxey was essentially, especially after the questionable Jared McCain trade Philadelphia is probably regretting right now. The 76ers just got a top-20 talent with the 22nd pick.
GRADE: B+
23. Atlanta Hawks – PF/C Zuby Ejiofor – St. John’s
Toughness, energy, and relentless defensive effort. Those are the three biggest traits that stand out with Zuby Ejiofor, who will provide immediate value to the Hawks’ frontcourt.
While he has the strength of a big man like Isaiah Stewart, Ejiofor has drawn some similarities to Draymond Green earlier in his career, with the ability to operate on the perimeter and also put the ball on the floor while driving to the rim.
Ejiofor is built like a battering ram and addresses the Hawks’ need for more frontcourt help behind Onyeka Okongwu. Atlanta has now added a guard in Flemings and a big man in Ejiofor. Great draft for Onsi Saleh.
GRADE: B-
24. *TRADE* Los Angeles Lakers – SG Cameron Carr – Baylor
*This pick belonged to the NY Knicks and is being traded to the LA Lakers.
How in the world did Cameron Carr fall to the 24th pick? Multiple teams in the lottery, as well as in the late teens, held interest in Carr, who was one of the better wing scorers in this draft class.
With his ability to get to the rim and also shoot from the perimeter, the Los Angeles Lakers move up one spot and may have just found the steal of the draft based on talent. Carr also has a seven-foot wingspan and has the tools to develop into a two-way menace.
Alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who are expected to be back, Carr provides the Lakers with immediate athleticism and scoring off the bench.
GRADE: A+
25. *TRADE* Dallas Mavericks – PG/SG Sergio De Larrea – Spain
*This pick belonged to the LA Lakers and is being traded to the NY Knicks, which was then traded to DAL Mavericks.
Throughout the pre-draft process, many had linked the Mavs to a potential draft-and-stash guy at the end of the draft. Originally, this pick was made by the Knicks following their trade with the Lakers, but it was again dealt later on to the Mavs, who add De Larrea.
As a 20-year-old with professional experience and shooting abilities from the perimeter, De Larrea is a very intriguing pick for the Mavs, who need extra backcourt depth moving forward. The question here is whether De Larrea is a draft-and-stash option for Dallas.
I like this pick and fit a lot, especially since De Larrea can eventually eventually become a contributing factor either in place of or next t Kyrie Irving,, while also being a two-way factor with his length. Maybe Meleek Thomas would’ve fit better here, but there is a lot to like about De Larrea’s ability to be a reliable role player in this league.
GRADE: B
26. *TRADE* San Antonio Spurs – C Tarris Reed Jr. – UConn
*This pick belonged to the DEN Nuggets and is being traded to the SA Spurs.
This was a very unique deal for the Spurs to trade back up into the first round, not for Chris Cenac Jr., but for Tarris Reed Jr. from UConn. The Spurs sent the 35th pick in Wednesday’s second round, a 2028 second-round pick via Minnesota, and a 2031 second-round pick via Sacramento, sources told ClutchPoints.
Reed is a traditional big man who has great footwork in the low post and has been compared to a young Andre Drummond when he first entered the league. After taking Quaintance as a high-risk, high-reward big man earlier, the Spurs fortify their frontcourt even more behind Wemby with a key rebounding machine.
GRADE: B+
27. Boston Celtics – C Chris Cenac Jr. – Houston
Chris Cenac Jr. was expected to be a top-20 pick in this year’s draft, but he ultimately fell to the Celtics, who were ironically targeting him as a possible trade-up option.
He is a very unique rim protector who still has plenty of room to grow on offense. This is a fascinating pick for the Celtics, especially since he isn’t known for being a shooter right now and tends to do most of his damage in the mid-range area or the paint.
Can Cenac become a stretch big man? There is no doubt that he can rebound and block shots right away, but the questions surrounding his offensive game will be what everyone points to early in his career. This is a good value for a player who was drawing a lot of interest from teams earlier in the draft.
GRADE: B
28. Brooklyn Nets – SF/PF Joshua Jefferson – Iowa State
When it comes to passing and versatility, Joshua Jefferson is one of the best forwards in this draft class. He is an extremely physical and smart player who plays a very similar game to that of Julius Randle, who the Nets just acquired.
It is clear that the Nets are trying to improve right now, but this pick is a little puzzling since they just added Randle. The Nets are collecting assets, and it is very possible that they view Jefferson as a long-term option at the forward positions compared to Randle, who could be flipped again in the near future.
GRADE: B-
29. *TRADE* Sacramento Kings – SF/PF Alex Karaban – UConn
*This pick belonged to the CLE Cavaliers and is being traded to the SAC Kings.
Winning is the only word that can be associated with Alex Karaban. He helped lead UConn to two national championships, and he almost won a third a few months back when the Huskies took on Michigan in the 2026 National Championship.
Karaban is a really strong 3-point shooter, and he brings immediate leadership to a team that simply has zero. Coming away with a young scoring guard in Acuff and an established veteran-like forward in Karaban is nice work by Scott Perry and his front office.
GRADE: B
30. *TRADE* Phoenix Suns – PF Koa Peat – Arizona
*This pick belonged to the DAL Mavericks and was traded to the NY Knicks before being traded again to the PHX Suns.
The Suns had been exploring ways to possibly move up into the early second round, and instead, they are able to land the 30th pick to grab Koa Peat and keep him in Arizona.
Peat had slipped on a lot of draft boards after many NBA personnel felt he should’ve returned to college and work on his offensive game. Ultimately, Peat’s representation pushed him to enter the NBA Draft, where he becomes the final pick of the draft and lands in a favor situation where he can continue to develop as the “hometown kid” in a way since he played his college ball for the Wildcats.
It will take time for him to develop, but Peat is a bruiser who can provide immediate rebounding help in Phoenix.
GRADE: B
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