The 2026 NBA Draft has been considered one of the most stacked drafts in recent memory. While draft withdrawals from prospects pursuing NIL money have meant that the second round won’t have a ton of talent, the first round was littered with future superstars and likely immediate contributors. There were so many great prospects within the first 30 picks that some players were inevitably going to fall down the draft board. Teams that find great value in the draft have to be applauded. So, what were the biggest steals of the 2026 NBA Draft first round?
4. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas, PG, Sacramento Kings, pick 7
For months, draft experts have talked about how this class had three players worthy of being drafted first overall. AJ Dybantsa is the man the Washington Wizards settled on with the number one pick. He is a freak athlete who became just the third freshman ever to lead the nation in scoring. Darryn Peterson was also in consideration because of his two-way ability and three-level scoring. Had it not been for cramping and injury issues as a freshman, it is possible that the Kansas product would have been the top pick. After winning the national player of the year award, Cameron Boozer also had a case to go 1-1. Of the five freshmen to be named the best player in the nation, Boozer was the first not to be selected first overall.
In reality, there were five players who could have been the top pick in certain draft classes. Caleb Wilson has sky-high potential, as he oftentimes draws Kevin Garnett comparisons, and Darius Acuff led the SEC in both scoring and assists. Pete Maravich was the only other player to accomplish that feat, and he is considered arguably the greatest college basketball player of all time. Despite this, Acuff fell all the way to pick seven.
The Arkansas guard looks like a blend between John Wall and Kyrie Irving. A Sacramento Kings team that has historically made a lot of bad draft decisions has to be thrilled about Acuff falling into their laps because they might finally have a young star to build around. Acuff is lightning quick and can get to the rim at will. He also has a lights-out jump shot, evidenced by his 44% mark from deep. Now, the Kings must hand Acuff the keys to their franchise, rather than trade him away as they did with Tyrese Haliburton.
3. Nate Ament, Tennessee, SF, Milwaukee Bucks, pick 13
Many considered there to be a fall off after the top nine in the 2026 NBA Draft. Picks one through eight went according to plan, but the Dallas Mavericks threw everyone for a loop at pick nine. Nate Ament was the prospect expected to round out the first nine selections, but when the Mavericks passed on him, he fell all the way to pick 13.
The Milwaukee Bucks scooped him up with the pick they recently acquired in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. While replacing a two-time MVP is nearly impossible, the rookie from Tennessee does look like a great fit for this new era without the Greek Freak leading the way. Ament is pushing 6-foot-10-inches tall and reportedly still growing. He gets his shots off up and over defenders, and he can score from anywhere on the court.
Inconsistencies did plague Ament at times as a freshman, but a rebuilding Bucks team will be able to afford him time to grow. He has true All-Star potential, and Ament himself has claimed his ceiling is the highest in this class. After already taking Brayden Burries with pick 10, taking a gamble on Ament’s potential made a lot of sense at pick 13.
2. Chris Cenac Jr., Houston, PF, Boston Celtics, pick 27
One viewed as a potential late-lottery pick, Chris Cenac Jr. started to fall down draft boards during the pre-draft process because some scouts don’t think he will be a day-one contributor. Few would have guessed the Houston big man would last all the way until the 27th pick, though.
The Boston Celtics got a steal with their selection of Cenac, especially because of his flawless fit. The team needed more size, and Cenac can play the four or five positions. He is a great offensive rebounder who showed serious shot blocking potential and some shooting touch.
While his numbers didn’t pop off the page in college, Cenac might be closer to contributing right away than he is given credit for. A number of teams at the end of the first round prioritized trading back and adding future draft capital. The Celtics were smart to stay put and get the best player left on the board.
1. Cameron Carr, Baylor, SG, Los Angeles Lakers, pick 24
The Los Angeles Lakers diagnosed who their guy was at the end of the first round, and they traded up to get him. All it took to move up from pick 25 to 24 was cash considerations, though. That alone should be viewed as a steal, but the fact that the team walked away with Cameron Carr is icing on the cake.
Carr displayed a well-rounded game at Baylor. He combines a smooth shooting stroke with elite athleticism, so he should shine with the Luke Doncic-led Lakers. Doncic is an incredible playmaker who likes to kick out to shooters and throw lobs to slashers. Carr does both of those things well.
Lakers fans far too often think that they are going to get whatever they want. They can’t be blamed for feeling like that right now. Their trade for Doncic was one of the biggest fleeces in NBA history, and Carr was viewed as a potential lottery pick before they only had to give up cash to move up one pick and take him at 24.
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