Wizards Secure No. 1 Spot in 2026 NBA Draft Lottery

The NBA announced the 2026 Draft order on Sunday. The Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 overall pick, the Utah Jazz are slotted No. 2 and the Memphis Grizzlies No. 3. The Wizards, a franchise described as “badly needing a star,” now control the decision between the top prospects.

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The lottery gave the Wizards, Pacers and Nets each a 14 % chance to land the first pick. The Atlanta Hawks, inheriting the better pick from the Bucks or Pelicans, held a 43 % chance to finish in the top four. The draft class appears loaded, prompting many mock drafts.

HeavyThis reputable NBA mock draft somehow still predicts AJ Dybantsa to the Utah JazzUSA TodaySports Illustrated

• AJ Dybantsa (BYU, Small Forward) – USAToday’s consensus mock ranks him as the average No. 1 pick; the Wizards could start him with Trae Young.

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• Darryn Peterson (Kansas, Guard) – Averaging a No. 2.25 selection; the Jazz would pair him with Keyonte George and Ace Bailey.

USA Today

• Cameron Boozer (Duke, Forward/Center) – Averaging a No. 2.875 pick; the Grizzlies could slot him into a high-usage frontcourt.

Sports Illustrated

Draft-express analyst Jonathan Givony argues the No. 1 slot “is reserved for controversial Kansas star, Darryn Peterson.” Jeff Goodman, cited by LawlessRepublic, expressed reservations about Peterson’s candidacy after speaking with an unnamed NBA general manager. Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney reported personal confidence in Dybantsa following a live scouting visit, while also noting lingering questions about Peterson’s availability.

This reputable NBA mock draft somehow still predicts AJ Dybantsa to the Utah Jazz

Critics of Dybantsa cite the “weirdest college basketball season” and potential durability concerns, echoing Heavy.com’s observation of “questions about his availability.” Opponents of selecting Peterson point to his “controversial” status and uncertainty about his usage alongside Keyonte George and Ace Bailey.

Sports Illustrated

USAToday’s consensus mock favors Dybantsa, whereas Givony’s assessment and the LawlessRepublic article champion Peterson. No official statement from the Wizards confirming their intended selection has been released, leaving the final decision uncertain.

This reputable NBA mock draft somehow still predicts AJ Dybantsa to the Utah Jazz

• “If you ask Jonathan Givony of Draft Express, however, you'll quickly learn the exact meaning of the word "bewilderment", because I, frankly, am bewildered.” — LawlessRepublic author

This reputable NBA mock draft somehow still predicts AJ Dybantsa to the Utah Jazz

• “I was already leaning towards BYU’s AJ Dybantsa being my top prospect, but seeing the star in person solidified his status.” — Heavy.com author

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• “With the combination of size (6-foot-9), length (6-foot-11 wingspan) and scoring ability, there are shades of NBA legend Tracy McGrady to Dybantsa’s game.” — Heavy.com author

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• “There is no such thing as a can’t-miss prospect, but it is hard envisioning the BYU star not succeeding in the NBA.” — Heavy.com author

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The NBA Draft is set for June 2026. Teams will finalize their selections, and the Wizards are expected to announce their pick during the televised ceremony. Potential trades involving the No. 1 slot remain speculative until draft night.

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