Story perspectives

Dybantsa #1, Peterson #2, Boozer #3; Bulls Draft Two Rookie Starters

6/24/2026

Summary

Wizards Pick Dybantsa

Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Utah Jazz chose Darryn Peterson at No. 2.
Memphis Grizzlies took Cameron Boozer at No. 3.
Chicago Bulls drafted Caleb Wilson at No. 4 and added Dailyn Swain at No. 15, giving them two rookie starters.
Golden State drafted Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11 while Sacramento traded up for Darius Acuff Jr. at No. 7 and Alex Karaban at No. 29.

Summary

NBA Draft Critique

Analysts called the Los Angeles Clippers’ pick of Keaton Wagler a reach, questioning its timing.
The Phoenix Suns’ trade for Koa Peat drew criticism for its cost and salary-cap impact.
The Sacramento Kings’ draft of Darius Acuff Jr. was hailed as a major first-round steal.
Reviewers split on Ace Bailey’s potential, debating his consistency and shot selection.

Summary

Bucks Add Pick

Milwaukee added Miami’s No. 13 first-round pick from the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, giving Bucks a lottery slot.
The Bucks drafted Brayden Burries at No. 10 and Nate Ament three spots later.
Two future first-round picks will be delivered once the Antetokounmpo deal finalizes.
Dusty May left Michigan for the Dallas Mavericks and chose Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9.
Memphis fell to No. 21, secured five second-round picks and chose forward Karim López.

Summary

Thunder Swap Picks

Oklahoma City Thunder selected Aday Mara and swapped picks with Memphis for Bennett Stirtz at No. 17, jeopardizing the $28.5 million Isaiah Hartenstein contract.
Dallas hired Dusty May and selected Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9 for its rebuilding team.
Detroit traded up to No. 17 for Stanford forward Ebuka Okorie, adding scoring beside Cade Cunningham.
San Antonio drafted Kentucky’s Jayden Quaintance at No. 20 as a backup for Victor Wembanyama despite a knee injury.

History

Historical Context

After the 1995 NBA draft—held in Toronto and notable for selecting high-school phenom Kevin Garnett fifth overall, which jump-started the Timberwolves’ eight-year playoff run—the league has seen franchises rebuild around top picks. The 2026 draft mirrors that pattern, with the Wizards choosing AJ Dybantsa first overall and the Bulls adding two rookie starters to accelerate their competitive windows.

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Wizards Pick Dybantsa

Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Utah Jazz chose Darryn Peterson at No. 2.
Memphis Grizzlies took Cameron Boozer at No. 3.
Chicago Bulls drafted Caleb Wilson at No. 4 and added Dailyn Swain at No. 15, giving them two rookie starters.
Golden State drafted Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11 while Sacramento traded up for Darius Acuff Jr. at No. 7 and Alex Karaban at No. 29.

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