The Washington Wizards have secured the top overall selection in the 2026 NBA draft.

Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls fill out the first four spots. Indiana Pacers forfeited their top-four protected pick to the LA Clippers, handing them the No. 5 choice.

Now that the first-round lineup is locked in, all 30 NBA franchises head to Chicago for the draft combine starting Monday and lasting through the week. College athletes face the NCAA withdrawal cutoff at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 27, leaving them 10 days to decide on going professional.

AJ Dybantsa leads our newest mock draft projection as the likely top pick, though plenty remains to unfold as predraft activities ramp up.

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First Round

1. Washington Wizards

AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Freshman

Washington emerged as the big winner on Sunday, grabbing the No. 1 pick for the first time since 2010. This boosts a franchise that brought in stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis via trades at the deadline. The Wizards tanked hard, dropping 26 of their last 27 contests to boost lottery odds, and it worked. Stuck in a long rebuild across regimes, they haven't topped .500 since 2017-18 - a trend this could reverse.

Dybantsa matches well with Washington's young wings thanks to his build, athleticism and two-way potential. His standout freshman year, topping Division I scoring while handling big loads, solidified his case. Scouts praise his size, power and style as star traits. He offers growth as a shooter and defender, hitting key boxes for a premium-position cornerstone.

Though favored at No. 1, Wizards will vet others like Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson thoroughly.

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas
Freshman

Utah jumped to No. 2, their highest pick since 2011, after landing Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis at the deadline to push forward. Drafting elite talent accelerates that. With wings like Ace Bailey and Keyonte George, Peterson's creation and deep shooting add a scorer to anchor around.

He started as the top projection but dipped slightly; still, he won't last long. Peterson shared with ESPN's Ramona Shelburne that creatine caused cramping at Kansas. Teams seek medical and interview clarity at combine. Good health reports enable basketball-focused picks up top.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Freshman

With slim 9.4% odds, Memphis celebrates adding elite youth. They tanked post-Jackson trade, losing 21 of 23, earning this slot. Ja Morant's status lingers; a trade completes the reset, fueling draft builds ahead. Their choice becomes the new identity. Boozer's pro-ready offense fits seamlessly.

Boozer dominated, sweeping awards and nearly reaching Final Four while carrying Duke. He's a foundation piece, though vertical limits may cap ceiling - results speak loudly.

4. Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina
Freshman

Chicago beat 20.27% top-four odds, exciting after hiring Bryson Graham as exec. They're drafting patiently with a clean slate. A star here builds sustainability; they hold No. 15 too, with rookie minutes open for youth infusion.

Consensus top-four, Wilson suits Chicago's group as explosive frontcourt with upside. Hand injuries cut his year short, but buzz endures for motor, bounce and two-way flash. Predraft shines his athleticism; teams probe skills, shooting.

5. LA Clippers

Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
Freshman

Clippers hit jackpot with unprotected Pacers pick. They lack control until 2030 amid Aspiration-Kawhi probe. Pacers keep 2031 first - tough coin-flip loss.

Wagler surged from scout intrigue to top talent, guiding Illinois to Final Four in stellar class. Needs strength, but 6-foot-6 frame, pace shifts and dual-guard skills signal upside. Growth trajectory impresses.

Some see No. 5 as draft's true start with guards galore post-top-four. Wagler's fit shines alongside Darius Garland.

6. Brooklyn Nets

Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Freshman

Brooklyn slipped from No. 3 default to 6, second straight hit after No. 8 last year. They eye 2025-26 post-Houston trade regain. Rockets hold 2027 swap, nudging competitiveness. Acuff's lead creation tempts, but size priority opens options.

Acuff owned his one-and-done, next guard after Peterson. Guard class deep; combine measurables key, but skills run teams now. Defensive shelter needed, yet polished top point.

7. Sacramento Kings

Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Freshman

Kings dropped 5-to-7 in pivotal year for aging, pricey roster under GM Scott Perry's Year 2. Point guard void clear, options abound.

Flemings' burst, winner traits won execs as downhill driver, defender. Shot progress vital in workouts; Houston stats (38.7% 3s, 84.5% FT) show gains.

8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)

Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Freshman

Hawks' savvy swap of last year's 13th for better of NOP/MIL picks gained five spots sans top-four. Post-46 wins, early selection wins regardless. No true PG post-Young; Brown's creation intrigues.

Back issue stalled rise; predraft proves health, talent. Size, shot, passes pop in settings. Needs spring to top guards like Acuff, Wagler, Flemings. Some see highest upside.

9. Dallas Mavericks

Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
Freshman

Mavs reboot with Masai Ujiri, Mike Schmitz around Cooper Flagg. No first until 2031; this pairs youth despite one-spot drop. Burries aids immediate fit as Flagg timeline clarifies.

Burries won fans as reliable two-way with scorer growth. On-ball upside intrigues; shooter for 2-spot versatility. Older, less flashy than peers, but win-ready nearer term.