NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams’ full 2026 class

NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams’ full 2026 class

The first round largely followed projected paths, the event was framed by a blockbuster trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat.

The Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 overall pick, selecting AJ Dybantsa. While analysts praised his versatility and potential to lead the league in scoring, his defensive development remains a point of concern.

The Utah Jazz took Darryn Peterson from Kansas at No. 2. Despite reports that Peterson and his camp initially had no desire to play for the Jazz, a last-second meeting occurred within 48 hours of the draft. Peterson is viewed as a high-level shooter and defender.

The Memphis Grizzlies selected Cameron Boozer at No. 3. Boozer, regarded as a future superstar with 20-10-5 potential, is seen as a cornerstone. Memphis also added Karim Lopez, the first Mexican-born player ever selected in the first round, and guard Richie Saunders at No. 32. Saunders is currently recovering from a torn ACL and is expected to contribute by midseason next year.

Lottery and First Round Analysis

The Chicago Bulls used the No. 4 pick on Caleb Wilson, described as an explosive athlete. They also selected wing Dailyn Swain, a slasher with a tight handle. Some analysts gave the Bulls an A- grade because the team traded away its No. 38 pick during a rebuild.

The Los Angeles Clippers acquired the No. 5 pick from the Indiana Pacers. They used it on Keaton Wagler. Some reports suggest he lacks the strength and athleticism typically required for a lead guard.

The Brooklyn Nets selected point guard Mikel Brown Jr. At No. 6. Brown, who played at Louisville, is noted for his creative playmaking but has a history of back injuries. The Nets also took versatile forward Joshua Jefferson at No. 28 and spacing forward Tyler Bilodeau at No. 43.

The Sacramento Kings selected Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. At No. 7. Acuff struggled with defense in college. The Kings also traded up to No. 29 for Alex Karaban and selected 3-and-D guard Emanuel Sharp at No. 45.

The Atlanta Hawks earned high marks for selecting Kingston Flemings at No. 8. Atlanta rounded out their haul with Zuby Ejiofor at No. 23 and Henri Veesaar at No. 52, the latter of whom was considered a late first-rounder on some boards.

Strategic Moves and Team Fits

The Golden State Warriors selected 2-way forward Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 11, a move intended to support Steph Curry. The Oklahoma City Thunder added 7-3 giant Aday Mara at No. 12 and playmaker Bennett Stirtz at No. 16 to address height and shooting needs exposed in the Western Conference Finals.

The Houston Rockets traded up for guard Bruce Thornton. Thornton, the all-time leading scorer at Ohio State, Houston also signed undrafted free agents Oscar Cluff and Quadir Copeland.

The Miami Heat, having traded their No. 13 pick for Antetokounmpo, selected Ryan Conwell, a known three-point shooter. The Milwaukee Bucks, starting a new era after the Giannis trade, took Brayden Burries at No. 10 and Nate Ament at No. 13.

Second Round and Developmental Prospects

• Detroit Pistons: Selected Ebuka Okorie at No. 17 for secondary ball-handling and rim protector Ugonna Onyenso in the second round.
• San Antonio Spurs: Focused on size, selecting Jayden Quaintance (No. 20), Tarris Reed Jr. (No. 26), Maliq Brown (No. 44), and Ja'Kobi Gillespie (No. 42). Quaintance is recovering from a torn ACL.
• New York Knicks: Selected German guard Jack Kayil (No. 39) and stretch forward Tyler Nickel (No. 47).
• Phoenix Suns: Selected Koa Peat at No. 30, an athletic prospect who struggled with shooting at Arizona.
• Toronto Raptors: Selected Allen Graves, a 6-8 product from Santa Clara, and Jaden Bradley at No. 50.

The Indiana Pacers, having lost their top-5 pick, selected Braden Smith in the second round.