The 2026 NBA draft wrapped up last June. Over the two sessions, 60 players were called up, fulfilling their dreams of basketball stardom while teams infused their rosters with premier young talent. Naturally, widespread interest fell on the top ten draft picks: who are they, and what they hope to bring to their new teams. 

  1. AJ Dybantsa – Chosen #1 by the Washington Wizards, the freshman from Brigham Young University was the NCAA’s leading scorer, averaging 25.5 points per game. As a versatile Small Forward/Wing, AJ should boost the Wizards’ lineup. It will also be exciting to see how AJ gels with Trae Young
  2. Darryn Peterson – Selected #2 by the Utah Jazz, the University of Kansas Shooting Guard/Combo Guard averaged 20.2 points per game in his freshman year. His high-level perimeter shooting and sharp basketball IQ can surely lift Utah’s backcourt.
  3. Cameron Boozer – The Memphis Grizzlies chose the 6’10” Duke University Power Forward/Center at #3. The AP National Player of the Year is a capable shooter with impressive rebounding skills who can be a future key player for the Grizzlies.
  4. Caleb Wilson – Drafted #4 by the Chicago Bulls, the 6’10” Power Forward from the University of North Carolina, averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds. His exceptional athleticism and defensive versatility make him a great fit for a Bulls team looking to tighten its defense.
  5. Keaton Wagler – Selected #5 by the LA Clippers, the University of Illinois freshman is a first-rate perimeter scorer with a mature basketball IQ. The 6’6’’ Shooting/Combo Guard should pair seamlessly with the Clippers’ Darius Garland.
  6. Mikel Brown Jr. – Drafted #6 by the Brooklyn Nets, the University of Louisville Point/Combo Guard set the program freshman record with a 45-point game. His advanced ball-handling can make him the Nets’ primary playmaker in the future.
  7. Darius Acuff Jr. – Selected #7 by the Sacramento Kings, the University of Arkansas Point/Combo Guard averaged 23.5 points while shooting 44% from three-point range. He is also a dynamic three-level scorer who fits Sacramento’s rebuilding plans.
  8. Kingston Flemings – The #8 Atlanta Hawks draft displayed elite speed and athleticism during his time with the University of Houston. With the Hawks, the Point Guard is expected to share backcourt duties with veteran CJ McCollum.
  9. Morez Johnson Jr. – The draft’s lone sophomore in the top 10, the University of Michigan Power Forward/Center went #9 to the Dallas Mavericks. Fresh off an NCAA National Championship, Morez offers immediate offensive rebounding and interior finishing to the Mavs.
  10. Brayden Burries – Rounding out the top 10, the University of Arizona freshman joins the Milwaukee Bucks. Having led the Wildcats with 16.1 points and 1.5 steals, his shooting versatility and defensive pressure will help him grow into a key player for the Bucks.

These ten players, alongside the other fifty prospects, represent the future of the league. While only time will tell if they all pan out, fans can look forward to highly entertaining seasons ahead.