… goes first overall to Wizards in 2026 NBA Draft
The pick is in, and the Washington Wizards select AJ Dybantsa
2026 NBA Draft officially starts, Wizards are on the clock
Welcome to the 2026 NBA Draft, held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. For 30 players, their lives will be changed forever as their names will be called to start their NBA journeys.
This draft class is full of talent, but where they will land? It’s time to find out, as the Washington Wizards have the No. 1 pick and look for a young star to pair with veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
Intro
A new NBA season begins as the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft takes place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Tuesday night.
This year’s draft class has been touted as one of the most talented in a long time. The Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 pick after winning last month’s draft lottery, with top prospects like AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson linked to being taken first overall. Other players such as Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson, Keaton Wagler, and Mikel Brown Jr. are listed as possible franchise-changers taken early in the draft.
The Pistons hold the No. 21 pick, their only selection this year and their lowest in the first round since 2008. Despite a 60-win season, the team is looking to add an impactful piece to the roster after a second-round exit in the playoffs last season. Detroit has plenty of options in what seems to be a deep draft class, even hinting that a trade-up may occur if the right player is available.
Former Cass Tech and Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. has been projected to go in the top 10 after averaging 23.5 points and 6.4 assists in his only collegiate season. Former Michigan players Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson Jr. are also projected to be taken in the first round months after winning the national championship.
Follow along here for live updates from Detroit News contributor Kameron Goodwill.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: NBA Draft, first round live updates
Reporting by Kameron Goodwill, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kameron Goodwill, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
