There’s a lot of buzz around the potential for all-time selections in the 2026 NBA Draft. The standout players at the top, like AJ Divanza, Darrin Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson, all seem primed to be franchise cornerstones. The talent pool stretches throughout the lottery, featuring three national champions from Michigan, a rich class of point guards with varied skill sets, and some intriguing international forwards like Hannes Steinbach and Karim Lopez.
Now, it’s time to break down the first-round picks. The grades are based on my big board ratings and how well these players fit with their prospective teams. Make sure to check back often for updates as the selections unfold.
1. Washington Wizards – AJ Divanza
Divanza has a remarkable ability to create shots, and for a big wing, that’s a game-changer. He drives to the rim with ease, possesses a reliable mid-range jumper, and can knock down open threes, even if his shot isn’t the quickest. However, I find myself questioning how he influences the game beyond scoring. His physical abilities suggest he could be a stronger defender than what we saw at BYU. I ranked him No. 3 on my final board, but he certainly has the talent to be the top pick.
2. Utah Jazz – Darrin Peterson, G, Kansas State
Peterson is one of my top choices in this draft class for the Jazz. His high school highlights had shades of Kobe Bryant, which is quite impressive. An unfortunate injury hindered his athleticism at Kansas, but he’s come out as an effective and precise three-point shooter. If he can stay fit, that could be a key factor. Notably, he possesses the ability to take control of games and is also among the best defensive guards in the draft. The only thing holding back this grade is that I placed him just below Cameron Boozer. If he regains his peak physical form, this assessment could seem conservative.
3. Memphis Grizzlies – Cameron Boozer, F, Duke
Boozer might be the best player in this draft. While he’s not the most explosive jumper and can be a bit erratic at times, his skills on the court are impressive across the board. Despite being young, he’s widely recognized as the top player in college basketball, a solid indicator of his star potential. The situation here is reminiscent of Luka Doncic going third overall in 2018, but Divanza and Peterson seem to be better prospects than DeAndre Ayton and Marvin Bagley were back then. Personally, I still believe Boozer stands out due to his remarkable ball-handling skills, dependable three-point shooting, dominant rebounding, strong one-on-one moves, and exceptional vision as a passer.
4. Chicago Bulls – Caleb Wilson
This was a straightforward selection. Wilson transformed the Big 3 into a Big 4 in his freshman year at the University of North Carolina, showcasing himself as the most explosive athlete in the draft. He dunked at nearly every opportunity, racking up 67 dunks in just 24 games. His playmaking ability also seemed to outshine other high-flying athletes. If he can improve his shooting and ball-handling skills, his offensive game could elevate even further. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs defensively after a standout freshman year filled with highlight plays, albeit with some lapses in focus. Check out my detailed analysis of his journey so far.
