The top half of the 2026 NBA Draft order is set, with the Washington Wizards landing the No. 1 overall pick. Sunday’s NBA Draft Lottery finalized the top four selections and locked in the full top-14 order.
The Wizards were followed by the following teams to round out the top four picks in the 2026 NBA Draft:
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The 2026 NBA Draft will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, beginning June 23. With the top four picks now determined, here is a mock draft for the opening selections of the NBA Draft Lottery:
1. Wizards select AJ Dybantsa, Forward, BYU
BYU star AJ Dybantsa enters the draft as the unanimous top prospect. He led college basketball in scoring with 25.5 points per game while shooting 51% from the field. He also broke Danny Ainge’s nearly 50-year-old freshman scoring record at BYU.
Dybantsa combines explosive athleticism with strong ball-handling ability and consistent production. He projects as the franchise cornerstone Washington can build around for years to come. Many evaluators also view him as one of the safest prospects in recent draft history because of his high floor.
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2. Jazz select Darryn Peterson, Guard, Kansas
Darryn Peterson averaged 20.2 points per game while shooting 43% from the field, but his impact extended far beyond scoring. He also established himself as one of the top defenders in college basketball, showcasing the versatility that helped elevate him into the upper tier of draft prospects.
At one point, Peterson appeared to be a legitimate challenger for the No. 1 overall spot. Injuries slowed that momentum, but there is little doubt he possesses the type of all-around game NBA teams covet.
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Could Peterson and Dybantsa develop into the defining draft rivalry of the next decade?
3. Grizzlies select Cameron Boozer, Forward, Duke
Cameron Boozer ranked ninth in college basketball in scoring at 22.5 points per game while also averaging 10.2 rebounds, placing him among the nation’s top rebounders. He added four assists per game and shot 55% from the field, highlighting his polished and well-rounded offensive game.
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His NBA pedigree adds another layer of intrigue, as he is the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer. Even with his production, Cameron Boozer still has room to develop, which makes his long-term ceiling even more appealing.
4. Bulls select Aday Mara, Center, Michigan
The first surprise of the draft could come at No. 4, where the Bulls address their need for a true center by selecting 7-foot-3 Aday Mara. After transferring to Michigan, Mara flashed the potential that once made him one of the most highly regarded international prospects in college basketball.
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Mara emerged as one of the nation’s top big men during Michigan’s run to a national championship appearance. With his size, skill set, and continued development, there is reason to believe his best basketball still lies ahead. Could he become the long-term answer in Chicago?
