Ranking the best and worst from Round 1

The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft is complete, and with names finally announced for players including AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, the league’s next direction is set. Here are the grades—best and worst—from teams’ Round 1 decisions, from the Washington

The moment the first-round board cleared. it wasn’t just about celebrations and suits lining the handshake line—it was about who will carry expectations when the cameras turn back on. The 2026 NBA Draft’s Round 1 has ended. and players including AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson finally heard their names called as their pro careers began.

After months of anticipation, teams also started living with the decisions they made in real time: which prospects were the right fit, which risks were worth taking, and where it could all go wrong if the evaluation doesn’t match the player.

Below are grades for every pick of the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.

The Washington Wizards went first among the winners. reportedly considering AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson as well as Cameron Boozer before deciding on Dybantsa. The front office opted for a player with a 6-foot-9 frame and 7-foot-1 wingspan. described as one of the best self-creating scorers evaluated in a long time. The analysis was straightforward: size matters in the modern NBA. and Washington wanted a player capable of putting the ball on the ground and getting a bucket when it’s needed most. The expectation is that the Wizards will play through Dybantsa. who should benefit from playing alongside veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis.

GRADE: A

At No. 2 overall. the Utah Jazz reportedly seriously considered national collegiate player of the year winner Cameron Boozer. but chose Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson to join rising star Keyonte George in the backcourt. Peterson. described as an especially gifted scorer. was flagged for needing to show more of the playmaking seen in high school than what appeared in college. along with concern that he was not playing at 100 percent during his freshman campaign. Even with the questions, the grade left room for superstardom over time.

GRADE: A-

The Memphis Grizzlies landed on a franchise fit with Duke freshman Cameron Boozer at No. 3. He was graded as one of the most versatile and skilled players in the class. coming off one of the most statistically dominant freshman seasons in recent memory. The evaluation credits shooting. playmaking. and rebounding as well above average for his position. with the belief he should excel regardless of role—because the Grizzlies have a clear opening for his next chapter.

GRADE: A+

Chicago’s pick at No. 4 came with a specific job description for the front office: with Bryson Graham running the clock. the Bulls were tasked with selecting whichever player of the “big four” was still available. Based on what Graham said the team was looking for. the Bulls went with Caleb Wilson and the fit was framed as “intrinsic” to the traits Washington and others emphasize—size. physicality. and athleticism. Wilson led the nation in dunks before a season-ending injury during his one-and-done campaign. He was also described as a potential All-Defense candidate and a capable leader with room to showcase new skills outside the post.

GRADE: A+

The Los Angeles Clippers’ selection at No. 5 adds a piece that was already known to fit the roster. The Clippers received the pick from the Indiana Pacers after trading longtime big man Ivica Zubac. then selected Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler. Among the guards available, Wagler was graded as the best positional fit next to new Los Angeles guard Darius Garland. It was also noted that Wagler’s role shift—from where he was just one year ago to where he exceeded expectations during his sole collegiate season—helped earn the selection. His shooting, plus value as a rebounder and playmaker, landed him high.

GRADE: A

The Nets’ No. 6 selection is built on potential star power. Former Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. was said to have looked like the best player on the court during the FIBA U-19 World Cup before the season began. While his season ended early due to injury. he received a clean bill of health during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine and told USA TODAY Sports that he feels more like himself once again. The grade reflects the confidence that a mature, deep-shooting creator can help the Nets become “as fun as possible.”.

GRADE: A-

At No. 7, the Sacramento Kings got exactly the player they wanted when former Arkansas star Darius Acuff Jr. fell into their lap. Acuff has long-standing ties to the franchise because his father played for Kings executive Scott Perry at Eastern Kentucky in college. The offensive profile was graded as one of the best in the class—an elite scorer and playmaker. The knock: his defensive profile doesn’t project well in the NBA based on what was seen in college. The optimism is that more effort and development on defense could push the draft-day grade higher than it looks on paper.

GRADE: B+

The Atlanta Hawks made a move that came with trade-off questions. Kingston Flemings was chosen at No. 8 despite rumors Atlanta was also considering a big man. He was described as a consensus second-team All-American with remarkably high highs in college. including scoring as many as 42 points and recording as many as 8 steals in a single game. His speed and ability as a floor general were praised. with the caveat that evaluators were potentially concerned about his size after underwhelming physical measurements at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine. The projection leans on his development while playing alongside Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels.

GRADE: B+

Dallas chose Morez Johnson Jr. at No. 9, going against the grain by selecting him rather than following consensus. He played an integral role for Michigan with his collegiate head coach Dusty May. helping the team win the NCAA championship. The grade notes that while he wasn’t the star, he was essential to Michigan’s title run. It also credits a front office led by Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz for the faith shown in a prospect they decided was “their guy. ” even with Johnson not described as the obvious pick on day one.

GRADE: A

Milwaukee’s first move in the rebuild cycle came at No. 10. when the Bucks selected Brayden Burries after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo with Brayden Burries being one of the best recruits in California before committing to Arizona. Burries helped lead their program to the Final Four during his freshman season and played with versatility in college. His 39.1 percent on 3-pointers was paired with a linebacker-like build at nearly 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds. The expectation: Burries should fit with whoever the Bucks keep as youth movement continues. even if he doesn’t necessarily project with star potential.

GRADE: A-

Golden State’s No. 11 pick was described as both a strategic departure and a calculated risk. The Warriors hoped a high-ranking prospect would fall to them but. with none still available when they were on the clock. they selected 23-year-old forward Yaxel Lendeborg rather than make a trade. The decision is framed as a strong escape from the “two timelines” model the Warriors used in the past—when they drafted young players who needed development such as James Wiseman. Jonathan Kuminga. and Moses Moody. This time. the Celtics-style logic appears to be experience for a team trying to help Stephen Curry win while he’s still in the Bay Area. The risk is tied to history: older rookies in recent league history are a big danger when betting on an immediate impact.

GRADE: B

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s pick at No. 12 landed with a clean identity fit. The Thunder selected big man Aday Mara, offering a low usage rate but significant upside with a higher assist percentage. He was described as Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. deterring opponents from attempting anything near the basket when he is on the court. While he might only play short spurts for Oklahoma City. frontcourt depth was the point. and the grade expects valuable minutes whenever he is on the floor.

GRADE: A

Milwaukee picked again at No. 13 with Nate Ament. The Bucks were described as looking for home run swings after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat. Ament wasn’t graded as quite as ready to make a strong impact as others in the range. but his shooting and development profile drew confidence. He’s regarded as a promising shooter, hitting nearly 80 percent of his free throws. The immediate developmental need: finishing through contact at the rim to play forward in the NBA. If he grows into his body, the grade suggests he could exceed where he was drafted.

GRADE: B

The Charlotte Hornets selected Hannes Steinbach at No. 14. described as the plan all along when the team was on the clock: choose the top big man still left on the board. Steinbach is German-born and a former Washington center. At worst. he was graded as an elite rebounder in the class who can earn minutes by coming in and grabbing boards. If he continues scoring out of the pick and roll or in the post. the grade calls him a likely double-double threat at the next level.

GRADE: B

No. 15 belonged to Dailyn Swain, who went a bit higher than most experts projected but earned placement in the evaluation. Swain was named SEC Newcomer of the Year. described as a do-it-all player able to contribute on both sides of the ball. The unique detail: despite three years of NCAA experience, he is just 20 years old. His shooting improved each year in college, but was still worse than positional average from beyond the arc. If that keeps improving, the grade is high; if it doesn’t, it’s still a worthy gamble.

GRADE: B

At No. 16, the Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly selected Bennett Stirtz after the Memphis Grizzlies picked him at No. 16 overall, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Stirtz was graded as a great value who should fit with OKC on a rookie scale contract. The projection is that he should feel ready to contribute for a contender compared to other prospects available in that range. His analytical profile was also called out, including confidence that OKC valued his floor general and pick-and-roll ball handling.

GRADE: A

Detroit’s No. 17 pick is framed around a guard who may already be equipped for immediate responsibility. The Pistons, after multiple trades, will reportedly receive Ebuka Okorie from Stanford. Okorie was a day-one starter, earning ACC All-Rookie and All-ACC first team honors during his one-and-done campaign. His wingspan is nearly 6-foot-8. He also put up a 40-point performance and had eight games where he notched at least 30 points. Though he reportedly considered going back to college for another year. the evaluation argues this was the smart choice for a worthwhile top-20 pick that can provide scoring help alongside Cade Cunningham in the backcourt for the reigning Eastern Conference No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons.

GRADE: A-

The Charlotte Hornets picked Christian Anderson Jr. at No. 18. He was projected as one of the best shooters in the 2026 NBA Draft and improved his playmaking during his sophomore campaign as well. His range from beyond the arc was emphasized. along with him being the Big 12 Most Improved Player and a standout performer last season. Even if he begins as a backup. he’s graded as a contributor for reliable minutes when LaMelo Ball is not on the floor. The threat of Anderson with Kon Knueppel was described as difficult for opponents to slow on the perimeter.

GRADE: A

At No. 19, Toronto selected Allen Graves. His profile was described as standing out on spreadsheets valued by front offices. even though the competition he faced in the WCC wasn’t described as particularly tough. Still. the grade notes that he started only four games as a freshman in a non-major conference. yet heard his name called in the top 20 of the 2026 NBA Draft. Versatility was given as the reason.

GRADE: B

The San Antonio Spurs’ pick came at No. 20, selecting Jayden Quaintance after injuries limited him last season and raised questions for his availability. Now. with the Spurs looking to improve their frontcourt depth alongside Victor Wembanyama. the grade calls this a potential home run if he can stay healthy and get back on the court. His talent while active is tied directly to his defensive value. described as arguably the most talented defender in the class. The “monster” detail is his 7-foot-5 wingspan.

GRADE: A

Memphis added another international piece at No. 21 with Karim López. He would have gone considerably higher if he weren’t playing overseas last season. The evaluation argues that his overseas run proved he can compete against grown men in Australia’s physical and intense National Basketball League. The grade says he should provide grit on defense for the Grizzlies. It also notes he managed as many as 32 points in a game earlier this year. missing just two shots in the match.

GRADE: A

Philadelphia’s No. 22 selection is Labaron Philon Jr. The Sixers’ luck in the past is referenced through Tyrese Maxey slipping to No. 21 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft and Jared McCain falling outside the lottery in the 2024 NBA Draft. The evaluation suggests this is another case where a guard could slip into the 20s. and this time Alabama guard Labaron Philon was available at No. 22 overall. Based on his talent and productivity across two collegiate seasons. the grade calls it a pick with plenty of reasons to believe it could make the front office look smart.

GRADE: A-

Back at No. 23. the Atlanta Hawks took Zuby Ejiofor. described as a surprise pick drafting an upperclassman projected for the second round who did not receive a green room invitation to attend the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. The evaluation credits a long list of awards: he won the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award. Big East Player and Defensive Player of the Year. and Big East Tournament MVP. After measuring at less than 6-foot-8 at the NBA Draft Combine. he reportedly had a 7-foot-2 wingspan and a 38-inch max vertical with elite speed for his position. The question: he may be too small to play the five in the NBA. but he can stick around if he shoots more often in the pros.

GRADE: B-

No. 24 went to Cameron Carr. who the evaluation calls surprisingly still available this late in the first round despite what it calls arguably the best performance of anyone at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine. Carr is described as the best athlete among prospects in this range and as someone who can stretch the floor with shooting. His wingspan is nearly 7-foot-1. with expectations that he can create defensive impact by breaking up passing lanes and blocking shots.

GRADE: A

At No. 25. Sergio De Larrea was selected as a draft-and-stash prospect for the Mavericks after Dallas traded for this pick from the New York Knicks. The Spanish wing is still playing in the postseason in Spain, and the evaluation calls him a very strong shooter. The timing is unclear for when he could come to play in the United States. but the rights value is described as meaningful.

GRADE: B

San Antonio rounded out the first round at No. 26 by selecting Tarris Reed Jr. The Spurs were described as hedging their bet on a young. injured big man they selected earlier in the first round when they selected Jayden Quaintance. and then choosing another NBA-ready upperclassman big man. The evaluation frames Reed as likely to find immediate minutes and a role in the frontcourt for the Spurs based on how productive he was for the Huskies last season as a potential double-double machine.

GRADE: A

Boston’s pick at No. 27 went to Chris Cenac Jr. described as a savvy gamble by Boston’s front office. He has remarkable size and athleticism and potential. and while he did not have as productive a season last year as many hoped. the evaluation says the role on a remarkably strong collegiate roster affected output. Cenac was one of the top recruits in the country coming out of high school. and the grade expects him to show talent without immediate pressure for the Celtics.

GRADE: A

The Brooklyn Nets selected Joshua Jefferson at No. 28. Jefferson was a do-it-all forward for Iowa State who could have had an even higher profile if he had not been hurt during March Madness. The evaluation says he contributed with or without the ball in his hands and should fit with Brooklyn’s growing affinity for oversized playmakers. The grade emphasizes it isn’t the flashiest pick, but Jefferson is a winning basketball player.

GRADE: A

And at No. 29, Sacramento selected Alex Karaban. His success continued under Dan Hurley at UConn. shooting 37.4 percent while winning two national championships in college and playing in three. The evaluation credits his “winning mentality” for a team that desperately needs it in Sacramento. and also links his floor spacing to helping Darius Acuff Jr. adjust to the pros.

GRADE: B+

The last pick of the first round at No. 30 went to Koa Peat. He slipped from a projected lottery pick all the way to the last pick of the first round. but the evaluation says he ended up in a good situation in the same market where he went to college. The Suns got a winning-caliber player in Peat. The remaining concern is that he will desperately need to improve his jumper to carve out a consistent role at the next level. Still, the grade calls it a worthy pick this late in the first round.

GRADE: A

2026 NBA Draft Round 1 grades AJ Dybantsa Darryn Peterson Cameron Boozer Caleb Wilson Keaton Wagler Mikel Brown Jr Darius Acuff Jr Kingston Flemings Morez Johnson Jr Brayden Burries NBA scouting rookie projections