Wizards, Jazz and Grizzlies headline AI mock draft

Microsoft Copilot’s – The Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, and a new Microsoft Copilot-generated mock draft keeps spotlighting the same top trio for that first selection: BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson for Utah, and Duke’s Camer

The Washington Wizards won the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery—but for a franchise trying to translate a single number into a decade of roster building, the bigger question is what comes next.

Less than a week remains until Washington is officially on the clock for the first selection of the 2026 NBA Draft. Early consensus has leaned toward BYU’s AJ Dybantsa. Analytics chatter, though, reportedly pointed toward Duke’s Cameron Boozer. And as speculation has tightened in recent days. the conversation has started to widen again: Dybantsa. Kansas guard Darryn Peterson. or perhaps all three still being considered.

In a mock draft generated by Microsoft Copilot, the top of the board looks stubbornly consistent—at least through the first three picks.

The chatbot’s latest 2026 NBA mock draft was built after the NBA draft lottery was conducted last month. when the Wizards. Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies finished with the top three picks. When asked to generate the first-round order for players eligible this year—now that the NBA draft withdrawal deadline passed for college players—Microsoft Copilot repeatedly produced the same prospects for the first three choices when prompted by the same instructions tied to the 2026 draft class.

The model’s confidence, however, thins quickly beyond the top of the list.

A separate note came with the mock: AI models still have issues with accuracy. In this case, Microsoft Copilot needed additional prompts after several picks were inaccurately assigned to teams.

Still, the full first round provides a rare, data-driven window into how an AI system blends reference mock drafts, prospect information, and team needs—while occasionally missing the mark.

The chatbot was asked to base its selections on current mock drafts from reputable websites. plus the latest intel on team needs. prospect analysis. pre-draft workouts. and the most up-to-date draft withdrawal news. The average mock draft pick referenced for each player was compiled using 13 of the latest mock drafts from national websites around the country. including USA Today.

Here is the full first round of Microsoft Copilot’s latest 2026 NBA mock draft, including the reasoning it provided for each pick:

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, BYU. Average mock draft pick: 1. AI analysis: “A franchise-caliber scoring wing with elite shot creation tools, Dybantsa gives Washington the highest ceiling player in the class.”

2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, Kansas. Average mock draft pick: 2. AI analysis: “A dynamic lead guard with two-way upside, Peterson offers Utah a primary initiator to build around long term.”

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, Duke. Average mock draft pick: 3. AI analysis: “Boozer’s polished offensive game and physicality make him a plug-and-play frontcourt centerpiece.”

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, North Carolina. Average mock draft pick: 4. AI analysis: “Wilson’s defensive versatility and upside swing potential fits a Chicago team in talent acquisition mode.”

5. Los Angeles Clippers: Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas. Average mock draft pick: 6. AI analysis: “Acuff brings explosive scoring and on-ball creation as a potential franchise point guard in a high-leverage slot.”

6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville. Average mock draft pick: 7. AI analysis: “Brown’s scoring burst and rising pre-draft momentum make him one of the top offensive guard bets.”

7. Sacramento Kings: Kingston Flemings, Houston. Average mock draft pick: 8. AI analysis: “With multiple guards in the same tier, Flemings gives Sacramento a high-upside playmaker without needing to trade up.”

8. Atlanta Hawks: Nate Ament, Tennessee. Average mock draft pick: 10. AI analysis: “Ament’s size, shot creation and upside fit cleanly next to Jalen Johnson as Atlanta prioritizes building around versatile forwards and wing-driven offense.”

9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, Arizona. Average mock draft pick: 9. AI analysis: “Burries adds perimeter scoring and secondary playmaking to complement Cooper Flagg as Dallas reshapes its offensive hierarchy.”

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Chaz Wagler, Oregon. Average mock draft pick: 5. AI analysis: “Wagler gives Milwaukee a needed infusion of shot creation as it balances contention with long-term backcourt planning.”

11. Golden State Warriors: Aday Mara, Michigan. Average mock draft pick: 11. AI analysis: “Mara’s size and rim protection provide Golden State with a developmental anchor for its evolving frontcourt.”

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Hannes Steinbach, Washington. Average mock draft pick: 16. AI analysis: “Steinbach’s skill and versatility fit Oklahoma City’s model of adding multi-dimensional, high-IQ frontcourt players.”

13. Miami Heat: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan. Average mock draft pick: 12. AI analysis: “Lendeborg’s toughness and readiness align with Miami’s preference for plug-and-play contributors.”

14. Charlotte Hornets: Aiden Philon, San Diego State. Average mock draft pick: 15. AI analysis: “Philon gives Charlotte another dynamic guard to complement its fast-paced, offense-first identity.”

15. Chicago Bulls: Cameron Carr, Baylor. Average mock draft pick: 17. AI analysis: “Carr’s athleticism and scoring upside give Chicago another developmental wing to grow with its young core.”

16. Memphis Grizzlies: Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan. Average mock draft pick: 13. AI analysis: “Johnson adds physicality and rebounding to a Memphis roster that values frontcourt toughness and depth.”

17. Oklahoma City Thunder: Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (NBL). Average mock draft pick: 14. AI analysis: “Lopez offers long-term upside and positional flexibility as Oklahoma City continues to stockpile versatile talent.”

18. Charlotte Hornets: Chris Cenac Jr., Houston. Average mock draft pick: 20. AI analysis: “Cenac strengthens Charlotte’s interior defense as it builds out a more balanced roster.”

19. Toronto Raptors: Dailyn Swain, Texas. Average mock draft pick: 22. AI analysis: “Swain’s two-way profile fits Toronto’s continued emphasis on length, defense and position-less basketball.”

20. San Antonio Spurs: Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky. Average mock draft pick: 21. AI analysis: “Quaintance’s defensive ceiling and physical tools align with San Antonio’s patient developmental timeline.”

21. Detroit Pistons: Bennett Stirtz, Iowa. Average mock draft pick: 18. AI analysis: “Stirtz provides steady playmaking and leadership to help organize Detroit’s young roster.”

22. Philadelphia 76ers: Ebuka Okorie, Stanford. Average mock draft pick: 24. AI analysis: “Okorie adds scoring punch and guard depth for a Philadelphia team still prioritizing offensive firepower.”

23. Atlanta Hawks: Christian Anderson, Texas Tech. Average mock draft pick: 19. AI analysis: “Anderson gives Atlanta another shot-creator to complement its evolving wing-driven approach around Jalen Johnson.”

24. New York Knicks: Allen Graves, Santa Clara. Average mock draft pick: 23. AI analysis: “Graves’ versatility and feel project well into a complementary role for a Knicks team focused on depth.”

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Koa Peat, Arizona. Average mock draft pick: 25. AI analysis: “Peat’s size and scoring upside offer the Lakers a developmental forward with long-term potential.”

26. Denver Nuggets: Henri Veesaar, North Carolina. Average mock draft pick: 27. AI analysis: “Veesaar provides Denver with a skilled backup center option to support its frontcourt rotation.”

27. Boston Celtics: Meleek Thomas, Arkansas. Average mock draft pick: 26. AI analysis: “Thomas adds another scoring guard to Boston’s rotation, reinforcing its depth and offensive versatility.”

28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Isaiah Evans, Duke. Average mock draft pick: 28. AI analysis: “Evans’ shooting and wing scoring bolster Minnesota’s perimeter offense.”

29. Cleveland Cavaliers: Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State. Average mock draft pick: 30. AI analysis: “Jefferson’s energy and versatility give Cleveland a flexible piece in the frontcourt.”

30. Dallas Mavericks: Tarris Reed Jr., UConn. Average mock draft pick: 29 (appeared in 11/13 mock drafts). AI analysis: “Reed adds interior size and rebounding to support a Dallas core headlined by Cooper Flagg.”

The sequence the model offers makes the top picks feel almost locked in—while the deeper roster pieces read like a system still searching for certainty. The earlier need for additional prompts after several picks were inaccurately assigned to teams is a reminder that even when the top of a draft looks steady. the details can shift.

As Washington waits to be officially on the clock. the mock draft’s most consequential takeaway is simple: the Wizards’ No. 1 decision may hinge on AJ Dybantsa. but Microsoft Copilot’s board also keeps Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer close behind. landing them at No. 2 and No. 3 for Utah and Memphis. Beyond that. the first round becomes more fluid—just as draft day always is. right up until the pick is finally announced.

2026 NBA mock draft Microsoft Copilot Washington Wizards Utah Jazz Memphis Grizzlies AJ Dybantsa Darryn Peterson Cameron Boozer NBA Draft Lottery draft picks