NBA Draft grades 2026: Live results and analysis for every pick in Round 1, from AJ Dybantsa to Bennett Stirtz

June 24, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

NBA Draft grades 2026: Live results and analysis for every pick in Round 1, from AJ Dybantsa to Bennett Stirtz originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 NBA draft is set up to be one of the best of the decade. We know that four names will probably headline the class in AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson. The order of those four, along with what happens afterwards, is up in the air.

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I've been studying this draft class closely, putting out mocks for months along with outlining why I think Boozer is the No. 1 prospect in this class. Now, it's time for the test.

I'm evaluating every single pick and trade as it happens. Bookmark this page for real-time results, instant reactions, and letter grades for all 30 picks in the first round.

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NBA Draft grades 2026: Live results and analysis for every pick

Round 1

1. Washington Wizards: Anicet “AJ” Dybantsa, BYU

Grade: A

Dybantsa was widely speculated to go No. 1 in this stacked class, and for good reason. The leading scorer in Division-I basketball is a future All-Star in the making, possessing a 6-foot-9 frame and shot creation that is truly special. He’s a master in the midrange, can get to the rim, and is a capable 3-point shooter.

He should look even better in the NBA, where he will have much better talent surrounding him than he had at BYU. Trae Young, fresh off signing a $212 million contract, will make life easier for him. Anthony Davis should clean up the mistakes that he can make from somewhat lackadaisical off-ball defense.

The Wizards are going to be a lot better than the 17 wins they managed last season. Dybantsa has the potential to be a top-five player in the league down the line, and he will be an immediate contributor as a rookie.

MORE: Projecting Wizards lineup with AJ Dybantsa

2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, Kansas

Grade: A

Peterson is probably the most talented player in this class. He outperformed Dybantsa in their head-to-head matchups in high school and college. He dropped to No. 2 in this draft due to a weird freshman year in Kansas where he struggled to stay on the court, had a poor roster fit, and played out of position as a shooting guard.

That’s to the benefit of the Jazz, who now have a talented combo guard to put next to last year’s breakout guard Keyonte George. Peterson is a great shooter, a good defender, and can capably be an engine to an elite offense. This is a stacked draft, and he’s a surefire future All-Star along with Dybantsa.

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, Duke

Grade: A+

I had Boozer No. 1 on my personal big board. Getting him at No. 3 in this draft is terrific value for Memphis.

Boozer is the youngest player in this draft class, and he was also the most productive. He had a better season than last year’s No. 1 selection, Cooper Flagg. He’s not an amazing athlete, which placed him below Dybantsa and Peterson in some scouts’ opinions. But he’s an incredibly smart player who can impact winning in so many different ways, whether as a passer, rebounder, post player, pick-and-roll ballhandler, or shooter. He is the best fit of any of these prospects in Tuomas Iisalo's offensive system that prioritizes quick decision-making.

The Grizzlies have been a good drafting team, relying on a combination of statistical analysis and scouts with a keen eye for the game. They hit another home run with this selection.

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, North Carolina

Grade: A

If you’re seeing a lot of A’s so far, it’s because of how great this draft is through the first four picks. It’s virtually impossible for these teams to screw it up.

Wilson is the last no-brainer pick on the board. He was a dunking machine and unstoppable in transition, leading to excellent production at a young age. While he doesn’t have the best defensive technique, he has the tools to be an All-Defensive player in a few years under a good player development staff. He has the two-way upside to be a potential No. 1 pick in a normal draft.

Chicago has needed a prospect with All-NBA upside on its roster for a while now. Wilson will fall into a good offensive system, with a young roster and a point guard in Josh Giddey that loves to push the pace. He will reinvigorate a fan base that should fall in love with his ability to generate highlights every night.

5. Los Angeles Clippers (from Pacers): Keaton Wagler, Illinois

Grade: B+

This is the point of the draft where things get interesting. Keaton Wagler was the most popular mock selection for the Clippers. That made too much sense not to happen.

Wagler wasn’t an elite high school recruit, but his excellent shooting and playmaking for Illinois was too good to ignore. He blew up on the national stage after scoring 46 points against Purdue.

Wagler is a nice fit for the Clippers. He’s capable of playing alongside Darius Garland due to his plus size and off-ball ability. He has some issues with strength and athleticism, but his high feel should translate well, and Los Angeles has some good shooters to spread the floor for him.