We are now less than 24 hours removed from the highly-anticipated 2026 NBA Draft. In less than a day's time, we will know the first overall pick. The Utah Jazz will have selected whichever prospect they believe has the best chance of being a superstar at the NBA level. NBA reporters can finally stop spreading rumors and aggregating misinformation.

This is a moment of reflection. A moment of consideration. A moment to look back on the statements made, rumors spread, and limbs gone out on as the onlooking public desperately scrambled to make sense of the biggest event of the NBA offseason.

In light of this pause, I want to plant my flag on a few final issues. A few points that will be moot once Adam Silver announces the number-one pick from the stage of the Barclay's Center in New York.

In other words, this is my last chance to get really wacky and declare before you how I expect the NBA Draft to unfold for the Utah Jazz, the holders of the number-two pick and next season's Western Conference team of destiny. I'm making some bold predictions -- three bold predictions to be precise.

So feel free to come back in a day's time to congratulate me on my rich veins of wisdom, or to publicly mock me for my foolishness.

1. AJ Dybantsa is drafted first overall

Wow, I'm really scorching the hot take fields with this one. Yes, Dybantsa appears to be the favorite for Washington to claim with the top selection -- especially with Darryn Peterson confirming that he had met with the Jazz this past weekend -- but the Wizards have played this game close to the chest. 

I actually believe that Ryan Smith wants to end up with Dybantsa, and would pick him first overall if afforded the opportunity. But with AJ off the board, the Jazz don't hesitate in making the next-best choice.

2. Utah selects Darryn Peterson

Maybe I need to look into the meaning of the word "bold", but this seems like the natural choice for the Jazz, right?

Well yes, but also no.

Cameron Boozer has emerged as a serious candidate for the second spot, and the Jazz have pushed that narrative hard throughout the pre-draft process. Carlos Boozer was quoted saying that any teams who pass on his son would regret it.

But Peterson falling to Utah is a dream come true, and if I can be candid, he's the obvious pick for a team searching for starting shooting guard.

3. Utah trades into the second round

Finally, we're going against the grain.

If you ask me, the Jazz should view the second round as a chance to pick up an experienced option to bolster their bench. A player with a refined game and a strong, positive locker room presence. And while they missed out on local kid, AJ Dybantsa, BYU's Richie Saunders check all those boxes, and projects to be taken in the early-to-mid second round.

It's a match made in heaven.