The Washington Wizards will officially pick first in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft
After months of hope amid uncertainty, the best possible scenario has become a reality for the Washington Wizards in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery.
The Wizards have officially drawn the top overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, which will begin on Tuesday, June 23 with the first round.
This marks the first time the Wizards have drawn the top pick since the organization turned to John Wall, who represented the franchise at the lottery reveal in Chicago, in the 2010 NBA Draft.
That means general manager Will Dawkins will have his choice of who he wants to become the next superstar to land in the nation's capital.
Washington could opt to turn to BYU star AJ Dybantsa, who one outlet pointed to as the best case scenario with a chance to become a focal point of the franchise. Dybantsa could add to a loaded wing position for Washington given the franchise returns Will Riley, Kyshawn George, Justin Champagnie and Cam Whitmore in 2026-27 while Bilal Coulibaly is extension eligible this offseason.
Former Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cam Boozer and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson have all drawn buzz as likely top four selections with a chance for the Wizards front office to scout the market ahead of next month's draft. While there has yet to be a clear consensus top overall pick with the conversation shifting between Dybantsa and Peterson all season, Dawkins and company have a chance to scout the top of what is expected to be one of the strongest draft classes in years.
The top overall selection was one of the highest possible picks that the Wizards could have drawn given the team had a 47.9% chance to draw the fifth pick, compared to a 14% chance at landing the top overall pick, 27.4% chance to land a top two overall pick and 40.1% chance to land a top three overall pick.
Which direction the Wizards opt to go will be the biggest question over the next six weeks with a chance for general manager Will Dawkins to add another young piece to a roster littered with young talent while both Trae Young and Anthony Davis offer the veteran experience needed.
Washington also has a pair of second round selections with the 51st pick and 60th pick to give the front office a chance to round out the roster or stockpile talent with the Capital City Go-Go in 2026-27.
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