After finishing with the league's worst record, D.C. secures a franchise-altering chance to draft a blue-chip prospect like AJ Dybantsain the 2026 NBA Draft.
For the first time since the new draft lottery odds format, the team that finished with the worst record in the NBA has earned the No. 1 overall selection in the league’s draft.
On Sunday afternoon, the Washington Wizards, who were tied for the best possible odds for the first selection at 14%, won the NBA Draft Lottery and now have a landmark opportunity to change the tide of their franchise.
For more on the potentially franchise-altering moment, Wizards Roundtable writer Ahmed Ghafir has the latest.
The Wizards will have their selection of top prospects to lead off the NBA Draft in about six weeks with BYU star AJ Dybantsa and Kansas guard Darryn Peterson expected to be the first names called.
Right behind Washington will be the Utah Jazz, who select No. 2 overall, set to scoop up the top prospect left after Washington.
The last time Washington made the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, the team walked away with guard and five-time All-Star John Wall in 2010, who was the team representative during the 2026 lottery on Sunday.
The rest of the lottery fell as follows:
- Washington Wizards
- Utah Jazz
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Chicago Bulls
- Los Angeles Clippers (via IND)
- Brooklyn Nets
- Sacramento Kings
- Atlanta Hawks (via NOP)
- Dallas Mavericks
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Golden State Warriors
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Miami Heat
- Charlotte Hornets
The biggest losers of this year’s NBA Draft Lottery were the Indiana Pacers. With 14% odds to land the top selection, the Pacers would have kept their pick had it just landed inside of the top four.
However, the pick fell to No. 5 overall, turning over to the Clippers. The Pacers are now currently without a pick in this year’s draft.