2026 NBA Draft Set for June 23-24 in Brooklyn with Washington Wizards Holding First Pick

The NBA will hold its 2026 draft in Brooklyn, New York, with the first round scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, and the second round on Wednesday, June 24. ABC and ESPN will televise the opening round, while ESPN will carry the second round.

Each team will have five minutes to make a selection in the first round and four minutes in the second. The draft order places the Washington Wizards at the top, followed by the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls. Several picks involve previous trades, such as the Los Angeles Clippers selecting fifth via the Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder holding the twelfth slot via the Clippers.

Analysts have identified a group of prospects likely to draw early interest. Cameron Boozer, a 6-foot-8 forward from Duke, is praised for his scoring versatility and playmaking, though concerns remain about his athletic ceiling at the NBA level. AJ Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 guard/forward from BYU, led the nation in scoring and is noted for his ability to create shots, with his long-range shooting and defensive impact cited as areas for development. Darryn Peterson, a 6-foot-10 forward from Kansas, is highlighted for his scoring and defensive versatility, while injuries during his freshman season raise questions about durability. Caleb Wilson, a 6-foot-10 athlete, is described as an elite physical talent whose shooting consistency needs improvement. Mikel Brown Jr., a guard known for his scoring bursts, also faces scrutiny over health and consistency.

The latest mock drafts project these players among the top selections, reflecting the blend of skill sets and athletic profiles that teams will evaluate during the two-day event.