NBA Draft grades reveal top picks and team evaluations after first round
CBS Sports analyst Adam Finkelstein graded every selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, highlighting AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer as the elite prospects and assigning grades based on upside, fit and draft-day resources.
The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft concluded on Tuesday, with the Washington Wizards selecting AJ Dybantsa at No. 1, the Utah Jazz taking Darryn Peterson at No. 2 and the Memphis Grizzlies picking Cameron Boozer at No. 3. The three are described as potential franchise-altering talents, while the rest of the class is noted for its depth, including Caleb Wilson and Keaton Wagler among the top five picks.
CBS Sports analyst Adam Finkelstein assigned grades to each selection, weighing long-term upside, team fit and the assets used to acquire the pick. Dybantsa received an A for his versatile scoring and developmental potential. Peterson also earned an A, praised for his shot-making and fit alongside Utah’s rebuilding frontcourt. Boozer was given an A+, cited for his high floor, size and alignment with Memphis’s rebuilding plan.
In the second round, the Houston Rockets earned a B for selecting guard Bruce Thornton, while the Memphis Grizzlies received an A- for drafting sharpshooter Richie Saunders despite his ACL injury. The remaining second-round picks were graded from A- to C+ based on projected roles and physical attributes.
"The headliner remained the pool itself: a loaded group of prospects headlined by a Big 3 whose potential stardom has been obvious since high school," the analysis noted.
The grading system is intended to provide context rather than a definitive verdict on each player’s future performance.