Washington Wizards win first pick in 2026 NBA draft
NBC News • • sports
Key Points:
- The Washington Wizards won the NBA draft lottery, securing the first overall pick in the upcoming June draft, despite having only a 14% chance.
- The Utah Jazz received the second overall pick, with the lottery held at Navy Pier in Chicago and attended by executives from all 14 lottery teams.
- The 2026 draft class is considered one of the deepest in recent memory, highlighted by top prospects A.J. Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer, each with strong collegiate performances.
- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver criticized teams for tanking during the season, prompting the league to consider changes to the lottery system aimed at reducing such behavior.
- A proposed new lottery system would expand the lottery to 16 teams, flatten odds, and penalize the three worst teams, with a vote scheduled for May 28; the draft itself begins June 23.
