The Biggest Moments From the 2026 NBA Draft

The 2026 NBA Draft officially tipped off on June 23 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and featured the latest crop of talent entering the league. With a highly anticipated, top-heavy class, this year’s two-day, 60-pick event delivered exactly what basketball fans love: franchise-altering talent and a masterclass in modern tunnel style. From the crowning of the number one pick to the late-first-round steals, the next generation of hoops stars has officially arrived. In what may go down as one of the most talented draft classes in NBA history, here are the top storylines from the 2026 NBA Draft.

The “Big Four” Order Holds at the Top

While there were many conversations about who would be picked first, the lottery kicked off exactly as most scouts expected, with the “Big Four” being drafted in the order that many thought they would.

With the first pick, the Washington Wizards selected BYU’s dynamic forward AJ Dybantsa as the new centerpiece of their rebuild. The Utah Jazz picked up University of Kansas star guard Darryn Peterson, whose massive offensive ceiling had experts projecting him to be chosen first. The Memphis Grizzlies added Duke’s Cameron Boozer, who also wowed scouts with his skill set and basketball IQ. The Chicago Bulls officially selected North Carolina freshman forward Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick, who starred last year for the North Carolina Tar Heels.

OKC Flexes Its Asset Wealth (Again)

The Oklahoma City Thunder came to the draft with plenty of picks, and they sured up their front-line by choosing Michigan center Aday Mara.  Projected as a top 10 pick,  the Spanish big man will add elite size and skill to the Thunder’s front-court rotation. Some even called him the “Wemby Stopper,” but that remains to be seen. A few slots later, they added a playmaker with Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz at number 16.

Late First Round Steals

With every draft, some players slip and find themselves with teams that are already in the playoff picture. Labaron Philon, the Alabama guard many viewed as a mid-first-round lock, slid down to the Philadelphia 76ers at number 22, giving Philly a massive backcourt steal. Houston University’s Chris Cenac Jr. slid all the way to number 27 when the Boston Celtics scooped him up. Cenac boasts an incredible physical profile and the potential to be a premier two-way forward in the league.

The Fashionable Fits Were On Display

Almost as important as where the players were drafted were the fits they chose to wear. This class donned minimalist bespoke suits and bold color choices at the Barclays Center. Dybantsa rocked a custom-made Kenzo suit. Near his left lapel, he wore a pin of the flag of the Republic of the Congo, in honor of his father, and a pin of the flag of Jamaica, where his mom is from. He also wore a blue heart-shaped “TC5” pin on his right lapel in honor of the late Terrence Clarke.

Other players leaned into nostalgia. Carlos Boozer wore an all-white ensemble reminiscent of LeBron James’ infamous white pinstripe suit that he wore to the 2003 Draft. Meanwhile, Isaiah Evans slayed everything in a navy double-breasted suit with red pinstripes, styled and designed by Julian Abdul. If that wasn’t enough, he added a $3 million ruby brooch!  

Several Top Players Will Be Availble On Day 2

With a draft class that boasts this much depth, several high-profile prospects who weren’t chosen in the first round will be available in tonight’s second round. Duke’s Isaiah Evans, Arkansas playmaker Meleek Thomas, and North Carolina big man Henri Veesaar are among the standout players who are waiting to hear their name called.

​