NBA Draft first round grades 2026: Analysis of every pick

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NBA Draft first round grades 2026: Analysis of every pick

Jeff Smith and Wajih AlBaroudi, For The Win · FTW Outdoors

Tue, Jun 23, 2026 ·

6 min read

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Welcome to the 2026 NBA Draft , with some big names that will find their teams on Tuesday night in the first round.

As we do every year here at For The Win , we're giving you our thoughts and analysis as every first round pick gets made, with immediate grades from A to F and everything in between as we tell you who was a great pick, who was a reach and who was just OK.

So let's dive in with our 2026 NBA Draft live grades with analysis for every pick. Keep this page bookmarked and refresh it as the draft goes:

1. Washington Wizards : AJ Dybantsa, BYU F

A rare physical talent at a position of need, Dybantsa was the obvious pick here. He'll slot in perfectly on the wing with Anthony Davis down low and Trae Young running the point. Dybantsa led the nation in scoring as a freshman and he's only beginning to scratch the surface of what he can do on that end. He's also a better playmaker than you'd expect. This is a franchise-changing pick for Washington.

Grade:A+

2. Utah Jazz : Darryn Peterson, Kansas G

Peterson is a dynamic scorer and the clear top guard in the class. With a smooth handle and jumper, Peterson averaged over 20 a game in his lone season in Lawrence. However, a mysterious cramping issue disrupted his season, and his pre-draft process raised some eyebrows about his commitment to the game. It's still a home run pick for a Jazz team that needs some juice on the perimeter.

Grade:A

3. Memphis Grizzlies : Cameron Boozer , Duke F

Boozer is as clean of a prospect as they come. The son of two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer , Cameron had a phenomenal freshman season at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four. While he doesn't have the upside of Dybantsa or Peterson, he already has an NBA frame physically and provides excellent rebounding for his position. His face-up game was nearly unstoppable in college.

Grade:A

4. Chicago Bulls : Caleb Wilson, UNC F

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the fourth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson after he was selected by the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Even though Wilson's lone college season was cut short due to injury, he's every bit as elite of a prospect as the three players before him. Wilson helped change the culture in Chapel Hill through his steady leadership and quiet confidence. He'll need to add some weight in the NBA as he plays an extremely physical brand of basketball, and when he does, he'll be an All-Star for years to come.

Grade:A

5. Los Angeles Clippers : Keaton Wagler , Illinois G

Wagler had an unexpected rise to stardom at Illinois, where the lightly recruited guard led the Illini to the Final Four as a freshman. He has an impressive 3-point stroke with solid height at 6-foot-6. Wagler showed promise as a playmaker late in the season, and continued improvement there can truly take his game to the next level. He'll certainly need to stronger, however.

Grade:B+

6. Brooklyn Nets : Mikel Brown, Louisville G

As much as Mikel Brown's game impresses, there's going to be a lot of conversation about the decision to take him here over Darius Acuff. This could become one of those spots that Nets fans debate for many years to come. Regardless, Brown's game is well-rounded, and he should continue to improve after averaging 18.2 points and 4.7 assists per game. Brown was also named to the All-ACC third team, and if he comes into his own, it'll make passing on Acuff a whole lot easier to deal with.

Grade: B

7. Sacramento Kings : Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas G

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the seventh pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. after he was selected by the Sacramento Kings at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

It's hard to argue with the upside of this pick for the Kings, as Darius Acuff has proven he's capable of being an immediate game-changer and a player who can score at all levels. He averaged 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game last season while being named the SEC Player of the Year. It wouldn't be a surprise at all if Acuff emerges as one of the best players outside of the top three or four picks. However, it'll be interesting to see how the Kings utilize him in his rookie season.

Grade: A

8. Atlanta Hawks : Kingston Flemings, Houston G

Flemings, who stands 6'3", showcased his upside on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court last season with Houston. Along with averaging 16.1 points and 5.2 assists per game, he made significant noise with his defensive playmaking, racking up eight steals in one game alone. His size will be the biggest question mark in his transition to the NBA, but from a skill set standpoint, he's already there.

Grade: B+

9. Dallas Mavericks : Morez Johnson Jr. , Michigan F

Dusty May gets his Michigan man in Morez Johnson Jr., and it's a pick that shouldn't surprise anyone. May will put Johnson in a prime position to succeed at the next level, and he's joining an interesting Mavericks team that hopes to expedite its rebuild behind Cooper Flagg and other young pieces. Johnson averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while being named All-Big 12 third team last season.

Grade: B+

10. Milwaukee Bucks : Brayden Burries, Arizona G

Burries is fresh off a season in which he was named All-Big 12 first team while finishing up his lone collegiate season with averages of 16.1 points and 4.9 rebounds. He shot 49.1% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range, with 4.6 attempts per game from beyond the arc. He'll be an interesting piece for the new-look Bucks, although he should be in a fight for minutes during his rookie season.

Grade: B

11. Golden State Warriors : Yaxel Lendeborg , Michigan F

After two seasons at UAB, Lendeborg made the move to Michigan and put together a strong season with averages of 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists. After attempting fewer than two shots beyond the arc per game in his first two collegiate seasons, Lendeborg knocked down 37.2% from deep on 4.5 attempts per game with Michigan. He's an older prospect (23) in comparison to the bulk of the other lottery picks, and it's unlikely he'll make an early impact for the Warriors.

Grade: B-

12. Oklahoma City Thunder : Aday Mara, Michigan C

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the twelfth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Michigan center Aday Mara after he was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The run on Michigan players continues, with three selected in a run of four picks here. Mara could be a great fit if the Thunder need to make a move with Isaiah Hartenstein , potentially, as he stands 7'3" and weighs in at around 260 pounds. After two seasons with UCLA in which he played limited minutes, Mara flashed upside in his lone year with the Wolverines, averaging 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 23.4 minutes per game.

Grade: B

13. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament , Tennessee F

Ament flashed the upside that was often mentioned around his game, but the consistency was there during his lone season with Tennessee. He shot just 33.3% from beyond the arc and 39.9% from the field, and his size will be an issue at the NBA level. Ament stands 6'10" but weighs in at roughly 210 pounds. It's hard to envision him making much of an impact as a rookie for the Bucks.

Grade: C

14. Charlotte Hornets : Hannes Steinbach, Washington F

The Hornets find themselves in a unique situation where they were able to draft for need in this spot, and did exactly that by adding the 6'10" freshman from Washington, Hannes Steinbach. During his first collegiate season, the German native averaged 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds while shooting 57.7% from the field. The Hornets need more production down low to pair with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller , and this move makes a lot of sense.

Grade: B+

15. Chicago Bulls : Dailyn Swain, Texas G

The Bulls continue to add talented pieces, and after the Caleb Wilson addition at No. 4, it's hard to argue with adding a guard that has the size and scoring ability that Dailyn Swain displayed last season for Texas. After spending two years with Xavier, Swain posted his best all-around numbers, averaging 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and shooting 54.2% from the field with Texas.

Grade: B+

16. Memphis Grizzlies : Bennett Stirtz , Iowa G

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz (14) controls the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

*Pick reportedly traded to Thunder, per ESPN's Shams Charania .

Stirtz's scoring ability was on full display during the 2026 NCAA Tournament, as he led Iowa to an Elite 8 appearance. His knack for knocking down bit shots was on display throughout his collegiate career, even though he shot 35.8% from three-point range over 37 games with the Hawkeyes. Still, Stirtz averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game, and is a solid depth addition for the Thunder.

Grade: B

17. Oklahoma City Thunder : Ebuka Okorie, Stanford G

*Pick reportedly traded to Grizzlies, then to the Pistons , per ESPN's Shams Charania .

Okorie finished his freshman season with Stanford as the eighth-top scoring player in the country, averaging 23.2 points per game. He shot 46.5% from the field, and from a pure scoring perspective, he has a lot to offer. His size (6'1" and 186 pounds) could make the transition to the NBA slightly tougher, but he's absolutely a bucket-getter and should add a nice punch to the Pistons bench.

Grade: B+

18. Charlotte Hornets : Christian Anderson, Texas Tech G

The Hornets add a strong passing point guard to play behind LaMelo Ball. While Anderson's size at 6'1" and 180 pounds, paired with a lack of consistency when it comes to getting to the rim, will be a big question mark, his leaps forward as a shooter and passer over the past two seasons were significant. He averaged 18.5 points and 7.4 assists while shooting 47.2% from the field and 41.5% from three-point range last year.

Grade: B+

19. Toronto Raptors : Allen Graves, Santa Clara F

Graves was one of the best analytics darlings in college basketball this past season. Despite only starting four games and playing 22.6 minutes per night, he managed to take home both the WCC's Freshman of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year awards. He is incredibly efficient and possesses an elite feel for the game on both ends of the floor. Notably, his 67 total steals (1.9 per game) led all WCC freshmen, highlighting his excellent defensive instincts. Graves is a great fit for the Raptors, who love high-IQ, versatile forwards who can impact the game without needing the ball in their hands.

Grade: B

20. San Antonio Spurs : Jayden Quaintance , Kentucky F/C

Jan 7, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Jayden Quaintance (21) reacts during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

This is the type of move by a Spurs front office that has the patience and medical staff to see it through. Quaintance looked like a surefire top-10 talent during his freshman year at Arizona State, establishing himself as a dynamic rim protector (2.6 blocks per game). Unfortunately, a torn ACL and meniscus in February 2025 derailed his trajectory. He transferred to Kentucky but rushed back to the court, playing only four games before ultimately shutting it down. There's no incentive for the Spurs to rush his timeline if they have any concern, but ultimately, he could be an excellent option alongside or behind Wembanyama as an elite rim protector.

Grade: A

21. Detroit Pistons: Karim Lopez, Mexico F

*Pick reportedly traded to Grizzlies, per ESPN's Shams Charania .

López brings a unique blend of size, physicality, and professional experience. He left home at 14 to play in Spain (Joventut Badalona) before heading to the NBL as a Next Star. Playing against grown men, López proved he can hold his own on the boards and score at a high level when given the opportunity. His experience playing against physicality is a benefit for Lopez, and should help him see floor time for the Grizzlies sooner rather than later.

Grade: B+

22. Philadelphia 76ers : Labaron Philon Jr. , Alabama G

Philon is a certified bucket-getter who was excellent for Nate Oats' Alabama squad, dropping 22 points a night on elite efficiency for a guard. He takes a high volume of threes (over six attempts per game) and knocks them down at nearly a 40% clip, while also displaying a strong playmaking ability with 5.0 assists per game. Philon slots in great as an immediate contributor for the Sixers, as he can serve as a lethal sparkplug off the bench or operate seamlessly next to Tyrese Maxey in smaller, hyper-fast offensive lineups.

Grade: A

23. Atlanta Hawks: Zuby Ejiofor , St. John's F

Ejiofor had a stellar season for the Red Storm, taking home both the Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards while averaging 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. The 6'9" forward brings defensive versatility and motor that can rival any rookie, acting as a true two-way anchor capable of defending around the three-point line and also protecting the paint. For an Atlanta Hawks team that desperately needs defensive identity and frontcourt toughness, Ejiofor is a strong addition who can contribute defensive minutes from day one while his developing three-point shot (30.5%) continues to progress.

Grade: A

24. New York Knicks : Cameron Carr, Baylor G

*Pick reportedly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers

Carr went from having a minimal role with the Tennessee Volunteers for two seasons to breaking out in a big way during his first season with the Baylor Bears. He averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and shot 49.4% from the field along with 37.4% from three-point range. The 6'5" guard is a highly confident shot-maker who brings impressive defensive length, perfectly illustrated by his 1.3 blocks per game. He could be a very strong option alongside Luka Doncic if he adjusts to the physicality of the NBA.

Grade: B+

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Sergio De Larrea, Valencia G

*Pick reportedly traded to the New York Knicks.

The Knicks opted for a high-level international option in De Larrea, a massive 6'6" Spanish point guard who just won the Liga Endesa Best Young Player award. He's a high-IQ pick-and-roll point guard capable of both knocking down his own shot (40.7% from three) and finding open teammates, doing so against grown men in arguably the world's second-best domestic league.

Grade: B+

26. Denver Nuggets : Tarris Reed Jr., UConn C

UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) backs down Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) on Monday, April 6, 2026, during the NCAA men's basketball national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. — UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) backs down Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) on Monday, April 6, 2026, during the NCAA men’s basketball national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

*Pick reportedly traded to the San Antonio Spurs.

Reed was the physical anchor for a UConn squad that just made a run to the 2026 National Championship game, dominating the paint to the tune of 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game on 60.7% shooting. It's apparent that the Spurs are hyper-focused on adding big men to play around and/or behind Wemby, which further enhances the value of this pick.

Grade: B+

27. Boston Celtics : Chris Cenac Jr., Houston F

Cenac established himself as a developmental big man during his freshman year at Houston, averaging 9.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. At 6'11" with a massive 7'5" wingspan, he brings excellent defensive upside, while flashing enough shooting potential (33.3% from three and 48.5% from the field) to project as a potential inside-out threat. For a Boston Celtics team that prioritizes versatile, floor-spacing big men, Cenac is an ideal upside swing at the bottom of the first round.

Grade: B

28. Brooklyn Nets: Joshua Jefferson , Iowa State F

Jefferson was a stat-sheet stuffer during his senior season for the Cyclones, posting a well-rounded 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 34.5% from deep. He also tacked on 1.6 steals per game and boasts a bit of a "do-it-all" skillset. While he lacks elite NBA explosiveness and operates primarily below the rim, he makes up for his athletic deficiencies with off-the-charts basketball IQ and playmaking vision for a frontcourt player.

Grade: B+

29. Cleveland Cavaliers : Alex Karaban , UConn F

*Pick reportedly traded to the Sacramento Kings .

Karaban wrapped up a stellar college career as UConn's men's all-time leader in wins and made three-pointers. Karaban posted a rock-solid 13.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game on 37.4% shooting from deep as a senior. He is the ultimate plug-and-play glue guy, who is great at moving without the ball and an excellent catch-and-shoot threat.

Grade: B

30. Dallas Mavericks : Koa Peat, Arizona F

Peat lived up to his high-profile recruiting pedigree by helping lead Arizona to the 2026 Final Four as a freshman, contributing 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game on an efficient 52.8% from the field. While he can battle inside, Peat also has unique ball-handling skills for his size, allowing him to attack mismatches and create off the dribble against smaller or slower defenders, which will benefit him throughout his NBA career.

Grade: B+

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 2026 NBA Draft grades for each first-round pick

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