Here's the 2026 Top 5 NBA Draft Picks

One of the most anticipated NBA drafts since 1996 and 2003 was loaded in the first round on Tuesday. The 2026 draft class was topped by four prospects viewed as worthy of the No. 1 overall selection by the Washington Wizards, who ultimately went with BYU forward AJ Dybantsa. Kansas guard Darryn Peterson was also a strong contender to go first overall but went second to the Utah Jazz. Duke forward Cameron Boozer, who went No. 3 to the Grizzlies, and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson, whom the Bulls selected at No. 4, would likely have topped the class in several other years.

The Los Angeles Clippers selected Illinois guard Keaton Wagler with the No. 5 overall pick. The Brooklyn Nets used their 2026 first-round draft picks to select Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. at No. 6, and the Sacramento Kings selected point guard Darius Acuff Jr. from Arkansas with the No. 7 overall pick. The hype around these seven rookies set the stage for a season full of breakout performances and potential franchise-changing impacts, as coaches emphasized development, defense, and versatility to maximize their young talents. This draft started off with eight straight freshmen being selected. This could be a class to be remembered with explosive guards, do-it-all wings, and some power forwards who are looking to reestablish dominance in that position.