2026 NBA Draft First Round Grades
The 2026 NBA Draft was loaded with talent in the first round, but that doesn't necessarily mean everyone struck gold.
The 2026 NBA Draft has come and gone just like that. Obviously, we don’t make judgments on a player until a few years into their career. None of this is to say that I’m rooting against a player/team or that I think they’re a bad player. The grades are based on my evaluation, process, fit, and comparable players that could’ve been taken instead. For those that I’m low on, I can’t wait to be wrong and learn from it. Based on my evaluations, here are my first round draft grades.
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa – A
You can’t go wrong with any of the top three, but AJ Dybantsa feels like he was made in a lab to be the #1 pick. Dybantsa put together one of the most impressive scoring seasons we’ve seen from a freshman as he got to the rim at will, lived in the midrange, and feasted at the line. While the Wizards have had plenty of top picks recently, they don’t have anyone who profiles like Dybantsa. From day one, he should be able to step into their rotation as a starter and be a dominant scorer and rebounder. He has perennial All-Star written all over him, and if his defense gets to the levels that it should, his ceiling gets astronomically higher.
2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson – A
For many, myself included, Darryn Peterson was the best player in this draft. It was a funky year where the messaging and narrative got out of control, and he still put up some of the most impressive numbers from a freshman guard that we’ve ever seen. With Utah, Peterson fits like a glove. From Day One, Peterson should provide lethal shooting, off-ball scoring, secondary creation, and a positive defensive impact from the SG spot. Peterson’s quick decision-making and positional malleability will be warmly welcomed in Will Hardy’s system. It wouldn’t be surprising if we see his dynamic playmaking from high school quickly reemerge in Utah.
3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer – A
This may have been the easiest pick of the night. Cameron Boozer is one of the most analytically impressive prospects we’ve ever seen, so it isn’t shocking the Grizzlies jumped all over him. Boozer is a PF, but he had the statistical profile of a PG at Duke this year. His feel and IQ are second to none in this draft. He’ll immediately raise the floor of this team, improve their rebounding, and inject a ton of playmaking. The different looks that they’ll be able to generate out of the pick-and-roll are going to be tremendous. Now that he doesn’t have to create EVERYTHING on offense, too, hopefully we see Boozer’s attention to detail and effectiveness on defense get back to what we saw before Duke. The size, versatility, and physicality that continues to litter this Grizzlies rotation is very fun.
4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson – A
Alright, this was actually the easiest pick of the night. It’s very cool that the Bulls have a rookie who is actually this exciting. Not only does he fit the ideals of this new front office, but his upside is astronomical. Wilson has a very long way to go on defense, but his highs are up there with anyone in this class. Where he’s sneakily more ready to make an impact, though, is on offense. Despite not being an outside shooter yet, Wilson is a terror in transition, great at getting to the rim, surgical in the midrange, and an exquisite passer. It’s rare that outside shooting isn’t a swing skill for players, but there are a ton of outcomes where Wilson is a perennial All-Star even if the shot never becomes a real weapon. As the Bulls start their rebuild, Wilson is the exact type of player and person to help inject a ton of energy and optimism.
5. Los Angeles Clippers: Keaton Wagler – A
Keaton Wagler wasn’t my PG1, and some people don’t even think he’s a PG, but it’s tough to argue too much against this pick. What Wagler did this season was astounding, as he went from an unranked high school prospect with two offers from power conference programs to the number five pick. We rarely see that type of rise, but every bit of it was earned. Wagler has great positional size, and I honestly don’t care that he’s skinny. He’s tough, doesn’t shy away from physicality, and is highly adept at stringing together counters to make up for his lack of elite athleticism. The fact that he already has that level of craft and composure to go along with his passing and shooting is enthralling for what his game could continue to grow into. Oh, it also helps that essentially every teenager ever has gotten stronger as they age, so I’m not too worried in the long run.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr. – A
Nets fans may be frustrated with another PG, but Mikel Brown is not like last year’s guards. He was my PG1 and is the most well-rounded of this top tier of PGs. Brown’s recent growth spurt is a massive differentiator for him. He’s a lethal shooter both on and off the ball, a highly creative playmaker, a legitimate athlete, a versatile scorer, and a better defender than he gets credit for being. The key, though, is that he has to improve his ball security and shot selection. With the Nets, and in Jordi Fernandez’s system, I’m optimistic that this will happen. Having the opportunity and capability to play both on and off the ball will be huge for Brown. The Nets will want him running the show, but he’ll also be used as an off-ball scorer. On the nights when he’s getting a little too careless, they have numerous players who can fill that role without having to take Brown off the court. He’s the exact type of PG you want to build around.
7. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff – A-
The Kings got their guy! It was good to see that they stayed disciplined and didn’t bite on the bait of having to move up to get Acuff. What Acuff did this year on offense was ludicrous: insanely high volume and efficient playmaking, scoring, and shooting in an on-ball and off-ball role is tough to argue against. I wasn’t an Acuff fan coming into the year, but what he did at Arkansas was undeniable. Now, there is the elephant in the room with his defense, which is pretty awful. I fear that he’ll get targeted relentlessly at that end of the floor and am much less optimistic than others about his defensive viability. However, he very easily could be one of the rare PGs whose offense is so good that it doesn’t matter. If he can just get passable on defense, it should be more than enough for him to produce very fun basketball in Sacramento for a long time.
8. Atlanta Hawks: Kingston Flemings – B+
We had heard that the Hawks may have moved this pick, but I love who they took, given that they didn’t. Flemings is a high-character player with a lightning-quick first step and a ton of room for growth. His playmaking, speed, and defense are some of the best in this draft. The reason I couldn’t get higher than a B+, though, is that there are still a lot of questions, especially with this roster. Flemings has to figure out his at-rim finishing and foul-drawing, as both were really poor this year. Additionally, there are still some questions about the viability of his jumper. If those don’t make crucial strides soon, I do worry that defenders will be able to sit on his drives and take away his superpower of collapsing defenses. If that happens, it’ll be increasingly difficult to play him with a lot of guys on this roster.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Morez Johnson Jr – B+
This was an A+ in my heart, but I needed to take a deep breath and remove my bias. I love Morez Johnson’s game and was higher than anyone on him all year. He’s a versatile defender and a freak rebounder, and he’s barely scratching the surface on offense. Having a front line of him, Cooper Flagg, and Dereck Lively could be terrifying for opponents. However, if Johnson’s offense doesn’t continue to develop like I think it will, the fit could get clunky on offense. I love the fit and baseline that Johnson provides the Mavericks, as all he does is make winning plays.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Brayden Burries – A-
Let the rebuild begin. This felt like a no-brainer based on how the board was falling. Burries doesn’t necessarily have an elite skill, but he does a bit of everything that contributes to winning basketball. His positional versatility and physical strength should make him a Day One rotation guy who can play with essentially anyone. Burries still has a ton of growth with his shot and playmaking, but his versatility doesn’t pigeonhole him into a specific role in the backcourt. Even if the Bucks fall in love with a PG next year or just make the smart decision of keeping Ryan Rollins around, Burries doesn’t put any roster construction limitations on the team.
11. Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg – B+
Thank goodness everyone in Golden State was on the same page with this pick, right? Right?!? I love this for the Warriors. Lendeborg is one of the most versatile players in the entire draft as he can guard 1-5, rebound, create for others, knock down shots, and create his own. Whatever role he needs to play, he’s more than capable. I don’t care at all that he’s older, because the Warriors have relentlessly botched developmental projects. With Lendeborg, they’re getting someone ready-made for the rotation who elevates everyone else around him. I think Lendeborg could be the beginning of a trend in older players not being shunned in the draft—especially in this apron era of the CBA that drastically limits team-building capabilities.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Aday Mara – A-
Please do not view Aday Mara as the “Wemby stopper.” His superpower on defense is rebounding and protecting the rim. If you want him matched up on Wemby all the time, that means he’s not in position to do that, even though he moves way better in space than people think. In the playoffs, the Thunder got exposed with a lack of size and rebounding in the paint and a lack of perimeter creation after just two injuries. They very clearly have a type, and that’s players who have an exceptionally high feel for the game. The Thunder addressed both of the issues they faced against the Spurs while still getting two players who fit their type. Mara’s fit is clear. He’s massive, rebounds at a high level, and is one of the best processors in this class. The way that he’ll elevate their offense as well can’t be slept on. He’s a big-time facilitator, versatile at rim finisher with either hand, and a legitimate vertical spacer. Mara’s hands are pretty good, too, as long as the pass is above his shoulders. As long as they don’t spam him with pocket passes (looking at you, Shai), he should be just fine.
While we’re here, let’s tackle Bennet Stritz because the theme is exactly the same. Stirtz is a lethal shooter, smart passer, and has outrageous conditioning. He plays exactly like pretty much every other guard on this team does, so it wouldn’t be surprising if we see someone become expendable. Even though Stirtz was the system throughout college, that doesn’t mean he can’t play off the ball. He’s just one of those guys who fits just about anywhere.
13. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament – B-
The links between Ament and the Bucks were strong. If this were their only pick, or their pick at 10, my grade likely would’ve been much lower. However, I don’t mind the swing with their second pick. If Ament hits, he could be a tremendous player. My problem is that nearly everything about his game and projection is theoretical. Outside of a great month’s stretch, Ament looked lost, inconsistent, and not physically ready. The key is going to be what type of player is he willing to be? If he wants to be one of these high-volume scoring forwards that he continuously and irresponsibly gets compared to, I fear he’ll end up looking like a certain wing already on the roster. However, if he’s willing to buy into the little things and play his role, the outcomes become much more encouraging. This felt like a solid lottery ticket type of swing, even though I was lower on Ament. I hope he spams Khris Middleton film.
14. Charlotte Hornets: Hannes Steinbach – B+
Steinbach made too much sense at this spot for him not to be the pick. He immediately helps their frontcourt depth and brings an elite skill to the table with his rebounding. After that, though, the rest of his game needs work. His biggest hole is his defense, but there may be some fun two-big lineups that they can eventually roll out. For that to happen, though, his theoretical passing and shooting have to become much more tangible. He has an elite skill and fills a need, but he still has work to do.
15. Chicago Bulls: Dailyn Swain – B
SLAP! Look, Bryson Graham has a type. For starters, it was really cool to see Swain’s reaction and how much it meant to him. What he did at Texas this year was pretty outlandish with his slashing, PNR creation, and playmaking. My concern is that he won’t be able to or allowed to do any of that in the NBA. If he gets stuck in a 3-and-D type of role, it’ll be a bummer. Especially since there are a lot of guys throughout this roster who play a lot, like Swain does. I wouldn’t have minded a little more proven floor spacing with this pick, but it’s impossible to deny what Swain did this year. With a new front office, no one from the past regime is guaranteed a spot. Going forward with guys like Wilson and Swain, at the very least, is super exciting for the Bulls.
16. Oklahoma City Thunder: Bennett Stirtz – B
See Aday Mara.
17. Detroit Pistons: Ebuka Okorie – B-
I think I was the most skeptical of Okorie of the No Ceilings team, but I do understand the swing here. The reason I can’t get higher than a B-, though, is that I think guys like Christian Anderson, Allen Graves, Cameron Carr, and Labaron Philon would’ve made more sense. So, why does this pick make sense? Okorie is a blur with the ball. He plays with insane speed but is always under control. He put up bonkers numbers in a horrible situation this season, so I promise I get the intrigue. I can’t fully buy it, though. For starters, I think I’m a little more skeptical of the shot than others. The numbers and versatility were good this year, though, so I’m likely overthinking that aspect. More concerning, though, was Okorie’s defense and at-rim finishing. The Pistons luckily have insulation for him on defense, but his consistency, fundamentals, and screen navigation need a ton of work. Hopefully, his issues were a symptom of his offensive energy expenditure. Around the rim, Okorie did a good job of drawing fouls, but he was rather woeful as a finisher. Stanford’s lack of spacing is an easy explanation, but it’s not like he’s going to be playing in acres of space with the Pistons. I understand the swing. He’ll be extremely fun if he hits, but there’s a lot that needs to go right to get there.
18. Charlotte Hornets: Christian Anderson – C+
This grade feels harsh, and I promise that it’s more about the position they went with rather than the player. Christian Anderson is a lethal shooter and versatile guard who runs an awesome two-man game. If the Hornets bring back Coby White and keep Tre Mann around, then I really don’t get this selection. Someone like Cameron Carr or Allen Graves would’ve provided similar strengths in a position of need. However, if White and/or Mann are out the door, Anderson makes way more sense, and my grade would likely be a full letter higher. If they can get to a point of playing Anderson with Kon Knueppel, LaMelo Ball, and Brandon Miller, their offensive firepower is going to be insane.
Quick note, all of the above was done before the LaMelo Ball trade rumors. If that ends up happening, this grade changes to more of a B+/A-.
19. Toronto Raptors: Allen Graves – C+
I’ve gone on a journey with Allen Graves this year. While I’m not in love with his game like others, the baseline sales pitch of 6’9”, good rebounder, good spot up shooter, and smart team defender is an extremely easy sell. I also don’t hate him going in this range. Where I struggle, though, is that I don’t see the upside that others do and don’t think he makes sense on this roster. I really worry about Graves’ lack of athleticism, shot creation, defensive versatility, and handle. There’s a world where the Raptors run out Graves, Collin Murray-Boyles, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and RJ Barrett and have one of the funkiest lineups ever. It very well may work, too, but color me skeptical.
20. San Antonio Spurs: Jayden Quaintance – B+
I adore that the Spurs had the cojónes to swing on Quaintance here. We knew he was going to fall, but also that someone was going to swing. Quaintance very well may not play this year, which is a bummer. Hopefully that’s not the case, but the Spurs are in a position to endure that if needed—especially since they robbed Tarris Reed from the Nuggets. Reed can provide solid backup or third-string center minutes with his rebounding, defense, athleticism, and passing. He’s a perfect fit for what they need, and an incredible safety net in case Quaintance doesn’t work. Quaintance very easily could be the biggest steal and best defender from this class. He simultaneously had one of the best individual prospect games this year (against St. John’s) and one of the worst (against Alabama). His offense still needs work, but he is a game wrecker on defense. A lineup of him, Victor Wembanyama, Steph Castle, Carter Bryant, and Dylan Harper could easily put up some of the best defensive numbers we’ve ever seen. That’s how good Quaintance could be. I couldn’t get higher than a B+, though, because he is still a massive risk, and there were a few players on the board who really could’ve helped with their shooting issues.
21. Memphis Grizzlies: Karim Lopez – C-
This was, unfortunately, my least favorite pick of the night. Memphis did a great job of working the board, getting their guy, and getting a bunch of assets. Also, this was a very cool moment for Mexico and Lopez. Unfortunately, I’m just lower than most on Lopez. He’s still very young, so hopefully, there is a massive leap in his game lurking around the corner. He’s big, strong, a great rebounder, and he’s sneaky effective/creative around the rim. I have no clue how he gets on the floor early, though, because his defense was awful this year. His footwork, balance, and fundamentals are a complete mess. This limits him on the ball but also off the ball, as he’s hesitant and inconsistent on closeouts. He does a good job of being the low man and making that initial rotation. Once multiple rotations and closeouts are required, though, Lopez is frequently late or out of control. Offensively, there are some fun passing and slashing flashes, but his shooting mechanics are extremely inconsistent (primarily in the lower body), and his handle is very loose. As always, I hope he ends up being much better than my evaluation, but I thought Memphis had numerous chances at players who made a lot more sense.
22. Philadelphia 76ers: Labaron Philon – B-
The LaBaron Philon fall was unfortunate but not totally shocking. It is ironic that they used the pick from the Jared McCain trade to draft another guard because they were thin on guards this year. It’ll at least be interesting to see how that process grades out. Philon’s growth this year was a lot of fun to watch. He’s shifty, dynamic, and creative. He should help their backup PG minutes, but he’ll also get bullied, as it’s pretty rare for guys at his weight to make a major impact. I really like Philon’s game, but it made more sense to me for Philly to target wings or forwards at this spot—like Carr, Zuby Ejiofor, or even Tarris Reed.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Zuby Ejiofor – B-
What Zuby Ejiofor did on defense this year was fantastic and completely surprised me. Every single year, Ejiofor got better as a defender, passer, decision maker, and scorer. He should help with Atlanta’s defense very quickly, given his strength and versatility. What I worry about, though, is his fit. The Hawks felt like they needed another rim protector, and Ejiofor isn’t exactly that, at least as a primary one at the NBA level. Ejiofor is more of a pure PF, but he could allow them to run more of a scramble drill, switch everything type of defense where he can be disruptive from the weak side. Offensively, he’s a good passer and has a solid handle, but his shot has to take a leap. It’s still pretty slow and mechanical, but it feels like it’s trending in the right direction. There are some fun PJ Tucker-type outcomes for him.
24. Los Angeles Lakers: Cameron Carr – A
Cameron Carr may be the steal of this draft. We had heard the Lakers were strongly linked to Tarris Reed and Isaiah Evans, both of whom were available here, but it makes so much sense that they made the move up to nab Carr. This draft was bereft of 3-and-D wings, and Carr was by far the best one. He’s a lethal shooter, great athlete, versatile off-ball scorer, and disruptive defender with great length. Carr had way too many creation responsibilities at Baylor this year, which watered down some of his numbers. Going to a situation where he’ll be asked to do none of that, though, it’s tough to imagine a better landing spot. Carr will immediately provide the creators for the Lakers with a great shooting outlet. Carr’s shooting gravity will also hold defenders and open up the lane for drives and rim runners. Phenomenal value for the Lakers.
25. Dallas Mavericks: Sergio De Larrea – B
This was a fun move by the Mavericks to grab a PG late. De Larrea is crafty, an improved shooter, smart team defender, and awesome playmaker. The fact that he measured in at 6’6” is huge for him. I love the upside swing, and it’ll be interesting to see if they bring him over right away. De Larrea still has to prove that the shooting improvement is legitimate, though. It’s a little slow, and if he doesn’t shoot at an above-average level, he could become pretty easy to defend, as he isn’t a blazing athlete. His athletic concerns show up the most on defense as he can be slow-footed and have iffy balance. He’s a great value swing but far from a certain thing.
26. San Antonio Spurs: Tarris Reed Jr. – B+
See Jayden Quaintance. Denver… what are you doing? I get that they’re trying to save money for the Watson extension, but Reed would’ve filled a massive hole for them. Tough to go any higher than a D.
27. Boston Celtics: Chris Cenac Jr. – B-
I thought that the Celtics may look for a more ready-made piece like Joshua Jefferson or Alex Karaban, but it makes sense that they went home run swinging, which is typically their MO. Cenac could be one of the best bigs from this class. With his athleticism, size, rebounding, and shooting upside, the idea of him is tremendous. Like Ament, though, the vast majority of his game is still very theoretical. Cenac doesn’t shoot it consistently, isn’t a good passer, struggles to create his own shot, and is a frustratingly poor defender. He has the tools and desire to be a good defender, but he gets lost a lot and has never been as disruptive as he should be. He’s a great long-term development pick who could return immense value if a few crucial pieces fall into place, but it also wouldn’t be shocking if we rarely see him get minutes this year.
28. Brooklyn Nets: Joshua Jefferson – C+
I’ve never been a big Joshua Jefferson guy, but his skillset fits the “does a bit of everything, almost like a PG” archetype that the Nets have fallen in love with. Jefferson was a disruptive defender and an awesome passer. He’s one of those guys whose game is weird and confusing, but he still ends up with 16 and 8. A lot of people are more confident with the shot than I am, and I think that’ll have to get to a really good level for him to stick. Unfortunately, I think his athletic shortcomings could be a massive hindrance.
29. Sacramento Kings: Alex Karaban – C+
This is another case of me not totally understanding the team’s decision, as opposed to me not liking the player. I actually came around a lot on Karaban this cycle and like his spot-up shooting, quick decision-making, off-ball movement, and team defense. I just like it a lot more on a playoff team. The Kings are just compiling a lot of these types of players, and I don’t think he necessarily makes sense for a team that is this far away. At the very least, if he gets minutes, he should be an experienced wing for Acuff to play with.
30. Phoenix Suns: Koa Peat – B-
Even though I soured a lot on Peat this year, and not just because of the new shooting form, he provides way too much value to not swing here. He could easily be one of the bigger steals in the draft if he leans more into his playmaking and defensive consistency and worries less about his outside shooting. Similar to the Kings and Karaban, the Suns are rapidly compiling a lot of forwards with very similar skillsets. I think Peat still needs to get minutes to iron out a lot of the inconsistencies in his game, and I’m not sure this is the situation for that to happen.