Updated

Updated · SB Nation · Jun 23

Final 2026 NBA Mock Draft Puts Wizards on AJ Dybantsa at No. 1 as Bucks Hold No. 13

Updated

Updated · SB Nation · Jun 23

Final 2026 NBA Mock Draft Puts Wizards on AJ Dybantsa at No. 1 as Bucks Hold No. 13

Q: Is AJ Dybantsa a lock for the top pick, or could another prospect cause a draft night shock?

AJ Dybantsa is the clear favorite for No. 1, but he is not an absolute lock. The strongest evidence points to Washington taking the BYU wing. Most final mock drafts have Dybantsa first, and betting markets have him as a heavy favorite. His profile fits what teams usually want at the top: a 6-foot-9 scorer with shot-creation ability, NBA size, strong production, and star upside. He averaged 24.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists, and scouts view him as a potential primary offensive engine. Still, there is enough uncertainty for a draft-night surprise. The Wizards have reportedly kept their process tight, and several evaluators say this class has a top tier of four rather than one runaway No. 1. Darryn Peterson is the most realistic challenger. He is widely seen as an elite scoring guard with major upside, and reports that he worked out only for Washington have fueled speculation that he remains firmly in the mix. If the Wizards prioritize perimeter shot-making and on-ball creation, Peterson is the name to watch. Cameron Boozer is less likely than Peterson to jump to No. 1, but he has support from scouts who see him as the best all-around player in the class, with a high floor and polished offensive game. Caleb Wilson appears to be more of a long-shot option despite his elite athleticism. So the most likely outcome remains Dybantsa to Washington, but Peterson is the prospect most capable of causing a real shock.

3 articles · Updated · SB Nation · Jun 23

Tuesday’s final 2026 mock projects Washington taking AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick, followed by Utah on Darryn Peterson and Memphis on Cameron Boozer.
No. 6 is the biggest late change, with Brooklyn now projected to take Mikel Brown Jr. over Darius Acuff, a shift that would leave Acuff available for Sacramento at No. 7.
Milwaukee is mocked to use two lottery picks after the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster—Nate Ament at No. 10 and Hannes Steinbach at No. 13, the latter acquired via Miami.
Other notable first-round calls include Golden State on Aday Mara at No. 11, Oklahoma City on Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 12, and projected faller Chris Cenac Jr. sliding to New York at No. 24.
The 30-pick projection lands hours before the first round starts Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, with the second round set for Wednesday.