Grizzlies, Thunder Top 2026 NBA Draft Grades With A+ Hauls

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 25

Memphis and Oklahoma City earned the highest overall draft grades—A+—after first rounds built around premium talent and fit rather than sheer volume.
Memphis landed Cameron Boozer at No. 3, Karim López at No. 21 and Richie Saunders at No. 32, a class praised for adding a polished centerpiece and two-way depth to an already strong young core.
Oklahoma City turned No. 12 into Aday Mara, then traded up for Bennett Stirtz at No. 16 before adding Otega Oweh at No. 41, addressing frontcourt size and the shot-creation depth exposed in the West finals.
Several other teams also drew strong marks, including Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Sacramento and Utah, while Orlando and New Orleans were among the weakest-graded classes.
The post-draft review framed the class less around splashy single picks than around roster construction, with contenders and rebuilders alike judged on how well prospects matched long-term needs.