The future of the league took over Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Tuesday night for the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, and it did not disappoint.

The Washington Wizards had the top spot after winning the lottery back in May, and they used it to lock in AJ Dybantsa. The BYU standout had a legendary freshman year, scoring in double figures in every game and posting eight 30-point performances. His 894 points are the third-most by a freshman in NCAA history. It was a beautiful moment when his name was called, as he shared a big hug with his mom before thanking his parents on stage.

The Utah Jazz were up next at No. 2, bringing in Kansas guard Darryn Peterson. The 6-foot-6 guard was projected to go to Washington for a while before slipping slightly in recent mock drafts, but the Jazz got a good one. He took home the Naismith Player of the Year award after averaging 20.2 points for the Jayhawks.

At No. 3, the Memphis Grizzlies added some much-needed size by drafting Duke forward Cameron Boozer, the son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer. It is going to be a bit of an adjustment for him, though. In a pre-recorded interview, he mentioned that this will be his first time playing without his twin brother, Cayden, who decided to stay at Duke for another year.

The Chicago Bulls used the fourth pick on UNC-Chapel Hill star Caleb Wilson. Even though a broken hand cut his college season short, the Atlanta native still put up huge numbers, averaging nearly a double-double with 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds a night.

The Los Angeles Clippers shook things up at No. 5 by grabbing Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, who helped spark that surprise Final Four run. Hoops runs deep in his family—his parents actually met while playing basketball at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas.

The hometown Brooklyn Nets kept things local at No. 6, selecting Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. right in his new home arena. Right after that, the Sacramento Kings picked up Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. at No. 7. He was a bucket for the Razorbacks, averaging 23 points and 6.6 assists.

The Atlanta Hawks selected Houston guard Kingston Flemings at No. 8, and he kept it completely casual after the pick, walking around Barclays Center snacking on Swedish Fish.

Things got really interesting at No. 9 when the Dallas Mavericks selected Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. This creates an instant reunion with his college coach, Dusty May. In a wild turn of events, May accepted the Dallas head coaching job just one day before the draft, only two months after winning a national title with the Wolverines. Now, he gets his forward back down in Texas.

Rounding out the top 10, the Milwaukee Bucks selected Arizona guard Brayden Burries after his lone season in Tucson. His college teammate, Koa Peat, is still on the board for the later rounds.

The absolute most emotional moment of the night happened at No. 11 when the Golden State Warriors called up Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg. He immediately broke down in tears and hugged his mother, Yissel Raposo. On stage, they shared an inspiring moment, talking about her ongoing treatment for Stage 4 appendix cancer, reminding everyone that some things are much bigger than basketball.