The Washington Wizards have not held the No. 1 overall pick since selecting John Wall back in 2010. Sunday night, that changed.
The NBA officially completed the 2026 Draft Lottery on May 10, and Washington came away with the top selection in what scouts around the league have called one of the stronger draft classes in recent memory. The Wizards entered with a 14% chance at the pick, tied with the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers, and they held their position when it mattered most.
Wall was even on stage when the results came through, representing the organization for the moment.
With names like BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and Duke’s Cameron Boozer drawing attention at the top of the board, Washington now has a decision to make. Beyond the headliners, analysts have consistently pointed to solid depth throughout the first round.
David Banks-Imagn Images
2026 NBA Draft Order: Picks 1 Through 14
The lottery locked in the first 14 selections ahead of the NBA Draft, set for June 23 and 24. Picks 15 through 30 are determined by regular season records from the 2025-26 season, though prior trades and protected pick conditions will continue to shape the final order.
- Washington Wizards
- Utah Jazz
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Chicago Bulls
- Los Angeles Clippers (from Indiana Pacers)
- Brooklyn Nets
- Sacramento Kings
- Atlanta Hawks (from New Orleans Pelicans)
- Dallas Mavericks
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Golden State Warriors
- Oklahoma City Thunder (from Los Angeles Clippers)
- Miami Heat
- Charlotte Hornets
The Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies landed at two and three respectively, while the Chicago Bulls moved into the fourth spot. The LA Clippers slotted in at No. 5 through Indiana via a prior trade agreement, and the Oklahoma City Thunder picked up another asset landing at No. 12.
With the lottery now settled, front offices across the league will shift their focus toward June. For Washington especially, this is a franchise-altering moment and the direction they go at No. 1 will set the tone for years ahead.
Related: Shaquille O’Neal Faces Hilarious Punishment From Kevin Hart if Eagles Win NFC East