Karaban played four seasons at UConn where he became a two-time NCAA national champion (2023, 2024) and a runner-up in 2026. He averaged 13.2 points per game on 46% shooting.
Why?: The Kings making the move for Karaban was a solid play to stay aggressive in the first round. Acuff was a good get. Not a fan of trading the early second pick and a future second, but it's rare second rounders have immediate impacts. Last year, they were fortunate to land Maxime Raynaud. However, they got back into the first round and got a guy that's known to win. He is UConn’s all-time leader in career wins with 126. He also can space the floor offensively, cashing in on 292 career 3-point field goals at UConn, a school record. The Kings are young and in the midst of a rebuild. Bringing in young players to create a new identity and culture is the best move.
Who is Alex Karaban?
Alex Karaban is a former New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 25.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game as a junior.
He contributed to a couple of NCAA national championship titles in 2023 and 2024. He tallied five points, five rebounds and three blocks in a 76-59 win against San Diego State. Not big numbers, but it's a point to make that Karaban is someone who does the little things that have a big impact on winning basketball. Coming from UConn, Karaban is a winner. That's the mindset and culture that the Kings are looking to establish and develop.
How old is Alex Karaban?
Alex Karaban is 23 years old.
Alex Karaban highlights
Check out these highlights from Alex Karaban during his collegiate tenure at University of Connecticut.
The Knicks made a number of trades during the first round of Tuesday's 2026 NBA Draft.
New York first traded down from No. 24 to No. 25 in a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, and they used their pick on guard Sergio De Larrea.
New York also received cash considerations in the NBA Draft day trade, while the Lakers took Baylor guard Cameron Carr with the No. 24 pick.
Once the first round was over, however, SNY's Ian Begley reported that the Knicks traded De Larrea for what would be five second-round picks and cash considerations.
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Knicks flipped De Larrea to the Dallas Mavericks for No. 30 pick Koa Peat and two second-round picks. The Knicks then traded Peat to the Phoenix Suns for three second-round picks and cash considerations.
Charania adds that the Knicks will enter the second round of the NBA Draft with the No. 47 pick to go along with their original No. 31 and No. 55 picks for Wednesday night.
Before trading him, Begley noted that the thinking was that the Knicks would own De Larrea's rights, but, similar to 2021 draft pick Rokas Jokubaitis (who returned to play for FC Barcelona), they could keep those rights without signing him to an NBA contract. If De Larrea is stashed, he would not impact the 2026-27 team salary.
De Larrea, a 20-year-old from Valladolid, Spain, has played with Valencia since 2021 and made his senior debut in EuroLeague play at age 17 in 2023. He averaged 9.7 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game over 18.3 minutes in 28 games during the 2025-26 season.
The 6-foot-5 guard was named the Liga ACB Best Young Player in 2026, an award given to players 22 or younger and playing 10-plus minutes per game. He also made the All-Liga Best Young Players Team in 2025 and 2026.
De Larrea has represented Spain in international tournaments, helping them win the silver medal at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup and the gold medal at the 2023 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the nineteenth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Santa Clara forward Allen Graves after he was selected by the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Round 1, Pick 11 – Yaxel Lendeborg – UAB – Golden State Warriors
While the 6-foot-9 forward starred last season for the title-winning Michigan Wolverines, Lendeborg is (or at least should be) known for his prior stardom under Andy Kennedy for the UAB Blazers. After two spectacular seasons in Birmingham, the New Jersey native decided to join former FAU head coach (and now Dallas Mavericks coach) Dusty May in Ann Arbor.
Coming off a national championship season with Michigan, Yaxel now heads out West to join the Golden State Warriors. Head Coach Steve Kerr welcomes in the forward alongside aging stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the second of whom could be a valuable mentor to the animated Lendeborg. The Dubs could slot their recent lottery pick into the three spot if needed (he played the small forward with Morez Johnson and Aday Mara this past year at Michigan), starting the veteran with the rookie in a dangerous duo. Either way, our former mid-major darling will be well taken care of by some elite pedigree in the 2026-27 season.
Round 1, Pick 16 – Bennett Stirtz – Drake – Memphis Grizzlies (Traded to Oklahoma City Thunder)
— Missouri Valley Conference (@MVCsports) June 24, 2026
If any of Bennett Stirtz’s three collegiate programs get the credit for putting him on the path toward playing in the NBA, it’s not the Iowa Hawkeyes, and no, not even the Drake Bulldogs. It is the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats, the program that hosted him for his first two collegiate seasons before he and head coach Ben McCollum began the adventure of a lifetime.
From the DII level, Stirtz took his elite productivity to Drake alongside McCollum, and after one season there, they went to the power-conference ranks at Iowa. The Liberty, Mo., native now joins a title contender in the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he adds himself to a guard room featuring two-time reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Stirtz’s ability to stay on the court and shoot well while distributing at a high clip could be a great addition to a team looking for a guard who can work well off its star player.
Round 1, Pick 19 – Allen Graves – Santa Clara- Toronto Raptors
— Santa Clara Men's Basketball (@SantaClaraHoops) June 24, 2026
The highest drafted player coming straight from a mid-major this year didn’t start regularly for Herb Sendek’s Santa Clara Broncos. The 6-foot-8, 226-pound forward did, however, light it up in the West Coast Conference, winning sixth man of the year and freshman of the year, which earned him the right to be in a place where he now is headed to Toronto.
Graves now gets added to a Raptors team with an incredible amount of youth. Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram led the squad to the five-seed in the NBA Playoffs this past year, and now Graves gets to find his role in a lineup with a significant hole at the four position.
Round 1, Pick 28 – Joshua Jefferson – Saint Mary’s – Minnesota Timberwolves (Traded to Brooklyn Nets)
The 6-foot-8 forward averaged just 8.1 minutes per game during his freshman season at Saint Mary’s, but coming off a big summer, Jefferson found a way to carve himself into a vital piece of the Gaels’ roster in 2023-24. That productive sophomore season attracted the attention of Iowa State coach TJ Otzelberger, the coach he played for for his final two collegiate seasons as he earned second team All-American honors this past year.
Jefferson now joins a Brooklyn Nets roster looking for overhaul following the departure of key stars over the past few years. Playing under Michael Porter Jr, the rookie will gain some valuable knowledge from one of the most electric scorers in the Eastern Conference.
Spike Lee is seen during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City.
It’s been over a week since the Knicks won the NBA title, but Spike Lee’s celebration of New York’s latest championship is showing no signs of slowing down.
The filmmaker and diehard Knicks supporter made an appearance at the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Tuesday night and was still very much basking in his favorite team’s big win.
Lee sported a big orange and blue jacket for the festivities and appeared to gloat about the Knicks’ victory when broadcast cameras panned to him at the event.
Lee, a fixture courtside during the Finals run, held up five fingers on his right hand and pointed to it with his left in what seemed to be an effort to acknowledge that it only took New York five games to beat the Spurs in the NBA Finals.
Lee later joined former players and analysts on ABC’s set and talked a little basketball with the guys.
He praised New York native Jose Alvarado, before he sounded quite pleased with the way the Knicks — via a trade with the Lakers — landed 20-year-old Spanish forward Sergio De Larrea in the draft’s first round.
Spike Lee is seen during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. Getty Images
However, after Lee made his appearance, the Knicks traded away De Larrea to the Mavericks for Koa Peat, who was then sent to the Suns. The Knicks ended up with cash and five second-round picks at the end of the night.
After attending all of the Knicks vs. Spurs Finals games, Lee’s been hard to miss around New York. He showed up with the newly minted champs during their appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and then he was featured prominently in their June 18 Canyon of Heroes parade.
No word on where Lee will be off to next, but it’s safe to assume the Knicks will be involved in one way or another.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: Allen Graves after he is drafted nineteenth overall by the Toronto Raptors during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When the Toronto Raptors selected Allen Graves with the No. 19 pick, a sense of uncertainty radiated across the fanbase. It was reminiscent of when the Raptors picked Collin Murray-Boyles with the ninth-overall pick nearly a year ago.
But just like with Murray-Boyles, the Raptors found a way to add a young player who will eventually play meaningful minutes and produce in significant moments during future playoff runs. Graves is the type of player who would have easily meshed and played clutch minutes with the 2025-26 New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
Here are two reasons why:
Defensive Versatility
While Graves’ offence is what could potentially tip post-season outcomes in the Raptors’ favour, it’ll be his defence that keeps him on the floor. Graves averaged 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks in only 22.6 minutes per game. While he isn’t an explosive athlete, Graves is six-foot-nine and boasts a seven-foot wingspan. The youngster doesn’t turn 20 until July 28 and yet he already understands how to weaponize his positioning and instincts. It fits perfectly on a Raptors team that finished third in deflections per game (18.4).
“When you watch him play, the disruptiveness on the defensive end that really stood out,” said General Manager and vice-president Bobby Webster immediately after the draft.
Like with any rookie, there’ll be rough patches in Graves’ first season in the league. But the front-office is enamoured by his potential on the defensive side of the ball.
“I see him wreaking havoc with CMB,” added Webster.
Graves echoed that sentiment numerous times during his press conference availability. He referenced priding himself on “deflections” and “steals”, while expressing an admiration for defensive geniuses Scottie Barnes and Murray-Boyles.
“The defensive side of the ball is something I really want to focus on,” said Graves.
There’s a realistic future where opposing ball-handlers must deal with Barnes, Murray-Boyles, and Graves switching on screens or lurking in passing lanes.
Complete Offensive Ceiling
Unlike other prospects taken in this draft range, Graves has produced evidence that he can do anything an auxiliary option on a contender should be able to do. He knocked down 41.3 per cent of his three-point attempts. He crashes the offensive glass (2.8 per game) and doesn’t turn the ball over (0.7 turnovers). As a former point guard, Graves’ vision, IQ, and playmaking chops set him up to be a valuable connector, particularly in short-clock situations.
Expect Head Coach Darko Rajakovic to deploy him as a mystery box type of screener, adding a level of unpredictability in screening actions that the Raptors don’t necessarily have. Graves showcased a growing comfort level in this role, experiencing success both as a roller and a popper. Webster highlighted Graves’ “high-process” during the post-draft press conference. It consistently shows when Graves makes secondary decisions after setting a pick.
These are skills that can’t be schemed against in the playoffs. When defences force the ball out of Barnes’ or Ingram’s hands, the hope is that it’s swung to someone incapable of consistently making the right decision or with a limited skill set. Graves projects as someone who is the opposite of that.
Like with Murray-Boyles, Raptors fans will realize that soon enough.
INDEPENDENCE, OH - JUNE 24: President of Basketbll Operations Koby Altman introduces new draft picks of the Cleveland Cavaliers during a press conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts on June 24, 2022 in Independence, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded the 29th pick of the 2026 NBA Draft to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for the 34th pick and a 2032 second-rounder. The Kings selected UConn’s Alex Karaban with Cleveland’s pick.
Sources: Cleveland is trading No. 29 to Sacramento for No. 34 and a future second-rounder. The Kings are interested in UConn's Alex Karaban at 29.
Trading back has become more common in recent years as second-round talent increases in quality. Teams have found gems in the backend of the draft this decade and are more inclined to cut costs by trading back than they were before.
This applies perfectly to the Cavs, who are looking to trim the most expensive roster in basketball by any means necessary. They’re already working to restructure James Harden’s deal while considering choosing between some of their role players this summer. All of this comes with the goal of ducking the second apron.
Trading the 29th pick brings them closer to that goal. A rookie who is selected in the first round is guaranteed a $3 million dollar contract. But a second-round pick will only get $1.35 million. That’s not a huge difference in the grand scheme of things, but the Cavs are counting every penny right now.
Adding to this, the Cavs aren’t expecting to rely on a rookie next season. This is a team that made multiple midseason trades last year and fought through consecutive seven-game series to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. That means they are all-in on winning, and late first-round picks rarely contribute that quickly.
That’s why it makes sense for the Cavs to trade back. Their primary focus is on competing for a title in the immediate future, and a developing prospect naturally won’t be their priority. Trimming the payroll and having flexibility is more important.
Of course, it’s also important to keep searching for talent on the margins while you compete. There’s no reason the Cavs should overlook their 34th pick, as it could still reap rewards. A prospect like Henri Veesar, who can space the floor at seven feet tall, could be a useful pickup in the second round.
Late on Monday night, the Brooklyn Nets acquired Julius Randle via trade, jettisoning Nic Claxton and moving five spots in the NBA Draft, from #33 to the back of the first round at #28.
On Tuesday night, Brooklyn selected Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson with that pick, a player that wasn’t invited to the Green Room but showed up anyway and triumphantly made his way down from the stands when his name was called…
Joshua Jefferson was in the stands with his family when he was drafted 🥹
Jefferson, a 6’9″ 22-year-old, played two years at St. Mary’s before transferring to ISU for his final two seasons, where he developed a reputation as one of the best passing forwards in NCAA basketball. In 2025-26, he averaged 16/7/5 while securing All-America Second Team honors. The Nevada native also shot 34.5% from deep on over three attempts per game this season, both career-highs; though his stock dropped toward the end of the season, there had been often lottery buzz surrounding him.
Scouts commend his instincts for the game on both ends, racking up assists and deflections, though his athleticism at the next level is in question. How often can he finish at the rim, how often can he explode past defenders? Doesn’t he sound like a perfect Net? In any case, few prospects are better equipped to be making passing reads from the top of the key, as we saw Brooklyn’s bigs do frequently under Jordi Fernández last season.
Joshua Jefferson joins a crowded group of Nets on rookie contracts, now the eighth including the Flatbush Five, Mikel Brown Jr., and Noah Clowney. While Brooklyn could still trade him in the coming days or weeks, he does seem to fit their vision and could compete for rotation minutes as a rookie.
“I’m just a do-it-all forward,” said Jefferson. “I compete on the defensive side of the ball, I’m able to score, rebound, and facilitate. I think that’s my best attribute is just being able to connect the team and get a lot of assists.”
In a bit of a departure from Brooklyn’s recent draft history, Jefferson told reporters that he believes his physicality is his most translatable skill…
Joshua Jefferson says that his it's his physicality that will translate the best to the NBA: pic.twitter.com/WW9d0w56ZG
He also discussed the feedback he got from Brooklyn during the pre-draft process: “They felt I fit in a lot of spots because of my versatility. So I think I’m where I need to be; the Nets took a great chance on me and Im very thankful for that.”
AJ Dybantsa got three haircuts in the two days before the draft.
AJ Dybansta spent about as much time in a barber’s chair as he did on a basketball court to prepare for the NBA draft this week.
During a sitdown interview with ESPN analysts on Tuesday night, the former BYU star revealed he got a staggering amount of haircuts in the span of 48 hours to make sure he looked good for his big moment at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
“Three haircuts in two days,” Dybansta said, before adding that was a personal record for him.
AJ Dybantsa got three haircuts in the two days before the draft. Getty Images
Dybansta put his trust in Mario G Robinson’s clippers to make his hair pop for the special night, and Malika Andrews made it clear she was a fan of the stylist’s work.
“I gotta say my friend,” she told Dybansta while live on-air, “your lineup, it’s clean.”
Is AJ Dybantsa a patient guy?
“With haircuts, yes. With waiting to be drafted, no.”
In addition to looking sharp in front of the crowd and their cameras, Dybansta also used the opportunity to show love to his father.
AJ Dybantsa looks on after being drafted by the Washington Wizards during the 2026 NBA Draft – Round One on June 23 , 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NBAE via Getty Images
Dybansta requested Adam Silver introduce him by his real name, Anicet Dybansta Jr., to pay homage to his dad, Anicet Dybansta Sr.
“Everything I do is for him,” Dybansta said when addressing the temporary name change. “It’s the name he gave me. It’s really his name because he’s Sr. So I also wanted to honor him on this day too.”
Dybansta also said he’s already heard form a few of his new Wizards teammates, and he can’t wait to get his pro career started in D.C.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Koa Peat #10 of the Arizona Wildcats in action against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mr. Arizona will get to begin his pro career in his home state.
Arizona forward Koa Peat was taken 30th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night, the final selection of the first round. He was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks but is headed to the Phoenix Suns in a trade that also involved the New York Knicks.
Sources: New York traded No. 25 pick Sergio De Larrea to the Dallas Mavericks for No. 30 Koa Peat and two second-round picks. And then the Knicks traded Peat to the Phoenix Suns for three-rounders and cash. So Knicks move out of the first round — pick up 5 seconds and cash.
The 6-foot-8 Peat helped the UA return to the Final Four for the first time in 25 years in his lone college season, averaging 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists. His career started with a bang, going for 30 points, seven rebounds and five assists against defending national champion Florida, and in the NCAA Tournament he averaged 17.2 points and 7.6 rebounds.
Yet a disappointing performance at the NBA Draft Combine in May led to speculation that Peat might opt to return to the UA for another season. The school had saved a roster spot was reportedly prepared to pay him a lot to come back, but Peat bet on himself and became the 29th 1st-round pick to play for the Wildcats, moving past Indiana for 7th-most in NBA history.
Peat joins UA teammate Brayden Burries, who went 10th overall to the Milwaukee Bucks, to give the Wildcats multiple 1st-round selections for the sixth time in school history and first since 2022.
A native of Gilbert, Ariz., Peat won four state titles with Perry High School before joining the UA.
He is the second 1st rounder in his family, as older brother Andrus Peat was taken in the 1st round of the 2015 NFL Draft and is heading into his 12th pro season. They’re the second siblings to be 1st-round picks in different sports, joining ex-ASU wide receiver Jordan Tyson (NFL, 2026) and 2024 NBA draftee Jaylon Tyson.
The Post’s Zach Braziller grades the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
1. Washington Wizards — AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU
The best player in his class since the eighth grade, the 6-foot-9 wing is wired to score. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him lead the league in scoring one day. Perhaps most importantly for the chronically rebuilding Wizards, Dybantsa is an intense competitor. He won’t just sit back and accept more losing.
Grade: A
The Wizards selected BYU star freshman AJ Dybantsa (r) with the No. 1 pick. Getty Images
2. Utah Jazz — Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
There is some risk involved, despite Peterson’s prodigious talent. He was unreliable in his lone year at Kansas, missing 11 games and good chunks of several second halves due to an assortment of mysterious injuries. Nobody is questioning his talent — he has the highest upside of anyone in this draft.
Grade: A-
3. Memphis Grizzlies — Cameron Boozer, F, Duke
Boozer will enter the league with a chip on his shoulder. Ahead of the draft, the do-it-all forward said, “down the line, people are gonna look back and say that I should’ve been” in conversations to go No. 1. He has a point, as the fifth freshman ever to be the consensus National Player of the Year. Three of the other four — Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson, Cooper Flagg — all went No. 1. Only Kevin Durant went No. 2. Pretty good company for Boozer to keep.
Grade: A
4. Chicago Bulls — Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina
In a regular year, Wilson is a No. 1 pick contender. That’s how loaded this class is. There isn’t a better athlete in this draft than this 6-foot-9 jumping jack of a prospect who averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists as a freshman for the Tar Heels.
Grade: A
The Jazz opted for Darryn Peterson over Cam Boozer in the draft’s first pivotal moment. Getty Images
5. Los Angeles Clippers — Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
Give me Mikel Brown Jr., Darius Acuff Jr. or Kingston Flemings over Wagler. This pick will age poorly. The Clippers passed on three better players — now and in the future.
Grade: D
6. Brooklyn Nets — Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville
At least the Nets didn’t reach for Wagler, thanks to the Clippers. I would’ve gone with Acuff from Arkansas, but as long as Brown’s back isn’t an issue — and the Nets met with him several times, so one would think they aren’t concerned about it — the shot-making guard out of Louisville has the potential to be a difference-maker in the backcourt.
Grade: B
Mikel Brown Jr. is headed to Brooklyn. AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura
7. Sacramenton Kings — Darius Acuff Jr., G, Arkansas
The Kings get a steal at No. 7, the second-best guard in this draft after Peterson. Acuff makes difficult shots and can run a team. The Clippers and Nets are going to regret passing on the 6-foot-2 playmaker.
Grade: A
8. Atlanta Hawks — Kingston Flemings, G, Houston
The young Hawks core adds a potential two-way dynamo in the Houston guard. If his 3-point shot comes along — while he made 38.7 percent as a freshman, he attempted only 2.9 per game — Flemings has All-Star capabilities. A tandem of Flemings and Dyson Daniels is a flat-out scary defensive duo on the perimeter.
Grade: A-
9. Dallas Mavericks — Morez Johnson Jr., F, Michigan
The Michigan Mavericks. New coach Dusty May is bringing one of his Wolverines with him to Dallas. Somewhat of a surprise considering where he was projected, but the 6-foot-9 Johnson profiles as an impact defender, a dogged rebounder, and there is offensive potential beyond what he has shown in two years of college.
Grade: B+
10. Milwaukee Bucks — Brayden Burries, G, Arizona
He is ready to contribute immediately and will get plenty of minutes for the rebuilding Bucks. Surprised Milwaukee didn’t take a bigger swing here, but it’s hard to argue against a well-coached, two-way player who shot better than expected — 39.1 percent from deep on 4.9 attempts — in his lone year of college.
Grade: B
11. Golden State Warriors – Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan
The Warriors believe they can contend, and the 24-year-old Lendeborg will provide immediate help as a versatile defender, shotmaker and slasher. What a journey for the Pennsauken, N.J., native, who was working at a warehouse, thinking he was done with the sport. Now, he’s teammates with Stephen Curry.
Grade: B+
12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Welcome to the NBA, Aday. Now, go defend Victor Wembanyama, the Thunder’s nemesis. The 7-foot-3 center was one of the biggest risers over the past two months and winds up in the back end of the lottery after helping Michigan win its first national championship in 37 years.
Grade: B
The Warriors drafted Yaxel Lendeborg with the No. 11 pick. Getty Images
13. Milwaukee Bucks – Nate Ament, F, Tennessee
This is the swing I was talking about. The 6-foot-10 Ament needs to get stronger and be more efficient, but he has the length and shotmaking prowess teams covet on the wing. He is also used to tough coaching, after spending his freshman year with Rick Barnes at Tennessee.
Grade: A
14. Charlotte Hornets – Hannes Steinbach, F, Washington
Charlotte fills a major need with the nation’s leading rebounder (11.8). The Hornets could lose Miles Bridges, Grant Williams and Josh Green in free agency, but land this German native who notched 22 double-doubles a year ago, tied for the most in the country with Boozer.
Grade: B
15. Chicago Bulls – Dailyn Swain, F, Texas
Loved the Bulls’ first pick of Wilson. Not nearly as high on this selection. Swain is a wing who doesn’t shoot well. He’s a slasher who will have to defend at a very high level to be a major contributor on a quality team.
Grade: C+
16. Oklahoma City Thunder — Bennett Stirz, G, Iowa
The Thunder moved up a spot, sending the Grizzlies two second-round picks and No. 17 overall, to get the Iowa combo guard. The sharpshooting Stirtz can play on and off the ball and gives Oklahoma City another court-spacer.
Grade: B
17. Detroit Pistons – Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford
The Pistons are after offensive firepower to lighten the load on Cade Cunningham. Okorie, while undersized at 6-foot-1, makes sense with that in mind. But he’s going to have to improve as a 3-point shooter after shooting only 35.5 percent as a freshman to be productive at the next level.
Grade: C+
18. Charlotte Hornets – Christian Anderson, G, Texas Tech
This should’ve been the Pistons’ pick. Anderson is a lights-out shooter who improved considerably as a playmaker this past season. Prediction: Years from now, we’re going to wonder how he wasn’t a lottery pick.
Grade: A
Will the Nets regret not taking Darius Acuff Jr. with the No. 6 pick? AP Photo/Adam Hunger
19. Toronto Raptors – Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara
Stretch four with an advanced feel for the game. Has offensive hub and glue guy potential. His ability to space the floor makes him a frontcourt fit next to Scottie Barnes.
Grade: B+
20. San Antonio Spurs – Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
Gutsy risk by the Spurs. If the surgically repaired knee is right, this is a steal. Quaintance is a lottery talent, but health concerns dropped him to No. 20. The rim-protecting, rebounding athlete can play alongside Victor Wembanyama or back him up. The Spurs were too thin behind Wembanyama and this starts to address that weakness.
Grade: B+
21. Memphis Grizzlies — Karim Lopez, F, New Zealand Breakers
Memphis now has an intriguing forward tandem with Boozer and López. The hard-playing, physical López has elite athleticism that can make him into an upper-echelon defender. The jump shot, though, needs major work.
Grade: B
22. Philadelphia 76ers — Labaron Philon Jr., G, Alabama
Fantastic pick. Home run. One of the premier guards in the country joins one of the best young backcourts in the NBA. Philon with VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey is an explosive trio.
Grade: A
23. Atlanta Hawks — Zuby Ejiofor, F, St. John’s
The Hawks have just gained a lot of fans in Queens. The gritty Ejiofor, arguably the best Johnnie this century, becomes the school’s first first-round pick in 14 years, since Moe Harkless went 15th overall in 2012.
Grade: B+
24. Los Angeles Lakers — Cameron Carr, G, Baylor
Springy wing with in-the-arena range. Needs to get stronger and improve defensively but has the ability to be a microwave scorer. The Lakers were smart to move up for him. A lottery-level talent.
Grade: A-
25. Dallas Mavericks — Sergio De Larrea, G, Valencia Basket
Grade: B
The Knicks chose 20-year-old Spanish sharpshooter Sergio De Larrea. Euroleague Basketball via Getty
Big point guard at 6-foot-6 who is a potential draft-and-stash. Highly regarded European prospect who is only 20 years old. The Knicks initially made the pick before sending it to the Mavericks.
26. San Antonio Spurs — Tarris Reed Jr., C, Connecticut
The Spurs aren’t messing around with their big-man depth. First was Quaintance and now Reed, centers with vastly different styles. Reed is an old-school big, a back-to-the-basket player who has made strides as a defender and rebounder.
Grade: B
27. Boston Celtics — Chris Cenac Jr., C, Houston
The 6-foot-10 forward didn’t have the freshman year many expected and fell in the draft, nearly out of the first round. Still has the measurables, namely in his 7-foot-5 wingspan, that teams desire.
Grade: C
28. Brooklyn Nets — Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
One of my favorite players in this draft. Does everything well as a versatile 6-foot-8 forward. Most of all, he is used to winning and will impact the Nets in a positive manner. He’s a culture builder.
Grade: A
29. Sacramento Kings — Alex Karaban, F, Connecticut
Karaban can make shots and space the floor, but defending wings at the next level will be a very tall task for him. He’s a limited athlete.
Grade: D
30. Phoenix Suns — Koa Peat, F, Arizona
So, the Suns traded into the first round for a shooting-challenged forward who doesn’t profile as much of a defender and should’ve stayed in school? Yikes.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 15: Tarris Reed Jr. #5 of the UConn Huskies reacts after scoring a basket against the BYU Cougars during the first half at the TD Garden on November 15, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
UConn’s very own Tarris Reed Jr. was drafted 26th overall by the San Antonio Spurs following a trade with the Denver Nuggets. Reed was named a First Team All-Big East selection this season with the Huskies after averaging 14 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.
Reed will join the Western Conference Champions, who have a ton to prove next season. Reed will play alongside former UConn Husky Stephon Castle and French phenom Victor Wembanyama. San Antonio also drafted Kentucky’s Jayden Quaintance, a talented but inexperienced big. With Luke Kornet as the backup center for the Spurs, it might take some time until Reed sees big minutes for the team. Kornet and Reed will battle it out for who can earn the second center spot, assuming Quaintance plays power forward.
Reed was a key player for the Huskies all season but took his game to another level as part of UConn’s run to the national championship game. His first-round domination against Furman boosted his draft stock after putting up 31 points and 27 rebounds. He’s the first player with such a performance since Elvin Hayes in 1968. The following week in the Elite 8 against Duke, he went up against the draft’s No. 3 overall selection, Cameron Boozer, and scored 26 points with nine rebounds, which helped the Huskies come back from 19 points down in the second half.
Tarris Reed with an all-time dominant performance:
31 points 27 rebounds 3 assists 12-15 FG 7-9 FT
Outrebounded Furman on his own, 27-23.
He’s the third player since 1960 with 30 points and 25 rebounds in an NCAA tournament game, per ESPN Research.pic.twitter.com/fnHrxj7EPY
With these performances, Reed was named NCAA East Regional Most Outstanding Player as well as All-Tournament Team.
Reed missed a handful of games at the beginning of the season due to a hamstring injury. He got back into the starting lineup and did not disappoint. He really turned up the volume once March rolled around. Reed began the Big East Tournament on a high note with a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double, and a few games later, scored another 17 in the Big East Championship against St. John’s.
Before his time in Storrs, Reed played his first two seasons for the Michigan Wolverines, where he averaged 6.2 points and 5.5 rebounds. In his first year with UConn, he won the 2024-25 Big East Sixth Man of the Year, putting up 9.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
His NBA comparison? Picture a paint big with a strong defensive presence, like Neemias Queta or an Andrew Bogut-type player. Reed’s basketball IQ is unlike any other, especially playing for a coach like Dan Hurley. Reed is physical and is the first to throw himself to the floor for a loose ball.
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: An overall photo of 2026 NBA Draft stage before the 2026 NBA Draft - Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Hannah Ally/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The 2026 NBA Draft is finally upon us.
On Tuesday night, the first round of the next NBA players will be selected. Thirty players will hear their names called then, with another 30 to be selected in Wednesday’s second round.
As of the morning of the first round, the pick order looks like this.
THE DRAFT BOARD 👀
Watch the First Round of the 2026 NBA Draft TONIGHT at 8:00pm/et on ABC & ESPN! pic.twitter.com/SSJc7a81hH
We shall see how the order ultimately plays out, of course, as teams may make trades up or down the order.
At the time of publishing (just before the beginning of Round 1), the Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 overall pick, and the Philadelphia 76ers are set to pick No. 22. This will be the first draft pick for the franchise made by new President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey.
The draft begins at 8 p.m. ET. We will keep you posted on all of the latest picks live right here on this page. Follow along and discuss in the comments below!
Round 1
No. 1 – AJ Dybantsa (Brigham Young, F) selected by the Washington Wizards.
No. 2 – Darryn Peterson (Kansas, G) selected by the Utah Jazz.
No. 3 – Cameron Boozer (Duke, F) selected by the Memphis Grizzlies.
No. 4 – Caleb Wilson (North Carolina, F) selected by the Chicago Bulls.
No. 5 – Keaton Wagler (Illinois, G) selected by the Los Angeles Clippers.
No. 6 – Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville, G) selected by the Brooklyn Nets.
No. 7 – Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas, G) selected by the Sacramento Kings.
No. 8 – Kingston Flemings (Houston, G) selected by the Atlanta Hawks.
No. 9 – Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan, C/F) selected by the Dallas Mavericks.
No. 10 – Brayden Burries (Arizona, G) selected by the Milwaukee Bucks.
No. 11 – Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan, F) selected by the Golden State Warriors.
No. 12 – Aday Mara (Michigan, C) selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
No. 13 – Nate Ament (Tennessee, F) selected by the Milwaukee Bucks* (Pick acquired from Giannis trade with Miami Heat)
No. 14 – Hannes Steinbach (Washington, F) selected by the Charlotte Hornets.
No. 15 – Dailyn Swain (Texas, F) selected by the Chicago Bulls.
No. 16 – Bennett Stirtz (Iowa, G) to the Oklahoma City Thunder* (selected by the Memphis Grizzlies and immediately traded to OKC.)
No. 17 – Ebuka Okorie (Stanford, G) to the Detroit Pistons* (selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder, immediately traded to MEM, then to DET).
No. 18 – Christian Anderson Jr. (Texas Tech, G) selected by the Charlotte Hornets.
No. 19 – Allen Graves (Santa Clara, F) selected by the Toronto Raptors.
No. 20 – Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky, C) selected by the San Antonio Spurs.
No. 21 – Karim Lopez (NZ Breakers, F) to the Memphis Grizzlies* (selected by the Detroit Pistons and immediately traded to MEM).
No. 22 – Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama, G) selected by the Philadelphia 76ers.
With the No. 22 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Sixers select… Labaron Philon!
Owner Joe Lacob and General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. appeared to have an intense exchange inside the Warriors’ draft war room not long before the selection was made.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. had a curious moment before selecting the No. 11 overall pick at the NBA Draft. AP
The Warriors reportedly fielded offers for the No. 11 pick before selecting Lendeborg, a small forward.
The team ultimately decided to stick with their selection as the public tried to decipher a conversation captured on video between Lacob and Dunleavy prior to the pick.
The toss up for the Warriors was reportedly between Arizona guard Brayden Burries and Lendeborg. The former was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks at No. 10 overall.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob and GM Mike Dunleavy appear to disagree on what to do with the pick pic.twitter.com/LGKd0hvQav
UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) backs down Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) on Monday, April 6, 2026, during the NCAA men’s basketball national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Well, we thought we were done for the night, but the Spurs upped and surprised us and made a trade with the Denver Nuggets, accepting the 26th pick in exchange for the 35th pick and two future second round picks. With the 26th pick, the Spurs went with size again. After selecting a long-term project in Jayden Quaintance at 20th, they selected 6’10 center Tarris Reed at 26th (or technically had the Nuggets select him, then traded for him).
Trade details for #26:
Nuggets trade Tarris Reed Jr. (#26) to Spurs for Pick No. 35 tomorrow, a 2028 2nd (via MIN) and a 2031 2nd (via SAC).
Reed is 22 years old and, after two years at Michigan, had a breakout March Madness at UConn this year, where he averaged 9.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. He’s considered an old school, back-to-the-basket big but is still highly efficient around the rim, shooting 64.4% from the field last season. This was an unexpected move from the Spurs, but it’s clear they are looking to add size behind Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet, and while they can wait for Quaintance to get healthy, Reed gives them a prospect ready to go on day 1.
Stay tuned for more on this pick for the Spurs, and welcome to San Antonio, Tarris!
The 6-foot-5, 185-pound guard averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists last season.
Carr spent the first two years of his college career with the Tennessee Volunteers, playing in 18 games. He transferred to the Baylor Bears as a junior and was named a third-team All-Big 12 player. He is the son of former NBA player Chris Carr, who played for six different teams in six seasons.
The Lakers moved up one spot, sending the 25th overall pick and cash considerations to the Knicks. Los Angeles picked Spain guard Sergio De Larrea, the Spanish Super Tournament MVP for New York.
The Lakers have not drafted in the first round since 2024. They drafted Lachlan Olbrich in the second round last year, but he was sent to the Chicago Bulls.
Rob Pelinka, the team's president of basketball operations, and the front office will still have other decisions to make to push the organization forward.
It will be the first time since 1979 that the Buss family was not the majority owner of the team, after the first full offseason under Mark Walter. Walter obtained majority ownership for $10 billion. The Buss family still owns 15% of the franchise. The sale was officially approved by the NBA Board of Governors in October 2025.
The Lakers must construct a winning strategy in order for the team to take another step forward and back on the path to a championship with Luka Doncic as the focal point.
The Lakers finished the regular season with a 53-29 record and the fourth seed in the Western Conference. They got the best of the Houston Rockets in the first round, winning the first three games of the series before closing it out in Game 6. Then they were swept in the conference semifinals by the Oklahoma City Thunder without Doncic available due to injury.
The order in which the Lakers make moves this offseason will be telling for the direction in which the franchise is trying to go.
Here’s what’s left for the Lakers to do this offseason:
Will the Lakers sign LeBron James?
LeBron James is set to become a free agent when the league year ends on June 30. He will have one of a handful of options to make regarding his basketball future.
If James decides he wants to continue playing and return for his 24th season in the NBA, the Lakers will have to explore the option of whether they want to keep him in Los Angeles. He would immediately become priority No. 1.
The Lakers retain the rights to their own free agents, but the NBA does place a placeholder salary (known as a cap hold) against the team's salary cap to prevent other teams, such as L.A. in this case, from signing any other free agents before re-signing their own to avoid going over the cap.
Reaves has been featured as a star player on the team’s roster, but he will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and could potentially get $40 million annually.
Reporter Dan Woike of The Athletic was told that Reaves could have interest from the Brooklyn Nets and is expected to receive a four-year deal worth $178.5 million. The Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks are expected to be among the other teams interested in acquiring Reaves.
Both teams could create space to make competitive offers for the 6-foot-5 shooting guard.
Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber will also be unrestricted free agents. Deandre Ayton has a player option and could opt into another year on his contract with Los Angeles. He could also decide to become an unrestricted free agent.
Come along as AJ gets his hair cut on Draft Day! 
