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.
Jun 23, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Sean Sullivan (45) pitches in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
It would seem the Colorado Rockies used up most of their magic last night. After an exciting walk-off finale, the Rockies fell back to earth this evening with a quiet game against the Boston Red Sox in which the offense struggled to gain any momentum.
A gutsy start by Sean Sullivan
Left-handed rookie Sean Sullivan’s first three starts have certainly been unique. The first came under the scorching Nevada sun while he was visibly ill and he worked just three innings. In his second start he worked for innings, but also gave up seven earned runs in a single inning against Chicago.
Making his third start tonight, and his first at Coors Field, Sullivan certainly wasn’t sharp. He struggled with command and location—the opposite of what his calling card has been in the minors—walking five batters and throwing 94 pitches in five innings of work. However, it was both the longest start of his career and an incredibly gutsy one. Despite dealing with self-inflicted wounds, Sullivan largely kept his mistakes from haunting him and kept the Rockies within reach. He gave up just three earned runs on five hits and the aforementioned walks, struck out three batters, and tallied ten whiffs. Six of those whiffs came on his four-seam fastball despite the pitch averaging just 87.7 MPH. He gave up just one home run, a solo shot off the bat of Wilyer Abreu in the fifth inning.
“At the end of the night he gave us a chance to win,” said manager Warren Schaeffer after the game. “He battled, but [fell] behind in too many counts. Too many walks.”
Righty Zach Agnos took the ball from Sullivan for three innings of relief work, the first of which exemplified the struggles the Rockies bullpen have faced lately. In the sixth inning, Agnos gave up two earned runs on three hits to put the Rockies down by four runs. All three of those hits came with two outs already on the board.
However, Agnos was very solid the rest of the way. Over his next two innings of work he allowed just two more hits and a walk while keeping the Red Sox off the board.
Agnos gave way to Juan Mejia for the top of the ninth inning. Mejia entered the game with a 6.95 ERA and in the middle of a painful slump. Over his last ten appearances and 9.1 innings, Mejia had posted an ERA of 14.46 with eight strikeouts and seven walks.
Mejia gave up one hit but pitched an otherwise clean inning, lowering his ERA on the season to 6.75.
Windy Gray
There seemed to be a bit of a breeze in the air tonight at Coors Field, largely stemming from the swinging of Rockies’ bats against veteran right-handed pitcher and three-time All-Star Sonny Gray. Gray was very efficient tonight, making it through seven innings on 93 pitches. While he did give up six hits and three walks, he generally kept the Rockies offense stymied with a season-high 11 strikeouts—the most he’s tallied in a game since June 27th, 2025. His sweeper was particularly effective and accounted for 13 of his 16 whiffs.
For most of the game the Rockies had just one run on the scoreboard. It came in the second inning courtesy of Willi Castro sending a solo home run over the right field wall. Castro finished the night 1-for-3 with a walk.
Jake McCarthy extended his hitting streak to 12 consecutive games while TJ Rumfield and Troy Johnston both had multi-hit nights, but there was very little else of note coming from the offense for most of the contest. One final gasp of fight game off the bat of Ezequiel Tovar in the bottom of the ninth inning when he hit his sixth home run of the season.
The series finale against the Red Sox is tomorrow afternoon, and the Rockies still have a chance to clinch a series win and send Boston packing. Kyle Freeland will toe the rubber for the Rockies while fellow lefty Ranger Suárez will take the mound for the Red Sox. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM MDT.
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.”
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.
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.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 23: Brandon Sproat #23 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 23, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While the Brewers’ offense didn’t exactly have a get-right game, it didn’t matter. Behind a dominant performance from Brandon Sproat and the pitching staff, Milwaukee held the Reds to just two hits in a 2-0 shutout victory, their third straight win.
Despite his struggles this season, Reds starter Nick Lodolo was dealing out of the gate, holding the Brewers hitless the first time through the lineup. Jackson Chourio broke up the no-hitter in the top of the fourth with a comebacker that got Lodolo on the pitching hand. He was pretty shaken up, but ended up staying in the game after members of the Reds’ training staff came out to check on him.
After Chourio reached, Lodolo began to unravel, allowing another single to Brice Turang and walking Andrew Vaughn in between a William Contreras strikeout. Vaughn’s walk gave the Brewers bases loaded with only one out, but Jake Bauers struck out looking (after unsuccessfully challenging the ruling of a strike), and Gary Sánchez lined out to center field to end the inning with the Brewers still scoreless.
Lodolo managed to get through the fourth, but didn’t look right. Shortly after reliever Julian Garcia came out for the top of the fifth, the Reds announced that Lodolo had been pulled due to a left wrist contusion.
Despite losing their starter, the Reds kept the Brewers off the board for another inning. Neither team scored until the top of the sixth, when Andrew Vaughn worked a two-out walk against Garcia. Left-hander Caleb Ferguson then entered to face Jake Bauers, who hit a high chopper down the first-base line and over the head of first baseman Sal Stewart. Vaughn came all the way around to score as Bauers raced into third with his first triple of the year.
This RBI triple makes us want to vote for Bauers 5x daily
While the Reds’ pitching held strong through six innings, the Brewers matched them inning for inning. Sproat delivered what was probably the best outing of his career so far, carrying a no-hitter into the sixth inning and racking up 10 strikeouts without walking a single batter. The one hit he allowed — a single to Jose Trevino to start the bottom of the sixth — was quickly nullified by a great throw from Sánchez on a steal attempt (by Edwin Arroyo, who replaced Trevino at first on a fielder’s choice).
Sproat has experienced some growing pains during his rookie year, but starts like Tuesday’s are a glimpse of why the Brewers remain so excited about his long-term potential.
The Brewers got another run in the top of the eighth off Chase Petty after Turang and Contreras hit back-to-back one-out singles and Andrew Vaughn knocked in Turang with a sacrifice fly. Abner Uribe faced three batters in the bottom of the eighth, and Trevor Megill faced three batters in the bottom of the ninth as the Brewers held on for the shutout.
Brewers pitching in the last two games combined:
19 IP 4 H 0 ER 0 BB 27 K
It's just the second time in MLB history that a team has allowed 0 ER and 0 BB with at least 27 strikeouts in a two-game span. The other time? Also the Brewers in 2020 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wdWihbpGRy
Despite scoring just four runs in two games, the Brewers will look for the series sweep tomorrow in Cincinnati. Shane Drohan will go for Milwaukee opposite righty Rhett Lowder. First pitch is slated for 6:10 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 23: Luis Arraez #1 of the San Francisco Giants reacts after hitting a foul ball into his leg in the bottom of the first inning...
SAN FRANCISCO — As if the Giants’ season couldn’t become more cursed.
Luis Arraez, one of the few bright spots and San Francisco’s top trade chip, fouled a ball off his foot Tuesday night and was forced to exit the Giants’ series opener against the A’s.
Luis Arraez reacts after hitting a foul ball into his leg in the bottom of the first inning against the Athletics at Oracle Park. Getty Images
The good news is that Arraez appears to have averted the worst.
Only “a little sore,” according to manager Tony Vitello.
X-Rays came back clean, Vitello said after the 3-1 win. He is considered day-to-day.
“If he can go (Wednesday), he’ll go,” Vitello said. “We’ll touch base with him in the morning.”
Arraez was wearing a shin guard in his first-inning at-bat against Aaron Civale, but the ricochet off his bat apparently missed the protective gear as the Giants’ second baseman was clearly in pain. The game was paused while Vitello and a trainer checked on him.
“I think (J.T.) Realmuto got his in that exact same spot, right on the arch,” Vitello said. “He’s as tough as they come too and it was like an inning [he stayed in the game] and he had to go. Then he couldn’t go the next couple days. It’ll be interesting to see how the swelling is in the morning.”
Luis Arraez has left the game after fouling a ball off his foot in the first inning pic.twitter.com/xG4EomdAwc
Arraez initially remained in the game. He finished the at-bat, flying out to left, but had a noticeable limp as he made his way up the first base line.
He stayed in the game, even ripping his customary single on a line drive on the ninth pitch of his next at-bat, until the top of the fifth. Casey Schmitt, who started the game in left field, took over at second base.
“He always wants to be out there. The good thing is he’s honest with us,” Vitello said. “It was tightening up right away, but he stayed out there and got a base hit. … He just needed to come out.”
San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez talks with manager Tony Vitello and a trainer after fouling off a ball of his foot during the first inning against the Athletics at Oracle Park. Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
It ended up being a good outcome given an injury to Arraez couldn’t have come at a worse time, just over a month out from MLB’s trade deadline. The Giants, 15 games below .500 entering Tuesday, are obvious sellers, and with Arreaz’s stellar two-way play on a one-year deal, he is a clear candidate to be moved.
Not only has the three-time batting champ reclaimed his position among the league’s best hitters for average, the notoriously poor defender has been a revelation at second base.
The combination of those qualities could entice a contender to part with a considerable package of prospects to acquire his services for the stretch run. The bloated contracts and underperformance of the Giants’ other trade candidates means Arraez could net them a better return than Matt Chapman, Willy Adames or Rafael Devers.
Had X-Rays revealed the worst, the Giants may not have gotten the chance to cash in.
DETROIT — Almost every night, Cody Bellinger finds a way to impact the game.
On Tuesday, he did it with his arm.
Bellinger unleashed a 95.5 mph throw from left field on one hop to the plate to nail a runner trying to score in the fourth inning before the Yankees came back to beat the Tigers 4-3 at Comerica Park.
Cody Bellinger bats against during the third inning of the Yankees’ 4-3 win over the Tigers at Comerica Park on June 23, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
“What a great throw,” said Carlos Rodón, who was on the mound. “I was surprised they sent [the runner], because Cody’s got a good arm. He’s a great defender. And of course he comes up and throws it right on the money.”
The Tigers led 2-1 at the time and were threatening for more, with Riley Greene on second base and two outs. Hao-Yu Lee hit a single to left field, where Bellinger fielded it cleanly and fired home to Austin Wells, who caught it on a bounce and then slid over to his left to tag Greene.
“Obviously I wanted to get a good beat on it and set my feet and make a good throw,” Bellinger said. “It was a pretty good throw, but Wellsy did a great job of getting the ball and putting a quick tag on him.”
Wells snapped an 0-for-18 skid (that dated back to before his injured-list stint) by roping an RBI double off lefty Tyler Holton in the sixth inning, extending the Yankees’ lead to 4-2.
“Really good swing off a tough at-bat,” Bellinger said. “He’s a huge part of this team and excited to have him back.”
Wells was making his second start since being activated off the IL for cervical headaches.
The Yankees’ catcher position continues to be in flux, as Ali Sánchez went on the paternity list Tuesday (replaced by J.C. Escarra) but looks like he might avoid the injured list after taking a 98 mph fastball to his right wrist on Monday. X-rays and a CT scan were both negative.
“Hoping off of the testing and everything that he’ll be a player for us when he gets back, whether that’s Thursday or Friday,” Boone said.
Left fielder Riley Greene is tagged out at home by Austin Wells who received an on-the-money throw from Cody Bellinger during the fourth inning of the Yankees’ win over the Tigers. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
The Yankees announced Tuesday they have signed 18-year-old right-hander Chien-Fan Lai out of Taiwan as part of their international signing class. The team said Lai was the “highest-rated Taiwanese pitcher in the 2026 class,” though it was not immediately clear whose ratings those were.
But the 6-foot, 180-pound Lai became the third Taiwanese player in franchise history to sign with the Yankees, joining right-hander Chien-Ming Wang (2000) and infielder Fu-Lin Kuo (2009). Lai is expected to soon report to the Yankees’ Dominican Summer League Academy to begin his pro career.
“The signing of Chien-Fan represents our renewed commitment to players in Taiwan, and in Asia as a whole,” Mario Garza, who took over as the club’s new director of international scouting in January, said in a statement. “As I have gotten to know Chien-Fan, I have seen a focused and self-assured individual with great aptitude and a desire to improve.
“Through a scouting lens, he has an impressive multi-pitch mix, including a heavy fastball and quality off-speed pitches with solid command. This combination of traits allows us to believe that he will acclimate himself well in our development system, maximize his on-field potential and eventually become a productive Major League pitcher.”
Ryan McMahon was initially supposed to be in Tuesday’s lineup at third base against Tigers righty Casey Mize, but an ear/throat infection that he has been battling the last few days changed those plans.
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“He’s still pretty banged up today,” said Boone, who was hoping to at least have him available off the bench.
Instead, Boone moved José Caballero from shortstop to third base and inserted Anthony Volpe into the lineup at shortstop. Volpe delivered a pair of singles in the win.
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! 
