Wizards Capture No. 1 Pick in 2026 NBA Draft Lottery
wizards-win-2026-draft-lottery
The Washington Wizards secured the top selection in the 2026 NBA Draft after winning the league’s draft lottery on Tuesday. Washington, tied for the best odds at 14% entering the event, owned the NBA’s worst record in 2025-26.
Full Lottery Results
1. Washington Wizards
2. Utah Jazz
3. Memphis Grizzlies
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Los Angeles Clippers (via Pacers)
6. Brooklyn Nets
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans)
9. Dallas Mavericks
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Golden State Warriors
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers)
13. Miami Heat
14. Charlotte Hornets
Wizards Eye Franchise Cornerstone
The Wizards have posted just 15, 18, and 17 victories over the past three seasons. After selecting forward Alex Sarr at No. 2 in 2024 and guard Tre Johnson at No. 6 in 2025, the organization will now evaluate BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson for the top pick on June 23.
Jazz Jump to No. 2
Utah climbed from fourth to second in the order. The Jazz, already featuring Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, 2025 lottery pick Ace Bailey, and restricted free-agent center Walker Kessler, will add another high-end prospect.
Protected Picks Play Key Role
Both Washington and Utah had traded their 2026 first-rounders with top-eight protection, allowing them to retain the selections. The Indiana Pacers were not as fortunate; their pick conveyed to the Clippers at No. 5 after slipping outside its top-four protection.
Other Movers
Memphis advanced from sixth to third, carrying a 27.6% chance to enter the top three. Chicago rose from ninth to fourth despite just a 20.2% probability. Atlanta fell one spot to No. 8, while Brooklyn and Sacramento also dropped in the order.
Teams eliminated in the play-in tournament saw no movement: Golden State stayed at No. 11, Miami at No. 13, and Charlotte at No. 14. Oklahoma City retained the Clippers’ pick at No. 12.
Source: Hoops Rumors
