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2026 NBA Draft: Breaking Down the Top 4 Picks!

The top 4 of the 2026 NBA Draft is official: AJ Dybantsa goes to Washington, Darryn Peterson to the Jazz, Cameron Boozer to Memphis, and Caleb Wilson to Chicago. This class is considered one of the deepest in recent years, with four prospects who have All-NBA ceilings.
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2026 NBA Draft: Breaking Down the Top 4 Picks!
Photo Credit : © Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The NBA 2026 Draft delivered on every promise. In Brooklyn, Adam Silver opened the evening by announcing the name of Anicet Dybantsa Jr. — because that is indeed the full name AJ Dybantsa wanted to be called, as a tribute to his father. « Everything I do is for him, » the player told ESPN. « The name he gave me is actually his own — he’s a senior. So I wanted to honor him today too. »

The BYU wing, the leading scorer in NCAA with a 25.5-point average, joins the Washington Wizards with the first overall pick. He steps into a rebuilding project centered around Trae Young — who signed a $212 million extension — and Anthony Davis. Compared to Jaylen Brown by Bleacher Report scouts, Dybantsa has the ability to create his own shot at every level and the potential to become the face of the franchise. « It means a lot, » he said after being selected. « Obviously, this is just one step. I still have an enormous amount of work to do. »

Peterson and Boozer: Two Bets on the Future

With the second pick, the Jazz bet on Darryn Peterson, the guard from Kansas. Peterson averaged 20.2 points per game in his freshman year — a Kansas freshman record — while shooting 38.2% from three. His season was disrupted, however, by cramping issues that forced him to miss 11 games. He revealed in May that the cramps were linked to excessive creatine consumption. The Jazz, who said they found no medical red flags, remain optimistic. « We are thrilled to have Darryn, » said the president of basketball operations. « He brings a tremendous blend of talent, personality, and work ethic. »

The Grizzlies then selected Cameron Boozer at number three. The son of former All-Star Carlos Boozer, the Duke power forward is considered the most NBA-ready player in this class. His numbers at Duke speak for themselves: 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 39.1% from three. Compared to Kevin Love by analysts, Boozer reacted with emotion after being drafted: « Honestly, I don’t even know how to describe what I’m feeling. This is my moment, of course, but it’s also our whole family’s moment, » he said. His father Carlos also shared his emotions: « I think there was already a basketball in the crib for each of my three sons. »

What Comes Next?

Finally, the Bulls closed out the top 4 with Caleb Wilson, the wing from North Carolina. An exceptional athlete standing 6’10 », Wilson posted 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game before being sidelined by a broken thumb in March. He didn’t lack confidence when introducing himself to Chicago: « I want to become the greatest player of all time, » he declared. « You’ve already had one of the greatest of all time in this franchise, so it’s time to welcome another one. »

Behind this exceptional quartet, the Clippers selected Illinois combo guard Keaton Wagler at fifth, while Dallas produced the first real surprise of the night by picking Morez Johnson Jr. at number nine. A deep draft, with a top end that could reshape the NBA for the next ten years.

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Nicolas Flamecourt
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
2026 NBA Draft: Breaking Down the Top 4 Picks! - BeBasket