The 2026 NBA draft class is loaded with elite talent and the top four players spent all of last season in a competition over who would be the top pick.
Ultimately, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa was selected first by the Washington Wizards before Kansas guard Darryn Peterson was drafted by the Utah Jazz.
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To round out the top four, Duke forward Cameron Boozer was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson was picked up by the Chicago Bulls.
In other draft classes, all four of these players could easily go No. 1. Let’s take a look at why each of the top four teams made their respective selections.
1. AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards
This pick was up in the air for much of last season as Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer and Wilson all put on impressive displays of dominance. But with the highest ceiling of any player in the draft along with the best positional fit for the team, Dybantsa was certainly the correct pick for the Wizards.
As a hyper-athletic 6’9″ forward with outstanding physical gifts and elite midrange shot-creation, he led all Divison I players in scoring last season and comes into the league with the potential to be an MVP-level player.
2. Darryn Peterson, Utah Jazz
Peterson entered last season as the projected top pick in this draft and is still regarded as the most talented player in the entire class.
As a fluid and prolific scorer, Peterson brings elite shot-making to Utah’s backcourt and should be a solid fit alongside Keyonte George. With his availability issues seemingly behind him, Peterson looks poised to make a big impact for the Jazz.
3. Cameron Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies
Boozer may not have the most flashy playstyle in this draft, but his reliability, impact and track record made him one of the best player in college basketball last season.
With a 6’8″ 253-pound frame, Boozer is a versatile forward that possesses both an elite postgame and a reliable outside shot. In Memphis, he should be a part of an intimidating front-court duo alongside Zach Edey.
4. Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls
Wilson may have missed the NCAA tournament with a broken thumb, but he’s arguably the most athletic player in this class and more than proved himself prior to the injury.
As a 6’9″ forward with a lengthy frame, he’s a versatile, explosive player on both ends of the floor. His quickness at his size is stunning and his high-level motor signal a level of NBA readiness.
While only one player can be the top pick, all of the top four teams picked up a player that has the potential to be an NBA superstar.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
