NBA world reacts to stunning 2026 NBA Draft lottery results

The results for the 2026 NBA Draft lottery were revealed on Sunday. Like always, the NBA world online was in chaos as the picking order was announced.

The Washington Wizards came away with the No. 1 overall pick, prompting outcries of joy from satisfied Wizards fans.

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Shockingly, the Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets both fell out of the top five and the Indiana Pacers went without a lottery pick altogether.

In light of the polarizing results, social media saw fans, players and former owners alike chime in.

Wizards and Bulls fans in particular are elated online while the Nets and Kings communities are very clearly unhappy with the results.

For the Pacers, their mid-season trade for Ivica Zubac gave the Los Angeles Clippers their first-round pick in the event they fell out of the top four, which they did.

As a result, their 19-win season failed to produce a lottery pick.

As funny as many of the online reactions are, Sunday’s results are yet another reminder that anything can happen when it comes to the NBA draft.

James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker

About the Author Published May 10, 2026

JAMES PARKER

James Parker is a sports reporter and writer for Ball Exclusives. With a bachelor's degree earned at the age of 19, he’s spent years working as a sports journalist, including an award-winning stint at The Appalachian. He has never used AI for his work in any way, shape or form.