2026 NBA Draft: Key Insights From Barclays Center
The Washington Wizards selected BYU wing AJ Dybantsa as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Commissioner Adam Silver announced the selection as Anicet Dybantsa Jr., a move the 6-foot-9 wing said was intended to honor his father, Anicet Dybantsa Sr. A total of 30 players were selected in the first round.
Why was AJ Dybantsa the top pick?
Dybantsa entered the draft after leading the country in scoring with an average of 25.5 points per game. According to draft records, he broke the Big 12 Tournament scoring record by recording 93 points over three games, surpassing the previous mark held by Kevin Durant.
Dybantsa told reporters that while he is known as “AJ,” he requested that Silver use his full name during the announcement. “I wanted Adam to call me ‘Anicet’ because I also wanted to honor my dad,” Dybantsa said.
How did the Michigan connection influence the draft?
The Dallas Mavericks selected Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. with the No. 9 overall pick shortly after hiring former Michigan coach Dusty May. May was present at the Barclays Center and embraced Johnson following the announcement.
Johnson was the first upperclassman selected in the draft. His Michigan teammates also entered the lottery, with Yaxel Lendeborg going to the Golden State Warriors at No. 11 and Aday Mara going to the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 12.
This marks the first time since 2007—when Florida’s Al Horford, Corey Brewer, and Joakim Noah were selected—that three upperclassmen from the same school were taken in the lottery.
Which international players were reunited?
The Charlotte Hornets selected two German national teammates in the first round. The team took Washington forward Hannes Steinbach at No. 14 and Christian Anderson at No. 18.
The pair previously played together for Germany during the U19 FIBA World Cup in Lausanne, Switzerland. Anderson told reporters that Steinbach’s footwork is “elite” and noted that he was the best rebounder in college basketball this season.
What were the notable personal stories of the night?
The Boston Celtics selected Chris Cenac Jr. with the 27th pick. Cenac attended the 2018 NBA Draft in the same arena as a child, watching Deandre Ayton go No. 1 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander go No. 12.
Cenac reported that the Celtics drafted him without a prior meeting or workout. He described the moment as a “full-circle moment” after waiting nearly three hours to be called.
How did fashion trends appear in the 2026 class?
Several players used suit linings to display personal history. Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz included logos of all his former schools, while Ebuka Okorie featured family photos. Karim López included the Mexican flag and the phrase “100% Jesus” in his lining.
Other stylistic choices included Darius Acuff Jr. in a navy Louis Vuitton suit and Cameron Boozer in a white suit, which observers noted recalled LeBron James’ 2003 draft night attire.
What happens next for these rookies?
AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, who was selected No. 2 by the Utah Jazz, may continue a rivalry that began in high school. Their previous 2025-26 matchup saw Peterson score 18 points in 20 minutes during a Kansas victory over BYU.
The German duo of Steinbach and Anderson could potentially replicate the chemistry they displayed during the U19 FIBA World Cup within the Charlotte Hornets’ system. Meanwhile, Chris Cenac Jr. is likely to begin work in Boston following his surprise selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft?
The Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa (BYU) as the No. 1 overall pick.
Which team drafted the most players from Michigan in the lottery?
The Dallas Mavericks (Morez Johnson Jr.), Golden State Warriors (Yaxel Lendeborg), and Oklahoma City Thunder (Aday Mara) each took one Michigan player in the lottery.
Which players were selected by the Charlotte Hornets?
The Hornets selected Hannes Steinbach at No. 14 and Christian Anderson at No. 18.
Which rookie’s personal story or draft-night fashion choice stood out to you the most?