The NBA playoffs are ongoing and happened on Sunday, but a lot of eyes were on the lottery. It’s the final lottery of its nature, and it comes before a loaded draft class. The Washington Wizards are the big winners, landing the first overall pick. Here’s how the first 14 picks could go.
NBA Draft Picks 1-10
Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa
The Wizards should be thrilled with this NBA draft pick. Given the choice between AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, they’ll go with Dybantsa. The do-it-all wing fits right in with the current roster that also has Trae Young, Alex Sarr, Anthony Davis, and Tre Johnson.
Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson
The Jazz will be just fine with Peterson here. The guard has injury concerns, but they already have a similar player to Dybantsa they’re hoping will continue developing in Ace Bailey, so Peterson is a much better fit.
Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer
Some would argue that Cameron Boozer should go higher, but this is a deep draft class. Boozer’s the perfect fit alongside Cedric Coward in Memphis, so the Grizzlies will be thrilled they were able to jump to third.
Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson
Pairing Caleb Wilson with Matas Buzelis in the frontcourt is going to work out so well for the Bulls. There’s a steep drop from fourth to fifth in this class, so sneaking in here is fantastic.
Los Angeles Clippers: Keaton Wagler
The Pacers’ big gamble didn’t pay off. That gives the fifth pick to the Los Angeles Clippers, where they’ll add some much-needed youth, shooting, and guard play in Keaton Wagler.
Brooklyn Nets: Nate Ament
The Nets should really be looking at best player available in the NBA draft, but that’s how they drafted almost exclusively guards with all the picks in 2025, so they need to look elsewhere and take a swing on Nate Ament.
Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr.
Perhaps the best scorer in the draft, Darius Acuff Jr. will give the Kings a cornerstone to build around. They need talent all over the place, so they can afford to roll with the best player here.
Atlanta Hawks: Kingston Flemings
The Hawks need a point guard as CJ McCollum ages. He was a revelation for them, but he’s not going to be around long, and he doesn’t fit their timeline as well. Adding Kingston Flemings gives them a true point guard.
Dallas Mavericks: Mikel Brown Jr.
Similarly, the Mavericks need a true point guard. They don’t need Cooper Flagg to run point forward all the time, and Mikel Brown Jr. will fit in really well with the core they’re building.
Milwaukee Bucks: Brayden Burries
The Bucks have to look to the post-Giannis Antetokounmpo future, and while they may be tempted to look at another hybrid forward, they just need talent and the best player available. That’s Brayden Burries.
Golden State Warriors: Karim Lopez
The Warriors also need to look at their post-superstar future and/or add a player to maximize the rest of Steph Curry’s window. Karim Lopez fits the bill and gives them some much-needed two-way play on the wing and interior.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Yaxel Lendeborg
The Thunder have no real needs, so they can just look at which player is the best. Yaxel Lendeborg is, but he also will fit in really well with the current roster with his defensive physicality and interior scoring.
Miami Heat: Labaron Philon
The Heat need a point guard. Davion Mitchell is solid, but that’s one area they can upgrade since they can’t have Tyler Herro play point. Adding Labaron Philon will give them the NBA point play they need to help maximize the other stars.
Charlotte Hornets: Aday Mara
Between Aday Mara and Koa Peat, the Hornets have a win-win NBA draft situation. Mara’s unique size and playmaking ability will give the Hornets everything they need. They were undersized in the frontcourt, and Mara will more than fix that at 7’3″.
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