Between a loaded class of players ready to take their talents to the next level and a very intriguing draft order with teams in unique situations with different needs to address, the storylines are endless for what could ensue the night of the NBA Draft on June 23.
This class of NCAA freshmen is one of the best in years, and that’s not only due to debates between the “top four” of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson, but also the depth throughout the entire class.
The Dybantsa vs. Peterson debates have been long-standing, as Peterson was the consensus number one in this class out of high school. Dybantsa has now become the odds-on favorite to be taken by the Washington Wizards first overall, though Peterson has gained more smoke to go number one recently.. The numbers do the talking for both prospects, as they averaged 20+ points per game as freshmen and look to be future NBA stars.
However, Dybantsa’s 6’9” frame with an all-around skill set and 6.8 rebounds per game at BYU last season, coupled with the fact that Peterson dealt with lingering hamstring issues, has made scouts question Peterson’s passion and work ethic, and sent Dybantsa to the top of many teams' draft boards.
There were debates early in the draft process between the drafts top forwards, Boozer and Wilson, but it is looking now like Boozer is almost surely going to be selected at number three to the Memphis Grizzlies at the latest, while Wilson seems like the obvious fourth pick for the Chicago Bulls.
Boozer’s the more polished player who banks on his fundamentals but can still knock down a three-pointer more regularly than Wilson. He is not the most eye-popping athletically, though, whereas Wilson constantly makes highlight plays on both ends of the floor with his ridiculous athleticism.
They both could be franchise cornerstones for whichever team lands them, but many scouts believe Boozer is the more “safe” pick, while Wilson has a sky-high ceiling which could pass that of Boozer’s.
However, the 2026 draft is much more than a four-headed snake. This class is stacked with star-like guard prospects such as Darius Acuff Jr., Keaton Wagler, Kingston Flemings, Mikel Brown Jr., Labaron Philon Jr. and Brayden Burries. For a draft class to have seven guards who would be shoe-ins for the top five in most other classes, and who all have real shots to be top ten picks this year, is almost unheard of.
The draft order is a very heavily debated topic as well. Whether the topic is Dybantsa or Peterson at at #1, the order those guards will be drafted in or rumors of draft night trades for teams to move up and down, chaos is sure to ensue.
While Dybantsa is the current favorite to be taken first overall, it is still uncertain where he will land. Peterson could intrigue the Wizards more, but even if not, news broke on May 10, right after the draft lottery set the order, that the Utah Jazz may offer Washington a package to move up to the top of the draft board. Dybantsa went to high school at Utah Prep and college at Brigham Young University, right down the road from the Jazz’s arena in Salt Lake City, so Utah would love to keep him home.
The order of teams selecting at five and on is also very interesting, as well as the order in which the loaded group of guards will be selected. It is realistic for prospects like Wagler and Brown Jr. to go as high as fifth or slip down to 10th on draft night. Team fit and scouts’ eyes for talent are different for every team and prospect.
Acuff Jr. is the best prospect outside of the big four, but the LA Clippers have the fifth pick, and they do not need to pair their point guard Darius Garland with another defensive liability in the backcourt, making it interesting to see the route they take. Deciding between such a talented group of guards who all have star-level upside is very tough for general managers holding high picks.
The 2026 NBA draft will produce a generational crop of players, and it will be very exciting for fans to watch how things unfold on draft night.
@JackMuldowney1
