The Washington Wizards won the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft after the lottery held in Chicago. This marks their first top pick since 2010, with several promising prospects expected in the draft.
Key points
Washington Wizards won the No. 1 overall pick
First time Wizards have the top pick since 2010
Chicago Bulls made the biggest jump in the lottery
Utah Jazz received the second pick
2026 draft features several potential franchise-changing prospects
Mentioned in this story
John Wall
Darius Acuff Jr.Cameron BoozerMikel Brown Jr.AJ Dybantsa
The Washington Wizards were rewarded with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft on Sunday after winning the lottery held at the Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois.
The Wizards became the first team to win the lottery after finishing with the worst record in the league under the current drawing format. They have the top pick for the fifth time and the first time since 2010, when they selected John Wall, who was their on-stage representative.
Washington has the No. 1 pick in a draft that is expected to be one of the best in recent memory, featuring Darius Acuff Jr., Cameron Boozer, Mikel Brown Jr., AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson. The group is expected to produce several potential franchise-changing prospects.
While the Wizards landed the top pick, the Utah Jazz received the second pick, with the Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls and LA Clippers rounding out the top five. The Clippers received the pick from the Indiana Pacers, which conveyed after it fell outside the top four.
Q&A
Who won the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft lottery?
The Washington Wizards won the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft lottery.
What notable players are expected in the 2026 NBA draft?
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to feature notable players like Darius Acuff Jr., Cameron Boozer, and Mikel Brown Jr.
Which team made the biggest jump in the 2026 NBA draft lottery?
The Chicago Bulls made the biggest jump, moving from the ninth slot to a higher position in the draft order.
What was the outcome for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2026 NBA draft lottery?
The Brooklyn Nets dropped to the sixth pick after having one of the highest odds of landing the top pick.
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The Chicago Bulls made the biggest jump in the lottery after moving from their pre-lottery slot (ninth), while the Brooklyn Nets dropped the furthest to sixth after finishing as one of the three teams with the highest odds of landing the top pick (14%).
The lottery is part of an action-packed week of events in the Windy City, which also includes the G League and draft combines. In all, over 100 prospects will compete in 5-on-5 games, strength and agility exercises, measurements and other related testing.
Here is the complete order of the first round of the draft on June 23.
1. Washington Wizards
Mar 12, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12) shoots during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Mar 12, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12) shoots during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Pre-Lottery Slot: 1 (14%)
2. Utah Jazz
Mar 18, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Utah Jazz guard Ace Bailey (19) drives to the basket past Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Mar 18, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Utah Jazz guard Ace Bailey (19) drives to the basket past Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Pre-Lottery Slot: 4 (11.5%)
3. Memphis Grizzlies
Mar 9, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) brings the ball up court against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Mar 9, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Walter Clayton Jr. (4) brings the ball up court against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Pre-Lottery Slot: 6 (9%)
4. Chicago Bulls
Apr 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Apr 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Pre-Lottery Slot: 9 (4.5%)
5. LA Clippers (via Indiana)
Feb 20, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball against Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 20, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball against Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Pre-Lottery Slot: 2 (14%)
6. Brooklyn Nets
Feb 1, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) shoots in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Feb 1, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) shoots in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mar 19, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) runs up the court during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Mar 19, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) runs up the court during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Apr 6, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Apr 6, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Apr 5, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) reacts after scoring against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Apr 5, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) reacts after scoring against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Mar 7, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) bring the ball up court against the Utah Jazz at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Mar 7, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) bring the ball up court against the Utah Jazz at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Mar 23, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) dribbles against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Mar 23, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) dribbles against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic (44) goes for the rebound in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic (44) goes for the rebound in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mar 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) drives as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) defends in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Mar 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) drives as Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) defends in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) looks to pass during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) looks to pass during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Oct 29, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) shoots against the Sacramento Kings during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Oct 29, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) shoots against the Sacramento Kings during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Mar 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Mar 7, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Mar 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walks down the court after a play against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mar 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walks down the court after a play against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Record: 64-18
18. Charlotte Hornets (via Phoenix)
Apr 17, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots during the second half against the Orlando Magic during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots during the second half against the Orlando Magic during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 26: Collin Murray-Boyles #12 of the Toronto Raptors dunks against Sam Merrill #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during first half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 26: Collin Murray-Boyles #12 of the Toronto Raptors dunks against Sam Merrill #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during first half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 26, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
May 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates making a three point shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
May 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates making a three point shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
May 7, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) in the second half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
May 7, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) in the second half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) attempts a three-point basket against the Boston Celtics in the first half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) attempts a three-point basket against the Boston Celtics in the first half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) ducks in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) ducks in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Apr 28, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) brings the ball up court against Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) during the second quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Apr 28, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) brings the ball up court against Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) during the second quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jan 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks to pass in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Jan 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks to pass in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Mar 29, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena.
Mar 29, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena.
Apr 5, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) dribbles the ball against Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter (14) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Apr 5, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) dribbles the ball against Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter (14) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 04: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives around Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of a game in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 04, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 04: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives around Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of a game in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 04, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates after making a three point basket during the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates after making a three point basket during the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Record: 52-30
30. Dallas Mavericks (via Washington and Philadelphia)
Apr 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) runs back up the court during the game between the Mavericks and the Magic at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Apr 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) runs back up the court during the game between the Mavericks and the Magic at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images