Everyone in the top 4 of the 2026 NBA Draft is leaving here with something

After years of mediocrity, the Wizards are finally getting a young talisman worth building around. Imagine a two-way demon like Dybantsa anchoring a lineup featuring Trae Young, the promising Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr, and a revitalized Anthony Davis. With some seasoning and experience, I could definitely see that group making some surprising noise in the East down the line. At No. 2, the Jazz and Danny Ainge, with all of their "unofficial" years of tanking in the books, get to add someone like, perhaps, Boozer to a frontcourt already featuring Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. (If anything, the opportunity to get someone as talented as Boozer could make Markkanen expendable in a possible lucrative trade.)

In Memphis, at No. 2 overall, maybe someone like Peterson gives the Grizzlies a new, explosive, silky-smooth guard. You know, someone who either plays alongside Ja Morant to form an intriguing backcourt duo or gives the organization an easy out to deal him away. You can't lose! Even the No. 4 Bulls have come out shining here. Chicago is seemingly committing to an earnest rebuild for the first time in recent memory under Bryson Graham, the new team executive vice president. Getting a top-four selection and someone like the malleable Wilson (or one of the other top prospects who could fall by virtue of someone overthinking it) is a massive notch in the Bulls' belt.

No matter how the top three shakes out, Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey should get a third real running mate to play with in Chicago. That's exactly how you want to start a rebuild every time. Go figure that this is the Bulls' luck as soon as they say they're going to do things the right way. The basketball gods are funny like that.

Make no mistake. If you're one of the lucky teams sitting in the top four of this June's draft, you can rest easy. For you, hope springs eternal because you're not leaving this summer empty-handed.

You're leaving the draft with "something," a.k.a. a star-caliber prospect that will make you dream about the future.

Shootaround

• My guy Bryan Kalbrosky has his latest NBA mock draft post-lottery. Don't miss it. He's the best in the biz.
• After that dangerous elbow in Naz Reid's face, it's kind of wild Victor Wembanyama didn't get punished.
• In light of an increased spotlight on Wemby, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson spoke out in defense of his superstar after Game 4.
• Finally, OF COURSE Draymond Green made Wembanyama's first-ever ejection about himself.

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This article originally appeared on For The Win: 2026 NBA Draft: Why top 4 teams in order have best luck post-lottery