NBA mock draft 2026: Instant projection after Wizards win lottery, Bulls jump to No. 4

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NBA mock draft 2026: Instant projection after Wizards win lottery, Bulls jump to No. 4

NBA mock draft 2026: Instant projection after Wizards win lottery, Bulls jump to No. 4

Here’s our instant 2026 NBA mock draft after the lottery drawing.

NBA mock draft 2026: Instant projection after Wizards win lottery, Bulls jump to No. 4

Here’s our instant 2026 NBA mock draft after the lottery drawing.

The 2026 NBA Draft order is officially set following a dramatic lottery drawing that reshuffled the deck for next season. The Washington Wizards will pick first overall, followed by the Utah Jazz at No. 2, the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3, and the Chicago Bulls making a surprising leap to No. 4. The first round tips off on Tuesday, June 23, with the second round wrapping up the following day.

Washington entered the lottery with just a 14% chance of securing the top pick, but luck was on their side in a year with extra significance. With lottery reform set to take effect next season—aimed at curbing the league's tanking epidemic—every team that cracked the top four should feel like a winner. That's because this draft class is loaded with four elite-level prospects who could shift the fortunes of any franchise.

Let's dive into an instant mock draft now that the order is locked in. Here's how the first round shapes up with the Wizards on the clock.

At No. 1, all eyes are on AJ Dybantsa, the kind of big wing shot-creator that NBA scouts dream about. Standing 6'9", he's an incredibly fluid athlete who uses his long, coordinated strides to put relentless pressure on the rim. Dybantsa can create his own look in a pinch, bending around defenders on drives, finishing through contact with power, and hitting shots over contests with his length. His shot selection leans a bit mid-range heavy, but that ability to get to his spots and knock down tough turnarounds or touch finishes should translate beautifully in the playoffs when the game slows down. He's a capable three-point shooter, though teams will want to see him ramp up his volume at the next level. His defensive impact can feel muted for a player with such elite physical tools, but Dybantsa is built to stockpile points and deliver clutch buckets for over a decade in the NBA.

VJ Edgecombe, a 6'5" guard out of Baylor, brings explosive athleticism and a relentless motor that makes him a nightmare on both ends. He's the type of player who can ignite a fast break with a steal, then throw down a highlight-reel dunk before the defense can blink. His shooting remains a work in progress, but his ability to attack the rim and defend multiple positions gives him a high floor as an immediate contributor.

Cooper Flagg, the 6'9" forward from Duke, is the ultimate glue guy with a polished all-around game. He's a smart passer, a tenacious rebounder, and a versatile defender who can guard nearly every position. While his scoring might not pop like some others in this class, his basketball IQ and winning mentality make him a safe bet to anchor a contender for years.

Dylan Harper, a 6'6" guard from Rutgers, is a crafty playmaker with a smooth handle and a knack for getting to his spots. He's not the most explosive athlete, but his patience and creativity off the dribble allow him to create for himself and others. His jump shot needs consistency, but his feel for the game is off the charts.

As the draft unfolds, keep an eye on teams like the Bulls, who jumped to No. 4 and could target a dynamic guard to pair with their young core. The Jazz and Grizzlies also have intriguing options to build around, setting the stage for a draft night full of surprises.

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