NBA Draft grades 2026: All teams ranked from best (Bulls) to worst (Spurs)

The biggest intrigue of the 2026 draft was, in many ways, what impact possible blockbuster trades would have on which teams picked where. The Bucks traded Giannis Antetokounmpo late Monday, but no other true superstars were moved before or during this year's draft.

Without any picks changing hands at the top of the draft, the first four players came off the board exactly as many experts predicted they would. AJ Dybantsa was a smart choice by Washington with the 1st overall pick. Darryn Peterson ended up in Utah in No. 2 after a last-second meeting with Jazz personnel opened the door for him to land in Salt Lake City. Then Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson came off the board, providing stability and upside to franchises that desperately need something positive to talk about.

Round 2 never gets as much shine, but let us not forget that Nikola Jokic, Manu Ginobili, Dennis Rodman, Draymond Green and a guy named Jalen Brunson came off the board in Wednesday's second round.

So which teams won the draft? And which teams could have done (a lot) better? Let's dive in.

MORE: Every pick of the 2026 NBA Draft

1. Chicago Bulls

• Grade: A+

Picks: Caleb Wilson (No.4), Dailyn Swain (No. 15)

Chicago really nailed the first round, taking the high-upside, high-motor Wilson and the versatile Swain. Wilson can be a defensive menace from Day 1, and his offensive game will develop. Swain is a dynamic athlete and will probably benefit from the spacing of the NBA game on the wing.

MORE: Grading the Caleb Wilson pick for the Bulls

2. Atlanta Hawks

• Grade: A

Picks: Kingston Flemings (No. 8 from Pelicans), Zuby Ejiofor (No. 23 from Cavaliers), Henri Veesaar (No. 52 from Cavaliers via Clippers)

No team pushed the world champion New York Knicks more than the Atlanta Hawks, who got even better defensively with the selection of Flemings. He isn't as big as Russell Westbrook, but there are similarities to his game coming out of Houston. He is raw, lives in the midrange, and is incredibly fast and quick with the ball in his hands. Unlike Westbrook, he will lock down opposing guards in the NBA from Day 1. Zuby Ejiofor will provide another versatile big who knows his role well for the Hawks. Interestingly, Henri Veesaar fell to Atlanta at No. 52 overall, despite having a late first-round grade. He likely wanted a standard NBA contract from a team, which he should get from the Hawks.

3. Washington Wizards

• Grade: A

Picks: AJ Dybantsa (No. 1), Felix Okpara (No. 46 from Magic)

The Wizards did a good job disguising their intentions leading up to the draft, but ended up taking the player most expected to be the top pick: AJ Dybantsa. He fits well with the Wizards’ other young players and, albeit very overpaid vets, Trae Young and Anthony Davis. If Washington ends up with Dybantsa and Will Riley flanking AD up front, change could come quickly in the nation’s capital. Okpara is a good shot-blocker who will make the roster as a reserve.

4. Utah Jazz

• Grade: A

Picks: Darryn Peterson (No. 2)

Reports leading up to the draft initially indicated Peterson and his camp had no desire to play for the Jazz. That all changed in the 48 hours leading up to Tuesday night’s draft. Utah could have taken the son of former Jazz legend Carlos Boozer at No. 2 overall, but chose the dynamic scorer from Kansas. Peterson gives the Jazz perimeter scoring it desperately needs to complement its massive frontcourt.

5. Memphis Grizzlies

• Grade: A

Picks: Cameron Boozer (No.3), Karim Lopez (No. 21 from Timberwolves via Pistons), Richie Saunders (No. 32 from Pacers)

Nothing about Memphis has been remotely stable in the last two seasons. The team would like to move the face of the franchise, Ja Morant, but nobody wants him. Boozer could become the new face of the franchise, with 20-10-5 potential and the ability to make everyone around him better. López became the first-ever Mexican-born player to be a first-round draft pick and brings defensive toughness to Memphis. His offensive game isn't as polished as Boozer’s yet, but there are similarities between the two. Saunders is coming off an ACL injury but should be ready to contribute by midseason next year as a shooter.

6. Los Angeles Lakers

• Grade: A

Picks: Cameron Carr (No. 24 from Knicks)

7. Oklahoma City Thunder

• Grade: B+

Picks: Aday Mara (No. 12 from LA Clippers), Bennett Stirtz (No. 16 from Suns via Grizzlies), Otega Oweh (No. 41 from Warriors via Heat)

Mara and Stirtz both fill major needs for the Thunder that were exposed during the loss to the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals: height and shooting. Mara’s conditioning and mobility are question marks, but he won’t be expected to log huge minutes for the Thunder. When he does play, his incredible 9-9 standing reach should help immediately in terms of rim protection. Stirtz has never played in an uptempo system before. There is a chance his creativity could really shine at the NBA level, and even if he struggles defensively, he should be a net positive for OKC. Oweh, whose brother plays in the NFL, will battle for a roster spot depending on what additional moves the Thunder make this offseason.

8: New York Knicks

• Grade: B

Picks: Jack Kayil (No. 39 from Bulls vs Rockets), Tyler Nickel (no. 47 from 76ers via Suns), Ugonna Onyenso (No. 53 from Rockets)

New York selected one of the most interesting players in the draft in Kayil, who was slated to play for Mark Few and Gonzaga next season after playing overseas. His performance in Germany, especially lately, had teams intrigued leading up to the draft process. If everything works out, he could eventually slot in as a third guard, and maybe more, for the Knicks. Nickel will likely be a two-way player as he looks to diversify his offensive game. Onyenso is a captivating shot-blocker who will also likely be a two-way player.

9. Boston Celtics

• Grade: B

Picks: Chris Cenac Jr. (No. 27), Dillon Mitchell (No. 40, from Bucks)

He won’t be Giannis, but Cenac will provide Boston with much-needed athletic juice. He eventually could develop into a player who can guard five positions. His shot is a disaster, but the long-term upside makes him a steal at No. 27. Mitchell is similar to Jordan Walsh, who saw some action for Boston as a defensive stopper. Raw offensively, athletic, and willing to scrap, he will battle for a roster spot in Beantown.

10. Charlotte Hornets

• Grade: B

Picks: Hannes Steinbach (No. 14), Christian Anderson Jr. (No. 18 from Magic)

11. Dallas Mavericks

• Grade: B

Picks: Morez Johnson Jr. (No. 9), Sergio De Larrea (No. 25 from Lakers via Knicks), Tobi Lawal (No. 48 from Suns), Vsevolod Ischenko (No. 56 from Nuggets via Bulls and Lakers)

Dusty May ended up with a Michigan player in the top 10, but it wasn't who most experts projected. Johnson didn't get the headlines of his teammates in Ann Arbor, but NBA teams love high ceilings. He certainly has high potential, with an outside shot that shows promise of improving. He is the prototypical modern big, able to switch, run the floor, and rebound. Considering Dereck Lively II's foot issues, Johnson seems like a super smart pick. De Larrea projects as a steady guard who can take ball-handling pressure off Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving.

12. Philadelphia 76ers

• Grade: B

Picks: Labaron Philon Jr. (No. 22 from Rockets)

Philon fell a bit in what was a very deep guard class, and his comp - and draft positioning itself - is very similar to new teammate Tyrese Maxey. He needs to add strength but will be impactful offensively right away at the NBA level.

13. Milwaukee Bucks

• Grade: B-

Picks: Brayden Burries (No. 10), Nate Ament (No. 13 from Heat)

Milwaukee's roster is fascinating, with Tyler Herro, Jamie Jacquez and Kel'el Ware being projected starters following the Giannis trade. Presumably, the Bucks see Herro as the primary ball-handler, which makes the Burries pick a smart one. His lone season at Arizona had some huge moments, and he should be a solid starter for years to come in the NBA. Ament has a beautiful looking shot, which makes his 39.9 FG percentage at Tennessee a big mystery. He could develop into a Kyle Kuzma type scorer down the road.

14. Toronto Raptors

• Grade: C+

Picks: Allen Graves (No. 19), Jaden Bradley (No. 50)

Graves is an analytics darling in terms of his offensive ability, with efficient scoring traits and solid versatility. He played well against big-time competition at Santa Clara, so he should be a solid NBA role player for years to come. Bradley was the Big 12 player of the Year in a league that featured Dybantsa, Peterson and Flemings - which says a lot about his ability. He could become Toronto's newest late-draft steal.

15: Miami Heat

Grade: C+

Picks: Ryan Conwell (No. 37 from Mavericks via Thunder)

Conwell is a dynamic athlete who played very well in big games throughout his college career. He has a chance to be Miami's latest under-the-radar find and could be a rotational player for the Heat next season.

16. Brooklyn Nets

• Grade: C

Picks: Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 6), Joshua Jefferson (No. 28 from Timberwolves), Tyler Bilodeau (No. 43 from Clippers)

Speaking of players who are far from sure things, Brown Jr. ended up being selected before both Kingston Flemings and Darius Acuff Jr., which might end up being a mistake. Brown's ceiling is very high, with a high-octane offensive skillset. He has the physical traits to be a good defender at the NBA level, too. His lone season at Louisville was inconsistent as he dealt with a back injury. Jefferson is a smart player who can do a little bit of everything, but his true NBA skill is a bit unclear.

17. Sacramento Kings

• Grade: C

Picks: Darius Acuff Jr. (No. 7), Alex Karaban (No. 29 from Spurs via Cavaliers), Emanuel Sharp (No. 45 from Hornets)

Acuff is a serious dude who just wants to hoop, which Sacramento desperately needs. An explosive scorer, he will need to learn how to run a team at the NBA level. Oh, and play defense, which he really struggled with at Arkansas. His assist-to-turnover ratio suggests he might be a better point guard than his critics believe, and if he is just an average defensive player, the Kings could come away from this draft looking smart. The selection of Karaban docks Sacramento heavily in terms of grades. In the words of SN Senior Writer Steph Noh, "Karaban has a ceiling that doubles as a basement." Sharp is a gritty player who could be a Davion Mitchell type for the Kings.

18. Golden State Warriors

• Grade: C

Picks: Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 11), Lajae Jones (No. 54 from Lakers)

Lendeborg's personality will be an interesting fit in Golden State, a team filled with vets and big personalities of their own. In the short-term, he seems like a smart pick as Jimmy Butler recovers from a torn ACL. Long-term upside is a major question with Lendeborg, who is versatile but not great at any one thing. Jones could end up making the roster if Golden State makes more offseason moves as expected.

MORE: Warriors owner, GM have odd exchange before making Lendeborg pick

19. Detroit Pistons

• Grade: C

Picks: Ebuka Okorie (No. 17 from 76ers via Thunder and Grizzlies)

The Pistons need shooting and a secondary ball-handler in the worst way. Okorie makes sense as someone who can take pressure off Cade Cunningham, but this is more of an upside pick than a sure-thing selection.

20: Phoenix Suns

• Grade: C

Picks: Koa Peat (No. 30 from Thunder via Mavericks and Knicks)

Peat was a legendary athlete in Arizona, as part of a family filled with athletes. Now, he gets to stay home and earn minutes for the Suns. He should be able to rebound and defend right away, but it is difficult to project him as a pro until his offensive game evolves. His best skill in college was grabbing a rebound and pushing the ball up court, which certainly won't be his calling card in the NBA.

21: Houston Rockets

• Grade: C

Picks: Bruce Thornton (No. 31 from Wizards via Knicks)

Thornton could have entered the transfer portal multiple times during his Ohio State career, but stayed with the Buckeyes through coaching changes and left as the school's all-time leading scorer. He is a strong character fit for a team that needs to improve chemistry in the worst way.

22: Minnesota Timberwolves

• Grade: C

Picks: Isaiah Evans (No. 33 from Nets), Trey Kaufman-Renn (No. 59 from Spurs)

The Timberwolves need a lot of help for Anthony Edwards, and Evans is a good start. He is a pure shooter who also has length and enough athleticism to develop into a decent NBA role player. Kaufman-Renn is a poor man's Trayce Jackson-Davis and will likely be a two-way player.

23: Cleveland Cavaliers

• Grade: C

Picks: Meleek Thomas (No. 34 from Kings)

Thomas paired with Darius Acuff Jr. to form a dynamic backcourt at Arkansas. He is long and a good slasher who should be able to develop into a 3 and D player for the Cavaliers.

24: Denver Nuggets

• Grade: C

Picks: Trevon Brazile (No. 35 from Jazz via Spurs), Bryce Hopkins (No. 49 from Hawks)

The Nuggets are in a tough spot with an aging core and a lot of needs in terms of depth. Brazile is a gifted athlete who is a stretch four type at the NBA level. Hopkins battled injuries during a brilliant college career and is an interesting flyer at 49 overall.

25: New Orleans Pelicans

• Grade: C

Picks: Jaron Pierre Jr. (No. 58 from Pistons)

Pierre is a bucket who will have a chance to make NOLA's roster as a depth piece. New Orleans is likely to reshape its roster this offseason, which could give him a better shot to stick as well.

26. LA Clippers

• Grade: D+

Picks: Keaton Wagler (No. 5, from Pacers), Baba Miller (No. 36 from Grizzlies), Nick Martinelli (No. 55 from Knicks to Rockets), Narcisse Ngoy (No. 57 from Celtics via Hawks)

The Clippers caught a huge break by stealing Indiana’s pick thanks to the Ivica Zubac trade. Perhaps trying to find the next Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whom they famously traded to Oklahoma City for Paul George in 2019, they took a big guard in Wagler. The problem with the pick is simple: Wagler is closer to Michael Carter-Williams than SGA. Despite having a high basketball IQ, he lacks both strength and athleticism and is far from a sure thing. He will need at least some time to develop, and L.A.’s clock is ticking. Baba Miller, on the other hand, might end up being a steal at No. 35 overall. He has range at 6-11 and a high level of skill, especially offensively.

27: Orlando Magic

Grade: D+

Picks: Izaiyah Nelson (No. 51 from Timberwolves via Wizards)

A quiet draft for the Magic saw Nelson as the only player selected by Orlando. He's a developmental project who likely will be a two-way player next season at best.

28. San Antonio Spurs

• Grade: D

Picks: Jayden Quaintance (No. 20 from Hawks), Tarris Reed Jr. (No. 26 from Nuggets), Ja'Kobi Gillespie (No. 42 from Trail Blazers), Maliq Brown (No. 44 from Heat)

The Spurs had a chance to really bolster their depth with two picks in round 1, but failed miserably. Quaintance is a physical freak but has major knee injury concerns. Reed is a strong player who can score inside, but will struggle to carve out a clear role at the NBA level, without any perimeter skills or optimum switchability on defense. Gillespie has a chance to make the roster as a backup guard, as does Brown up front.

29: Indiana Pacers

• Grade: F

Picks: Braden Smith (No. 38, from Pelicans via Bulls)

Indiana lost big by trading for the reliable Ivica Zubac in February, losing the No. 5 overall pick to the Clippers. Smith was always projected as a second-rounder, but for a team with real needs, he doesn’t inspire much confidence. Best case for Smith is T.J. McConnell, but it will be a battle for him to stick in the NBA. There were a few better options on the board when the Pacers took Smith, so this pick didn’t make a lot of sense.

30: Portland Trail Blazers

• Grade: N/A

Picks: Portland didn't have a selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, and didn't try to trade into the draft, either. Portland's new ownership will be a fascinating story to watch in terms of roster management. Missing out on one of the best drafts in recent memory does not bode well for Blazers fans.