Wizards Win 2026 NBA Draft Lottery: Full Mock Draft Reveals Early Surprises

The Washington Wizards have clinched the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after the results of the highly anticipated lottery were announced, followed closely by the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies. With the order now set for the top 14 teams, attention has swiftly shifted to how this new landscape will shape the league’s future—and Jeremy Woo's latest mock drafts have already stoked excitement and debate across the basketball world.

The drama of the NBA Draft Lottery always delivers intrigue, but this year’s results have particular resonance, as several franchises hope to find a transformational talent with their high picks. For fans and analysts alike, the focus now turns to the prospects who could become franchise cornerstones, as well as the ripple effects throughout the first and second rounds.

• Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 overall pick
• Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies round out the top three
• The full lottery order for the top 14 picks is now official
• Jeremy Woo’s updated mock draft projects all 60 picks across both rounds

Woo’s projections are already sparking conversation, especially with several high-profile names like Cooper Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer expected to headline the lottery. Each brings a unique set of skills and star potential, and their projected landing spots have been among the most hotly debated topics leading up to draft night.

The ESPN team addressed burning questions for each lottery position, dissecting team needs and potential draft strategies. For the Wizards, the focus is on maximizing the value of the No. 1 pick, with many expecting them to target a franchise-altering talent. The Jazz and Grizzlies, meanwhile, are both in prime position to add core pieces as they look to accelerate their respective rebuilds.

Mock draft simulations have become a fan favorite, and ESPN’s mock draft machine enables users to simulate all 60 picks across two rounds, allowing for endless possibilities and fueling speculation on draft-night trades and surprise selections. With the lottery order fixed, these simulations offer a clearer picture of how the first and second rounds might unfold, and they have become an essential tool for both fans and front offices alike.

• The Wizards are widely expected to select a top-tier prospect, with several names in contention for the No. 1 spot
• The Jazz and Grizzlies have multiple directions available, depending on how the board falls
• The rest of the lottery is filled with teams eager to land a difference-maker or address key roster needs

According to Woo’s updated mock, the first round is loaded with versatile forwards, dynamic guards, and a handful of upside-laden big men. The second round, as always, presents opportunities for teams to unearth hidden gems or developmental projects.

With so much talent at the top of the draft, several teams outside the lottery are also exploring trade options to move up and secure their preferred prospects. The projections for players like Peterson, Dybantsa, and Boozer suggest a draft class that could have a significant impact on the league’s balance of power in the coming years.

Fans eager to test their own skills as a general manager can turn to ESPN’s interactive mock draft machine, which offers an engaging way to explore different scenarios and see how their favorite teams might build for the future.