Washington Wizards Get First Pick in 2026 NBA Draft

The Wizards now have the top pick in the NBA Draft, a huge chance to get a top player. This is a big change after their difficult season.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

The Washington Wizards have landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, a significant development following a season of on-court struggles. This outcome, announced yesterday, grants the franchise a pivotal opportunity to add an immediate impact player to a roster that recently acquired Trae Young and Anthony Davis.

The Wizards' victory at the draft lottery provides them with the premier selection from what is described as a "star-studded list of prospects."

The Utah Jazz will pick second, followed by the Memphis Grizzlies at third, and the Chicago Bulls at fourth. The first round of the draft is scheduled for June 23 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, with the second round taking place the following night.

Adding another layer to the lottery's unpredictable narrative, the Los Angeles Clippers will receive the Pacers' pick, which lands at No. 5. This acquisition stems from the earlier Ivica Zubac trade.

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Wiz win draft lottery; Clippers get Pacers pick - 1

Lottery Odds and Outcomes

While the Wizards secured the top spot, the Indiana Pacers, who finished with the league's second-worst record at 19-63, fell to the fifth position. This outcome appears to be a setback for a team that entered the lottery with a significant chance, reportedly a 52 percent probability, of securing a top-four selection.

The draft combine is set to commence on Monday in Chicago. The Wizards, represented on stage by Wall, had an estimated 50-50 chance of landing either a top-four pick or the fifth spot.

League Structure Shifts

Recent reports suggest potential changes to the lottery system, including an expansion to 16 teams and a "3-2-1 lottery" format. Under these proposed adjustments, teams would receive lottery balls based on their regular-season performance and play-in tournament participation. The bottom three teams would receive two balls, while other non-playoff teams would get three. Teams involved in the play-in games would receive two or one ball depending on their stage of elimination.

Read More: Wizards get No. 1 NBA Draft pick after lottery on May 10, 2026

The inclusion of a "relegation zone" has also been discussed, which would penalize the bottom three teams with fewer lottery balls for the No. 1 pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did the Washington Wizards get the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft?
The Wizards won the NBA Draft lottery yesterday, which means they get the first choice of any player in the draft. This is a big chance for them to improve their team.
Q: When is the 2026 NBA Draft?
The first round of the NBA Draft is on June 23 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The second round is the next night.
Q: Which teams picked after the Wizards?
The Utah Jazz will pick second, the Memphis Grizzlies will pick third, and the Chicago Bulls will pick fourth. The Los Angeles Clippers will pick fifth with a pick they got from the Indiana Pacers.
Q: What does this mean for the Wizards?
Getting the No. 1 pick means the Wizards can choose one of the best young players available. This could help them win more games, especially after recently adding players like Trae Young and Anthony Davis to their team.