The debate over who goes No. 1 in the 2026 NBA Draft is basically a daily flip-flop. Some days it’s AJ Dybantsa. Other days it’s Darryn Peterson. Ask five different scouts and you might get five different answers, even though the Washington Wizards almost certainly know which way they’re leaning at this point.
ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel and reporter Tomer Azarly broke down the top of the draft on this week’s Clutch Scoops show. They covered everything from the Wizards’ big decision to which teams might shake up the lottery by trading in or out of the top 10. The draft is only days away, so the intel is coming fast.
The Wizards’ No. 1 dilemma
Washington holds the first pick for the second straight year. Last year they took Cooper Flagg. This year it comes down to Dybantsa or Peterson, two elite guards who project as franchise cornerstones. Dybantsa brings explosive scoring and length. Peterson is more of a polished playmaker with a tighter handle. The NBA world is split.
Siegel and Azarly spent a good chunk of the show on this exact question. Who actually fits better with what Washington is building? There’s no consensus yet, but whoever the Wizards pass on will almost certainly go No. 2 to whoever trades up or stays put.
Second wave of guards
After Peterson comes off the board, the next tier of guards includes Mikel Brown Jr., Keaton Wagler, and Darius Acuff Jr. All three have been working out for teams late this week, trying to lock in their spots in the lottery or just outside it. The Thunder are still trying to trade up into the top 10, which could shake things up.
Other draft buzz
The show covered a lot of ground. The Knicks just won the 2026 Finals and are figuring out their next moves. The Spurs are weighing whether to make serious roster changes. Tiago Splitter’s new deal with the Bulls got some attention. And the Mavericks are apparently open to moving the No. 9 pick. The Warriors have options at No. 11. The Clippers are locked in on two guards at No. 5. Plus there’s the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade still hanging over everything.
Would the Jazz consider taking Cam Boozer over Peterson at No. 3? Siegel and Azarly talked through that too. Nothing is settled.
Full episode is up on the ClutchPoints YouTube channel. Follow Brett and Tomer on X for the latest.
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