What happened
The Washington Wizards won the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on Sunday and now hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The result was confirmed across league and national reports after the lottery drawing in Chicago.
Why it matters
The No. 1 pick gives Washington the first decision in a pivotal offseason after a 17-65 finish and ties the franchise's rebuild to the top of this draft class. It is the latest major turn for the same Wizards team battered by injuries late in the season, with roster-building now shifting from survival to draft control.
The data edge
Washington entered the lottery with a 14.0% chance at the No. 1 pick, tied with Indiana and Brooklyn for the best odds. The Wizards finished the 2025-26 regular season 17-65. Reports after the drawing listed the top of the order as Washington No. 1, Utah No. 2, Memphis No. 3, Chicago No. 4 and the LA Clippers No. 5.
What to watch
The next focus is how Washington evaluates the top of the class before the draft on June 23-24. Watch for updated mock drafts, workouts and any signals on whether the Wizards lock in or shop the pick.