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NBA Draft takeaways
The first round of the NBA Draft has come and gone. What was notable? Plus: Five-for-five eligibility is here, Mike Boynton was named Michigan's interim head coach, and more.
Sean Paul
June 24, 2026
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Draft night is always special, and yesterday was no different. Let's get to the news.
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1. Evaluating the NBA Draft’s first round
The 2026 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn has come and gone. It looks like it could be one of the best drafts in recent memory, especially at the top.
The draft didn't really begin until the Clippers at number five. The yearly smokescreens came out about the top four, but it was always AJ Dybantsa to Washington, Darryn Peterson to Utah, Cam Boozer to Memphis, and Caleb Wilson to Chicago.
If you want the full 1-30, check out our graphic.
I have some takeaways from a night where surprises were few and far between.
Former Michigan HC Dusty May taking Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. is perfect. Dallas has its franchise player in Cooper Flagg. May, who took the job two days ago, has to surround Flagg with winning players, and Johnson Jr.'s defensive intensity makes him a winner.
Speaking of Michigan men, OKC has a potential "Wemby stopper" in Aday Mara. The 7-3 Spaniard is an elite defender, can pass, and even has shooting potential. At No. 12, the Thunder went for a big body who can hang with Victor Wembanyama in a budding Spurs vs Thunder rivalry.
The Michigan trio of Johnson, Mara and Yaxel Lendeborg helped Michigan become one of five schools to produce three lottery picks in one draft, joining Duke (2019/2025), Florida (2007), Kentucky (2010/2015/2017) and North Carolina (2005).
Sure, the Bucks dealt Giannis, but left with Arizona guard Brayden Burries at No. 10 and Tennessee forward Nate Ament at No. 13. Not too bad for a team building for the future.
I was a bit surprised with the Bulls snagging Dailyn Swain at No. 15. He's a talented wing with real ball-handling ability, but his shooting is a real issue. Chicago must feel good about developing his shooting.
Santa Clara became the only non-power five program to have three first round picks across the past five seasons and joined some great programs as teams with top-20 picks in three of the last five drafts.
Cheers to Alex Karaban, who's heading to the Kings with the No. 29 pick. An all-time UConn great and 2x champ still ends up in the first round.
Koa Peat was one of the big stay-or-go decisions. He nearly slipped out of the first, but the Phoenix Suns land Peat with the final pick of the first round.
A few other stay-or-go guys might be regretting their "go" choice. Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas, UNC big Henri Veesaar and Duke's Isaiah Evans (who was the last player left in the green room) all slipped out of the first round. In the NIL era, many stay-or-go guys stay; perhaps this is a cautionary tale.
2. Five-for-five is here
The long-speculated "five-for-five" is coming to college hoops, starting next year. The NCAA D-1 cabinet unanimously voted to put the new rule into place.
