2026 NBA Draft Recap: Biggest Surprises, Best Fits & Rookie of the Year Picks

Rafael and James Barlowe recap the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, breaking down the biggest surprises, best team fits, and potential Rookie of the Year candidates from draft night. The Barlowe brothers share their thoughts on AJ Dybantsa landing with the Washington Wizards, Darryn Peterson heading to Utah, and debate which rookies are in the best position to make an immediate impact. They also discuss whether Cameron Boozer, Darius Acuff, Caleb Wilson, or Mikel Brown Jr. have the inside track in the Rookie of the Year race. In addition, Rafael and James evaluate several intriguing fits, including Karim Lopez with the Memphis Grizzlies, Dailyn Swain with the Chicago Bulls, Keaton Wagler with the Los Angeles Clippers, and Sergio De Larrea joining the Dallas Mavericks. The brothers also react to surprising selections such as Morez Johnson Jr. going No. 9 overall, Brooklyn drafting another point guard in Mikel Brown Jr., and Koa Peat's slide on draft night. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the biggest winners and losers from the first round, highlighting prospects such as Brayden Burries, Nate Ament, Jayden Quaintance, Bennett Stirtz, Christian Anderson, Hannes Steinbach, and Yaxel Lendeborg, while offering instant reactions and analysis on one of the most fascinating draft classes in recent memory.

1:01 - James overall thoughts on the draft

2:25 AJ Dybantsa to Wizards

2:57 - Trae Young extension

4:11 - Darryn Peterson to Jazz

5:20 - Ace Bailey off the bench?

6:17 - Cameron Boozer best odds for rookie of the year?

8:09 - Darius Acuff ROY candidate

8:37 - Caleb Wilson ROY chances

9:01 - Mikel Brown Jr

10:09 - Karim Lopez - Memphis Grizzlies

10:31 - Dailyn Swain - Chicago Bulls

12:12 - Keaton Wager to LA Clippers

14:35 - Brooklyn Nets draft another point guard in Mikel Brown

16:37 - Darius Acuff and Sacramento Kings

17:32 - Should the Pistons try to trade for Zach LaVine?

18:18 - Acuff Rookie of the year pitch

19:07 - Kingston Flemings to Hawks

20:48 - Zuby Ejiofor to Hawks

22:21 - Morez Johnson surprise pick at No. 9?

25:19 - Biggest Winners on draft night? Brayden Burries and Nate Ament to Bucks

31:20 - Aday Mara to OKC Thunder

34:14 - Charlotte Hornets picks Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson

34:33 - Hannes Steinbach

35:29 - Christian Anderson

35:50 - Bennett Stirtz to the Thunder

37:04 - Labaron Philon to Sixers

37:28 - Bennett Stirtz

38:48 - Ebuka Okorie to Pistons

40:23 - Allen Graves to Toronto

41:57 - Jayden Quaintance to Spurs

44:16 - Cameron Carr to Lakers

45:35 - Sergio De Larrea to the Mavericks

45:47 - Chris Cenac Jr to the Boston Celtics

50:50 - Koa Peat falling in the draft

51:49 - Yaxel Lendeborg to Warriors

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