Latest:
jun 24 2026The 2026 NBA Draft delivered its first major moment in Brooklyn. AJ Dybantsa was selected No. 1 overall by the Washington Wizards in a first round marked by college talent, international prospects, and a particularly significant night for Spanish basketball, with Aday Mara and Sergio de Larrea selected among the top 30.
Dybantsa's selection confirmed predictions. The small forward developed at BYU arrives in Washington as a piece destined to change the franchise's trajectory. His ability to score in space, create advantages with the ball, and fit into modern basketball made him the night's top pick. Behind him, the Utah Jazz went with Darryn Peterson at No. 2, while the Memphis Grizzlies selected Cameron Boozer at No. 3, one of the draft class's most polished players in terms of maturity, basketball IQ, and immediate production.
The top of the draft also featured high-impact names like Caleb Wilson, selected by the Chicago Bulls at No. 4; Keaton Wagler, chosen by the LA Clippers at No. 5; Mikel Brown Jr., heading to the Brooklyn Nets at No. 6; and Darius Acuff Jr., the new point guard for the Sacramento Kings at No. 7. The night's opening confirmed the dominance of college freshmen, with eight first-year players selected among the top nine picks, tying a historical record.
For Spanish basketball, the big moment came at No. 12. The Oklahoma City Thunder selected Aday Mara, a center from Michigan, to add even more size and rim protection to an already talent-laden roster. The NBA highlighted his 7'3" height, wingspan, and passing ability, plus his potential to form an intimidating frontcourt pairing alongside Chet Holmgren. Mara joins a deep, competitive organization with an ideal environment to develop his strengths without immediately assuming an excessive role.
The selection of the Zaragoza native represents a huge step in his career. After his formative years in Spain and his growth in college basketball, Mara enters the NBA as one of the draft class's most unique big men: a giant center with basketball IQ, rim protection ability, and resources to contribute beyond finishing near the basket.
The second Spanish celebration came at No. 25. The Los Angeles Lakers selected Sergio de Larrea, a 6'6" point guard-shooting guard, though the pick was subsequently included in a trade that, according to the NBA, sent him to the Dallas Mavericks via the New York Knicks. The Valencia-born guard was presented as a high-volume playmaker with a historic achievement behind him: in 2025, he became the youngest MVP in Spanish Super Cup history.
De Larrea enters the NBA as a highly attractive profile for modern basketball: a tall wing with ball-handling, court vision, playmaking ability, and room to grow as a shooter and secondary creator. His first-round selection confirms the value franchises place on his projection and his experience competing in a demanding professional context.
The first round was also filled with movement. Several picks were traded during the night, with deals affecting teams like the Knicks, Lakers, Mavericks, Suns, Cavaliers, Kings, Nuggets, and Spurs. Among the final names of the round, Tarris Reed Jr. stood out, selected by Denver at No. 26 and sent to San Antonio; Joshua Jefferson, chosen by Minnesota at No. 28; Alex Karaban, selected by Cleveland at No. 29 and traded to Sacramento; and Koa Peat, chosen by Dallas at No. 30 in a deal sending him to Phoenix.
The draft will continue with the second round, but the first night already made one thing clear: the 2026 class arrives with potential stars, plenty of young talent, and notable international presence. For Spain, moreover, the event held special significance. Aday Mara and Sergio de Larrea are now first-round NBA players.
