Thirty picks down, 30 more to go.

The 2026 NBA Draft completed its first round on Tuesday, as 30 prospects found new homes in the majors.

It started with the first four picks going as planned: BYU forward AJ Dybantsa went to the Washington Wizards, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson landed with the Utah Jazz and the Memphis Grizzlies chose Duke forward Cameron Boozer. The Chicago Bulls then snagged Caleb Wilson, the consensus fourth-best option.

Selections became more unpredictable after that, as Arkansas star Darius Acuff Jr. found a polarizing home while the Oklahoma City Thunder saw the perfect center fall into its lap late in the lottery.

Let’s analyze the draft further with winners and losers:

WINNER: Chicago Bulls add two potential starters

The Bulls entered the draft with picks No. 4 and 15, the latter which came via Portland. The first was used on UNC forward Caleb Wilson, who was coveted due to his defensive abilities and possible offensive upside. The main risk is his 3-point percentage. If he can’t develop a jumper, how he’s used will need to be adjusted, which also alters his ceiling. But floor-wise, he could easily be the starting 4.

Then at No. 15, Chicago went with a tall guard in Dailyn Swain of Texas. He spent two years at Xavier before breaking out as a junior with the Longhorns. At 6-foot-7, Swain improved his offensive numbers and efficiency every season and could turn out to be a perfect backcourt partner for fellow tall guard Josh Giddey. Chicago now has two rookies worth immediately tuning into.

LOSER: How will Darius Acuff Jr. work in Sacramento?

The Kings didn’t make a clear mistake by taking Razorbacks guard Acuff Jr. at No. 7 overall. His offensive output alone is worthy of a top-three pick. What hurts Acuff Jr.’s stock is his minimal defensive presence, which would need significant worth if Sacramento is to get back on track as soon as possible.

Sacramento also hasn’t been the best place for guards who were picked in the first round. De’Aaron Fox was traded to San Antonio on a sour note, Tyrese Haliburton was moved to Indiana after breaking out and Davion Mitchell became a key role player elsewhere. Devin Carter, the Kings’ last first-round pick in 2024, has a defining season ahead. So, is Acuff Jr. the right profile to boost Sacramento’s ailing fortune? It’s a major ask. Sacramento also traded up for UConn forward Alex Karaban at No. 29.

WINNER: Warriors secure Yaxel Lendeborg’s versatility

The Michigan Wolverines won the NCAA championship — naturally, the program has produced desired prospects. Golden State is in need of more stable youth talents, so 23-year-old Lendeborg should fit well as Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler hit their final years.

Lendeborg’s ceiling may not be as high as he turns 24 in September, but he fits in every team’s roster and can guard all five positions. He also proved he can maintain improved 3-point accuracy on higher volume, which fits around Curry’s gravity. His work rate will make him a fan favorite.

LOSER: Was Morez Johnson Jr. the right choice for Dallas?

Most of the lottery features reasonable picks. How Sacramento’s Acuff Jr. pick ages will depend on multiple factors. The main questionable selection involved the Dallas Mavericks. At No. 9 overall, the Mavs added Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr., shortly after announcing Dusty May as their new head coach.

Johnson Jr. is a 6-foot-9 defensive forward who doesn’t offer much offensively right out of the gate due to his poor deep shooting numbers and height disadvantages. May got someone he’s familiar with, but the chance was there to add someone with a higher ceiling alongside Cooper Flagg. Trading back could’ve also been a better option.

WINNER: Oklahoma City gets its Victor Wembanyama matchup

The Thunder failed to repeat as NBA champions after struggling to cope with Victor Wembanyama across seven games. Some injuries played a role, but they also lacked the big-man intensity as Chet Holmgren ultimately was a mismatch.

So what did Oklahoma City do? Take the best center prospect of the class. Michigan product Aday Mara is a traditional 7-foot-3 center who blocks shots at an elite rate with an efficient touch down low. He’ll have his uses throughout the regular season, but how he handles Wembanyama will be key in the Western Conference battles that lie ahead.

Everything you need to know about former BYU standout AJ Dybantsa

Honorable mentions

WINNER: The Brooklyn Nets landing Mikel Brown Jr. helps their long-term PG1 spot, though they need much more talent around him.

WINNER: The Detroit Pistons trading up for Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie at No. 17 may aid their bench unit as Cade Cunningham had to do too much for a No. 1-seeded side that disappointed in the playoffs.