The NBA Draft Lottery results are in: the Wizards win the number one pick, and the Pacers get the fifth pick.

On May 10th local time, the results of the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery were officially announced. The Washington Wizards, with the worst record in the entire league, won the first overall pick with the highest probability of 14%, while the Indiana Pacers, with the second-worst record and also a 14% probability, were selected fifth.

Over the past three seasons, the Wizards have only managed 15, 18, and 17 wins, respectively. Despite acquiring Alex Sal, the second overall pick, and Trae Johnson, the sixth overall pick, in 2024 and 2025, respectively, they have consistently failed to find a true cornerstone for building a team.

Winning the number one pick means the Wizards will have absolute control over securing their long-term core player in the draft on June 23. Brigham Young forward AJ Debanza is widely considered the top prospect, but Kansas guard Darlin Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson are also on the Wizards' radar.

However, the Wizards weren't the only winners in this draft lottery. The Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, and Chicago Bulls all surpassed their projected picks on lottery night, ultimately finishing second, third, and fourth respectively.

The Los Angeles Clippers also benefited from this draft lottery. In February, they acquired a protected top-four first-round pick in 2026 from the Indiana Pacers in a trade involving Ivica Zubac, which ultimately landed at the fifth pick. With the pick now officially changing hands, the Clippers will gain an additional high-draft-selection young asset in this year's draft.

The top 14 picks for the 2026 NBA draft are as follows:

1. Washington Wizards

2. Utah Jazz

3. Memphis Grizzlies

4. Chicago Bulls

5. Los Angeles Clippers (from the Pacers)

6. Brooklyn Nets

7. King of Sacramento

8. Atlanta Hawks (from Pelicans)

9. Dallas Mavericks

10. Milwaukee Bucks

11. Golden State Warriors

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from the Clippers)

13. Miami Heat

14. Charlotte Hornets

Image source: Internet