AJ Dybantsa goes first overall; Aday Mara and Sergio de Larrea headline Spanish presence in 2026 NBA Draft

Dybantsa headlines as No. 1 pick

Washington Wizards selected Brigham Young University forward AJ Dybantsa with the first pick, making him the program's first number-one draft choice. The 206-centimeter wing averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists last season. Washington won only 17 games in 2025-26 and has not reached the playoffs since the 2020-21 campaign.

I have a lot of work to do, but this is a reward for all the sacrifice I've made.

Mara brings size and skill to Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Thunder used the 12th selection on Spanish center Aday Mara, fresh from winning the NCAA title with Michigan – the first ever for a Spaniard. At 2.21 meters and 118 kilograms, Mara averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.6 blocks, setting a Michigan single-season record with 103 rejections. Scouts compare his vision to Nikola Jokic and his rim-protecting reach of nearly three meters to Victor Wembanyama.

I'm excited. After winning the championship with Michigan, I want more, so being on a competitive team like OKC is great. I can't wait to travel and start working to help the team as much as I can.

Mara joins a roster led by two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and will compete with Chet Holmgren for minutes. Oklahoma City won the 2025 title and fell in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals this spring.

De Larrea changes hands before landing in Dallas

Los Angeles Lakers drafted Spanish guard Sergio de Larrea of Valencia Basket with the 25th pick, but his rights were immediately traded. Reports indicate the Lakers swapped the pick to the New York Knicks, who in turn sent him to the Dallas Mavericks. De Larrea, 20, was the second Spaniard taken in the first round.

López makes history for Mexico

Karim López became the first Mexican-born player selected in a first round, chosen 21st by Detroit and reportedly dealt to Memphis. The 19-year-old forward, who played for Badalona's youth system and the New Zealand Breakers, wept as he displayed a Mexican flag inside his jacket.

It's something very special to be here, I am blessed and I really have no words. I wanted to represent my culture, where I come from, my faith.

López averaged 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds last season in New Zealand.

Draft order at a glance

Three Michigan Wolverines went in the lottery: Morez Johnson at 9 (Dallas), Yaxel Lendeborg at 11 (Golden State) and Mara at 12. Dybantsa, Johnson and Lendeborg were the top picks, while Baba Miller of Real Madrid was not chosen in the first round and will hope for a second-round call on Wednesday alongside compatriot Bassala Bagayoko.