Basketball · Brooklyn
AJ Dybantsa goes first overall; Aday Mara and Sergio de Larrea headline Spanish presence in 2026 NBA Draft
The 2026 NBA Draft saw BYU's AJ Dybantsa go first overall to Washington. Spanish talent featured with Aday Mara at 12 to Oklahoma City and Sergio de Larrea eventually to Dallas, while Mexico's Karim López made history at pick 21.
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In brief
The BYU forward, averaging 25.5 points, becomes the first No. 1 pick in his university's history.
The Spanish center, fresh off an NCAA title with Michigan, brings elite rim protection and playmaking to a contender.
The Lakers selected the Valencia guard, but his rights were dealt via the Knicks to the reigning champions.
Taken 21st and traded to Memphis, the 19-year-old emotionally paid tribute to his heritage.
Morez Johnson (9th to Dallas), Yaxel Lendeborg (11th to Golden State) and Mara highlight Michigan's strong draft class.
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.
- Points
- 12.1
- Rebounds
- 6.8
- Assists
- 2.4
- Blocks
- 2.6
Data from the article text
“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.
- AJ Dybantsa
- 1 pick number
- Morez Johnson
- 9 pick number
- Yaxel Lendeborg
- 11 pick number
- Aday Mara
- 12 pick number
- Karim López
- 21 pick number
- Sergio de Larrea
- 25 pick number
Data from the article text
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Sources and context
- EL PAÍSLos Thunder eligen a Aday Mara en el puesto 12 del 'draft' de la NBA, Sergio de Larrea recala en los Mavericks
- 20 minutos'Draft' de la NBA: Los Wizards eligen a AJ Dybantsa con el número 1 y Los Thunder, al español Aday Mara en el puesto 12
- LaVanguardiaAday Mara jugará en Oklahoma y De Larrea en los Mavericks
- europa pressAday Mara, elegido por los Thunder en el puesto 12 del 'draft' de la...
- Aday Mara
- Spanish center, 12th pick by Oklahoma City Thunder
- AJ Dybantsa
- American forward, 1st overall pick by Washington Wizards
- Sergio de Larrea
- Spanish guard, drafted 25th, eventually to Dallas Mavericks
- Karim López
- Mexican forward, 21st pick, traded to Memphis Grizzlies
- Yaxel Lendeborg
- Dominican-American forward, 11th pick by Golden State Warriors
- Morez Johnson
- American forward, 9th pick by Dallas Mavericks
- Places
- United States, New York City, Dallas, Mexico, Washington, D.C.
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