The 2026 NBA Draft will definitely have its share of surprises, but the top of the board appears far more settled than the rest.

AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer have separated themselves from the field, giving the teams with the top three picks–the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, and Memphis Grizzlies–three prospects with legitimate star potential. The order is not completely certain, especially with Washington and Utah still reportedly weighing their options, but it would be surprising if any of the three slipped past Memphis at No. 3.

Dybantsa remains the favorite to go first overall to Washington. The 19-year-old BYU forward stands 6-foot-9, weighs 217 pounds, and owns a 7-foot-1 wingspan. His size, strength, and coordination allow him to overpower defenders on drives while still creating difficult shots from the perimeter. He attacks the basket aggressively, finishes through contact, and has also shown the ability to make plays for others.

Jaylen Brown is the comparison that comes up most often, although Dybantsa is physically bigger and more advanced as a scorer than Brown was at the same stage of his career. His physical profile has also invited comparisons to Tracy McGrady and Kawhi Leonard, particularly because of his ability to get to his spots and use his strength to overpower opposing defenders.

Washington reportedly has not made a final decision and continues to study Peterson, but Dybantsa still appears to be the natural choice. The Wizards need a two-way wing, and no player in this class offers a clearer combination of physical tools, shot creation, and superstar upside.

Nonetheless, Peterson is the reason why Dybantsa is not the consensus top pick. The 6-foot-5 Kansas guard weighs 199 pounds and has a 6-foot-10 wingspan, giving him excellent size for the backcourt. He can score from all three levels, create difficult shots, and take over games with the ball in his hands. Devin Booker is a common comparison because of his scoring ability and size.

His lone season at Kansas was disrupted by injuries, but his medical reports have reportedly not created major concerns. Peterson remains an elite shotmaker, aggressive defender, and better passer than his college role allowed him to show and some evaluators hold on to the belief that he is the most talented player in the draft.

Utah appears genuinely torn at No. 2, but Peterson also looks like the cleaner fit. Adding Boozer would create questions in a frontcourt that already includes Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and potentially Walker Kessler. Peterson gives the Jazz the dynamic guard they need.

That would leave Boozer for Memphis, which may be the easiest decision of the night. The Duke forward is 6-foot-8, weighs 253 pounds, and has a 7-foot-2 wingspan. Though only 18, he is already one of the most polished players in the class.

Boozer can score inside and out, rebound, pass, and make quick decisions without forcing anything. His footwork and feel have led to comparisons with Kevin Love, although Boozer may already be further along than Love was coming out of college, particularly because of his ability to put the ball on the floor. Though his defense still has much room for improvement, nearly everything else points towards him becoming a future offensive centerpiece.

The draft begins with Washington, but the opening decisions may ultimately be straightforward. Dybantsa offers the highest ceiling, Peterson may be the most gifted scorer, and Boozer is perhaps the safest bet to become an excellent player. After those three names are called, the real uncertainty in the 2026 NBA Draft begins.