Now that the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft has concluded, it is time to go over the best overall selections made in the first round. This will factor in team fit, need, and the amount of perceived talent that the team got from their selection. There were plenty of great selections, which will provide those teams with excellent talent that can be a factor in the franchises’ future. Let’s dive into the top five best selections made in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Top 5 First-Round Selections In The 2026 NBA Draft
1. Cameron Boozer To The Memphis Grizzlies
Honestly, any of the top three selections could be on this list, but the best selection of the night among the top three goes to the Memphis Grizzlies. They get one of the best prospects in recent times in Duke forward Cameron Boozer, who fits like a glove with their roster and team mentality. In Boozer, the Grizzlies will get a prospect who profiles as an incredibly versatile player who can impact the game in practically every way. Whether the team needs isolation scoring, high-level playmaking, or impactful defense, Boozer can deliver.
Something that is equally important as Boozer’s overall talent is his fit with the team, which is tremendous. He can operate as an excellent frontcourt partner next to Zach Edey, providing everything Edey needs to be maximized. Together, they would give Memphis one of the most physically imposing frontcourts in the NBA. Not only that, but his offensive talent would be a great fit next to guys like Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells, providing them with a player whom they can rally around offensively. With his level of toughness and maturity, Boozer is a home run pick for a Grizzlies team looking to find their grit and grind again.
2. Morez Johnson Jr. To The Dallas Mavericks
It may or may not be a surprise for the Dallas Mavericks to take a prospect from Michigan after hiring Michigan head coach Dusty May to be their own head coach. Nevertheless, taking forward Morez Johnson Jr. is a fantastic choice for them. This pick is easily a top selection in the first round as the Mavericks maximize talent, fit, and size around former first overall pick, Cooper Flagg.
Johnson is the ideal long-term partner next to Flagg and Dereck Lively II at the four, giving Dallas a foundation of high-level defense in the frontcourt. Those three together would give the Mavericks a defensive core that would be feared in the league. If Johnson’s offense comes around, then Dallas will be looking at an amazing frontcourt for a long time.
3. Allen Graves To The Toronto Raptors
Santa Clara forward Allen Graves going to the Toronto Raptors is surprising, but the pick is a terrific outcome. For a team that badly needs additional 3-and-D talent, they get one of the best two-way wings in the class to pair next to guys like Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles. Graves perfectly fits with the Raptors’ identity as a team focused on grit and defense, while also providing them with the necessary floor spacing and offensive processing the team needs around their stars.
With Graves added to the roster, the Raptors will have a diverse forward room that can lock down on defense and create multiple transition opportunities. In Graves, Toronto has the potential to get someone who can stay with the franchise for the long haul as a 3-and-D wing.
4. Jayden Quaintance To The San Antonio Spurs
Health will always be a question surrounding Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance, but he has the potential to be an incredible defensive player if he can stay healthy. In the case that Quaintance does stay healthy, he would be an amazing fit next to Victor Wembanyama. As both a backup and playing next to Wembanyama, Quaintance would be an impactful player for San Antonio.
In a backup role, Quaintance would provide a level of defense that would prevent much defensive drop-off when Wembanyama goes to the bench. Next to the Spurs’ star, the two of them together could potentially field the single best defensive duo in today’s NBA. Those two would make the paint a no fly zone for any opposing offense. Plus, Quaintance’s size and strength can allow him to defend more physical centers, while Wembanyama can roam on the weak side. A lot of things need to break the right way for Quaintance, particularly in his offensive development and health. Nevertheless, in an optimistic scenario, Quaintance can be one of the best selections made in the draft.
5. Cameron Carr To The Los Angeles Lakers
By trading up to the 24th overall pick, which was held by the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Lakers added almost everything they needed from a player who must fit around Luka Doncic. The player they selected at 24 is Baylor guard Cameron Carr, a wing who has great athleticism and shooting ability. Both of those qualities are needed around Doncic, which Carr can provide in spades.
He brings Los Angeles an infusion of youth and athleticism that they desperately need. Carr‘s level of talent and skill, alongside his two-way upside, is an amazing result for the Lakers. Getting a prospect who literally ticks almost every box the Lakers need from a player makes this pick one of the best selections of the first round.
Featured Image: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
