NBA Draft 2026: First 14 Green Room Invites Revealed—Who’s Next in the Lottery Race?
The NBA has officially announced the first 14 teams invited to the 2026 Draft Green Room, marking the first concrete step in the lottery process for the upcoming draft class. The invites, sent by the league, include the teams with the worst records from the 2024–25 season, setting the stage for the June 26, 2026, draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Green Room is where teams will gather to prepare for the lottery drawing, which will determine the top four picks.
Who’s Already Invited—and Who Might Still Join?
The NBA confirmed the initial 14 invites on May 15, 2025, based on the 2024–25 regular-season standings. The teams included are:
- Los Angeles Lakers (14–68)
- Sacramento Kings (15–67)
- Phoenix Suns (16–66)
- New York Knicks (17–65)
- Charlotte Hornets (18–64)
- Detroit Pistons (19–63)
- Memphis Grizzlies (20–62)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (21–61)
- Chicago Bulls (22–60)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (23–59)
- Atlanta Hawks (24–58)
- Washington Wizards (25–57)
- Milwaukee Bucks (26–56)
- Dallas Mavericks (27–55)
Notably, the official NBA standings show the Mavericks as the 28th seed, just outside the initial 14 invites. However, the league clarified that the final 14 teams will be determined by the lottery-eligible teams, which includes those with records between 27–55 and 14–68. This means the Mavericks could still secure a spot if the playoff picture changes—or if another team’s record drops further.
What Does This Mean for the Lottery Process?
The Green Room invites are the first official step in the NBA’s lottery system, which determines the top four picks in the draft. The lottery works as follows:
- Top 14 teams (based on worst records) enter the lottery pool.
- The worst team (Lakers, currently 14–68) has the highest chance (25%) of landing the No. 1 pick.
- The odds decrease for each subsequent team, with the 14th team (Mavericks, currently 27–55) having a 0.5% chance.
- The top four picks are drawn in a live ceremony on May 15, 2026 (date subject to confirmation).
- The remaining picks (5–60) are assigned in reverse order of the standings.
According to the NBA’s official lottery rules, the final 14 teams will be locked in by the end of the 2024–25 season. This means if a team improves its record—or another team’s record drops—they could still enter the lottery pool.
Who Could Still Join the Lottery Race?
Currently, the following teams are not among the initial 14 invites but could still qualify:
- Dallas Mavericks (27–55, currently outside the top 14)
- Brooklyn Nets (28–54, just outside the cutoff)
- Golden State Warriors (29–53, also outside)
If any of these teams fail to make the playoffs—or if another team’s record drops—they could still secure a lottery spot. For example, the Warriors are currently 29–53 but could still fall into the lottery range if they lose key games in the final stretch.
Why This Matters for the 2026 Draft Class
The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the deepest in recent memory, with prospects like Victor Wembanyama (if he declares), Brandon Miller, and Jalen Green (if he returns) expected to dominate the early rounds. The lottery teams will have the best shot at landing the top-tier talent, while the middle-round picks will focus on high-upside international prospects and late-round steals.
For teams like the Lakers, Kings, and Suns—who have historically struggled to land top prospects—the lottery is a critical opportunity. The Lakers, for example, have not had a top-five pick since 2014, making this a high-stakes moment for their rebuild.
What Happens Next in the Draft Timeline?
The next major checkpoint is the end of the 2024–25 regular season, which will finalize the lottery-eligible teams. Here’s the confirmed schedule:
- May 15, 2025: Current Green Room invites announced (14 teams).
- April 13, 2026: NBA Draft Combine begins in Chicago (prospects showcase skills).
- May 15, 2026: Final lottery drawing (top four picks revealed).
- June 26, 2026: NBA Draft at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY (7:00 PM ET / 23:00 UTC).
The draft will air live on NBA TV, ESPN, and TNT, with coverage starting at 6:30 PM ET (22:30 UTC). Fans can follow official updates via the NBA Draft page.
Key Takeaways for Fans and Teams
- The Lakers, Kings, and Suns have the best shot at the No. 1 pick but face steep odds.
- The Mavericks and Nets could still enter the lottery if records drop.
- The 2026 draft class is expected to be historic, with multiple top prospects declaring.
- The lottery drawing will be held on May 15, 2026, with the draft on June 26.
How to Follow the NBA Draft 2026
For the latest updates, check:
Teams and fans should also monitor official NBA news for any late-season surprises that could shift the lottery picture.
