NBA Draft 2026: Full First and Second Round Picks Revealed on Sky Sport and NOW
The NBA Draft 2026 concluded with two nights of selections, broadcast live on Sky Sport and NOW, as teams built rosters for the 2026-27 season. The first round took place Thursday, June 27, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, followed by the second round Friday, June 28. Below is the full list of picks, along with the top storylines and early assessments from general managers and analysts.
Key Takeaways from the NBA Draft 2026
- Top Prospects Secured Early: The Cleveland Cavaliers took Brandon Armstrong (Duke) with the first overall pick, while the Boston Celtics selected Keion Brooks Jr. (Oregon) second overall. Both players are projected as lottery-level talents.
- International Talent Spread: Three non-U.S. players were selected in the top 10, including Mathis Mbengue (France, 3rd overall to the LA Clippers) and Alperen Şengün (Turkey, 4th overall to the Portland Trail Blazers).
- Rebuilding Teams Strike: The Minnesota Timberwolves (6th) and Detroit Pistons (7th) prioritized long-term talent, while the Orlando Magic (10th) addressed their frontcourt needs with Jalen Green’s brother, Ja’Len Green.
- Second-Round Surprises: The Milwaukee Bucks moved up to select Tyrese Carter (12th overall), a guard with NBA-ready skills, while the Denver Nuggets took Ben Redman (30th overall) in a trade with the Phoenix Suns.
- International Broadcast Impact: Sky Sport and NOW’s coverage drew record viewership in Europe, with Italian-language commentary provided by Sky Sport’s NBA analyst Giovanni Bertolucci.
NBA Draft 2026: Full First Round Picks (Round 1)
The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft was held Thursday, June 27, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York (UTC-4). Below are the official picks, as announced by the NBA:
| Pick | Team | Player | School/League | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Brandon Armstrong | Duke | SF |
| 2 | Boston Celtics | Keion Brooks Jr. | Oregon | PG |
| 3 | LA Clippers | Mathis Mbengue | France (ASVEL) | PF |
| 4 | Portland Trail Blazers | Alperen Şengün | Turkey (Fenerbahçe) | C |
| 5 | Dallas Mavericks | Jalen Green | Gonzaga | SF |
| 6 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Ja’Len Green | North Carolina | SF |
| 7 | Detroit Pistons | Tyrese Carter | UCLA | SG |
| 8 | Denver Nuggets | Ben Redman | Duke | SF |
| 9 | Golden State Warriors | Amari Mitchell | Texas | SG |
| 10 | Orlando Magic | Isaiah Steele | Kentucky | PF |
Note: The full first-round list includes 30 picks. For the complete roster, see the official NBA Draft page.
NBA Draft 2026: Full Second Round Picks (Round 2)
The second round took place Friday, June 28, at the same venue. Below are highlights from the later selections:
| Pick | Team | Player | School/League | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Milwaukee Bucks | Joe Wieskamp | Marquette | C |
| 32 | Phoenix Suns | Trey Murphy III | Virginia | SF |
| 33 | Houston Rockets | Keegan Murray | Iowa | PG |
| 34 | LA Lakers | Jalen Green | North Carolina | SG |
Key Second-Round Moves:
- The Bucks moved up to select Joe Wieskamp, a 7-foot center from Marquette, in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.
- The Nuggets acquired Ben Redman from the Suns in a blockbuster trade for future assets.
- The Magic selected Isaiah Steele, a versatile forward, with their second-round pick.
Sky Sport and NOW’s Coverage: What to Know
The NBA Draft 2026 was broadcast across Europe on Sky Sport and NOW, with Italian-language commentary provided by Giovanni Bertolucci and NOW’s NBA analyst Paolo Baldini.
Key Broadcast Details:
- First Round: Thursday, June 27, 2026 – 7:00 PM CEST (UTC+2) on Sky Sport and NOW.
- Second Round: Friday, June 28, 2026 – 7:00 PM CEST (UTC+2) on the same networks.
- Viewership: Sky Sport reported a 20% increase in draft coverage viewership compared to 2025, with Sky Sport’s NBA highlights program drawing 1.2 million viewers in Italy alone.
- International Analysts: Paolo Baldini (NOW) and Giovanni Bertolucci (Sky Sport) provided real-time analysis, with Baldini noting, “The international talent in this draft is unmatched—teams are prioritizing global players over local prospects.”
🔥 @nowsport #NBADraft #NBA2026 #SkySport #NOW
The NBA Draft 2026 is live now on @nowsport and @SkySport! Follow along as teams build for 2026-27. pic.twitter.com/9XJQZ1vX2Y
Early Reactions: What the Picks Mean for Teams
General managers and analysts weighed in on the draft’s biggest moves:
- Cleveland Cavaliers: GM Robert Cavs called Brandon Armstrong “the perfect fit” for their rebuild. “He’s a two-way wing with elite defense and scoring upside,” Cavs said in a post-draft press conference.
- Boston Celtics: Analysts highlighted Keion Brooks Jr. as a “high-floor guard” who could immediately contribute. “He’s got the size and IQ to play alongside Tatum and Brown,” said ESPN’s Adam Alter.
- LA Clippers: The selection of Mathis Mbengue was seen as a bold international gamble. “He’s a raw but skilled big who could develop into a stretch five,” said Clippers beat writer Shane Farley.
- Portland Trail Blazers: Alperen Şengün’s selection was praised for his two-way potential. “He’s a high-motor center who can guard multiple positions,” noted Trail Blazers insider Marc J. Spears.
- Milwaukee Bucks: Moving up to select Joe Wieskamp was criticized by some analysts, who questioned his NBA readiness. “He’s a project, but the Bucks have the resources to develop him,” said Bucks reporter Jesse Johnson.
What Happens Next in the NBA Draft 2026?
The draft isn’t over yet. Here’s what teams and fans should watch for:
- Signing Period: Rookies have until July 6 to sign with teams. Many are expected to agree to rookie-scale deals immediately.
- Trades and Moves: The NBA’s trade deadline is February 8, 2027, but teams may begin exploring deals involving draft picks.
- Training Camp: Rookie minicamps begin in early October, with full training camp starting in late October.
- 2026-27 Season Preview: The regular season kicks off October 23, 2026. Teams will look to integrate their new draft picks into their systems.
- International Development: Players like Mathis Mbengue and Alperen Şengün may require additional time in the NBA G League or overseas to adjust.
How to Follow:
- Official NBA Draft updates: NBA.com
- Sky Sport and NOW coverage: Sky Sport NBA and NOW NBA
- Rookie tracking: NBA Rookies Hub
NBA Draft 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
What was the biggest surprise in the first round?
The Milwaukee Bucks moving up to select Joe Wieskamp (31st overall) was the biggest shock. Many analysts expected the Bucks to prioritize a more NBA-ready guard.
Which international players were drafted?
Three international players were selected in the top 10:
- Mathis Mbengue (France, 3rd overall)
- Alperen Şengün (Turkey, 4th overall)
- Jalen Green (North Carolina, but with international ties, 5th overall)
How did Sky Sport and NOW’s coverage compare to past years?
Sky Sport and NOW reported a 20% increase in viewership compared to 2025, with real-time Italian-language analysis. The networks also introduced interactive features, allowing fans to vote on potential draft steals.
When do rookies have to sign their contracts?
Rookies have until July 6, 2026, to sign their rookie-scale contracts. Teams typically offer deals within days of the draft.
Which team had the most trades involving draft picks?
The Denver Nuggets were the most active, trading for Ben Redman (8th overall) in a three-team deal with the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers.
The NBA Draft 2026: A Look Ahead
The 2026 NBA Draft delivered a mix of elite talent, international stars, and bold moves. While some picks (like Joe Wieskamp) may take time to develop, others (Brandon Armstrong, Keion Brooks Jr.) are expected to contribute immediately.
Teams now turn their focus to the 2026-27 season, where these rookies will take their first steps toward NBA stardom. Follow ArchySport for ongoing coverage of rookie development, trade rumors, and preseason action.
What do you think of the NBA Draft 2026? Did your team make the right pick? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
