NBA Draft 2026: Spanish prospects climb as Wizards eye top pick

As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, three Spanish players are gaining attention. ESPN’s latest mock draft places point‑guard Sergio de Larrea at the edge of the first round (pick 30, Dallas Mavericks) and forward Baba Miller in the second round (pick 34, Sacramento Kings), while center Aday Mara leaps to the lottery at pick 11 for the Golden State Warriors. De Larrea’s recent performances for Valencia Basket have drawn interest from the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves, who see him as a possible depth addition or a more prominent role, respectively.

Analyst Matthew Geist released updated first‑round projections a week before the draft, noting that a previously top‑rated prospect has fallen several spots, highlighting the volatility of evaluations as teams weigh interviews, physical tests, and tactical fit. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards, holding the first overall pick, are locked in a tight race between BYU forward AJ Dybantsa and Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, each courting the franchise with differing approaches during pre‑draft visits. The final decision, set for the night of June 23‑24 at the Barclays Center, will shape the Wizards’ future and add another layer of intrigue to a draft class considered one of the deepest in recent years.