How Grizzlies landed No. 3 overall pick at NBA draft lottery, what's next
The Memphis Grizzlies moved up in the draft lottery and now have strong options to consider for their top pick.
The pingpong balls bounced in the Memphis Grizzlies’ favor. Memphis technically landed the fourth lottery combination, but because the previous two combinations went to the Utah Jazz , the Grizzlies ultimately secured the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Washington Wizards won the No. 1 pick, the Jazz will select second, and Memphis now sits in prime position. Projected top prospects AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Caleb Wilson and Cam Boozer sat alongside family members during the lottery process May 10 in Chicago, getting an early glimpse into what their NBA futures could soon hold.
The pingpong ball combination 13-4-10-6 delivered Memphis the third pick. Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman and vice president of player affairs Tayshaun Prince represented the franchise during the lottery drawing and on-stage presentation, respectively. After the results were announced, the two met and had a lengthy conversation inside the Navy Pier ballroom.
Now, Memphis has the opportunity to add a potential franchise-changing talent when the draft begins June 23 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. With Washington and Utah picking ahead of them, the Grizzlies may allow the board to naturally narrow their choices. Still, four standout names emerge as the most realistic possibilities.