2026 NBA Draft Team Grades: Ranking the Best and Worst Front Offices After Two Rounds




The 2026 NBA Draft is officially complete, and all 30 franchises have made their selections. From franchise-changing lottery picks to hidden gems in the second round, front offices across the league had an opportunity to strengthen their rosters and build for the future.

Some organizations maximized their draft capital and landed tremendous value, while others left fans questioning their strategy. With both rounds now in the books, it's time to hand out final report cards and evaluate which teams emerged as the biggest winners and losers of the 2026 NBA Draft.





Top Front Offices of the 2026 NBA Draft


Memphis Grizzlies – Grade: A+

The Grizzlies were arguably the biggest winners of the entire draft. Memphis landed three highly regarded prospects who many analysts expected to be selected much earlier.

  • Cameron Boozer (No. 3)

  • Karim López (No. 21)

  • Richie Saunders (No. 32)

By combining elite talent with exceptional draft value, Memphis significantly improved its long-term outlook and added multiple players capable of becoming key contributors.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Grade: A

The Thunder once again demonstrated why they are considered one of the NBA's smartest organizations. Oklahoma City added several talented prospects while continuing to build around its already impressive young core.

Key selections included:

  • Aday Mara (No. 12)

  • Bennett Stirtz (No. 16)

  • Otega Oweh (No. 41)

The Thunder focused on high-floor prospects who fit their system and long-term vision.

San Antonio Spurs – Grade: A

San Antonio had another excellent draft, prioritizing defense and roster depth around franchise cornerstone Victor Wembanyama.

Notable additions:

  • Jayden Quaintance (No. 20)

  • Tarris Reed Jr. (No. 26)

  • Ja'Kobi Gillespie (No. 42)

  • Maliq Brown (No. 44)

The Spurs continue building one of the league's most promising young defensive units.

Washington Wizards – Grade: A

Landing the No. 1 overall pick is always valuable, but Washington maximized the opportunity by selecting AJ Dybantsa and complementing him with additional high-upside prospects.

Key additions:

  • AJ Dybantsa (No. 1)

  • Felix Okpara

  • Izaiyah Nelson

The Wizards addressed multiple needs while adding significant long-term upside.

Chicago Bulls – Grade: A

The Bulls enjoyed a strong first draft under executive Bryson Graham. Chicago added athleticism, versatility, and defensive potential with two impactful selections.

Key additions:

  • Caleb Wilson (No. 4)

  • Dailyn Swain (No. 15)

Both players fit the team's rebuilding timeline and bring intriguing upside.

Other Strong Performances


Houston Rockets – Grade: A

Houston may have found one of the best values in the entire draft by selecting Bruce Thornton at No. 31. The talented point guard fills an important need and offers excellent long-term potential.

Brooklyn Nets – Grade: A-

The Nets focused on value and versatility throughout the draft.

Key additions:

  • Mikel Brown Jr. (No. 6)

  • Joshua Jefferson (No. 28)

  • Tyler Bilodeau (No. 43)

Brooklyn strengthened multiple areas of the roster while maintaining flexibility for the future.

Atlanta Hawks – Grade: B+

The Hawks secured a potential franchise point guard in Kingston Flemings and followed it up with a major second-round steal.

Key additions:

  • Kingston Flemings (No. 8)

  • Henri Veesaar (No. 52)

Atlanta's draft class could pay major dividends in the coming years.

Los Angeles Lakers – Grade: A

The Lakers found tremendous value with Cameron Carr at No. 24. His combination of athleticism, perimeter shooting, and upside makes him one of the most intriguing selections in the latter half of the first round.

Toronto Raptors – Grade: A-

Toronto quietly assembled another solid draft class.

Key additions:

  • Allen Graves (No. 19)

  • Jaden Bradley (No. 50)

The Raptors added depth, versatility, and developmental upside.

Full 2026 NBA Draft Team Grades


A+

  • Memphis Grizzlies

A

  • Oklahoma City Thunder

  • San Antonio Spurs

  • Washington Wizards

  • Chicago Bulls

  • Houston Rockets

  • Los Angeles Lakers

A-

  • Brooklyn Nets

  • Philadelphia 76ers

  • Charlotte Hornets

  • Toronto Raptors

B+

  • Atlanta Hawks

  • Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Detroit Pistons

  • Milwaukee Bucks

  • Miami Heat

  • Sacramento Kings

B

  • Dallas Mavericks

  • Boston Celtics

  • Los Angeles Clippers

  • Phoenix Suns

B-

  • Denver Nuggets

  • Golden State Warriors

  • Minnesota Timberwolves

C+

  • Indiana Pacers

  • New York Knicks

  • New Orleans Pelicans

No Picks

  • Orlando Magic

Bottom Line

The Memphis Grizzlies earned the highest grade of the 2026 NBA Draft, thanks to their ability to secure elite talent and outstanding value throughout both rounds. Close behind were the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, and Chicago Bulls, all of whom strengthened their rosters while maintaining a clear long-term vision.

Several teams significantly improved their future outlook through smart roster-building decisions, while others took a more conservative approach focused on financial flexibility and roster management.

Ultimately, draft grades are based on a combination of player talent, value relative to draft position, roster fit, organizational strategy, and long-term upside. While it will take years to determine the true winners and losers, these franchises appear to have positioned themselves best following the 2026 NBA Draft.



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