NBA draft 2026: AJ Dybantsa headlines players invited to green room

BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa is among the first group of prospects invited to the 2026 NBA draft green room, with teams voting on early first-round picks. The draft will take place over two nights in Brooklyn, New York, with Dybantsa currently leading as the projected No. 1 overall pick." "article": "The 2026 NBA draft will include a green room invitation list, with BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa as the headline prospect, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo. The first group of players invited were selected by teams holding first-round picks, typically those expected to be drafted early. Last year, all 24 green room invitees were first-round selections, and the league expects 10-12 more invitations based on final rankings and player availability. Dybantsa, a front-runner for the No. 1 overall pick with a -500 odds advantage per BetMGM Sportsbook, leads the list ahead of Kansas forward Darryn Peterson (+375) and Duke forward Cam Boozer (+1500). Other invitees include North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., and Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., all projected to be drafted early in the first round. The draft will follow a two-night format, with the first round scheduled for June 23 and the second round on June 24 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Invited prospects often attend with family and friends to celebrate the occasion. The green room list reflects teams’ early assessments of top talent, with Dybantsa’s inclusion signaling strong expectations for his draft stock. The finalized list may expand as teams refine their rankings closer to the event.