NBA Draft Odds – NEW FAVORITE to Be #1 Pick in 2026

• BYU Cougars star AJ Dybantsa is now the betting favorite to go #1 in the 2026 NBA Draft
• He’s followed closely by Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and Duke’s Cam Boozer
• Read below for the latest odds and my best bet to go no. 1 in the upcoming NBA Draft

Move over Darryn Peterson, there’s a new top dog atop the NBA draft odds.

That honour currently belongs to BYU’s all-world forward AJ Dybantsa, followed closely by Peterson, while Duke’s Cameron Boozer is a comfortable third in the proceedings.

Let’s take a look at the updated odds, and I’ll tell you who I think should be the top pick this summer in the 2026 NBA Draft.

NBA Draft #1 Pick Odds (2026)

Prediction Markets

NBA #1 Pick Odds 2026

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Kalshi

AJ Dybantsa

55%

Darryn Peterson

42%

Cameron Boozer

13%

Nate Ament

1%

Chris Cenac Jr

1%

Predict

Why Have the NBA #1 Pick Odds Shifted?

There’s a combination of factors that eventually led to this point: the outstanding play of Dybantsa, and the curiosity behind Peterson’s nagging injuries and absences from the team.

First, AJ Dybantsa has been an absolute beast in his one-and-done year at BYU. He’s a super-sized 6-foot-9 wing that has more than a 7-foot wingspan.

At 25.3 points per game, he’s leading the nation in scoring, and at an efficient 51.3% clip, and his 3-point shot, mostly considered his weakness heading into the pros, is at a serviceable 34% on over four attempts per game. That’s not great, but that’s easily workable.

His athleticism is off the charts, and March can go a long way in sealing this spot. While the Cougars were bounced in the Big 12 Conference Tournament quarters, BYU has earned itself an at-large bid.

Dybantsa’s already been great, but a run through the field? That would introduce him to America on the biggest stage for college hoopers.

Peterson, meanwhile, hasn’t stopped being a devastating scorer at all levels, but questions about his desire to play and his load-management at this level have limited him to just 21 games so far in his freshman year.

He’s pulled himself out of numerous games, and he’s had nagging leg injuries and issues with cramping all season.

Still, he’s averaging 20 points on 44.8% shooting from the field, and at 6-foot-6, moves well to get to his spots and splash a nice jumper, while also being able to explode to the rim.

His ailments could be much ado about nothing when we get to the next level, but with a draft this loaded, no GM wants to make a mistake — especially when there are flags that are being shown already.

% Chance to Be #1 Pick in 2026 NBA Draft

Best Bet – #1 Picks in NBA Draft

Whether it’s Dybantsa or Peterson, both of these guys are about as close to blue-chip prospects we’ve seen in a long time.

Throw in Cam Boozer, who is the prototypical big man you want at the next level these days — as well as the runaway favorite in the Wooden Award odds — and you can see why pro teams are throwing it all away this season.

And thats not even including the mid-lottery picks that project to be, at worst, valuable rotation players, and all freshmen, including North Carolina big Caleb Wilson, PG Keaton Wagler from Illinois, and fellow point man Kingston Flemings of Houston, as well as scoring machine Darius Acuff Jr from Arkansas.

There’s still much to be decided in the race to the bottom. Sacramento and Washington might be in the market for a more explosive player, and could roll the dice on Peterson at no. 1 as both franchises can use and injection of legit star power that Peterson brings

Still, it’s hard to argue that Dybantsa is currently the best plug-and-play star in the bunch. Put on the right team (hi, Indiana!!) and he could be a cornerstone star right from the jump.