Austin Ainge: Jazz fans have waited a long time for something like this

The Jazz didn’t land No. 1. They still walked away feeling pretty good.

Utah jumped to the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery after entering the night with the fourth-best odds. It marks the first time the Jazz have moved up in the lottery with their own selection.

“Jazz fans have waited a long time for something like this,” president of basketball operations Austin Ainge said, via Sarah Todd of the Deseret News. “I’m really excited for our fans.”

The No. 1 pick went to the Wizards, with AJ Dybantsa widely viewed as the leading candidate to go first.

For Utah, this represents a shift in a rebuild that’s been ongoing since the team moved on from its All-Stars in 2022. The highest the Jazz had previously picked during that stretch was No. 5, where they selected Ace Bailey in 2025.

This time, they’re in position to land a player near the very top of the class.

“It feels great, a big relief,” Ainge said. “It’s a really important tool for us to help build this winning team.”

Prospects such as Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer are also expected to be in the mix near the top, giving Utah options at No. 2.

Ainge acknowledged the decision becomes more focused at that spot, though the front office still has work to do.

“We just have to figure out who we believe is No. 1 and No. 2,” he said. “It’s much easier, but we still have to get it right.”

The Jazz are also expected to at least listen if teams call about moving up or down the board, though any deal would need to fit their long-term plans as they look to take a step forward.

The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23.