The Philadelphia 76ers took Ben Simmons with the No. 1 pick on Thursday night, making him the first of a record 14 international players chosen in the first round.
Nearly half the selections in the 30-pick round were international players, topping the 12 international players chosen in the first round in 2013.
The NBA said there were 26 international players selected, surpassing the record of 21 set in 2003.
The Los Angeles Lakers, picking second for the second consecutive year, took Duke's Brandon Ingram and the Boston Celtics picked California forward Jaylen Brown in third position.
Full 2016 NBA Draft list