DHJ Quick Take: Wizards Plan To Draft AJ Dybantsa At No. 1
The Washington Wizards currently plan to take BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal, with the franchise set on the wing as the 2026 NBA Draft nears June 23.
- Who’s the pick? Sources told Dallas Hoops Journal the Wizards plan to take Dybantsa first overall.
- Why Dybantsa? He led Division I at 25.5 points per game on 51.0% shooting in his lone BYU season and graded as the class’s top wing.
- What’s next? The Wizards go on the clock June 23.
The Washington Wizards currently plan to draft former BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick, sources told Dallas Hoops Journal, with the franchise centered on him as the 2026 NBA Draft opens Tuesday.
The draft runs June 23-24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The Wizards landed the top selection by winning May’s lottery, becoming the first team since 2019 to land No. 1 a year after posting the league’s worst record (17-65). It was unclear who would be selected until recently, with former Kansas guard Darryn Peterson garnering serious consideration.
Why AJ Dybantsa Is the Pick
Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9, 210-pound forward, spent his lone college season at BYU, where he averaged 25.5 points per game on 51.0% shooting and didn’t miss a game. He told 7News he’s “100%” sure Washington takes him, citing his versatility as the reason he expects no team to pass.
During Dybantsa’s lone season at BYU, he averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.3 blocks and 3.1 turnovers in 34.8 minutes per game. He appeared in 35 games and shot 51.0% from the floor, 33.1% from beyond the arc, and 77.4% from the free throw line.
While Dybantsa is set to go No. 1, Peterson generated positive intel throughout the pre-draft process, according to sources. Former Kansas teammates have shared positive feedback about Peterson as a teammate, and his work ethic throughout the pre-draft process has been noticed by NBA teams. His camp held confidence in his outlook to go No. 1 overall and limited his visits to Washington.
What’s Next for the Washington Wizards
The Wizards hold the No. 51 and No. 60 overall picks in addition to the first selection. However, after selecting Dybantsa, the top priorities will occur outside of the NBA Draft.
Washington has long been expected to sign Trae Young to a three-year deal and was his preferred destination before he was traded by the Atlanta Hawks, as Dallas Hoops Journal previously reported. However, the latest intel suggests that Young’s deal could be as long as four years after recent discussions.
Davis, who is extension eligible in August, will need to resolve his future with the organization.
If Davis proves not to be a long-term fixture in Washington, Dybantsa brings great perimeter size and can play next to Alex Sarr in the frontcourt. The Wizards also have a lot of talent on the wing between Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, Tre Johnson, Will Riley, and Justin Champagnie, among others.
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