For years, Washington Wizards fans have waited for a reason to believe. On Tuesday night at Barclays Center, that reason finally arrived.
The Wizards selected BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, ushering in what the franchise hopes is the beginning of a new era in Washington’s storied basketball history.
“Welcome to D.C. [AJ Dybantsa],” said Wizards guard Trae Young on X. “The story has been written. The city is Ready. We’ll talk about that.”
The selection ends months of debate surrounding one of the most anticipated draft classes in recent memory. Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, North Carolina standout Caleb Wilson, and Duke forward Cameron Boozer were all considered elite prospects in the first round.
But in the end, Washington ultimately chose to place their future in Dybantsa, a dynamic two-way forward widely projected as a potential franchise cornerstone.
The 19-year-old became Washington’s first No. 1 overall pick since the franchise selected John Wall in 2010. Wall went on to become one of the most decorated and accomplished players in Wizards history, which makes it fitting that he represented the franchise on the NBA Draft lottery stage to secure a top pick that ultimately selected Dybantsa.
For a fanbase that has endured many years of disappointment, countless rebuilds, and unrealized promise, this moment feels bigger than just another draft pick. It feels like hope and renewed belief that winning basketball can return to the nation’s capital.
“Welcome to the [Washington Wizards] AJ Dybantsa,” said CEO of Monumental Sports Network Ted Leonsis on X. “What a moment for our fans, the entire DC community, our front office, our staff, AJ and his family, and for the future of Wizards basketball. AJ brings incredible talent to a young and deep core that is ready to win. Wizards fans, the future is bright, and tonight is another big step forward.”
What Dybantsa Brings to Washington: The Newest Piece to Something Greater
Dybantsa arrived at Brigham Young University (BYU) as the nation’s top-ranked recruit and exceeded every expectation during his lone collegiate season.
The 6-foot-9, equipped with a 7-foot wingspan, led the nation in scoring with 25.5 points, while shooting 51% from the field, and 33.1% from the three-point range, averaging 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. His thrilling freshman debut earned him First-Team All-American Honors.
“For us, it was about making sure we picked the right player that would fit with our group and have an opportunity to push us forward,” said Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins. “And at the end of the day, it became pretty clear that he was that guy just because of his versatility. We’re looking for guys that continue to make decisions with the ball, without the ball, but also be dual impact players on both ends. He’s a superior athlete. By our measures he’s the best athlete that we’ve tested since [President of Monumental Basketball Michael Winger] and I’s regime has been here.”
As a gifted three-level scorer, Dybantsa can attack the perimeter, finish through contact, create off-the-ball dribble, and punish defenders in the post. His combination of size, athleticism, playmaking ability, and versatility has the makings of a future NBA superstar.
Unlike many No. 1 picks who are expected to elevate franchise rebuilds from day one, Dybantsa enters an environment where he won’t have to build alone.
The Wizards have already reassembled one of the league’s most intriguing young foundations.
Four-time All-Star Trae Young, who just signed a four-year extension, and 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis are bringing veteran leadership to the frontcourt as rising talents like Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, among others will provide a young support cast to this emerging Wizards team.
This reality could potentially accelerate not only Dybantsa’s development, but the Wizards timeline back to winning ways as well.
“I think I bring versatility. Obviously, them re-signing Trae [Young], having [Anthony Davis], I can just fit in as that off-ball guy that can score in different ways,” said Dybantsa. “Score in transition, score off the catch, score off the dribble. But also just, they challenged me when they talked to me saying that ‘If we pick you, we want you to play defense 94-feet and pickup’ so I definitely bring that too.”
Dybantsa Makes His Way to D.C., NBA Draft Continues for Washington
Dybantsa’s official introduction in Washington is set to take place on Thursday, June 25.
But for now, the Wizards have their eyes on the second round of the NBA Draft in which they will make their selections at No. 51 and No. 60 in efforts to further add to their tremendous rebuild.
The second round of the NBA Draft will kick off at 8 p.m. in New York and fans can stream on ESPN.
“I’m super excited to get there tomorrow and just so ready to work,” said Dybantsa.
