AJ Dybantsa Joins Washington Wizards as NBA No. 1 Pick, Aims to Revitalize Franchise

AJ Dybantsa, the 19‑year‑old forward from Brockton, Massachusetts, became the NBA’s first No. 1 overall pick from the state when the Washington Wizards selected him. The Wizards presented Dybantsa on Thursday, noting he is the franchise’s first No. 1 pick since John Wall in 2010 and the first freshman to lead the nation in scoring since Trae Young. Dybantsa, who averaged 25.5 points per game at BYU, said he wants to be a key piece of the Wizards’ long‑standing rebuild, noting the team has not won 50 games in a season since 1979.

He will wear No. 4 in Washington and emphasized a professional mindset, likening the draft process to a job interview. Dybantsa also announced the AJ Dybantsa Foundation, which will support under‑privileged youth, and plans to meet Massachusetts officials, including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Governor Maura Healey, to pledge annual contributions to state youth programs. Celtics stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have expressed support, and Dybantsa looks forward to his debut against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.