AJ Dybantsa projected No. 1 in 2026 NBA Draft as Wizards target top pick

NBA scouts and analysts view 19‑year‑old AJ Dybantsa as the likely No. 1 selection in the 2026 draft. The former BYU wing boasts a 7‑foot wingspan, strong combine metrics, perimeter shooting and the ability to guard multiple positions. The Washington Wizards, seeking a franchise cornerstone, have indicated they will select him when the draft begins on June 23 at Barclays Center.

The draft class is considered deep, with Duke forward Cameron Boozer, North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson and other prospects such as Darryn Peterson, Kingston Flemings and Ebuka Okorie appearing high on rankings. A recent top‑75 prospect board lists Boozer at No. 1, Dybantsa at No. 3 and several others in the lottery range, underscoring the talent pool that teams will evaluate in the final week before the draft.

Analysts note that while Dybantsa’s defensive game continues to develop, his athletic profile and scoring ability project him as a long‑term franchise player, comparable to a smaller‑sized Paul George with Kawhi Leonard‑like spacing. The upcoming draft will shape team strategies for the next decade.