Washington Wizards land top pick AJ Dybantsa in 2026 NBA Draft

The Washington Wizards won the 2026 NBA Draft lottery and secured the No. 1 overall pick, selecting BYU forward AJ Dybantsa. Dybantsa, who averaged 25.5 points per game in his lone college season, is praised for his size, scoring versatility and ball‑handling ability, and is described as a prospect that appears once every decade. The pick gives the rebuilding franchise a potential cornerstone as it continues renovations at Capital One Arena and experiences a surge in ticket sales.

The Wizards' recent history also includes the 2024 trade of Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers. Avdija, now an All‑Star averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists, has flourished in Portland, leading some observers to label the trade a mistake that may have undervalued his upside. The franchise remains focused on developing its young core, including players such as Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and the newly drafted Dybantsa.