Washington Wizards select AJ Dybantsa with No. 1 pick in 2026 NBA Draft

The Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, choosing BYU forward AJ Dybantsa. The 19‑year‑old impressed at the NBA Draft Combine with a 7‑foot‑1 wingspan and elite standing reach, confirming the physical profile that scouts have projected since his high‑school days. In his lone college season he averaged over 17 points with strong efficiency, displayed playmaking in the pick‑and‑roll and held his own defensively against ranked opponents.

Dybantsa is expected to become the cornerstone of Washington’s rebuild after the John Wall era, joining fellow wing Bilal Coulibaly to form a versatile frontcourt. The franchise will need to add guards, rim protection and shooting around the rookie, with free agency and additional draft assets slated to surround him. Analysts note that the Wizards’ recent focus on defensive versatility, as seen in their drafting of players like Coulibaly and Alex Sarr, aligns with the skill set Dybantsa brings.