AJ Dybantsa has addressed the possibility of being drafted by the Washington Wizards as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft. Dybantsa said his initial reaction to the lottery results was considering how his “versatility” would benefit the team.
He also mentioned watching potential new teammates Anthony Davis and Trae Young for years. Dybantsa revealed the reality of the situation only sunk in towards the end of the lottery.
Dybantsa’s Draft Expectations
Dybantsa stated he wasn’t overly concerned about the lottery outcome until the top four were revealed. “Me, confidently, I wasn’t really worried about 14 through three,” Dybantsa said. “I was kind of just letting it play out. When all the guys sat there for the top four, I was like, ‘yeah, it’s getting real.'”
Considered a potential franchise cornerstone in a strong draft class, the BYU star is a leading prospect.
Ahead of the lottery, Jonathan Wasserman projected Dybantsa as the No. 1 overall pick, drawing a comparison to Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown. Wasserman argues that Dybantsa’s case for being the top pick “has the fewest holes” due to his size (6’9″), athleticism, “high-level shotmaking skill” and ability to contribute across the board.
Dybantsa’s College Performance
Dybantsa had one season in college, earning consensus All-American honours and being named Big 12 Rookie of the Year. He averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Dybantsa also shot 51 percent from the field and 33.1 percent from deep.
While his three-point shooting percentage may not immediately jump out, he was often the primary focus of opposing defences. This resulted in frequent double teams and shaded coverage, something he is unlikely to encounter as a rookie in the NBA.
Potential Wizards Teammates
Dybantsa could potentially play alongside Davis and Young on the Wizards in the 2026-27 season. Davis, when healthy, remains a dominant force. Young’s shooting range also commands defensive attention, potentially creating space for Dybantsa.
The increased space could lead to greater efficiency for Dybantsa and a potential Rookie of the Year campaign.
Playing alongside Davis and Young on a Washington team could see the team making a leap in the 2026-27 season.