Wizards Expected to Select AJ Dybantsa With No. 1 Pick in 2026 Draft
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The Washington Wizards entered Sunday’s 2026 NBA Draft Lottery hoping for control of the board and walked away with the first overall pick. According to David Aldridge of The Athletic, league insiders overwhelmingly believe that selection will be BYU forward AJ Dybantsa; Aldridge wrote he would “eat his hat” if Washington goes in a different direction.
Team executives have focused on this draft class since the franchise began its rebuild three years ago, sources told Aldridge. Club officials view Dybantsa as a potential franchise cornerstone on par with former top picks Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham or projected 2025 No. 1 choice Cooper Flagg.
Washington’s draft lottery fortune has been notable during the rebuild. The club drew the No. 2 pick two years ago, slid from No. 2 to No. 6 last year, and now holds the top selection. “We wanted to give ourselves as many cracks at the apple as possible,” general manager Will Dawkins said. “This year, we have the power of choice, and that’s why we’re really, really excited.”
Consensus Around the League
Field of 68 analyst Jeff Goodman polled 15 NBA executives on the No. 1 pick. Twelve selected Dybantsa, while three chose Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, who entered college as the class’s top prospect before injuries and cramping issues disrupted his freshman season.
During lottery festivities, Dybantsa, Peterson and forward Cameron Boozer each made a case to be drafted first. “If I go there, it will be a great opportunity. They have a great young core,” Dybantsa said of the Wizards. Peterson emphasized leadership and versatility: “I feel the basketball part will take care of itself. Off the court, I’m going to be the best pro.”
Lottery Winners and Losers
The Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings were among Sunday’s biggest fallers. Brooklyn dropped from No. 3 to No. 6, while Sacramento slipped from No. 5 to No. 7 after losing a pre-lottery tiebreaker with Utah. The Jazz vaulted to No. 2, giving them a clear shot at one of the draft’s elite prospects.
ESPN analysts later broke down each lottery team’s outlook and posed key roster questions heading into the June draft.
Source: HoopsRumors
