BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, said he immediately thought about roster fit after the Washington Wizards drew the top selection in Tuesday’s lottery.
“I’ve been betting on myself for a while to be a No. 1 pick,” Dybantsa told reporters. “I think I’m pretty versatile and adaptable, so I can play anywhere.”
The 6’9” freshman added that he is somewhat familiar with Washington after participating in last year’s Jordan Brand Classic, which was held in the city. He also noted past matchups with Wizards guard Tre Johnson on the high-school and AAU circuits and cited long-time admiration for Anthony Davis and Trae Young.
Front-office views
An anonymous general manager told Jeff Goodman of Field of 68 that he expects Washington to select Dybantsa. “I don’t think they can take the risk with Darryn Peterson even though I think his upside is higher,” the executive said. “Washington will go with Dybantsa because it’s the safer pick and they can’t afford to screw this up.”
Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger, who represented the Wizards on the lottery dais, called the result “another encouraging day” for the franchise. “To choose first among this inspiring group of athletes is a welcomed opportunity—and challenge—for our group,” Winger said in a statement.
Latest mock-draft consensus
Updated projections from The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie and Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman mirror recent mocks by ESPN and Yahoo Sports, placing Dybantsa at No. 1 to Washington. The next eight picks are identical in both new lists:
- No. 2 Jazz — Darryn Peterson
- No. 3 Grizzlies — Cameron Boozer
- No. 4 Bulls — Caleb Wilson
- No. 5 Clippers — Keaton Wagler
- No. 6 Nets — Darius Acuff Jr.
- No. 7 Kings — Kingston Flemings
- No. 8 Hawks — Mikel Brown Jr.
- No. 9 Mavericks — Brandon Burries
Vecenie departs from other evaluators on New Zealand Breakers forward Karim Lopez, slotting him 20th to the Spurs, while Wasserman projects Lopez at No. 10 to Milwaukee. All four major mocks currently have the Thunder selecting Michigan center Yaxel Lendeborg 12th, with three of them sending Labaron Philon to the Heat at 13 and Jayden Quaintance to the Bulls at 15.
Jazz climb to No. 2
The Utah Jazz moved up from fourth to second, marking the first lottery jump in franchise history. Columnist Gordon Monson of The Salt Lake Tribune wrote that the pick strengthens a core featuring Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen and restricted free agent Walker Kessler.
“It feels great, a big relief,” president of basketball operations Austin Ainge told The Deseret News. “It’s much easier picking second than fifth or seventh, but we still have to get it right.”
Tanner to compete at combine
Vanderbilt sophomore guard Tyler Tanner, who is testing the draft waters, said he will participate in this week’s combine scrimmages in hopes of improving his stock. “I’ll do whatever it takes to stay in the draft,” Tanner told Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress. The 6’0” guard said his goal is to maximize his draft position and showcase his ability to elevate teammates.
Depth at the top
An unnamed GM echoed the sentiment that the 2026 class appears deep. “I don’t see much disparity from No. 1 to No. 8 or 9,” the executive told Goodman. “The No. 3 or 4 pick may be the best because you won’t get crucified for not taking Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer or Wilson.”
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Source: Hoops Rumors
