The Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, presenting a chance to significantly enhance their roster. Speculation surrounds whether AJ Dybantsa will be their selection.
Key points
Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft
The draft is considered one of the strongest in recent memory
The pick allows for a potential superstar addition to the team
AJ Dybantsa is a key prospect linked to the Wizards' selection
AJ DybantsaWashington WizardsTrae YoungAnthony Davis
Washington Wizards get No. 1 pick: Is AJ Dybantsa coming to DC?
The Washington Wizards had a stroke of luck Sunday, netting the No. 1 overall pick in next month's NBA Draft viewed as one of the strongest in recent memory.
The pick will allow the Wizards a franchise-altering opportunity to add a potential superstar to its young core, potentially accelerating the team's rebuild around veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
But who will the Wizards select?
The draft is headlined by prospects AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson — a talented foursome many scouts believe are capable of become the next faces of the NBA.
Here's what to know about who the Wizards may select.
Will the Wizards draft AJ Dybantsa?
Draft analysts are mostly in agreement that Dybansta, the freshman wing from BYU, is the most likely option for Washington.
Why did the Washington Wizards get the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft?
The Washington Wizards received the No. 1 pick due to a fortunate outcome in the draft lottery, which allows them to choose first in a highly regarded draft class.
Who is AJ Dybantsa and why is he a potential pick for the Wizards?
AJ Dybantsa is a highly touted prospect considered a potential superstar, making him a strong candidate for the Wizards' selection with the No. 1 pick.
How will the No. 1 pick impact the Washington Wizards' rebuilding process?
Acquiring the No. 1 pick gives the Wizards a crucial opportunity to add a top talent, which could accelerate their rebuilding efforts around existing veterans.
What are the implications of the Wizards' draft pick for Trae Young and Anthony Davis?
The addition of a high-caliber player from the No. 1 pick could complement Trae Young and Anthony Davis, potentially enhancing the team's competitiveness in the league.
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"Dybantsa is a strong fit for Washington on paper, even with the Wizards' collection of younger wings, with his physicality and athletic tools giving him major two-way upside," ESPN wrote in its mock draft. "He built a strong case at No. 1 over the course of an impressive freshman season, leading Division I in scoring and displaying growth as he learned to shoulder major offensive responsibility."
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dribbles the ball while being guarded by Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars reacts against the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars attempts a shot while being guarded by Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dunks the ball over Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dribbles the ball while being guarded by Nic Codie #10 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dribbles the ball while being guarded by Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dribbles the ball while being guarded by Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars attempts a shot while being guarded by Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars attempts a shot while being guarded by Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars attempts a shot while being guarded by Jordan Pope #0 and Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars attempts a shot while being guarded by Tramon Mark #12 and Nic Codie #10 of the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dribbles the ball while being guarded by Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars looks on against the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon
1 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dribbles the ball while being guarded by Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
1 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dribbles the ball while being guarded by Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
2 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars reacts against the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
3 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars attempts a shot while being guarded by Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
4 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dunks the ball over Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
5 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dribbles the ball while being guarded by Nic Codie #10 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
6 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dribbles the ball while being guarded by Tramon Mark #12 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
7 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dribbles the ball while being guarded by Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon
8 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars attempts a shot while being guarded by Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
9 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars attempts a shot while being guarded by Camden Heide #5 of the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
10 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars attempts a shot while being guarded by Jordan Pope #0 and Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
11 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars attempts a shot while being guarded by Tramon Mark #12 and Nic Codie #10 of the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
12 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars dribbles the ball while being guarded by Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon.
13 / 13
AJ Dybantsa scores 35 in NCAA Tournament as BYU falls to Texas, 79–71
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars looks on against the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon
Who is AJ Dybantsa?
If the Wizards pick Dybantsa, they'll get a 6-foot-9 small forward who was a consensus First-Team All-American after averaging 25.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in his lone season playing collegiately.
"The Wizards finished with the worst record in the NBA and benefited tremendously from a lottery win," USA TODAY's Bryan Kalbrosky says. "They had the second-worst offense in the league and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner."
Scouts have pointed to Dybantsa's frame, fluid scoring ability and defensive upside as traits that could make him a long-term centerpiece.
Rated the No. 2 recruit in 247Sports composite rankings, Dybantsa as a high schooler was described as having the highest potential in his graduating class.
"If he continues to raise the bar with each passing year he has an exceptional future in front of him," 247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein said.