The Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23, 2026, at Barclays Center in New York. The 6-foot-9 forward, who played one season at Brigham Young University, joins a Wizards roster featuring Trae Young and marks the franchise’s first No. 1 pick since 2010.
The Path to the No. 1 Selection
The selection of Dybantsa concludes a period of intense speculation following the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery. While Dybantsa was widely considered the favorite to go first, the Wizards maintained a degree of mystery throughout the pre-draft process, according to Sports Illustrated. Dybantsa’s status was solidified by a dominant freshman campaign at BYU, where he led NCAA Division I in scoring with 25.5 points per game. His performance in the Big 12 Tournament—where he scored 93 points over three games, breaking a record previously held by Kevin Durant—proved decisive for scouts and executives, as reported by NBA.com.
Dybantsa’s decision to attend BYU was heavily influenced by the presence of coach Kevin Young. Young, who served as an associate head coach for the Phoenix Suns from 2021 to 2024, brought an NBA-style infrastructure to the college program. By mirroring professional training regimens, Young helped bridge the gap for top-tier prospects transitioning to the NBA.
“After they hired [coach] Kevin Young, they hired a strength coach from the Milwaukee Bucks, a dietitian from the Suns, analytics from the Suns. (Young) just started stacking prototypes around us and I wanted to learn in the best environment to prepare for the league and I think I got that from BYU.”
AJ Dybantsa, via NBA.com
Financial and Professional Management
Dybantsa’s transition to the professional level is supported by a unique support system. His father, Anicet “Ace” Dybantsa Sr., manages his off-court inquiries, working alongside former NBA agent Leonard Armato. This arrangement has allowed the forward to maintain focus on his development, according to Andscape. By keeping his management circle tight, Dybantsa has navigated the complexities of collegiate Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations and endorsement negotiations with a level of autonomy rarely seen in high-profile prospects.
For more on this story, see Wizards to Choose AJ Dybantsa at No. 1 Draft.
The financial landscape for top prospects remains robust. While Dybantsa has secured endorsement deals with major brands including Nike, Red Bull, and Fanatics without a traditional full-time agency, reports also indicate he received $7 million in name, image and likeness (NIL) salary during his season at BYU. This influx of capital prior to his NBA rookie scale contract reflects the evolving nature of elite amateur athletics, where top players often enter the draft with established brand portfolios.
“It’s like 1,000 pounds lifted off. I don’t got to answer to all these people. I can just focus on books and ball.”
This follows our earlier report, Wizards’ No. 1 pick: AJ Dybantsa favored but draft class leaves door open.
AJ Dybantsa, via Andscape
Integrating Into the Wizards’ Core
The Wizards are banking on Dybantsa to serve as the franchise cornerstone alongside Trae Young. Young, the No. 5 overall pick in 2018, is expected to sign a four-year, $212 million contract to remain with the team. This pairing is intended to stabilize a Washington roster that has undergone multiple rebuilding phases over the last three years. By securing a veteran playmaker in Young and a high-ceiling prospect in Dybantsa, the organization is positioning itself to compete in the increasingly crowded Eastern Conference.
Dybantsa views his versatility as his primary asset in this new environment. He noted his ability to play positions one through four and his desire to contribute to the local community in Washington. His physical profile—tall for a wing with the ball-handling skills of a guard—is highly coveted in the modern NBA, where teams prioritize “positionless” basketball.
“I’m just super versatile, and I’m filling out seats, and I’m just doing stuff for the community, so it’s like an all-in-one.”
AJ Dybantsa, via Andscape
Draft Context and League Outlook
Following the selection of Dybantsa, the draft continued with Kansas guard Darryn Peterson going No. 2 to the Utah Jazz, while Duke forward Cameron Boozer was selected third by the Memphis Grizzlies. The Wizards will now look to integrate their new forward into a rotation that includes developing talents like Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, aiming to move past the team’s recent struggles in the standings. Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Dybantsa’s rookie contract will be predetermined by his draft slot, providing the Wizards with cost-controlled talent for the next four seasons, including team options in the final two years.
Read also: 2026 NBA Mock Draft: Wizards Target AJ Dybantsa, Jazz Eye Darryn Peterson.
For the Wizards, the focus now shifts to the Summer League, where Dybantsa is expected to make his professional debut. The team’s front office has emphasized the importance of a measured development curve, balancing the pressure of his No. 1 status with the logistical realities of adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA game. With training camp scheduled to open in late September, the franchise will look to establish a new cultural identity built around the tandem of Young and Dybantsa.
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