Wizards select AJ Dybantsa first overall in 2026 NBA draft

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 1:43 AM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

Wizards select AJ Dybantsa first overall in 2026 NBA draft
Summary

The Washington Wizards have selected BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft, following a league-worst record of 17–65. Dybantsa, who averaged 25.5 points per game, is set to join a young roster featuring star veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis. This draft marks a significant moment for the franchise as they prepare for next season under a new lottery system aimed at reducing tanking practices. In the draft's top four, the Utah Jazz picked Darryn Peterson second, the Memphis Grizzlies selected Cameron Boozer third, and the Chicago Bulls took Caleb Wilson fourth.

Source Links
By the Numbers
  • Wizards finish with the worst record this season.
  • Dybantsa is the first freshman to lead the nation in scoring since 2019.
  • Trae Young recently signed a four-year, $212 million deal with the Wizards.
  • The NBA will implement a new lottery system next year.
Latest Updates
  • 1:43 AMYahoo SportsWizards Land AJ Dybantsa Ahead of NBA Lottery Overhaul
What they're saying
"

Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson rounded out the top four.

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days