The Washington Wizards chose BYU freshman forward AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday in Brooklyn.
The selection marks the third time the franchise has held the top pick, following John Wall in 2010 and Kwame Brown in 2001.
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Rebuilding Strategy
Dybantsa, 19, is a key piece in the rebuilding plan led by Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger and general manager Will Dawkins.
The franchise previously traded for stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis to support their young core.
Wizards owner Ted Leonsis said the team is ahead of schedule in its multi-year restructuring.
"We're on the plan that we articulated.
We actually are a year ahead of the plan because I thought it would take four to five years," Leonsis said.
He expressed confidence that the team has moved past its deconstruction phase.
"I feel that we can now live the plan," Leonsis added.
Leonsis emphasized the need for proper team chemistry and hierarchy to satisfy fans.
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"We have a lot of work to do. We still have to make sure that we have the chemistry of the team correctly," he said.
Former Wizards guard John Wall compared Dybantsa to a young Tracy McGrady.
"You get a guy like AJ Dybantsa, he is like a young Tracy McGrady to me," Wall said.
Wall suggested a tall lineup with Dybantsa at small forward and Kyshawn George at shooting guard.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson went second overall to the Utah Jazz.
Duke's Cameron Boozer was selected third by the Memphis Grizzlies, and North Carolina's Caleb Wilson went fourth to the Chicago Bulls.
The Los Angeles Clippers took Illinois guard Keaton Wagler fifth, followed by Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets.
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Five Arizona Wildcats entered the draft, including freshmen Brayden Burries and Koa Peat, as well as seniors Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka, and Anthony Dell'Orso.
