Wizards take AJ Dybantsa first in NBA Draft

The Washington Wizards chose BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, making the 6-foot-9 freshman the new centerpiece for a franchise seeking a reset after years of uneven results.

Dybantsa, one of the headliners of what CBS News described as one of the most talented draft classes in recent memory, averaged 25.5 points in his lone season at BYU. The Guardian reported he led the nation in scoring. His season included a 43-point game that broke BYU’s freshman scoring record.

After his name was announced, Dybantsa appeared to say a quick prayer before walking on stage to greet NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. He then put on a black Wizards hat that matched his black suit.

The Wizards had been believed to be deciding between Dybantsa and Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson, according to CBS News. Utah selected Peterson with the No. 2 pick. Some evaluators viewed Peterson as the most talented player in the class, but he missed 11 games during the season because of injuries and illness, creating questions Dybantsa did not carry.

Dybantsa is listed at 6-foot-9 and 217 pounds and has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant, his favorite player. Durant grew up in the Washington area. Washington fans will now look to Dybantsa to help lift a team that has made the playoffs only once in the last eight seasons, CBS News reported, after a series of roster misfires.

The selection gives Washington a young forward to pair with star point guard Trae Young, who agreed earlier this week to a four-year, $212 million deal, and big man Anthony Davis, whom the Wizards acquired in a February trade, according to CBS News.

Washington’s history with the top pick has been mixed. The Wizards selected Kwame Brown at No. 1 in 2001, the first time the franchise held the top selection after the NBA changed draft formats to eliminate territorial picks in 1966, The Guardian reported. They also took John Wall first in 2010. Wall became a five-time All-Star, though his career was ultimately affected by injuries.

Memphis selected Duke forward Cameron Boozer at No. 3. Boozer, the college player of the year in his one season at Duke, is the son of former Duke standout and longtime NBA player Carlos Boozer.

At No. 4, the Chicago Bulls chose North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson. CBS News noted that it was the third time Chicago had taken a North Carolina player in the first round. The Bulls drafted Michael Jordan with the No. 3 pick in 1984, and he led the franchise to six NBA championships. They also selected Coby White at No. 7 in 2019; White averaged 15.4 points across more than six seasons with Chicago before being traded to Charlotte in February.

Many experts expected any major surprises to begin at No. 5 or later because Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer and Wilson were widely considered the top four prospects, according to CBS News. The Los Angeles Clippers, who acquired the rights to the fifth pick after a trade with the Indiana Pacers, selected Illinois guard Keaton Wagler. Wagler led Illinois to the Final Four in his only college season, shot 40% from 3-point range and 80% from the free-throw line, and averaged 4.2 assists. CBS News reported his size — 6-foot-5 without shoes — may have helped his case as one of the tallest guards in the class.

The Brooklyn Nets, hosting the draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, selected Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. at No. 6. Sacramento followed at No. 7 with Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr.