The Washington Wizards have not yet determined who they'll select with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
AJ Dybantsa, the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, has been the projected No. 1 pick for the majority of the pre-draft process. He had an excellent season at BYU, averaging 25.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
“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. 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,” ESPN's Jeremy Woo wrote. “NBA teams view his excellent size and powerful, physical style as hallmarks of a potential franchise-level talent. He has room for realistic growth as a perimeter shooter and defender and checks all the boxes NBA teams look for in a future star at a coveted position.”
Interestingly enough, NBA insider Marc Stein reported this week that Dybantsa isn't a lock to go first overall to the Wizards.
Stein was told the Wizards could "legitimately" draft Kansas guard Darryn Peterson. An insider told him there's "increased consideration" for Peterson being taken ahead of Dybantsa.
Peterson had a nice season with the Jayhawks, averaging 20.2 points per game on 43.8% shooting from the field. The main concern is that he missed 11 games due to cramping issues.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
The Kansas product isn't lacking confidence.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported this week that only the Wizards have been granted access to visit with Peterson before the draft.
“Developments ahead of the June 23-24 NBA draft: BYU’s AJ Dybantsa has conducted formal visits with both the Washington Wizards (No. 1) and Utah Jazz (No. 2) while Kansas’ Darryn Peterson only visited the Wizards and does not plan to grant anyone else a meeting,” Charania said. “Both have believed in going No. 1 — and now teams in the lottery are taking note of Peterson’s decision to only give access to Washington.”
Clearly, Peterson believes he's worthy of being the No. 1 pick. We'll see if the Wizards feel the same way.
The 2026 NBA Draft will begin on June 23 at Barclays Center.
