Washington Wizards Secure Top Pick in 2026 NBA Draft Lottery
The Washington Wizards have been awarded the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, with BYU's AJ Dybantsa emerging as a leading candidate for the selection.
The Washington Wizards have secured the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, held on Sunday. This marks the franchise's first top selection since 2010, when they drafted John Wall. Wall represented the Wizards during the lottery event at Navy Pier in Chicago.
BYU forward AJ Dybantsa is a prominent contender for the No. 1 pick. The 6-foot-9 freshman led the nation with an average of 25.5 points per game, along with 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Dybantsa expressed his ambition, stating, "I just saw Washington get No. 1 and obviously I’m striving to be the No. 1 pick. That has been my goal since I started playing basketball."
The Wizards' roster is expected to feature 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, four-time All-Star Trae Young, and rising forward Alexandre Sarr. Dybantsa commented on the potential fit, saying, "If I go there, it will be a great opportunity. They have a great young core."
Other top prospects include Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, projected to be selected second by the Utah Jazz, and Duke's Cameron Boozer, anticipated to go third to the Memphis Grizzlies. Peterson averaged 20.2 points per game, while Boozer posted 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
The 2026 NBA Draft is considered one of the deepest in recent memory, with several teams poised to add significant talent to their rosters.