The Wizards should draft AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick

During Will Dawkins and Michael Winger’s introductory press conference in June 2023, the duo outlined a multi-year plan to resurrect a dormant franchise in need of a major reset.

After years of chasing NBA titles with a play-in roster, Wizards ownership promised a different approach — one built on trust between an owner tired of mediocrity and a front office eager to build a perennial contender in the nation’s capital.

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“The eventual expectation is that we’re gonna build a generational contender,” Winger said in 2023. “There’s no excuse for the lone NBA team in D.C. not to be contending for championships. Eventually, we’re gonna hoist a trophy here in D.C.”

Winger said his staff had “full autonomy” to reset the team. And reset it did.

Three 60-loss seasons, four lottery picks and several savvy trades later, only one player — Anthony Gill — remains from the roster Dawkins and Winger inherited.

But the rebuild isn’t complete.

One decision stands between three years of tanking and a potential title contender. It’s a decision the Wizards are lucky to have, yet desperate to get right.

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The prospect Washington selects with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft must carry the weight that selection bears and more.

They must want the ball when the game is on the line. They must possess the relentless drive to be great that is often the catalyst for legendary careers.

Most importantly, they must become the star the Wizards need to take them from a mere playoff participant to a feared title contender.

That player is AJ Dybantsa.

Why the Wizards should select Dybantsa at No. 1

There are several important metrics when evaluating NBA prospects, such as height, scoring ability, defensive impact and character.

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When it comes to the top pick, however, ceiling trumps all. That’s because when prospects are so closely aligned in the aforementioned categories like Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer are, upside is the greatest…

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Publish date : 2026-06-15 12:00:00

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