The wait is over, as the Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The highly touted rookie is set to join a roster featuring stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis, but despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Dybantsa is already approaching the opportunity with a humble mindset.
AJ Dybantsa Ready to Share the Spotlight as Wizards Begin New Era with Trae Young and Anthony Davis
Dybantsa’s rise to the top of the NBA Draft is the culmination of a remarkable family journey, as his father, Ace, was born in Congo, moved to France, and eventually settled in Massachusetts in pursuit of greater opportunities for his family.
That path has now led to his son being selected No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft.
For Washington, the selection represents its highest draft pick since choosing John Wall first overall in 2010.
The Wizards earned the opportunity to draft Dybantsa after finishing with a league-worst 17-65 record last season, and he is expected to join forces with Young and Davis as the franchise looks toward a brighter future.
Dybantsa also expressed confidence in his ability to coexist with other ball-dominant players.
“I think I can definitely find a balance,” he said. “I can play off-ball. Not a lot of people have seen that, obviously, going to BYU. But I can play off-ball.”
AJ Dybantsa on playing with Trae Young
(h/t @joshvaldez100)“I have to earn my spot… I think we can definitely find a balance. I can play off-ball” pic.twitter.com/wYEWxhjwEy
— WizardsMuse (@WizardsMuse1) June 24, 2026
“I’ve been playing off-ball with Prolific Prep. I played with Tyran Stokes and other No. 1 guys. When I go to the USA, I’m not the No. 1 option. So I can definitely play off-ball. Obviously, I have to pave my way. Obviously, I’m walking in with some vets. So, definitely have to earn my spot.”
Davis arrived in Washington in February after being traded by the Dallas Mavericks, but he has yet to appear in a game for the Wizards because of a hand injury.
Young, who joined the team in January, was limited to just five games due to low back pain and a right quad contusion.
These absences were a major factor in Washington’s struggles last season. With Dybantsa now in the fold, hopes are high, and the Wizards are seen as a potential playoff contender.
Young was quick to welcome the rookie, posting a message on X shortly after the draft.
“Welcome to DC @AJ_Dybantsa !! The story has been written🙏🏽 The City is Ready! We’ll talk about that # soon,” Young posted.
Welcome to DC @AJ_Dybantsa !!
The story has been written🙏🏽 The City is Ready!
We’ll talk about that # soon 😉— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) June 24, 2026
Dybantsa entered the draft as one of the most athletic prospects ever recorded at the combine. Before leaping to the NBA, he became BYU’s leading scorer and won three gold medals with Team USA.
Dybantsa played 35 games for the Cougars and proved his skills on both ends of the floor, producing 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals.
