All eyes will be on AJ Dybantsa next season after he was recently selected first overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2026 NBA Draft.
While being the first pick automatically adds pressure, Dybantsa has been projected by many analysts as a franchise-altering, generational talent. NBA icon Kevin Durant may have increased the hype around Dybantsa following his recent comments.
Kevin Durant Believes AJ Dybantsa Is A Future Legend In The Making
Durant praised Dybantsa on social media after the Wizards selected Dybantsa with the first overall pick. He commented on Dybantsa’s post, saying “Future DC legend.”
A Washington D.C. native, Durant is one of the greatest players the area has ever produced, and believes Dybantsa is destined to receive similar admiration from the city in upcoming years. Receiving public praise from Durant will likely inspire Dybantsa, who has called Durant an idol and a mentor.
Every journey starts with a first. #ForTheDistrict | @AJ_Dybantsa pic.twitter.com/bepPZ3HbP9
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) June 28, 2026
Durant and Dybantsa have trained together, as Dybantsa strived to model his game after the 16-time All-Star. He’s projected to eventually become a three-level scorer similar to Durant as his perimeter shooting continues to improve. The duo is also linked in Big 12 College Basketball history after Dybantsa passed Durant for most points scored in a single conference tournament.
Dybantsa was named a first-team All-American after a standout season at Brigham Young University. He averaged 25.5 points per game in his lone college season, while shooting 51 percent from the field.
However, Dybantsa wasn’t the consensus number one pick heading into the draft, as some scouts and insiders thought University of Kansas guard Darryn Peterson was the best choice.
Ultimately, the Wizards chose Dybantsa, as they look to rise from last in the Eastern Conference this season to a playoff team next season. The team agreed to terms with four-time All-Star Trae Young on a long-term deal, and is also excited about the debut of 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis next season.
Dybantsa joins an exciting core around the veterans, including Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson. He can play multiple positions, and it will be interesting to see how Wizards Head Coach Brian Keefe puts together the rotation to maximize the potential of the team’s talented wings.
Dybantsa is excited about his first professional matchup against Durant, who boldly declared it could be one of many legendary outings for Dybantsa as he develops into an All-NBA player.
