AJ Dybantsa has inevitably become the No. 1 pick at the 2026 NBA draft. As predicted by many, the Washington Wizards selected the BYU star. There were speculations of the Wizards leaning toward Darryn Peterson. Few rumors even suggested that Cameron Boozer might overtake both.
However, none of that happened and Dybantsa landed in Washington. After becoming the No. 1 pick, Dybantsa explained how he can fit in alongside Anthony Davis and Trae Young.
“Having Trae, having AD, I can fit in as an off-ball guy. That kind of score in different ways, score in transitions, score after catch, score after duel. But also they challenged me when they talked to me saying, ‘if we pick you, we want you to play defense 94 feet in pickup.’ So I definitely bring that too,” he said about joining the Wizards.
AJ Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 35 games at BYU. He won Big 12 Rookie of the Year and was one of the best players in college basketball last season. Dybantsa is expected to elevate the Wizards’ offense. At 6’9″, he can be vital for Washington for his versatility on and off the ball as well as his elite scoring ability.
Trae Young reacts to AJ Dybantsa joining the Washington Wizards
After the Wizards drafted Dybantsa as the No. 1 pick, Young welcomed the rookie on X.
“Welcome to DC @AJ_Dybantsa!! The story has been written🙏🏽 The City is Ready! We’ll talk about that # soon,” Young posted.
Dybantsa was asked about landing in Washington on the Gil’s Arena podcast in early June. He was confident about being the No. 1 pick and joked about snatching Trae’s jersey number.
“If they draft me, I do need 3. Trae, 3 ain’t you no more,” he had jokingly said.
So, when Trae posted to welcome Dybantsa, he made sure to carry forward that banter.
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