Washington Wizards Draft A.J. Dybantsa First Overall After Posting NBA’s Worst Three-Season Record

The Washington Wizards selected A.J. Dybantsa with the first overall pick in the NBA draft on June 23, 2026, washingtontimes.com reported. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the choice during the draft proceedings.

Dybantsa led the NCAA in scoring during the 2025-26 season. The Wizards added All-Stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis in the previous season. Young ranks third in NBA history in assists per game. The franchise has not reached the playoffs since the 2020-21 season and has not finished as a top-five seed since 2017, washingtontimes.com reported.

The team posted the worst record in the NBA over the last three seasons and recorded 20 more losses than any other club during that span. Thomas Starnes attended the Wizards draft party at The Anthem concert venue on June 23. He said the team is excited to be competitive and hopes for a No.

5 seed. John Auville stated on 106.7 The Fan that the team is focused on winning rather than tanking. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins said on June 24 that the Wizards will make the playoffs and finish as a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference.