May 10, 2026: The day the Wizards franchise changed forever. When Mark Tatum opened up the 13th envelope, showing a purple music note, the Wizards had officially gotten the first pick in the NBA Draft for the first time in 16 years. After three seasons of tanking, the rebuild was complete.
But a time that should be joyous for fans has instead been stressful and tumultuous.
The Wizards cannot afford to mess up this opportunity.
Who Are the Candidates for the No. 1 Pick?
There are four players above the rest in the 2026 NBA Draft. BYU’s wing AJ Dybantsa, Kansas’ combo guard Darryn Peterson, Duke’s forward Cameron Boozer, and UNC’s power forward Caleb Wilson. These four players all set themselves apart in high school and the 2025-26 college season.
AJ Dybantsa is a modern star in the NBA. At nearly 6-foot-10 in shoes, it is unnatural for someone of his height to move as fluidly as Dybantsa does.
While he’s not an elite three-point shooter, Dybantsa was respectable in college and can get to his spots extremely well, especially in the mid-range. While there are concerns about Dybantsa’s defense, he measured extremely well at the combine and has the tools to be a great defender. He is an all-around exceptional prospect.
Pundits all over have called Peterson one of the most talented guard prospects of the century. The 19-year-old can get to any spot and score at ease. His flaws are that he struggled staying on the floor in his lone year at Kansas, consistently leaving due to cramps, and isn’t a great playmaker.
Boozer is one of the best prospects on the spreadsheets ever. Critics are worried about how his game will translate to the league, as his shot creation isn’t as pretty or normal as most elite prospects.
While Caleb Wilson is a monster physically, he also doesn’t have the three-level creation to rival Dybantsa.
Rumors About Trading the Pick
Despite a historic accomplishment for the Wizards, the aftermath of the draft has just been filled with rumors. President Michael Winger made it clear that Washington would be open to doing anything with the pick; that includes a trade. Despite the possibility being so unlikely, rumors have been flying around in such a stacked draft.
Utah has been linked to Dybantsa for years. The elite high school prospect played his senior year at Utah Prep and committed to BYU. Jazz owner Ryan Smith is a loud and proud alumnus and supporter of BYU, and Dybantsa has lived in Utah for two years now. The Jazz can offer the Wizards the second pick, likely Darryn Peterson, and Ace Bailey, plus future firsts if they wanted.
While this is a loaded offer, branding and reputation does matter for Washington.
The Wizards Must Keep the No. 1 Pick
The lottery wasn’t just a hope for a better team, but a glimmer of light for Washington fans.
The Wizards have struggled as of late, to say the least. They’ve had zero playoff appearance since 2021, just 50 wins across the last three years, and no Conference Finals since the 70s. They have recently been the Association’s laughing stock, but landing the No. 1 pick has changed everything.
Adding the first pick to an emerging young core led by Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, plus two legit stars in Anthony Davis and Trae Young, will lead the current charge. The Wizards now have names and a reason to tune in.
AJ Dybantsa is the savior this franchise needs. Dybantsa is arguably the best player in the draft, but more importantly, he has the best chance of becoming a superstar. Fans have known about Dybantsa for years; he is a player that the media will try to hype up as a superstar. That matters.
The Washington Wizards have their chance to gain respect from the sports world. For a franchise as historically bad as them, this is a huge opportunity.
The Wizards have one simple task: Add the 6-foot-10 wing that fans and executives clamor over. Do that, and they will cement the fact that Washington is on the rise.
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