The Washington Wizards hold the first pick in their year's NBA Draft. Projected No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa would have no problem playing in the capital if he lands there.
The one-and-done BYU standout made his sentiments known over the results of the Draft Lottery that took place earlier this week, sharing that what is important for him as he enters the NBA is to play for a team where he can fit in.
Dybantsa, 19, who was at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago , where the draft lottery was held, spoke about his game and why he thinks he can flourish for any team he plays for.
"Initially, just thinking, like, how I am going to fit into the team. I think I am pretty versatile and adaptable, so I think I can play anywhere. Me, confidently, I was not worried about picks 14 to three…" Dybantsa, the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, said .
He added that he's familiar with Washington as a city and aware of the direction the Wizards have been heading in over the past few years.
"I know a couple of players there and got to visit the city and their facility through them last year … I have been watching AD ( Anthony Davis ) for a long, long time. Trae Young , even when he was still at Oklahoma. I know a couple of guys there," he added.
The Wizards had another disappointing campaign this season as they decided to go on a heavy rebuild mode. They finished with the worst record of 17-65 and played the role of whipping boys to a T.
But the team has quality young pieces in the likes of Alex Sarr , Tre Johnson , Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George to anchor its future. It was also involved in midseason blockbuster trades to acquire Anthony Davis from the Dallas Mavericks and Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks , affording them the chance to be competitive as early as next season.
The Wizards caught a break when it ended up with the No. 1 pick in the draft, putting them in a solid position to secure a prime talent like Dybantsa to advance their rebuild.
With Dybantsa, a 6'9" wing player, Washington gets a player who combines size and athleticism in creating shots, adding further dimension to the team's frontcourt play.
The significance of having the top overall pick after 2010 is not lost to the Wizards, and they are looking to capitalize on it.
"[I'm] happy for the Wizards fans who have suffered through a string of losing seasons and near-misses in draft lotteries," General Manager Will Dawkins shared .
But while they have secured the No. 1 pick, the Wizards have made it known that they are open to exploring other options to take full advantage of it. Among them is the possibility of trading down while acquiring other assets, such as future picks and veteran players who could help them win immediately.
Washington cannot be faulted if it decides to go in that direction since this year's draft class is one of the deepest in recent history, with the likes of Cameron Boozer (Duke), Darryn Peterson (Kansas) and Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) also available for the picking.
How the Wizards intend to use the No. 1 pick remains to be seen, but it's a good thing for them that they have a ready, available talent in Dybantsa who seems willing to play for the team and make things happen.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on May 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
