The Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft and according to current projections, will likely select former BYU Cougar AJ Dybantsa.
“I mean, I'm thankful for the opportunity. Obviously we're going to find out on June 23 where I'm going to land. I mean, I'm betting on myself to be the No. 1 pick," said Dybantsa.
"So if you're asking how do I feel about it," he continued, "I mean I think I'm very adaptable. I think I could play anywhere. Obviously they have a great young core. So I think I'll be solid over there."
In preparation for the draft and seasons to come, the Wizards' front office was busy in January and February of this year, negotiating trade deals for 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis and four-time NBA All-Star Trae Young. Additionally, the Wizards have Alex Sarr, the second overall pick in the 2024 draft.
But after building an experienced and talented roster, how does Dybantsa fit in with the Wizards?
Actually, pretty well.
Washington has been in rebuild mode and it has shown. The Wizards ended the season with the second-worst offense in the league and the worst overall record.
However, with players like Davis and Young, they are looking for a plug-and-play offensive star. And who better than the nation’s leading scorer, Dybantsa.
Dybantsa going to the Wizards makes the most sense both in the short-and long-term. With experienced NBA All-Star talent around him, Dybantsa will hit the court running and might reignite the Wizards’ offense.
“This guy has a charisma to him. He’s been able to do it at every level that he’s stepped at, and increased his play,” said Will Dawkins, the Washington Wizards general manager. “When you talk about basketball, he can score it, he can defend, he’s long, and he can make plays for others. He’s a high-level talent.”
Dybantsa made a name for himself before he even set foot on a college court, with significant success in high school.
During his freshman year at BYU, his ability to create separation and make tough shots was a core part of the BYU offense. At season’s end, he led the nation in scoring with an average of 25.5 points per game.
Dybantsa also set school and conference records while at BYU. During a showdown with BYU’s rival Utah, Dybantsa dropped 43 points.
His performance broke the single-game freshman scoring record, previously held by Danny Ainge.
In the postseason, Dybantsa broke the Big 12 Conference Tournament total points scored record with 93 points, surpassing previous record-holder Kevin Durant.
Not only can he put a team on his back, Dybantsa likewise showed his ability to be a team player. While at BYU, Dybantsa played alongside point guard Robert Wright III and high-volume shooter Richie Saunders.
Together, they accounted for roughly 74% of the team’s total scoring throughout the season and aptly earned themselves the nickname “The Big 3.”
All of these aspects of Dybantsa’s game combined make him an almost perfect fit with the Wizards’ current roster.
With Young orchestrating the offense, Davis on the inside and Dybantsa working the mid-range, this could become a dangerous offensive trio.
Additionally, Dybantsa’s length, combined with Davis and Sarr, provide stability on the defensive end of the court, where the Wizards placed dead last this season.
Another strong case for Dybantsa in D.C. is longevity. Since the departure of Bradley Beal, Washington has been searching for their next franchise player, and Dybantsa could be just that.
“NBA teams view his excellent size and powerful, physical style as hallmarks of a potential franchise-level talent," wrote ESPN's Jeremy Woo. "He has room for realistic growth as a perimeter shooter and defender and checks all the boxes NBA teams look for in a future star at a coveted position."
If the Wizards decide to bring Dybantsa home with them to Washington, it could spell the emergence of the franchise player they’ve been looking for. And, with the Wizards' current roster, possible trips to the playoffs in years to come.