The NBA playoffs may still be dominating the spotlight, but for the teams already looking toward the future, draft season has officially arrived.
And no team has a bigger decision than the Washington Wizards.
After winning the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, Washington now holds the No. 1 pick — and with that comes the chance to change the direction of the franchise overnight. The name most connected to the top spot is AJ Dybantsa, the explosive BYU wing who has been viewed as one of the cleanest No. 1 fits in this class. ESPN’s latest big board lists Dybantsa No. 1, followed by Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer.
But this draft is not just a one-player conversation.
Darryn Peterson, a dynamic Kansas guard, has a real case near the top. Cameron Boozer brings size, production, and NBA bloodlines out of Duke. Caleb Wilson has also been mentioned by NBA.com as one of the prospects with a case to go No. 1.
That is what makes this draft so interesting. Washington may have the first pick, but the pressure is not only on the Wizards. The Jazz, Grizzlies, Bulls, Clippers, Nets, Kings, Hawks, Mavericks, and Bucks all sit inside the top 10 and could reshape their futures with one right selection.
Early Top-10 Prediction
1. Washington Wizards — AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
This feels like the cleanest fit. Washington needs a franchise-level scorer and wing creator. Dybantsa gives them star upside, size, athleticism, and a player they can build around.
2. Utah Jazz — Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
Utah needs a guard who can create offense and become a lead option. Peterson has the scoring, confidence, and playmaking upside to fit that role.
3. Memphis Grizzlies — Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke
Boozer would give Memphis a strong frontcourt piece with scoring, rebounding, and physicality. He feels like the kind of polished player who can help sooner rather than later.
4. Chicago Bulls — Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina
Chicago needs upside. Wilson gives them length, versatility, and two-way potential. He could be a major piece in a new Bulls era.
5. Los Angeles Clippers — Best available young star
The Clippers need youth badly. This pick could be about finding the next core piece after years of veteran-heavy rosters.
6. Brooklyn Nets — High-upside scorer or lead guard
Brooklyn should swing big. They need someone who can become a real offensive identity for the franchise.
7. Sacramento Kings — Wing defense and shooting
Sacramento has talent, but they need more two-way balance. A long wing who can defend and space the floor would make a lot of sense.
8. Atlanta Hawks — Guard/wing creator
Atlanta’s future depends on finding players who fit around their current core. They need someone who can score, defend, and not need the ball every possession.
9. Dallas Mavericks — Best player available
Dallas should not overthink it. Take the highest-upside player left and figure out fit later.
10. Milwaukee Bucks — Future building block
Milwaukee is in a fascinating spot. This pick could become very important for the next version of the Bucks, whether they use it or trade it.
Key Draft Storylines
1. Is AJ Dybantsa already locked in at No. 1?
Right now, he looks like the favorite. His combination of size, scoring, athleticism, and star upside makes him hard to pass on.
2. Could Darryn Peterson challenge for the top pick?
Peterson has the guard skills NBA teams love. If Washington decides it wants a lead creator instead of a wing, this could become more interesting.
3. Cameron Boozer may be the safest star-level prospect.
Boozer’s production, physical tools, and basketball background make him one of the most reliable names in the class.
4. The Wizards cannot miss.
Washington has been searching for a true franchise reset. The No. 1 pick gives them that chance, but it also comes with pressure.
5. The middle of the lottery could get wild.
Teams like the Clippers, Nets, Kings, Hawks, and Mavericks could all go in different directions depending on whether they want upside, fit, or trade value.
Final Thought
The 2026 NBA Draft has the feel of a turning-point draft.
The Wizards have the No. 1 pick and a chance to land their next franchise star. But behind them, the Jazz, Grizzlies, Bulls, and Clippers all have huge decisions that could shape the next decade of the league.
AJ Dybantsa may be the favorite to go first, but this draft has enough talent and mystery to make the top five very interesting.
For Washington, this is not just a pick.
It is a chance to finally start over with a real face of the franchise.