The 2026 NBA Draft is less than a month away, and as of now, the Washington Wizards' selection remains a mystery.
Washington had yet to make it clear which direction they're leaning toward with their top pick, but all indication suggests of the options, BYU standout AJ Dybantsa, will be the No. 1 overall pick.
Dybantsa's impact on the franchise alone is enough to be excited about the future, but if the star forward is the selection, there's a high chance that his impact will be felt before he even gets the chance to lace up his shoes for Washington next season.
Wizards could use AJ Dybantsa to attract free agents
The NBA Draft has all the attention as June nears, but one week after the draft, NBA free agency opens.
Typically, Washington isn't known as a player when it comes to free agency, but a lot has changed over the last couple of years.
The Wizards now have one of the best young cores in the league, with veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis set to lead the way.
And if that alone isn't enough to persuade outside free agents to consider suiting up in D.C, perhaps the addition of Dybantsa will be enough to get the team back on the map.
Dybantsa has already received extremely high praise, including the likes of Kevin O'Connell suggesting the forward has an MVP ceiling.
Given how top talent attracts other top talent, it's clear that there's a wave of momentum already in the Wizards' favor based on the talent added at the trade deadline, and the addition of Dybantsa will only add to the wave of talent Washington has at their disposal to lure talent to the DMV.
Washington has plenty of needs to fill
The Wizards have done a great job filling out their depth chart over the last few years, and it's safe to say that there's enough talent at nearly every position to be excited about.
The backcourt is filled with high-upside talent with Young, Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington and even Bilal Coulibaly coming to mind.
A frontcourt filled with Dybantsa, Davis, Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Will Riley and even Cam Whitmore is extremely deep.
Still, Washington has a major need when it comes to depth, specifically when it comes to finding a backup big man.
Beyond just the need for a reserve big, Washington could look to bolster their roster where they see fit, especially if the new wave of talent indeed does pin them as an intriguing free agency destination for the first time in a long time.
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