The Washington Wizards seemed zeroed in on AJ Dybantsa all along, even though several reports around the league suggested the team gave no inside intel on which direction they were leaning throughout the entire process.
Dybantsa made it clear that he believed he was worthy of the top pick, and that alone silenced any doubt that the BYU standout wouldn't want to play in Washington.
Outside of Dybantsa, though, there was a growing sense that the Wizards at least considered selecting star guard Darryn Peterson, especially after meeting with the sharpshooter ahead of the draft.
In the end, Dybantsa was obviously the selection, but one that will be monitored for years to come, given how closely the two prospects were viewed by scouts and teams around the league.
Both players have a chip on their shoulder as they look to prove they were the best player in the 2026 NBA Draft class, and for years to come, the personal rivalry between both prospects will be one to keep an eye on.
Fortunately, the first chance for Dybantsa to prove the Wizards made the right selection is right around the corner.
Wizards-Jazz, AJ Dybantsa vs. Darryn Peterson open Summer League
The league has officially revealed the schedule for the NBA Summer League, and as expected, the Wizards are set to tip things off.
The 2026 NBA Summer League schedule is out!
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 26, 2026
Full schedule: https://t.co/H5vLVJhzPs
Catch the NBA's future stars and all the action on Prime Video and ESPN platforms throughout the 11-day competition. pic.twitter.com/PxLCQpopoV
Washington and Utah are the first marquee matchups of the summer, with all eyes set to see the showdown between Dybantsa and Peterson.
Assuming both players suit up in this battle, it's clear that they will be looking to make a statement, especially given that it'll be their first matchup against each other at the NBA level.
Dybantsa and Peterson have faced off several times in past years, dating back to both their college days and high school careers, and the narrative has always been that Peterson dominated those matchups when he was on the court.
Those games were also less of a showcase and more competitive, so with the Summer League specifically being a place where the top prospects can start making a name for themselves and proving what players have to offer, expect each top pick to put on a show.
July 9th will be a date for fans to look forward to with the first chance to see Dybantsa in Wizards' threads, while also getting the offseason to monitor Washington's moves with actual hope entering next season.
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