AJ Dybantsa has officially put the biggest fear of not only the Washington Wizards, but every team at the top of the draft to rest after officially declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft.
The BYU star struck some fear across fanbases on Wednesday after a cryptic social media post hinted at an announcement to come.
Many wondered if the dynamic forward could be hinting at a return to college for his sophomore season after the return of his running mate, Robert Wright III, announced his return for the 2026-27 season, but the projected top pick quickly put the noise to rest.
For the Wizards, the reality of drafting Dybantsa hinges on whether the team's able to shake the constant cycle of bad luck they've been struck with in the past few NBA Draft Lotterys, and land the No. 1 overall pick.
Still, Dybantsa's presence alone will play a major role in the Wizards' draft results, whether they're in the pole position or not.
AJ Dyabantsa is the dream, but the Wizards needed him to declare
For Washington, landing Dybantsa would be the perfect cherry on top to their rebuild as they look to compete as soon as next season behind the leadership of star duo Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
At the same time, general manager Will Dawkins will be the first to tell you that earning the top pick is the least likely outcome for the Wizards and that alone should brace fans to expect the team to be selecting closer to pick No. 5 than No. 1.
Still, Dybantsa's presence alone is the difference between the Wizards potentially having the chance for a prospect like Darryn Peterson to fall to them at No. 3 versus Washington being forced to watch an ideal draft pick be selected right in front of them, like they were with Ace Bailey last offseason.
Washington could finally stop their bad luck streak
Many will tell you the NBA Draft Lottery is rigged, and honestly, after the Cooper Flagg saga last year, it's hard to argue.
For Washington, landing the No. 1 overall pick seems like a pipe dream, but with talent like Anthony Davis and Trae Young hyping up the organization in the nation's capital, all of a sudden, if it is rigged, maybe the league will finally show the Wizards some love.
Whether it comes at the hands of Dybantsa or another top prospect, the Wizards will be adding a top talent to the mix this offseason, and that alone should have fans excited.
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