Everybody saw AJ Dybantsa's reaction when the Washington Wizards were revealed as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and you could almost immediately predict what was going to follow.
Dybantsa didn't exactly look disappointed, but he also didn't look excited, and that alone gave people the ammo to create whatever narrative they wanted to run with.
However, even with the noise surrounding the idea that the BYU product prefers to land in Utah, he's made it clear that the most important thing to him is the validation of being selected at the top of the NBA Draft.
Whether that's by the Wizards or whatever team offers enough to force Washington's hand to step down from the top spot is to be seen, but based on Dybantsa's comments surrounding his reaction, it seems like the forward all but confirmed people are making something out of nothing.
AJ Dybantsa plays down his NBA Draft Lottery reaction
According to The Athletic's Josh Robbins, Dybantsa cleared up the speculation that he was disappointed with Washington earning the No. 1 overall pick.
“I literally had no reaction at all, and people find ways to say that I didn’t want it. I did want it,” Dybantsa said. “But it all comes with social media. People are going to make narratives. I just tried not to react at all, just keep a straight face, try to stay even-keeled.”
The projected top pick suggested he's happy to play for whatever team he lands on, and for a fanbase who's seemingly gained some fear that the reports surrounding his desire to land in Utah could force the Wizards to pivot, it should be music to their ears that Dybantsa will be ecstatic to play anywhere.
Wizards have no reason to pivot from Dybantsa
Washington landed the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since 2010, and all indications suggest that, unless the team receives a blockbuster trade package to force their hand, they'll use the top pick.
Dybantsa seems like the player that can alter their franchise overnight, and with the forward essentially shutting down the noise about his desire to play elsewhere, the Wizards have no need to pivot.
All signs point to Dybantsa being a Wizard, and until anything else suggests he won't be, fans should expect the BYU star to be their newest star.
Then again, if the Jazz offer a deal Washington can't refuse, maybe then Dybantsa will get his wish. Until then, though, get used to edits of Dybantsa in a Wizards jersey.
Add us as a preferred source on Google