It's officially NBA Mock Draft season, and Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connell has put together a mock highlighting one decision the Washington Wizards can't afford to make.
That decision? Passing on Darius Acuff Jr.
Washington is tied for the highest odds to earn the No. 1 overall pick, and obviously, if that dream scenario came into fruition, BYU star AJ Dybantsa would almost certainly be the pick.
Nonetheless, for the Wizards, all possibilities are on the table, and general manager Will Dawkins advised the fanbase that selecting at No. 5 overall is the most likely outcome of any heading into the NBA Draft Lottery in May.
O'Connell tried his hand at how the first round could unfold with some chaos, and his mock features Washington making their pick at No. 5.
However, the pick the team made in this scenario is one that would frustrate many, including star guard Trae Young.
Is AJ Dybantsa a lock to Chicago? 🔒@KevinOConnor's latest mock draft if the lottery brings us chaos 👀
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 23, 2026
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Wizards can't pass on Darius Acuff Jr.
In this mock, O'Connell has the Wizards taking Keaton Wagler from Illinois, who's one of the top available players in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Averaging 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, while shooting 44.5% from field goal range and 39.7% from beyond the arc, the 6-foot-6 freshman guard showed plenty to like during his lone season at Illinois.
Still, of the blue-chip prospects in the draft, there may not be a better guard available than Darius Acuff Jr. (outside of Darryn Peterson).
With the mock featuring the Wizards' selection coming after all of AJ Dybantsa, Caleb Wilson, Cameron Boozer, and Darryn Peterson all being off the board, the most obvious selection for Washington would be Acuff Jr.
The Arkansas product proved to be among one of the most dominant players in the nation this season, averaging 23.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds on 48.4% shooting from field goal range and 44% from three against SEC competition.
Acuff Jr. has all the makings of a future star, and he could be an immediate impact player in Washington, while Wagler may offer a project the Wizards don't need right now.
Washington doesn't need a project
Wagler is a great player, but he's more of a raw talent that could use development in comparison to a prospect like Acuff Jr.
The Wizards are looking to compete now and are no longer looking at their top priority as developing talent.
Selecting Wagler wouldn't exactly set them back, but adding a prospect like Acuff Jr. would give them an impact player almost immediately, while also holding the upside to be a cornerstone of the future.
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