The uncertainty surrounding the Washington Wizards' looming decision at No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft is one of the biggest dominoes still to fall in the next 48 hours.
All eyes have been on BYU star AJ Dybantsa and Kansas standout Darryn Peterson as the most likely candidates to be selected with the top pick, but the Wizards' reluctance to reveal which direction they're leaning has added a level of mystery heading into draft night that hasn't been there in previous drafts.
Dybantsa seemed to be the favorite entering the offseason and leading into the NBA Draft Lottery, but the confidence from Peterson and his camp to only conduct a meeting with the Wizards and decline any additional invites suggested that the guard could know something outsiders don't.
Not to mention, there seemed to be growing momentum entering the weekend that Washington could pivot to Peterson as their selection.
Many in the fanbase have been split on who the preference to be the Wizards' next building block should be, but the risk of taking a swing on Peterson's talent, considering the red flags off the court, has sent many into a frenzy about possibly missing out on Dybantsa.
Fortunately, ESPN's NBA Insider Shams Charania's latest intel on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday offered some insight into which direction Will Dawkins is leaning ahead of Tuesday's NBA Draft.
Shams Charania reveals AJ Dybantsa is still the expected pick
Charania made an appearance on Pat McAfee's show on Monday, offering the latest around the league, including an update on the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes and what can be expected ahead of the NBA Draft.
Before the insider left the show, he was asked if Peterson would be the top pick in the draft after the latest buzz suggested he's gaining traction to be headed to the DMV.
Charania made it clear that Dybantsa ia still expected to be the top pick from what he's heard.
"The league-wide belief that I get, and the belief that I feel from talking to people I trust around the league, is that AJ Dybantsa is the favorite at 1," Charania said.
It's a decision that many have expected all along, and given the talent, skillset he brings to the front court and lack of questions regarding his work ethic, that Peterson would bring says everything it needs to.
Washington can't afford to get this decision wrong, and with Dybantsa being the safer pick with arguably the same upside, if not more, there's no reason why the Wizards would pivot.
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