Wizards No. 1 pick A.J. Dybantsa was not the big surprise of the NBA Draft

The top player in his class is A.J. Dybantsa. The highly touted prospect was selected first overall in the 2026 NBA Draft as the Washington Wizards used the opening pick of an event once again spread across two nights. Long before reaching college, the BYU standout had already become a social media sensation through viral highlight reels, and he now arrives in the nation’s capital tasked with helping revive a franchise that has struggled for relevance in recent years.

Washington appears determined to accelerate its rebuild. After selecting Alex Sarr with the No. 2 pick two years ago and recently committing four years and $212 million to Trae Young, the Wizards have assembled key pieces across the roster. They have their point guard, a promising center and now a franchise wing in Dybantsa. Questions remain over Anthony Davis’ long-term future with the organization, but the foundation is increasingly taking shape. With Dybantsa joining the mix, Washington can begin thinking about more than simply avoiding the bottom of the standings.

The former BYU star, who reportedly earned around $8.2 million through NIL opportunities during his college career, edged out several strong contenders for the top spot. Darryn Peterson was selected second overall by the Utah Jazz, while Cameron Boozer landed with the Memphis Grizzlies and Caleb Wilson was chosen by the Chicago Bulls. Together, they formed the leading quartet of a draft class that has been closely watched for years.

Introduced as Anicet Dybantsa in tribute to his father, the new Wizards forward entered the draft as the consensus headliner of a talented group. Keaton Wagler was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers, while Mikel Brown joined Brooklyn, receiving a warm reception from fans in the arena he now calls home. The Sacramento Kings added scoring punch by selecting Darius Acuff amid significant organizational changes, including the expected departure of DeMar DeRozan.

The draft also featured a notable run of players from Michigan. Tre Johnson was among those celebrating the moment, while Morez Johnson headed to the Dallas Mavericks. Spanish center Aday Mara slipped down the board before finally hearing his name called by the Oklahoma City Thunder, becoming the 12th overall selection.

The defending champion Thunder remained active beyond their draft picks. Oklahoma City continued reshaping its roster through trades, including a deal that sent Bennett Stirtz to the Memphis Grizzlies after the lottery selections had concluded. Nate Ament, chosen 13th overall, was part of the package Miami used to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee only hours before the draft began.

As the evening unfolded, additional deals continued to emerge. One of the most intriguing involved Spanish guard Sergio de Larrea. Initially linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, then connected to the New York Knicks after growing interest in recent days, he ultimately ended up with the Dallas Mavericks by the end of the first round. His destination became one of the night’s most unexpected twists ahead of the second round.

Several other selections stood out. German prospect Hannes Steinbach was taken 14th overall and received a congratulatory video from Dirk Nowitzki, who once played alongside his father, Burkhard Steinbach, in Würzburg. He and fellow German-rooted guard Christian Anderson both joined the Charlotte Hornets.

At No. 20, the San Antonio Spurs selected Jayden Quaintance to strengthen the frontcourt around Victor Wembanyama, despite concerns over the injuries that have shadowed the young prospect. Mexican forward Karim López made history as the first Mexican player ever selected in the first round. Developed in Joventut’s academy before continuing his career in Oceania, López became one of the international success stories of the night.

Labaron Philon slipped to the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 22, while Chris Cenac landed with the Boston Celtics amid continued uncertainty surrounding Jaylen Brown’s future. Koa Peat remained in his home state after being selected by the Phoenix Suns.

The draft is only halfway complete. Alongside Mara and De Larrea, another Spanish prospect remains in contention. Baba Miller was not selected in the first round but is considered a strong candidate to hear his name called early in the second. The process resumes tomorrow at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, where deputy commissioner Mark Tatum will once again announce the next wave of NBA talent.

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