What happened: AJ Dybantsa enters the 2026-27 season as the No. 1 overall pick by Washington in the 2026 NBA Draft. The assignment for the BYU forward is lifting a Washington Wizards side without sustained contention since 1979. Dybantsa expressed no concern about the scale of the rebuild.

Why it matters: Washington opens the upcoming campaign still seeking its first conference finals appearance in nearly five decades. A rapid step forward from its top pick would reset the timeline for development and future roster construction.

What to watch: Preseason usage will indicate Washington's opening-night role for Dybantsa.