What happened: The Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The choice caps a months-long run as the favorites to land the top selection after Washington secured the No. 1 pick in the lottery.

Why it matters: Dybantsa becomes the centerpiece of Washington's rebuild, giving the franchise a foundational young talent to build around. The same No. 1 pick the Wizards secured in the lottery had been the subject of trade speculation, but Washington kept the selection and used it on Dybantsa.

What to watch: Attention now turns to how Dybantsa fits into Washington's young core and what role he assumes entering the 2026-27 season.