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AJ Dybantsa Emerges as Favored Choice for No. 1 in 2026 NBA Draft

Combine testing, college scoring and a growing Nike-backed brand have strengthened his case for the Washington Wizards’ top pick.

Overview

  • Public and market projections now put Dybantsa atop most mock drafts and betting boards with the Washington Wizards holding the No. 1 pick for June 23.
  • Dybantsa led Division I scoring as a freshman at BYU, averaging about 25.5 points while adding rebounds and assists that scouts cite as evidence of all-around impact.
  • On Thursday he told the All The Smoke podcast about business advice from LeBron James, unveiled the origin of his Nike signature logo and questioned his combine-listed height, moves that boosted his off-court profile.
  • Kansas guard Darryn Peterson remains the main alternative for the top two spots but his final standing depends on pending medical reviews and team workouts that could reshuffle the order.
  • Dybantsa’s reported Nike NIL deal and an On3 valuation of roughly $4.2 million increase his marketability and earnings potential beyond a projected rookie contract, a factor teams are weighing as they finalize pre-draft evaluations.