When it comes to the projected top picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, plenty of names continue to enter the conversation. But, no matter how much debate pops up in mock drafts, one player keeps finding his way right back near the top: AJ Dybantsa of BYU Cougars men’s basketball.
There’s a reason for that. Dybantsa simply looks like the kind of player NBA teams spend years trying to find. He has the size, athleticism and scoring ability to become a true star at the next level, and players built like him don’t come around often. In today’s NBA, teams are obsessed with versatile wings who can score from everywhere on the court while also defending multiple positions. Dybantsa checks every one of those boxes.
That’s why mock drafts continue linking him to the Washington Wizards near the top of the board. Even though analysts keep saying Washington’s decision is still wide open, Dybantsa remains the favorite because his upside is just too exciting to ignore.
At his floor, Dybantsa projects as a player who could easily average around 20 points per game in the NBA. He’s explosive attacking the basket, smooth in transition and capable of scoring at all three levels. He can get to the rim, create in the midrange and knock down shots from deep. That alone makes him a dangerous offensive weapon.
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But, the reason scouts are so fascinated with him is because his ceiling feels even bigger than that. If everything clicks, Dybantsa could develop into the kind of player who averages closer to 30 points per game while also contributing as a secondary playmaker and disruptive defender. He has the athletic tools to create chaos defensively, whether that means jumping passing lanes, contesting shots or switching across multiple positions. Modern NBA teams love players who can impact the game on both ends of the floor, and Dybantsa has shown flashes of becoming exactly that kind of star.
He also plays with a confidence that stands out. Some young prospects have the physical tools but still look hesitant or unsure at times. Dybantsa doesn’t really have that issue. He looks comfortable taking over games and embracing big moments, and that mentality matters when projecting future NBA stars.
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For Washington, adding someone like Dybantsa could completely change the direction of the franchise. The Wizards already have a young core with intriguing pieces in place, but they still need that true centerpiece player who can elevate the entire roster. Dybantsa feels like the kind of talent who could do exactly that.
His arrival on the wing would instantly make Washington more athletic, more explosive and much more dangerous offensively. He’d also fit perfectly with the faster, modern style so many teams are embracing across the NBA right now.
Most importantly, Dybantsa gives off the feeling of a player who is still only scratching the surface of what he can become. That’s a scary thought for the rest of the league.
So, while the debate around the 2026 NBA Draft will continue over the next several months, Dybantsa is still sitting firmly near the top for a reason. Players with this kind of talent, size and upside don’t stay available for long.