Wizards GM reveals intriguing connection to AJ Dybantsa

The Washington Wizards have amassed just 50 victories across the last three seasons, which is 14 wins less than what the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder achieved during the 2025-26 campaign. It is hard to find the bright side amid such a bleak stretch, but if the organization correctly uses the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, significant improvement should be imminent.

Perhaps even sustained success is attainable. Given the magnitude of this opportunity, the front office must carefully weigh its options. There are seemingly only two prospects in the running for the top selection: AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson. Wizards general manager Will Dawkins already has history with one of those 19-year-olds.

The former Thunder executive has known the former BYU star and his fellow Massachusetts native since the latter was 14 years old. He has rapport with Dybantsa’s family and should therefore have a wealth of information on the 6-foot-8 forward.

“This guy has a charisma to him,” Dawkins said at the NBA Combine, per Ben Standig. “He’s got a confidence to him. He’s been able to do it every level that he’s stepped at, increase his play. When you talk about basketball, he can score it, can defend, he’s long, can make plays for others. He’s a high-level talent. We have the opportunity to — we’ll take a look at him. Get to know him a little more … A true talent at the top of the draft.”

Washington traded for Anthony Davis and Trae Young this past season, with the intention of hastening the squad’s return to relevance. If healthy, which is quite a bit to ask, these two established stars can potentially push the Wizards into the NBA Play-In Tournament picture and also get the best out of the roster’s young talent. But the future of this team revolves heavily around the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft.

AJ Dybantsa could be entrusted to serve this nucleus role. He led the country in scoring as just a freshman, posting 25.5 points per game on 51 percent shooting last season. With stellar statistics and striking measurements, the consensus All-American could be the man to truly save Washington D.C. basketball.

Dawkins will spend the next five weeks conducting extensive research on Dybantsa, but his past experiences with the former Brockton boy could come in handy as well.