2026 NBA Draft: Wizards select AJ Dybantsa No. 1, earn A+ grade, per ESPN and CBS Sports
The Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, selecting center AJ Dybantsa, who received an A+ grade from CBS Sports for his fit with the franchise, according to multiple reports. The selection, confirmed by ESPN and CBS Sports, marked a pivotal move for a team seeking a transformative frontcourt presence.
Top Picks and Draft Grades
The Wizards’ decision to take Dybantsa, a 7-foot-1 center from the University of Oregon, drew praise for its strategic alignment with the team’s long-term goals. CBS Sports graded the pick as an A+, noting Dybantsa’s “versatile skill set and defensive potential” as critical for a roster in need of rebounding and interior defense. ESPN’s draft analysis echoed this sentiment, highlighting his ability to “anchor the paint and stretch the floor with his shooting.”
Other top picks included Darryn Peterson, selected by the Sacramento Kings at No. 3, and Cameron Boozer, taken by the New York Knicks at No. 5. Peterson, a 6-foot-8 forward, earned a B+ grade from Yahoo Sports for his “athleticism and playmaking upside,” while Boozer, a 6-foot-11 center, was lauded for his “physicality and shot-blocking ability” by The Athletic.
Notable Surprises in the First Round
The draft featured several unexpected selections, including the Philadelphia 76ers’ choice of guard Jalen Johnson at No. 8. Johnson, a 6-foot-6 guard from Duke, received a B grade from The New York Times for his “consistency and clutch performances,” despite being a projected mid-first-round pick. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors’ decision to take guard Cole Anthony at No. 12 drew mixed reactions, with The Detroit News noting his “high ceiling but inconsistent perimeter shooting.”
The draft also saw three University of Michigan players selected within the first 12 picks, a feat noted by The New York Times as a testament to the program’s strength. Center Hunter Dickinson went to the Brooklyn Nets at No. 6, guard Franz Wagner to the Orlando Magic at No. 7, and forward Isaiah Livers to the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 11.
Why the Draft Matters
The 2026 class is widely regarded as one of the most talented in recent years, with analysts comparing it to the 2014 draft, which produced stars like Kawhi Leonard and Damian Lillard. The Wizards’ selection of Dybantsa, in particular, has been framed as a “home run” opportunity, with ESPN’s Jonathan Tjarks stating, “Dybantsa’s combination of size, shooting, and defensive instincts could redefine the franchise’s identity.”
However, questions remain about how quickly prospects like Dybantsa and Peterson will adapt to the NBA. The Athletic’s Sam Amick pointed out that “the gap between college and professional play is steeper than ever, and teams will need patience to see returns on these investments.”
Looking Ahead
With the first round complete, focus shifts to the second round and the potential impact of undrafted free agents. Teams like the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, which made no first-round picks, are expected to target developmental players to fill roster gaps. The draft’s outcome will also influence trade discussions, as franchises evaluate whether to build around young stars or pursue veteran additions.
As the 2026 NBA season approaches, the success of these picks will be closely monitored. For now, the Wizards’ decision to take Dybantsa stands as the defining moment of the draft, with CBS Sports calling it “a bold statement of intent for a franchise ready to compete.”