Wizards Draft Dybantsa No. 1, Jazz Select Peterson No. 2 in 2026 NBA Draft

The Washington Wizards selected BYU freshman forward AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, held Tuesday night in New York. Dybantsa, a first-team Associated Press All-American, led the nation in scoring (25.5 points per game) and in free throws made (229) and attempted (296). The 6-foot-9 forward impressed scouts with his shot creation, midrange game, and ability to draw fouls, but questions remain about his 3-point shooting (33.1%). Wizards analysts noted his MVP ceiling, bolstered by veteran teammates Trae Young and Anthony Davis.

The Utah Jazz followed by selecting Kansas guard Darryn Peterson with the second pick. The 6-foot-5 freshman averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 38.2% from beyond the arc. Peterson drew praise for his fluid scoring, body control, and defensive versatility, including a 6-foot-11 wingspan that allows him to switch screens. However, his draft stock was tempered by availability concerns: he missed 11 of 35 games due to injury, illness, and a preseason full-body cramping episode that required hospitalization.

Peterson joins a young Jazz core featuring Ace Bailey, Cody Williams, Brice Sensabaugh, and Keyonte George, alongside All-Stars Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. His ability to play on and off the ball is expected to accelerate his transition to the NBA. The Wizards, meanwhile, see Dybantsa as a potential superstar who complements existing pieces like Alex Sarr and guards Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, and Bilal Coulibaly.

Dybantsa set a BYU freshman scoring record with 43 points in a game against Utah, and was rated “Excellent” by Synergy in pick-and-rolls (87th percentile) and post-ups (94th percentile). He averaged 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists, shooting 51% from the field. Peterson shot 82.6% from the free-throw line and recorded six games with at least eight attempts. Both players are expected to play significant roles as rookies in systems that reduce immediate pressure.