NEW YORK — Let’s make this clear right off the bat, because it’s related to the question everyone wants to know.
AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, the two contenders to be chosen first overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday, said they haven’t received any indications about how the top of the draft will unfold.
“I’m going to find out when you find out,” Dybantsa said Monday.
“That’s the only thing I’m not a big fan of,” Peterson said a few minutes later. “I’ve got no clue (about Tuesday). But we’re going to see.”
This draft doesn’t carry the certainty of the 2023 draft, when Victor Wembanyama was a lock to be selected first by the San Antonio Spurs. The same can be said for last year’s draft, when there was no doubt Cooper Flagg would go first to the Dallas Mavericks.
What is certain is that Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 wing from BYU, and Peterson, a 6-5 combo guard from Kansas, want to be the first pick.
“Years and years of work, so it’d probably just mean a lot,” Dybantsa said. “Who knows, I might cry.”
“It would mean a lot,” Peterson said. “I work super-hard. I feel like I deserve it. But I’m just prepared to make the most out of whatever situation that happens.”
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Dybantsa and Peterson, along with other first-round prospects, met Monday afternoon with media at a Manhattan hotel, barely a block away from the NBA’s corporate headquarters. Neither player said anything explosive, but Peterson confirmed that he met with Utah Jazz officials over the weekend after deciding not to work out for the Jazz. He did work out for the Wizards.
The Jazz hold the No. 2 pick.
Asked Monday why he didn’t work out for the Jazz, Peterson answered: “(It was) just a decision that was made, but I’m definitely not dodging any team. Whoever takes me, I’m going to come in and be delighted to be there. And wherever that happens to be, they’ll get the best me. But I’m not dodging any team. I’m ready to play for whoever.”
Dybantsa’s appeal to the Wizards centers on his strength on both ends of the floor and his potential to develop into a three-level scorer. Drafting Dybantsa would double down Washington’s emphasis on adding players with outstanding positional size. He would have the chance to become a foundational player for Washington.
Last season, Dybantsa led Division I in scoring, averaging 25.5 points, and in total free-throw attempts, with 296 in 35 games.
Peterson arrived at Kansas arguably as heralded as Dybantsa, but he was plagued by episodes of quadriceps cramping, hamstring and ankle injuries. In his 24 games with the Jayhawks, he averaged 20.2 points and made 38.2 percent of his 3-point tries.
Because Dybantsa spent part of high school in Utah, played at BYU and attended some Jazz games, there’s been some speculation he would prefer to land with the Jazz. Asked Monday if that’s the case, Dybantsa said he has “no preference.”
He said he would fit well with the Wizards.
“They’ve got a good young core,” Dybantsa said. “So if I went there, I could fit in, be a real dynamic player, a dynamic wing there, make an offensive impact and a defensive impact.”
Peterson, like Dybantsa, projects as a foundational NBA player, someone with the ability to generate his own shot without screens, a relatively rare trait that has proven to be crucial in the playoffs. If the Wizards draft Peterson, he almost certainly would begin his career playing off the ball as he learns from starting point guard Trae Young, who agreed Monday to a four-year extension worth $212 million. Peterson eventually could emerge as Washington’s point guard of the future.
Peterson spoke highly of his visit with Wizards officials.
“I went out there and met with the staff and the GMs and all that, and we connected, which is something huge for me.” Peterson said. “I want to have a connection with those guys. On the court, (the Wizards have) a young core. I’m going to be coming in as a young guy and playing beside some of those guys I know, I feel like I would fit in perfect.”
