Washington Wizards Interview AJ Dybantsa: ‘A True Talent at The Top Of The Draft’

BusinessSportsMoneyWashington Wizards Interview AJ Dybantsa: ‘A True Talent at The Top Of The Draft’ByAdam Zagoria,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I'm a basketball and tennis insiderFollow AuthorMay 12, 2026, 03:21pm EDTMay 12, 2026, 03:24pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 19: AJ Dybantsa #3 of the BYU Cougars reacts against the Texas Longhorns during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)Getty ImagesAJ Dybantsa did not look particularly thrilled when the Washington Wizards won the NBA Draft Lottery on Sunday.But the 6-foot-9 BYU forward could well be headed to Washington as the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft on June 23.Wizards GM Will Dawkins said on ESPN that the franchise interviewed Dybantsa - who averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in his lone college season – on Tuesday at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.“We got to interview him today, we’ll spend a little bit more time with him, hopefully in D.C,” Dawkins said. “But a true talent at the top of the draft.”Dawkins, a Springfield, Mass. native who worked under Sam Presti with the Oklahoma City Thunder, knows Dybantsa from their mutual Massachusetts ties.“Yeah, Massachusetts guy just like myself,” Dawkins said of the Brockton native. "So you can imagine since 14 years old, we’ve been hearing he’s the next one out of our state. So know AJ, his family, just from being in Massachusetts basketball. “The guy has a charisma to him, he’s got a confidence to him. He’s been able to do it at every level that he’s stepped at, increase his play. And when you talk about basketball, he can score it, he can defend, he’s long, he can make plays for doubles, he’s a high-level talent.”MORE FOR YOUMost mock...