The Washington Wizards have selected 6-foot-9 forward AJ Dybantsa as the No. 1 overall pick in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft, aiming to turn around a franchise that has not had a 50-win season in nearly five decades. The Wizards finished the 2025-2026 NBA season with just 17 wins, their worst in recent history.
Dybantsa's journey from Spider-Man to top pick
Dybantsa, who averaged 25.5 points per game in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), credited his love for basketball to the fictional superhero Spider-Man. "I loved Spider-Man growing up. So I just started shooting from my bed with this miniature ball. Then I started playing in the YMCA leagues, ended up falling in love with the game," Dybantsa said. "So Spider-Man is the reason why I love basketball."
The rookie arrived in Washington to a warm welcome from the Wizards organization and fans. He acknowledged the team's struggles in recent years. "Nothing comes easy, but I want to be a piece of the puzzle that is part of the rebuild," he said. "Obviously, Wizards fans have been waiting for a long time."
Historic No. 1 pick for Washington
This marks the first time the Wizards have held the No. 1 pick since 2010, when they selected point guard John Wall. Before Wall, the franchise's last top pick was Kwame Brown in 2001. Dybantsa is the first freshman to lead all of NCAA Division I in scoring since the 2017-2018 season, according to league statistics.
The Wizards hope Dybantsa can be the "basketball hero" they have long sought, as the franchise last achieved a 50-win season in the 1970s. The team has not won an NBA championship since 1978.
