The Washington Wizards have been searching for a true franchise cornerstone ever since they traded away their last first overall pick, John Wall (2010), in 2020. 

This year, the lottery balls finally bounced their way once again. Washington won the NBA Draft Lottery and selected AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick—a player many believe has the potential to revive this long-struggling organization.

Fresh off a stellar season at BYU, the 19-year-old Dybantsa entered the NBA with the résumé of a future star. He averaged 25.5 points on 51.0 percent shooting, along with 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals across 35 collegiate games before being selected first overall in last month’s NBA Draft. He also earned MVP honors at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup after leading the United States to the gold medal.

Even so, first impressions matter in the NBA, and the 6-foot-9, 210-pound forward made sure to leave a good one. Dybantsa starred in his NBA Summer League debut, leading the Wizards to a 92–88 victory over second overall pick Darryn Peterson and the Utah Jazz. Dybantsa left little doubt about who the better player was that night, picking up the win and outscoring Peterson (24 points) as he finished with a game-high 27 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, a block, and just one turnover.

His efficiency was far from perfect though. Dybantsa shot 7-of-18 from the field and missed all five of his three-point attempts, showing that his shot-making still has room to improve at this level. However, his 7-of-8 mark from the free-throw line was encouraging, especially when considering his drive-heavy offensive arsenal. His shooting percentages should improve with time, but his aggressiveness was more than enough reason to be excited about what’s to come for Dybantsa.

That desire to attack the basket was one of Dybantsa’s most notable strengths while at BYU, and it immediately carried over to Summer League. He repeatedly looked to get downhill, did not shy away from contact, and created opportunities almost every time he touched the ball. His best moment came late in the first quarter, when he drove hard to the basket and finished a contested two-handed dunk.

Leading up to last month’s draft, Dyantsa drew favorable comparisons to Tracy McGrady and Jaylen Brown from analysts and these are easy to understand following his summer league debut. Dybantsa has the size of a modern scoring wing, the strength to absorb contact while attacking the rim, and the skill to become an all-around offensive threat. 

Washington should also have the luxury of easing him into things come the regular season. Dybantsa is expected to begin as the Wizards’ third option behind All-Star teammates Trae Young and Anthony Davis, barring any trade involving Davis, who continues to be mentioned in the rumor mill. That setup should allow him to grow without having to immediately carry the entire offense, feeding off Young’s playmaking and the gravity provided by Davis.

The Wizards have needed direction for most of this decade and with Dybantsa coming in, they finally have someone to build around for the foreseeable future. He gives the Wizards a young cornerstone, one good enough to justify patience, as he looks like a player who is capable of becoming the face of the franchise for many years to come.