I like AJ Dybantsa. The BYU Cougar prospect is an athletic wing who has the ceiling to be an incredible scorer while also developing into an elite defender. The defense needs a lot of work, but there are reasons why people think he could turn into a superstar like Kawhi Leonard or an even better version of NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.
But he's not the best prospect in this class. More news: Acuff vs Wagler vs Flemings: Who Is the Best Point Guard in the NBA Draft? More news: Jazz Draft Darryn Peterson, and DeMarcus Cousins Already Sees the Next Kobe The Washington Wizards took the easy, smart path on Tuesday night when they selected Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He, at worst, seems like he will be an above average 3&D wing that could be the third or fourth best player on a title-contending team.
Darryn Peterson, on the other hand, who went to the Utah Jazz, might be out of the league in five years due to falling out of love with the sport, a multitude of injuries, or straight up never meshing in the professional world of the NBA. But when it comes to what he could be, with his polished shooting, above average defense already, and quick step, it points to a player that could be leading Team USA at the Olympics in two years in Los Angeles if everything comes together. If Peterson hits, and all the baggage from college at Kansas slips away, he could stand as one of the best players in basketball by the time he's in year two or three with the Jazz. Dybantsa, in my opinion, will be an All-Star.
He will be a very good player. He'll be a top 20 player in the world.
Yet, does he have the same ceiling as Peterson? The Wizards have gambled before and busted. This time, we'll see if their safer approach works out in the long run.
