The Wait Is Over: Washington Drafts AJ Dybantsa to Lead the New Wave

By: Joe Cardoso 

We did it, Washington Wizards fans. Sat through so very rough years, dumped bad contracts, and lived in the bottom of the league for what felt like forever. One thing about the DMV sports fan if you show up, win, and work, they will pour into you and protect you. AJ Dybantsa, a superstar wing from BYU, was selected number 1 overall by the Wizards and joins a talented young core that has NBA and Washington fans alike excited for the future. So what type of player are they getting, and what should we expect from him to add to this long-suffering franchise? As an old head, I’ve seen the Juwan Howard and Chris Webber years, one year of Russell Westbrook, the John Wall era, and lived to tell the tale.

How He Fits:

AJ gives us an identity first off. Coming off a season where he poured in 25ppg, almost 7 boards a game, and 4 dimes while shooting 51% from the field. The numbers demanded our attention. And he is a perfect fit to the team, you have an NBA Champion in Anthony Davis, who, when healthy, and that’s a big IF, is a threat on offense and a rim protector. Add in Trae Young, who could maybe even move off-ball a bit and share the ball handling and shooting. I saw a KD/KG hybrid, but now I think he is more of a 2nd coming of Tracy McGrady and a bit of Scottie Pippen. This team needs a young, dynamic wing who can create his own shot and carry the offense if needed.

Year One Look:

One thing I do not see coming is AJ coming into the league quietly. Remember when BYU lost its top guy, Dybantsa jumped in and averaged almost 30 points a game, breaking a scoring record held by Kevin Durant. The Wizards will maybe limit his minutes and let the chemistry with Trae and AD, a great scorer who will provide a bunch of energy, and playmaking skills. No one is asking him to win games playing hero ball. He has future MVP-like skills and should be allowed to grow.

Fans Are Ready to Believe Again:

As I mentioned, we have been patient; some people say too patient. We have lost a total of 196 games over the last three seasons. Last season, we knew we would get the top pick and ended up with the 6th pick. The city needed a reason to believe, and AJ is THE reason. Healthy Trae Young locked in to a new mega deal, Anthony Davis, plus a young and excited core with room to grow. All of a sudden, we have more than hope; we have the blueprint shoutout to Jay-Z. For the first time since John Wall wore the jersey, we have reasons to be HYPE and become everyone’s league pass crush. The bandwagon has room to get on while you can because soon it’s standing room only. I, for one, am all IN!

🌈 ⌚️ pic.twitter.com/SeWapL65lz

— Wale (@Wale) June 24, 2026