Washington Wizards could pick AJ Dybantsa first overall in 2026 NBA Draft
The Washington Wizards are preparing to make a franchise-altering decision tonight as they hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Roundtable experts from CBS Sports, including Adam Finkelstein and Eric Bossi, have identified several elite prospects at the top of the board, with AJ Dybantsa emerging as the favored choice to go first overall.
Darius Acuff Jr. and Mikel Brown Jr. headline deep guard class
While the top tier is rounded out by Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson, the depth of the 2026 class is defined by a historically strong pool of lead guards.
NBA executives have highlighted that talented lead guards are typically difficult to find, but this cycle offers a variety of high-upside options across the first and second rounds. Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. and Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr.
are currently the focal points of the point guard debate, as teams in the lottery look to secure a primary playmaker. Scouts are also closely monitoring the movement of the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 5, who find themselves in an ideal position to select from the best remaining backcourt talent.
Key details
Darius Acuff Jr. enters tonight’s draft as one of the most decorated collegiate players in the class after earning SEC Player of the Year honors at Arkansas.
The 6-foot-3 guard posted impressive averages of 23.5 points and 6.4 assists per game, including a dominant run in the SEC Tournament where he recorded 91 points and 23 assists across three games. His offensive instincts and shot creation have led analysts like ESPN’s Sean Farnham to compare him to Jalen Brunson.
Competing for the top point guard spot is Mikel Brown Jr., who has been praised by NBADraft.net for his elite positional size, standing between 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-5. In 21 games at Louisville, Brown Jr.
averaged 18.2 points and showed a consistent ability to attack the paint, shooting 8.2 free throws per game at an 87.8% clip. Much like Mercedes managing high-stakes talent transitions, NBA teams must now decide between the polished scoring of Acuff and the significant defensive upside of Brown.
Darryn Peterson remains a wildcard in the top three
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is widely viewed as the most gifted guard prospect since 2021, though his freshman season with the Jayhawks was described as tumultuous due to cramping issues. Despite these physical setbacks, Peterson is perceived as a potential No. 2 pick tonight.
While he is often listed as a shooting guard in draft rankings, his camp has made it clear that he views himself as a point guard for the long term.
Peterson’s draft stock remains solid due to his advanced offensive package, ranking as the No. 1 guard by The Basketball Network. His ability to facilitate at a high level while maintaining the scoring threat of a traditional wing makes him a unique asset for any team in the top three.
For teams assessing medical risks, his situation is as closely watched as professional athletes returning from injury lay-offs, as decision-makers weigh his high ceiling against his freshman-year availability.
Defensive specialists and secondary playmakers to watch
The talent pool extends well beyond the top names, with Kingston Flemings and Keaton Wagler offering diverse skill sets. Houston’s Kingston Flemings, a 6-foot-4 freshman, has built a reputation for defensive prowess under coach Kelvin Sampson. Meanwhile, Illinois standout Keaton Wagler provides rare size for the position at 6-foot-6, allowing him to function as a versatile secondary playmaker who can effectively see over opposing defenses.
Scouting value and sleepers in the second round
As the draft moves into the later stages, Tyler Tanner of Vanderbilt stands out as a high-floor prospect with significant accolades. The 6-foot sophomore earned First-team All-SEC and All-Defensive Team honors after averaging 19.5 points and 2.4 steals per game.
His defensive intensity makes him a prime candidate for teams looking for immediate rotational depth without spending a lottery pick. Such value finds are critical for franchises, much like how champions must fight through close contests to find a winning edge.
Other names mentioned as potential second-round sleepers include Labaron Philon from Alabama. Philon has shown flashes of dynamic playmaking that could see him outperform his draft position if he lands in the right system. With the sheer volume of quality guards available, the 2026 draft is uniquely positioned to reward teams that have done deep scouting on collegiate specialists rather than just the top-tier stars.
Final outlook for the 2026 NBA Draft class
Tonight’s proceedings will likely confirm AJ Dybantsa as the first cornerstone of the 2026 class, but the subsequent picks remain fluid. Peterson, Boozer, and Wilson are expected to form the remainder of the top four, leading into the first major trade or strategic pivot point at pick No. 5.
Once the elite wings are off the board, the run on lead guards like Acuff and Brown will dictate the landscape of the first round.
The depth of this backcourt class suggests that teams drafting late will still have access to players with legitimate starter potential. As the Washington Wizards prepare to go on the clock, the focus remains on whether these young guards can translate their collegiate efficiency to the faster, more physical NBA game. Tonight’s results will determine the trajectory of several rebuilding franchises for years to come.