The 2026 NBA Draft tips off Tuesday, June 23, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn — and all eyes are on one player: AJ Dybantsa, the electrifying 19-year-old forward out of BYU who is widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick to the Washington Wizards, two days from now in one of the most anticipated drafts in recent memory.

The Wizards secured the top spot in this year's draft lottery, giving the struggling Washington franchise a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild around an elite talent. After finishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, landing the No. 1 pick represents the kind of turning point that can define a franchise for decades. Washington's front office has been candid about its excitement, and the entire NBA world is watching to see who they select. The 2026 draft class enters the league riding the momentum of a dramatic NBA season — one that ended with the New York Knicks capturing the championship by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the Finals, and with ongoing blockbuster trade rumors swirling around two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, with the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics both reportedly in the mix.

AJ Dybantsa's numbers at BYU were jaw-dropping for a freshman: 25.5 points per game, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 51 percent shooting from the field. Those are not just impressive college stats — they are the kind of production that scouts compare to the early college days of Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard. At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and an advanced feel for the game, Dybantsa projects as a versatile wing who can score from all three levels, defend multiple positions, and run an offense. The Washington Wizards currently plan to draft him No. 1 overall according to multiple reports.

However, Washington is not without a fascinating choice at the top of the board. Darryn Peterson out of Kansas has reportedly made a strong late push. ESPN's Jeremy Woo noted that Peterson — a crafty, high-IQ guard with elite playmaking ability — put himself firmly into the No. 1 conversation. The Wizards are described internally as facing a tough call between two transcendent prospects. Beyond the top pick, the 2026 draft class is loaded. Cameron Boozer, the highly recruited big man, is expected to be selected in the top five. Mikel Brown Jr. has been rising up boards in recent weeks after standout pre-draft workouts. The draft will take place over two days — June 23 for the first round and June 24 for the second — and is expected to feature several surprise trades as teams look to move up for their preferred targets.

Draft analysts from ESPN, The Athletic, and Bleacher Report have consistently rated this as one of the deepest draft classes in years, with multiple first-round picks projected to make immediate impacts as rookies. For cities like Washington D.C., the anticipation is electric. Wizards fans have endured years of rebuilding, and the prospect of landing a franchise cornerstone like Dybantsa or Peterson has brought renewed energy to the fanbase. Season ticket sales have reportedly surged in the weeks leading up to the draft. The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors have also added intrigue, with some teams potentially looking to move picks to acquire the superstar rather than use them on prospects.

All 30 teams will be on the clock starting Tuesday evening. Mock drafts suggest the top 10 could feature a combination of Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, Mikel Brown Jr., and several international prospects who have impressed in European leagues. The second night of the draft, June 24, often produces hidden gems — late first-rounders and second-rounders who outperform their draft position and become key contributors. For teams like the Wizards holding the top pick, the decision they make Tuesday night could define the next decade of their franchise.

The 2026 NBA Draft is two days away and the buzz is building fast. Whether Washington goes with Dybantsa's elite scoring and versatility or Peterson's playmaking genius, this draft class is poised to deliver stars who will shape the league for years to come. Set your alarm for Tuesday night at Barclays Center — this is one draft you will not want to miss.