Wizards Poised to Take 19-Year-Old AJ Dybantsa No. 1 as Darryn Peterson Pushes Him Close
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 22
Wizards Poised to Take 19-Year-Old AJ Dybantsa No. 1 as Darryn Peterson Pushes Him Close
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 22
Summary
Washington is expected to use Tuesday’s No. 1 pick on AJ Dybantsa, with the decision described as close internally but leaning toward the 19-year-old BYU wing over Kansas guard Darryn Peterson.
Dybantsa’s case rests on elite production and physicality: he averaged 25.5 points, shot 51% from the field, drew 296 free-throw attempts and finished 69% at the rim.
At 6-foot-8 and 217 pounds, he offers the rim pressure and size the Wizards lack on the wing, while scouts believe pro coaching can sharpen a defense that still trails his offense.
Peterson remains a strong alternative because of his three-level scoring and 6-foot-4 1/2 size, but Washington’s choice may hinge on whether teams see him as a true lead guard.
For a franchise trying to revive fan interest after years of rebuilding, Dybantsa’s star presence is also seen as a better fit alongside veterans such as Trae Young and Anthony Davis.