The NBA Draft Lottery was held on Sunday ahead of the postseason action, and the Washington Wizards — represented by franchise legend John Wall — secured the No. 1 overall pick in next month’s draft.
Following Washington in the top five were the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Clippers.
The Wizards became the first team under the current lottery format to finish with the league’s worst record and still land the top pick, putting the franchise in position to potentially select its next cornerstone player.
The current favorite to go No. 1 is AJ Dybantsa, the BYU Cougars star who led the nation in scoring last season as a true freshman.
Dybantsa was in attendance for the lottery and kept his reaction to Washington securing the top pick fairly subtle, showing little facial expression in the moments after the result was announced.
Check it out:
Dybantsa spoke about the possibility of becoming the No. 1 overall pick following the lottery results.
“It’s exciting. Obviously wanting to be the No. 1 pick, working to be the No. 1 pick. So it’ll be exciting. Great opportunity,” Dybantsa said.
Other prospects who could potentially emerge as options for the Washington Wizards include Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, Darius Acuff Jr., and Caleb Wilson.
Still, Dybantsa remains the early favorite because of his all-around game. The BYU Cougars star averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season while helping lead the program to the NCAA Tournament.
If the Wizards ultimately select Dybantsa, he could join a promising young core that already includes Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Tre Johnson, along with former All-Stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis, both of whom Washington acquired during the season.
More news: Giants’ Jaxson Dart Turns to UFC Champion for Offseason Edge
Read the full article here
