AJ Dybantsa Could Go First Overall in NBA Draft

Monday, June 22, 2026

Massachusetts native AJ Dybantsa is a leading candidate for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which takes place June 23 at Brooklyn's Barclays Center and features one of the strongest draft classes in recent years. The Washington Wizards, holding the first overall pick, face a critical choice among top prospects, while the Boston Celtics strategize offseason moves—including a potential blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo—to strengthen their roster after an early playoff exit.

Massachusetts could soon produce its first No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick in more than four decades if AJ Dybantsa’s name is called first on June 23. The Brockton native, who began his high school basketball career at St. Sebastian’s, is among the frontrunners in what is widely regarded as one of the strongest draft classes in recent memory.

The 2026 NBA Draft takes place at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center with the first round scheduled for the evening of June 23 and the second round following the next day. Coverage will be available on ABC, ESPN, and the ESPN app.

Dybantsa, currently at BYU, has been spotlighted as a potential franchise cornerstone after leading Division I in scoring with an average of 25.5 points per game. Scouts praise his blend of size, athleticism, and skill. Other top prospects include Darryn Peterson of Kansas, Cameron Boozer of Duke, and Caleb Wilson from North Carolina. Peterson, a 6-foot-6 freshman guard, averaged 20.2 points per game and was noted for his quick first step and athleticism. Boozer, son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, had a standout freshman season earning AP Player of the Year honors alongside the Wooden and Naismith Awards, posting averages of 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. Wilson, known for his explosive athleticism and rebounding, averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds.

The Washington Wizards hold the first overall pick, presenting them with the high-value option of selecting from these top-tier talents. With established players like Trae Young and Anthony Davis already on the roster, the team faces a strategic decision in how to build around their core. Behind the Wizards at No. 2, the Utah Jazz may hope for one of the leading prospects to be available, particularly Dybantsa, whose previous time at Utah Prep adds familiarity.

Trade speculation is also a significant storyline as the draft approaches. The top four prospects—Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, and Wilson—are viewed as a distinctive tier, and the possibility of teams making aggressive moves to secure a top selection remains uncertain but plausible.

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics enter the draft positioned later in the first round with picks 27 and 40, lacking a lottery selection. The franchise is actively exploring roster improvements following an unexpected first-round exit to the Philadelphia 76ers. Central to offseason buzz is the potential pursuit of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo via trade, a move that would dramatically reshape the team’s dynamics.

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens faces a pivotal summer with the roster’s future in focus. Boston carries $15 million in mid-level exception cap space and possesses a $27.7 million trade exception as strategic assets. Free agency decisions loom as well, particularly concerning veteran center Nikola Vucevic, who joined the team near the trade deadline but struggled with injuries and is now an unrestricted free agent.

As the draft unfolds, attention will be on how teams leverage the wealth of talent available, particularly at the top, and how the Celtics navigate their multiple avenues to return to championship contention.