Shams basically calls Wizards’ AJ Dybantsa a liar with ‘pretty hard workout’ revelation

AJ Dybantsa was making some noise leading up to the 2026 NBA Draft, as he was confident that he was going to be the one to hear his name called first by commissioner Adam Silver. Dybantsa’s dreams did come true, as the Washington Wizards selected him first overall, adding him to what is becoming an increasingly stacked roster.

During the draft cycle, Dybantsa’s confidence was through the roof to the point where he admitted that he “didn’t work out” for any teams since “they know” what he can do. But Shams Charania of ESPN basically called the Wizards forward’s bluff.

In the aftermath of night one of the 2026 NBA Draft, Charania revealed that Dybantsa tried his backside off when he worked out for the Wizards, contrary to his earlier claims.

“I know AJ Dybantsa said he didn’t work out for anyone. I’m told he did get a pretty hard workout in when he was on that visit, had dinner with them, hung out with all of them. They really think his size, his skill, his athleticism is going to be perfect alongside Trae Young at point guard and AD in the middle,” Charania said, via Oh No He Didn’t on X.

Shams:

"When AJ Dybantsa visited the Wizards earlier this month in DC I know AJ Dybantsa said he didn't work out for anyone. I'm told he did get a pretty hard workout in when he was on that visit, had dinner with them, hung out with all of them" pic.twitter.com/AjyyYxL0tR

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 24, 2026

Dybantsa knows not to take anything for granted, and as he may have seen during last year’s draft cycle, teams do pay attention to how someone, even a highly-touted prospect, behaves.

Ace Bailey notably fell during the 2025 NBA Draft for refusing to work out for teams higher up in the draft to engineer a scenario where he lands in the nation’s capital. The Utah Jazz, of course, took him fifth overall regardless. Even then, Bailey was in contention to be selected in the top three before he kicked up a fuss.

With there being no clear-cut number one overall pick in this year’s draft, there was a strong incentive for Dybantsa to try hard during his workout with the Wizards, reaping the rewards in the process.

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