Wizards 2026 NBA Draft grades for every pick

The Washington Wizards picking BYU star AJ Dybantsa as the No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft means that they have acquired the future face of the franchise. However, Dybantsa was hardly their only major acquisition from the draft, with the Wizards acquiring multiple stars who can be expected to play a considerable role next season.

Washington also remained active on the trade market during the draft, consolidating second-round assets to move up for Tennessee center Felix Okpara while reshaping the back end of their draft class. Of course, the Wizards’ recent moves for Anthony Davis and Trae Young mean that they have transitioned to ‘win-now’ mode, at least on paper. Here, we look at the individual draft grades for each of Washington’s picks this year.

AJ Dybantsa (Round 1, Pick 1) — Draft Grade: A+

The 6-foot-9 BYU wing enters the NBA after leading the nation with 25.5 points per game and breaking Danny Ainge’s 48-year-old BYU freshman scoring record with a 43-point outing, per Basktball Reference. Dybantsa is widely viewed as one of the most polished offensive prospects to enter the league in recent years, and is expected to have a major impact immediately.

The 19-year-old joins a Wizards team that already added two major stars last year, and can easily ease into the team. Washington also has a talented young core that includes Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson and Will Riley, and look set to genuinely emerge as contenders in the next few seasons.

There is little doubt that in Dybantsa, the Wizards may have acquired their most important piece for the coming years, and for that reason alone, he gets the highest grade possible.

Felix Okpara (Round 2, Pick 46) — Draft Grade: B

Washington aggressively targeted frontcourt depth by trading up with Orlando to draft Tennessee center Felix Okpara at No. 46. The 6-foot-11 big man fills an immediate organizational need with his rim protection and interior presence on both ends of the floor.

Washington appeared intent on making the right moves to give their roster the best chance of winning games next season, and Okpara may as well emerge as a shrewd acquisition. His defensive skill set in particular gives him a chance to immediately contribute, although there might be work required in order to be a regular offensive contributor.

Izaiyah Nelson (Round 2, Pick 51) — Draft Grade: B-

Washington selected Izaiyah Nelson after an outstanding collegiate campaign at South Florida, where he earned both American Athletic Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Nelson is a versatile forward capable of playing center, and can guard positions.

Washington made the right moves to move up the draft and appeared to know exactly what they need. Nelson is another developmental prospect who may not be an immediate contributor, but comes with huge upside.

Malique Lewis (Round 2, Pick 60) — Draft Grade: C

Washington closed its draft by selecting Australian guard Malique Lewis with the final pick before subsequently moving his rights to the Milwaukee Bucks. Lewis arrives with professional experience across Australia, Spain and Mexico despite being only 21 years old.

Undoubtedly an intriguing prospect, Lewis will not play for the Wizards but is a low-risk pick for the Bucks.

Overall Draft Grade: A

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