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Wizards legend John Wall makes decision on who he would draft with No. 1 pick

Who would John Wall take with the No. 1 pick?
ByConnor Mardian|
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Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson (22) shoots against St. John's Red Storm forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson (22) shoots against St. John's Red Storm forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In just under a week, one of the biggest basketball storylines will finally come to a close, as the NBA Draft will have officially been wrapped up and tucked away, then kicking off next year’s news cycle, where we do it all again. 

Likely either Darryn Peterson or AJ Dybantsa will be donned as the one to lead the way for the next generation of NBA stars. The Washington Wizards won last month’s NBA Lottery, giving them full reign on their selection.

Which player is more likely to land No. 1?

Dybantsa led college basketball in points per game last season with 25.5. To follow that up, Dybantsa notched a strong 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists on a 51% field goal rate, which includes a 33.1 % mark from beyond the arc.  

It is hard to find a flaw in Dybantsa’s game; his 6-foot-9 height and 7-foot wingspan create a rangy player who isn’t defined solely by his measurements. 

The only knock you could put on Dybantsa is the fact that the BYU Cougars underwhelmed as a unit, getting knocked out of the first round of the NCAA Tournament. While suffering a defeat so early on in March is a blemish on a near-spotless resume, BYU losing star guard Richie Saunders played a massive reason as to why the Big 12 school fell so early on. 

We know the story of Peterson. 

Peterson was mostly impressive, at times showing Wooden Award potential, but his injuries and lack of fellow star power took a big hit to his draft stock, allowing the more consistent Dybantsa to launch ahead of Peterson. 

The former five-star guard notched 18 points on a 6-8 showing against the Cougars when the two sides met in late January. However, Peterson was only on the court for 20 minutes as his Achilles Heel reared its ugly head, in the eventual 90-82 Jayhawk win. 

NBA hero makes unorthodox No. 1 Draft pick

Former Wizards star John Wall was recently asked who he would take with the No. 1 overall pick and despite most mock drafts leaning towards Dybantsa landing in the nation’s capital, Wall chose Peterson. 

With Washington, Wall averaged 19 points, 9.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. Wall was also nominated to five NBA All-Star Teams, the 2016-17 All-NBA Team, with a 2014-15 All-Defensive Team appearance and a 2010-11 All-Rookie Team as well.

Is it unrealistic for the Wizards to go after Peterson? Maybe. Current Wizards guard Trae Young is set to decline his player option, making him an unrestricted free agent; however, Washington has still been tipped as the frontrunners for Young. A backcourt combo of Young and Peterson probably causes more confusion, as Peterson wants a more playmaker role in the NBA and Young is a ball-dominant guard, making Dybantsa the easier sell for the No. 1 pick. 

Only time will tell; recent mock drafts even have Peterson falling to the third spot, landing with the Memphis Grizzlies, with Duke’s Cam Boozer getting the nod over Peterson in the No. 2 spot, proving anything is possible with this stacked of a class.

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