The Washington Wizards are facing a “happy dilemma.” With the NBA draft lottery results finalized, the team has secured the top overall pick for the first time since selecting John Wall in 2010. The excitement and expectations are now sky-high.
Although there is a deep pool of young talent for the Wizards to consider, the consensus top three prospects are AJ Dybantsa (BYU forward), Darrin Peterson (Kansas guard), and Cameron Boozer (Duke forward). Their measurements from the combine have just been released, and they are all turning heads.
Draft Express analyst Jonathan Givony shared his insights. Dybantsa measured 6-foot-8 (203 cm) in height, 216 pounds (98 kg) in weight, with a 7-foot (213 cm) wingspan and a 8-foot-10.5 (269 cm) standing reach. “Consistent with previous measurements, elite size for an NBA wing,” Givony noted.
Peterson came in at 6-foot-4 (193 cm) and 198 pounds (90 kg), with a 6-foot-9 (206 cm) wingspan and an 8-foot-7 (262 cm) reach. “Matches earlier data, top-tier physical tools for an NBA guard,” Givony added.
Boozer measured 6-foot-8 (203 cm) and 253 pounds (115 kg), with a 7-foot-1 (216 cm) wingspan and a 9-foot (274 cm) standing reach. Givony commented, “Solid across the board, especially the 9-foot reach, which makes him a viable small-ball center.”
Scouts agree that any team would be fortunate to land any of these three. They have each proven ready for the NBA grind after standout one-and-done seasons.
With the No. 1 pick, the Wizards are likely leaning toward Dybantsa or Boozer to bolster their frontcourt, especially at small forward. Following Washington in the draft order are the Utah Jazz at No. 2 and the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3.