AJ Dybantsa is widely expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and Carmelo Anthony wants him to understand exactly what comes with that responsibility.
During a recent episode of the 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, Anthony spoke directly to Dybantsa about the expectations awaiting him at the next level. While many conversations around top prospects focus on talent and potential, Anthony focused on something else: the pressure of becoming the face of an entire franchise.
“They want a franchise player. They want to revive that area. They want to bring back the culture of that region and that organization. And I’m only saying that because I believe you’ll be the No. 1 pick.”
“As of right now, Washington has that pick. So what they need is you. They need somebody they can build this organization around for the next decade. That’s how they’re looking at this. Can we build this organization around AJ for the next 10 years? That’s what you’re walking into.’
“AD isn’t going to be there forever. He’s getting older. Trae is reaching a pivotal point in his career. This is going to be a major year for Trae. They’re thinking about that too. But they’re also saying, ‘We still need our cornerstone.’ This is the piece we’re going to build around. When you go into a situation with that mindset, it makes things easier.”
“Now you understand the responsibility. You understand the accountability that comes with it. Even with Trae there and AD there, you’re thinking, ‘I’m going to be here for the next decade.’ That’s the mentality you have to have. And I think that’s exactly what Washington is looking for.”
Anthony knows exactly what that experience feels like. When he entered the NBA as the third overall pick in 2003, he immediately became the centerpiece of the Denver Nuggets. Expectations were massive from Day 1, and he spent years carrying the responsibility of leading a franchise. That experience gave weight to the advice he shared with Dybantsa.
It is easy to understand why Dybantsa has generated that kind of excitement.
The BYU star enjoyed a dominant freshman season, averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 51.0% from the field. His combination of size, strength, athleticism, and scoring ability has separated him from much of the 2026 draft class.
Many scouts view him as the safest bet to become a future superstar for the Washington Wizards.
Dybantsa has already embraced the spotlight throughout the pre-draft process. He recently declared his confidence in becoming the No. 1 overall pick, named Kevin Durant as his favorite player, compared aspects of his game to Tracy McGrady, and openly discussed his desire to eventually share the court with LeBron James before the NBA legend retires.
But Anthony’s message had little to do with highlights, scoring averages, or draft projections. Instead, it centered on mindset. For Dybantsa, that may be the most valuable lesson of all.
Being the No. 1 pick is one thing. Becoming the player an organization trusts to lead it for the next decade is something entirely different. If Dybantsa lands in Washington, that is exactly what the Wizards will be asking him to become.
