Cameron Boozer
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 27: Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half of the CBS Thanksgiving Classic at the United Center on November 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Washington Wizards don’t know if they’ll be holding the top spot in the 2026 NBA Draft, but projections currently suggest they will have one of the strongest chances.
During a discussion on Yahoo!Sports Daily with Jason Fitz and Caroline Fenton, ESPN analyst Joe Lunardi dropped a comparison that immediately reframed the top of the 2026 NBA Draft board.
Talking through the early debate between Duke’s Cameron Boozer and BYU’s A.J. Dybantsa, Lunardi didn’t lean into modern player comps or safe scouting language. He went straight for history.
“If I had the No. 1 overall pick,” Lunardi said Wednesday, “I think I would take Boozer. But we’re talking about whether to take Magic or Larry Bird here.”
That’s another example of those 1-2 NBA Draft years we could be looking at now — a rare choice at the top of the board which could wind up being in the hands of the Wizards, who are currently dead last in the NBA (4-20).
Boozer vs. Dybantsa For 2026 NBA Draft’s No. 1 Pick
Boozer and Dybantsa — two blue-chip freshmen — represent two fundamentally different ways to build a franchise.
Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 wing, is the modern offensive prototype — explosive off the dribble averaging 21.1 points per game and capable of creating his own shot (56.0 percent), and comfortable hitting from deep (32.1 percent). He projects as the kind of player defenses must react to the moment he crosses half court.
Boozer, meanwhile, is about control and efficiency. Averaging 23.3 points and 10.2 rebounds on 56.3 percent shooting with a 6-foot-9 frame, he’s widely praised for his feel for the game and advanced passing instincts (3.7 assists).
Washington is still assembling the foundation of its rebuild. The team lacks a clear offensive centerpiece and remains in search of a long-term identiy. If the Wizards find themselves in position to select first overall in 2026, the decision would shape not just the roster — but the philosophy of the franchise.
Why Lunardi Leaned Boozer — For Now
Lunardi’s early preference for Boozer wasn’t framed as a ceiling argument. It was about reliability and translatability.
Boozer’s arguably the most complete prospect in the 2026 draft class, and his ability to enter the NBA with offensive and rebounding prowess could be a seamless fit for the Wizards.
Boozer’s efficiency, decision-making, and ability to stabilize lineups are traits that often accelerate rebuilding teams. For a franchise like Washington, that steadiness could matter as much as star power.
That doesn’t diminish Dybantsa’s case. In many draft cycles, he would project as the unquestioned No. 1 pick. His ability to generate offense independently remains one of the most valuable skills in basketball.
The 2026 draft may present Washington with a rare choice — not just between two elite prospects, but between two visions of team-building.
When Magic Johnson and Larry Bird entered the league, they didn’t just elevate franchises — they defined philosophies. Lunardi’s comparison suggests this decision could carry similar weight, even if the styles and eras differ.
If Washington earns the opportunity, it could be a decision that suits their identity amid the rebuild.