The Washington Wizards are in desperate need of some luck as the league prepares for a fateful afternoon in Chicago. With the 2026 NBA Draft possibly being the best of the decade, Washington fans hope they finally secure the first pick since the team selected John Wall in 2010. Just hours away from 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, let’s dive into the Wizards’ odds and see who they would select at each potential pick.
Draft Lottery Day: Washington Wizards Odds, Best Possible Selections
With the Wizards’ successful tank over the course of the season, Washington has the best possible odds heading into the lottery. They cannot fall outside of the top five selections, with a 52.11% chance of retaining a top-four pick. That said, the lottery hasn’t been particularly kind to Washington. Their rancid luck with the system showcases that the lottery is won purely by luck, even with a strong tank.
Even with a 14% chance at No. 1, it’s always important to analyze every potential landing spot if the best-case scenario doesn’t play out.
Wizards Odds at Number 1: 14%
As mentioned, the Wizards secured a 14% chance at the first overall pick on draft night. In such a crucial draft, claiming the first pick is a priority for all 14 lottery-bound teams. If Washington can secure it, the team will look to add AJ Dybantsa, who is currently projected by most experts as the No. 1 overall pick.
Dybantsa led all of Division I in scoring (25.5 points per game) last season. Now, the 19-year-old will look to continue his offensive dominance on the NBA hardwood. Shooting over 50 percent from the field as well, his scoring expertise would benefit a Washington squad in desperate need of offensive firepower.
In D.C, there is a desperate need for a true scorer. In the starting lineup, the BYU product would benefit vastly from a backcourt pairing with four-time NBA All-Star Trae Young. A potential starting five of Young, Dybantsa, Kyshawn George, Anthony Davis, and Alex Sarr would provide opposing teams a mix of lethal offensive production and a solid defensive unit with lockdown paint defenders. This move would push Tre Johnson to the bench but would allow the guard to dominate with the second unit.
Wizards Odds at No. 2: 13.41%
Washington owns a 13.41% chance of the second overall pick in the draft. Luckily, talent isn’t hard to come by in the 2026 draft class. If the best possible scenario is getting Dybantsa at one, the Wizards should be happy to know that Cameron Boozer will still be on the board.
The reigning AP Player of the Year, Boozer would elevate Washington’s floor immediately after arriving in the DMV. Dominating competition for Duke in 2025-26, the 18-year-old forward averaged a double-double with 22.5 points and an ACC-leading 10.2 rebounds.
Washington’s lineup would be cloudy, adding anyone else that’s not Dybantsa. On one hand, Boozer could play primary backup to Davis, giving the bench a needed boost on the glass as well as scoring. On the other hand, George and Boozer could flip in and out of the starting lineup, giving Boozer plenty of opportunities in a Young and Davis-led offense. Most likely, Boozer would begin the season on the bench, giving the bench a point forward option on offense.
Wizards Odds at No. 3: 12.74%
The Wizards hold a 12.74% chance at the No. 3 pick. Boozer could still be available, depending on which team would take the second pick. However, if Boozer is off the board, both Caleb Wilson and Darryn Peterson could be Washington’s lottery selection.
Wilson would provide a great inside scoring option off the bench for Washington. The outside shot would need to make a sizable improvement, but averaging 19.8 points per game while only hitting 25.9% of his 3s shows you he’s still capable of being dangerous on that end of the floor. Wilson isn’t as versatile as Boozer but he does provide a great foundation for a project player, with an incredibly high ceiling.
Peterson, on the other hand, is a true three-level threat. Midseason drama aside, no one can argue that Peterson has a natural scoring ability. He averaged 20.2 points per game with Kansas, shooting 43.8% from the field but 38.2% from 3 (on 6.9) attempts per outing. The guard does have some cramping issues but with NBA-level support, those issues could subside.
The Wizards could take either player. Wilson would no doubt come off the bench, while Peterson could replace Johnson in the starting five. Peterson’s backcourt pairing with Young would provide him similar opportunities to Dybantsa. Wilson would anchor the bench’s rebounding while providing a lift on the inside offensively. Peterson should be considered a better option but Wilson’s potential is certainly worth monitoring.
Wizards Odds at No. 4: 11.96%
Washington owns an 11.96% chance to land at No. 4 in the lottery. Dybantsa, Boozer, and Peterson would most likely be off the board at this point. That would leave Wilson as the primary candidate to be selected at four. Washington should go with him but if they wanted to swing in another direction, Kingston Flemings could be an intriguing selection.
The Houston product provides an all-around type of game for any franchise looking to take him. Flemings averaged 16.1 points per game along with his 4.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists. The guard could become a major piece to Washington’s growing core while being able to play behind one of the best offensive guards in the NBA.
Drafting Flemings could add some drama to the organization. The 14th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bub Carrington‘s role would be called into question after a stagnant sophomore campaign. Would it be a signal that the front office is opening to moving him? Maybe. However, Flemings could be the primary guard with Carrington playing an off-ball role off the bench. In turn, offense could come in bunches, as both guards can score and distribute at high levels.
Wizards Odds at No. 5: 47.89%
In an absolute worst-case scenario for the Wizards, landing the fifth pick in the lottery would be unfortunate. With a staggering 47.89%, it’s certainly favored. Even still, they would have ample options to choose from. If Wilson goes fourth, Flemings would still be on the board and several others could see themselves repping the nation’s colors if Washington lands at five.
Going small, Flemings, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler, and Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. would all be there for Washington to take if they chose so. For bigs, Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg, Kentucky’s Jayden Quaintance, and Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. would also be available if the Wizards decided to take a big at No. 5. Each player has their pros and cons, but would certainly provide a boost for a Washington team looking to improve their depth ahead of a competitive season in the Eastern Conference.
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