Wizards president Michael Winger knew the headline of Washington’s draft started, and ended, with AJ Dybantsa.
“Our show is at No. 1,” he told a New York radio station Tuesday night.
But he was also aware that, if D.C. didn’t surround Dybantsa with more playmakers, that show wouldn’t last long.
“We still have to raise that player,” he said of the top pick. “Our validation, our rewards, will come years down the line when we see if we are putting together the right group of guys and building the organization the right way.”
So, on the second night of the draft, Winger went back to work adding depth to the roster.
Washington traded its 51st and 60th picks to Orlando for Felix Okpara of Tennessee. Okpara was drafted in the second round, 46th overall, by the Magic.
The 6-foot-11 big man is known as an elite rim protector who averaged over two blocks a game as a sophomore at Ohio State. When he transferred to Tennessee, he blocked 1.5 shots a night in the Southeastern Conference.
His rebounding numbers, under seven per game, were relatively low for his size. He wasn’t a potent scorer, either. But Washington needed defensive help after last year’s 17-65 record, and Okpara could be part of the solution.
The Wizards’ vision to get back to the playoffs hinges on a mix of veteran All-Stars and recent lottery picks.
Trae Young and Anthony Davis will be the anchors of the roster. Young, a former third-team All-NBA player, signed a four-year deal with the Wizards this offseason. Davis is under contract through next season, with a player option for 2027.
And around those two the Wizards have a supporting cast of prospects trying to establish themselves.
Tre Johnson, drafted sixth overall last year, shot over 35% from 3-point range in 2025. Alex Sarr, the second pick in 2024, is known as another rim protector who is slowly developing his offensive game.
Kyshawn George and Bub Carrington also are seen as potential core pieces.






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