The Washington Wizards secured the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery last Sunday, marking the first time since 2010 that the franchise earned the top selection.
The result could change the direction of the Wizards rebuild and placed them in position to land one of the most highly-rated prospects in recent basketball history.
Beyond the excitement surrounding the lottery itself, Washington’s success also revived a strange trend involving Anthony Davis and the NBA Draft’s first overall pick in recent years.
Anthony Davis trades continue to be linked with the No. 1 pick
There is no evidence suggesting anything beyond coincidence, but Davis has somehow become repeatedly connected with teams landing the top selection shortly after major trades involving him.
The trend first appeared in 2019 when the New Orleans Pelicans traded Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers before later winning the first overall pick in the draft.
It surfaced again in 2025 after the Dallas Mavericks traded for Davis and then secured the No. 1 pick during the following NBA Draft Lottery.
Now the pattern has continued once more after the Wizards acquired Davis before winning the first pick for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Davis could establish himself as a lucky charm, since every trade during that period has somehow been followed by lottery success for one of the teams involved.
Wizards are expected to target AJ Dybantsa with the top pick
Washington are now widely expected to select AJ Dybantsa with the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The forward is viewed as one of the best high school prospects in recent years because of his athleticism, shot creation and two-way potential.
Dybantsa, from BYU, has already drawn comparisons to several elite NBA wings because of his scoring versatility and physical profile.
For a rebuilding Wizards franchise, the opportunity to pair Davis with a potential future superstar could completely accelerate their long-term plans.
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