Every step of AJ Dybantsa’s basketball career has been carefully calculated with his individual development in mind.

It’s why he attended three different high schools, where he could face better competition and gain experience in various roles on the floor.

It’s why he played for Kevin Young at BYU, where he could operate within an NBA-inspired offensive system and become a top draft choice.

When the Washington Wizards selected him with the No. 1 pick in June’s NBA draft, it marked the first time Dybantsa couldn’t specifically choose where he played. But the 19-year-old phenom couldn’t be happier about landing in D.C., where he feels he’s being set up to keep getting better.

“I feel like there’s not a lot of pressure on me because I have such a great team around me,” Dybantsa told reporters at Monday’s Wizards media day. “A lot of No. 1 picks come into a situation where, you know, they are the guy, everything’s kind of centered around them.

“But I have All-Stars and Hall of Famers on my team that I can really get some knowledge from, (such as) Khris Middleton, Trae Young, (Anthony Davis), DeAndre Ayton, so I don’t have to come in and carry this huge load.

“I think I can just kind of bond with these guys, learn it slowly and learn how to play the right way instead of just getting put into a situation where I have a lot on my back.”

Washington’s veterans almost feel perfectly tailored for mentoring Dybantsa. Davis and Ayton were each No. 1 picks. Young entered the NBA after leading the nation in scoring as a freshman. Middleton has been a versatile wing with strong mid-range and playmaking abilities. Dybantsa can certainly relate.

But Davis is now an all-time NBA great with a long list of accolades. Young is a proven, high-volume scorer, and Middleton became a 40% 3-point shooter despite being average from behind the arc in college. Young carried a team to the conference finals, Ayton has played in 10 playoff series and both Davis and Middleton have been key contributors on championship squads.

For everything Dybantsa wants to achieve and every area he wants to improve, he has a veteran teammate to shepherd him along.

“I’m just super blessed to be in this situation … I can just learn how to play the right way right away,” Dybantsa said.

“Just having these guys that have been in the league, that have won championships, that have made All-Star teams, that are first-ballot Hall of Famers, for me to be able to have conversations with them in the locker room, talk to them on the phone, it’s just going to be super beneficial for me and my career.”

Dybantsa’s NBA career officially begins Oct. 21, as the Wizards host the Milwaukee Bucks in their regular-season opener. In his short time as a professional, however, he’s already earned the respect of those aforementioned veterans.

“He’s going to have a target on his back, everyone is going to want to come after him, and he’s ready for it,” Davis said of Dybantsa. “He’s got all of the tools to be successful in this league. He is a very special talent, he can defend, he can make any shot … He works very hard. He listens. He is dedicated and motivated.”

While Dybantsa may not be feeling any pressure, expectations for the new-look Wizards should be higher than they’ve been in years. Washington has not been to the playoffs since 2021, has not had a winning season since 2018, and has not won 50 games since 1979.

But Dybantsa, Davis, Young and the rest of the Wizards’ young core believes they’re in the midst of a “culture shift,” with the franchise’s fortunes soon to flip back to NBA relevance and beyond.

And that’s what matters most to Dybantsa.

“We want to play competitive basketball this year,” Dybantsa said. “This is a season of growth. We definitely want to add some wins to the book, we’re here to win games. (Fans) have been looking for some success for a long time, and they’ve been loyal.

“… My personal goals are flowing with the team success. As long as we win games, I’m all right. Just being there for the community, being there for the kids, they show us a lot of love, and we’re going to show a lot of love back.”

Washington Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa poses for a photo during the NBA basketball team’s media day, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, in Washington. | AP Photo/Nick Wass