Wizards player says team was ‘held back’ as team tanked for AJ Dybantsa

Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington revealed that he and his teammates were "held back" over the past two seasons as the franchise tanked to draft BYU wing AJ Dybantsa. Speaking to TV station WUSA9 at media day, Carrington explained that players were restricted rather than pushed to be their best. Washington finished 17-65 in 2025-26, won the draft lottery, and selected Dybantsa with the top overall pick.

According to an anonymous league source, the NBA does not expect to discipline Carrington or the Wizards for the remarks. Washington's tanking strategy included holding back injured midseason acquisitions Trae Young and Anthony Davis while heavily playing G League talent. With Dybantsa on the roster alongside Young and Davis, Carrington stated the team has shifted into a win-now mentality.