With Washington’s plans for the top pick shrouded in mystery, Utah must evaluate three elite prospects to ensure they land a franchise cornerstone at number two.
With the 2026 NBA Draft approaching, the Utah Jazz remain in a holding position at No. 2 as uncertainty continues to surround Washington’s plans at the top of the board. Jazz president Austin Ainge said the organization does not have any indication as to what the Wizards intend to do with the first pick. From trading it to drafting an unexpected prospect, the outcomes aren’t straightforward, and whatever happens directly affects the Jazz.
Ainge addressed the situation during an appearance on KSL Sports, acknowledging that the Jazz have not been able to gather any reliable information about Washington’s intentions.
“No. They wouldn’t say,” Ainge said. “We wouldn’t tell them, and we wouldn’t tell the team behind us. You never really know. There have been a couple of times in the years where we kind of knew what a team was going to do. But most of the time you don’t, and you just prepare.”
This year’s uncertainty is tied to the structure of the draft class, as unlike recent years with a clear No. 1 option, the 2026 class features three prospects widely viewed as legitimate top selections. AJ Dybantsa has been most frequently linked to Washington, but Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer have been evaluated on a similar tier by many around the league. The lack of separation has left the top of the board unsettled and, in turn, has Utah stuck in limbo.
For the Jazz, the uncertainty has not altered the core of their process. Ainge said preparing for the second pick is far more straightforward than navigating the middle of the lottery.
“It’s a lot easier to guess who could be available at two than it is at 10,” he said. “So we don’t have to prepare that much, or worry that much about what everybody else is doing when it’s just two names.”
The Jazz have spent the past month building out complete profiles on the top prospects, focusing on how each player fits within the organization’s long‑term plans. While the team cannot control what Washington does, Ainge said the Jazz are confident they will walk away with a high‑level talent. Whether it is Dybantsa, Peterson or Boozer, Utah expects a potential franchise cornerstone to be available when they are on the clock.
However, for now, the Jazz will continue preparing for every scenario, but until the Wizards make their decision, the uncertainty remains.
