Days of teasing are finally over! The Washington Wizards kept it simple and selected AJ Dybantsa with the No.1 pick despite the chatter surrounding draft night surprises. Now, with Dybantsa yet to spend a full day as the Wizards’ newest superstar, Trae Young has made his feelings clear.

Moments after the Wizards selected the BYU standout with the #1 pick on Tuesday night, Ice Trae took to his X handle to welcome the 19-year-old to Washington, signaling his belief in the franchise’s upcoming cornerstone.

“Welcome to DC  @AJ_Dybantsa  !!  The story has been written. The City is Ready! We’ll talk about that # soon,” Trae Young posted. 

The veteran guard’s post went beyond a simple congratulatory message. By declaring that “the city is ready,” Young appeared to acknowledge Dybantsa’s arrival as the next major chapter in the franchise. 

Trae Young’s message carried extra significance given the vision he has repeatedly addressed since he arrived in Washington. And now, signing a fresh long-term deal, 4 years $212 million, Young made it clear that he wants to make his statements turn into reality.

“We have had young guys that have been through a rebuilding stage now,” Young said earlier in Pivot Podcast. “They have went through a lot of losing these few years, and they’re tired of it.”

Above all, Young claimed to have just entered his prime and to be on track to reach the top of the Eastern Conference.

With Anthony Davis already in place and Dybantsa now joining the roster as the top pick, the pieces Young has been waiting for may finally be coming together.

Importantly, the powerful message also arrived with a playful twist, as Dybantsa and Young may have an immediate issue to settle first.

Weeks before the draft, appearing on Gil’s Arena, the rookie addressed his impending jersey number conflict with Young. 

“If they draft me, I do need 3, Trae. If they draft me. We’re gonna see in like 5 weeks.”

The request, more like a demand, stemmed from Dybantsa’s long-standing association with #3, which he has worn for almost his entire journey. The only complication is that Young currently holds it.

With the 4x All-Star already giving up his #11 upon his arrival, Young appears to be ready to revisit that conversation. His playful response suggested the two might soon discuss the jersey.

Zooming out, it’s much bigger than the jersey number. For a franchise looking to build around a new generation of talent, Young’s message offered hope and also a glimpse into the future. 

How will AJ Dybantsa fit with Trae Young and Anthony Davis?

AJ Dybantsa embraced the blinding lights on Tuesday but made it clear that it was only the beginning. 

“Obviously, I have a lot of work to do, but a testament to all the hard work and all the discipline and sacrifice that I make,” he said to Lisa Salters.

His arrival comes at an interesting time for the Wizards. The NBA produced eight different champions over the last eight seasons. Now, the Wizards are attempting to accelerate their chances with a perfectly balanced roster.

 Veteran superstars with a well-developed youth program.

On paper, the starting lineup looks like this.

PG – Trae Young

SG – Kyshawn George 

SF – AJ Dybantsa

PF – Alex Sarr

C – Anthony Davis

It’s a blend of size, versatility, and scoring options across multiple positions. Moreover, beyond the offensive production, AJ also brings length and defensive strength. A 7-foot wingspan threat that would complement the already imposing front court.

NBA legend DeMarcus Cousins, analyzing the draft pick on Bleacher Report, highlighted the defensive potential within the Wizards’ roster. Building a defensive unit around Trae Young, who isn’t really known for his guarding skills, would give a huge cushion.

With AD protecting the paint, Sarr continuing his development, and AJ adding 6 ‘10 presence on the wing, the Wizards have an almost unbreakable defensive wall. It will protect the backcourt and allow Young to go the distance with his playmaking. 

Now, the Wizards have the win-now highway. Let’s see how it pans out.