The Washington Wizards are back in familiar territory: banking on lottery luck to reshape their future. After missing out on Victor Wembanyama in 2023 and watching Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper go elsewhere in 2025, the franchise is once again hoping the ping-pong balls bounce their way. This time around, the 2026 NBA Draft offers another potential lifeline, with Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, and Duke’s Cam Boozer headlining the class as franchise-altering talents.
But here’s the reality: if Washington doesn’t land a top-three pick, they’ll need to pivot-and Caleb Wilson might be their best bet.
Wilson, a 6-foot-10 freshman forward at North Carolina, is turning heads for all the right reasons. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo has him slotted at No. 4 in his latest mock draft, and it’s not hard to see why. Wilson brings a tantalizing blend of athleticism, defensive upside, and raw offensive potential that has NBA scouts intrigued.
Through 17 games, Wilson is averaging 19.9 points on a hyper-efficient 58.2 percent shooting clip. He’s pulling down 10.9 rebounds per game-sixth-best in the nation-while also chipping in 2.6 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks across 31 minutes a night. He’s hit the 20-point mark in 12 of those games, showing consistency to go with his versatility.
What makes Wilson especially appealing for a team like Washington is his ability to impact the game without needing the ball in his hands. He’s a high-energy forward who thrives in transition, makes smart cuts, and finishes strong at the rim. His seven-foot wingspan allows him to guard multiple positions, and while his offensive polish is still a work in progress, his defensive instincts and motor are already NBA-ready.
That said, there are questions-particularly around his shooting. Wilson is just 4-of-16 from beyond the arc this season, a 25 percent mark that won’t cut it in today’s spacing-driven NBA.
His midrange game shows flashes, but he’s not yet a reliable floor-spacer. That’s something teams will want to see progress during pre-draft workouts.
Still, Wilson’s fit in Washington makes a lot of sense. With Trae Young now in the fold and Alex Sarr developing into a promising frontcourt anchor, adding Wilson would give the Wizards a long, athletic, and versatile front line.
Sarr already stretches the floor at 34.5 percent from three, and Wilson’s cutting and finishing ability would mesh well with Young’s playmaking. It’s a trio that could run in transition, switch defensively, and still maintain size and athleticism across the board.
Now, let’s be clear: Wilson isn’t quite in the same tier as Peterson, Dybantsa, or Boozer-at least not yet. All three of those prospects have shown the ability to create their own shots, operate both on and off the ball, and generate offense for others. That’s what sets them apart in this class.
Take Boozer, for example. At 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, he’s a modern-day power forward with a smooth shooting stroke (36.4 percent from deep on nearly four attempts per game), strong rebounding (9.7 boards), and impressive playmaking (4.1 assists). He’s a physical force who can stretch the floor and initiate offense-rare traits for a player his size.
Then there’s Dybantsa, a 6-foot-9 wing with elite athleticism and a scorer’s mentality. He’s averaging 23.1 points on 56.1 percent shooting and adds 3.7 assists and 7.1 rebounds per game. He’s the kind of offensive engine who can close games and bend defenses with his gravity.
Peterson, despite limited action due to injury, has already flashed elite shot-making ability. He’s shooting 40 percent from three on 7.5 attempts and has the size (6-foot-6, 205 pounds) and skill set to score over defenders in isolation. He’s a three-level scorer with the confidence and tools to take over games.
That’s why those three are considered the cream of the crop-they’re checking every box as “1A” prospects. Wilson, meanwhile, is more of a “do-it-all” forward who projects as a high-level complementary piece. That’s not a knock-it’s just a different role.
For Washington, that distinction matters. The franchise is still searching for a true cornerstone, the kind of player who can carry a team deep into the playoffs. Wilson might not be that guy, but he could be an essential piece next to one.
Caleb Wilson vs Stanford tonight..
— Frankie Vision (@Frankie_Vision) January 15, 2026
26 PTS (11-16 FG, 4-7 FTs)
9 REBS
3 AST
2 STLS
1 BLK
Top 3 Pick… pic.twitter.com/CiYUepMRiw
And let’s not forget where the Wizards stand right now. Heading into their road matchup with the Kings, they own the NBA’s third-worst record at 10-29.
If they finish in the bottom three, they’ll have a 40.1 percent chance of landing a top-three pick, according to Tankathon. Finish fourth-worst, and those odds drop to 36.6 percent.
That’s the line they’re walking-one ping-pong ball could change everything.
If they miss out on the top three again, Washington could explore trade-up scenarios or swing for another veteran to pair with Young. But if they stay put and Wilson is on the board, he’s a strong option-especially for a team still laying the foundation.
The Wizards don’t need to hit a home run with every pick. But at some point, they need to land the guy.
Whether that’s Peterson, Dybantsa, Boozer-or someone else entirely-remains to be seen. But Wilson, if nothing else, gives them a high-floor, high-upside piece to build around.
And for a franchise trying to climb out of the lottery cycle, that’s a step in the right direction.