The Washington Wizards officially ushered in a new era on Thursday with the District Debut event at The Wharf in Southwest D.C. The day began with an introductory press conference welcoming No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa to the nation’s capital at M Street Landing in Southwest before transitioning into an outdoor celebration with fans.
“What an unbelievably exciting week for Washington, and especially for Monumental Basketball fans,” said Monumental Sports & Entertainment President of Media Zach Leonsis on X. “We are giving Wizards fans the opportunity to be among the first to welcome [AJ Dybantsa] to D.C., because building the future of basketball in Washington starts with the fans who make it possible.”
Here’s a look inside the momentous day for Wizards basketball:
The Washington Wizards announced this morning that AJ Dybantsa will wear No. 4. AJ said that it represents new beginnings and his previous jersey No. 3 + 1 (for being the 1st overall pick) pic.twitter.com/ygThRtS3mS— Skylar Nelson (@SkyMad03) June 25, 2026
Wizards No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa throws T-shirts to fans at the franchises District Debut event at The Wharf on June 25. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)
No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa poses for the media with his declared Wizards jersey after an introductory press conference at The Wharf in Southwest D..C. on June 25. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)
No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa heads to the stage to appear in front of fans at the Washington Wizards District Debut on June 25, hosted at The Wharf in Southwest D.C. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)
A Wizards fan poses with a custom written poster at the franchise’s District Debut on June 25. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)
A father and his two sons pose with Wizards posters at the franchise’s District Debut at The Wharf on June 25. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)
Wizards fans wait for No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa after his introductory press conference on June 25. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)
Washington Wizards general manager Will Dawkins (left) and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa speak to the media for the rookie’s intro press conference in the nation’s capital before the District Debut event at The Wharf on June 25. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)
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Tagged: AJ Dybantsa, nba, Skylar Nelson, The Wharf, washington wizards, Will Dawkins, Zach Leonsis
Skylar Nelson is an intern for The Washington Informer, covering sports and community stories. She is a senior at Howard University majoring in Journalism, with a minor in Sports Administration. Skylar…
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Source: Washington Informer
