Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington admitted the team performed poorly by design in hopes of acquiring the first overall pick in the 2026 draft, which the franchise used to select AJ Dybantsa.
"We just haven't been told yet to go be the best version of yourself," Carrington told WUSA9's Marshall Kramsky.
"We've all, 'in a way,' been held back," Carrington added, using air quotes. "Because, like you said, we were trying to get AJ Dybantsa. That's no secret. But now, no one has handcuffs. Everyone is shackles-free."
The Wizards finished last season with the league's worst record (17-65), ensuring that they were one of three franchises to secure a 14% chance of winning the draft lottery. Washington won the lottery and selected the prized BYU forward.
The NBA introduced anti-tanking measures in May 2026 that expanded the lottery from 14 to 16 teams and added penalties for finishing with a bottom-three record. Teams that finish in the bottom three receive two lottery balls under the new system, while teams with the fourth- through 10th-worst records earn three balls. Teams also can't land the first overall pick in consecutive years.
Washington enters the 2026-27 campaign with a renewed outlook, having added Dybantsa to a young core that includes fellow lottery picks Carrington, Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, and Bilal Coulibaly. Veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis are also expected to be healthy after their respective midseason acquisitions.
"Finally being unlocked," Carrington said about the Wizards' approach to the season. "We're being told to win. ... Don't hold back. Literally go be the best you can be now."
The Wizards haven't made the playoffs since 2020-21 and have not progressed beyond the first round since 2017. They welcome the new-look Milwaukee Bucks to Capital One Arena on Oct. 21 to open the season.
