Carrington admits Wizards tanked for Dybantsa

Bub Carrington has put words to what many suspected: the Washington Wizards spent last season positioning themselves to draft AJ Dybantsa. Speaking to WUSA9 as training camp ramps up, the 20‑year‑old guard said players were never truly unleashed during the 17‑65 campaign, noting they weren’t encouraged to “become the best version” of themselves. Carrington linked those limits directly to the franchise’s pursuit of Dybantsa, calling it “no secret” that the team was holding back.

With the top pick secured and Dybantsa now in Washington, expectations have flipped. Carrington insists the restraints are gone and believes the revamped roster—featuring Dybantsa, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, plus stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis—can reach the playoffs. After two years of rebuilding, the Wizards shift from development to competition. Carrington’s admission, however, raises questions about how the league will view such a candid acknowledgment of tanking.