Carrington Says Wizards Players Were Held Back in Draft Pursuit

Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington said players were “held back” last season while the team pursued the top pick in the NBA draft, and Washington later selected AJ Dybantsa first overall after winning the lottery. The team finished 17-65, the league’s worst record, but Carrington’s comments describe his view of the team’s approach and do not establish who directed any specific decisions or what actions were taken. In a recent interview, Carrington said players had not been told to be the best version of themselves until now. He said the team had been held back because it was trying to get Dybantsa, adding that players were no longer under those constraints. Carrington also said he believed the roster, coaching and veteran players could make Washington a playoff team. The Wizards’ losing record gave them a chance at the top selection, but the lottery outcome was not guaranteed. Washington won the draft lottery and chose Dybantsa first overall in June. The sources agree on that sequence and the team’s record; they do not independently verify Carrington’s account of the reasons for the team’s performance.