Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington revealed the organization intentionally curtailed performance during the 2025-26 season to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
During an interview with WUSA9, Carrington said: "We just haven't been told yet to go be the best version of yourself. We've all, in a way, been held back just because we were trying to get AJ Dybantsa. That's no secret. But now, no one has handcuffs. Everyone is shackles-free."
The Wizards finished 2025-26 with a 17-65 record, their third consecutive season with 20 or fewer wins. Washington won the NBA draft lottery and selected BYU forward Dybantsa first overall in 2026.
Carrington's statement confirms the Wizards engaged in tanking—intentional losing to secure a higher draft pick. The NBA implemented a new lottery system for 2027 designed to reduce the incentive for teams to tank, citing concerns about the practice that Carrington's comments now validate.
With Dybantsa on the roster, Carrington's remarks about players being "shackles-free" signal a shift in organizational approach, with the team now allowing players to perform at full capacity.
