Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington has admitted the franchise intentionally tanked last season to land the top pick and select AJ Dybantsa. The explosive comments, made in an interview with WUSA9, have put the Wizards under intense scrutiny and could trigger a major NBA investigation into competitive integrity.
Carrington was discussing building winning habits for the 2026-27 season when he revealed the team's previous strategy. "We've all, in a way, been held back just because, as you said, we were trying to get AJ Dybantsa. That's no secret," Carrington stated. He emphasized that the approach has now changed, saying, "No one has handcuffs. Everyone's shackles free."
The 21-year-old guard believes this shift, combined with coaching and veteran leadership, will create a playoff-caliber team. "That's a playoff team, and that's gonna happen," Carrington concluded.
Intentional tanking is a direct threat to the league's competitive balance. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has recently proposed severe penalties for the practice, including fines exceeding $10 million per incident. The league has also adjusted lottery odds to discourage teams from losing on purpose.
Carrington's words provide what appears to be clear evidence of a violation. Social media backlash was immediate, with fans demanding the league office take action. This situation draws parallels to past integrity issues, putting significant pressure on Silver to launch a formal probe into the Wizards' operations and potentially levy historic punishments.
The immediate future involves handling the fallout from this scandal while trying to improve on the court.
Now, with Dybantsa on the roster and Carrington claiming the "shackles are off," the pressure is on to show tangible progress. The front office must also prepare for a likely league investigation that could result in massive fines or the loss of future draft assets. Success this season won't just be measured in wins; it will be about restoring credibility. Fans can track the team's attempt to turn the page on our schedule page.
The organization's culture is at a crossroads. Carrington's comments, intended to express optimism, have instead exposed a calculated losing strategy. How the NBA responds will set a precedent for every team considering a similar path, and how the Wizards perform will determine if the controversial gamble pays off.
