Washington Wizards fans are gonna have to wait a little longer to see their No. 1 overall pick hit the court because rookie AJ Dybantsa is officially out for Friday’s game against the Toronto Raptors with a left ankle sprain. This marks his second straight absence after he also missed the team’s season-opening victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
Sidelined From the Jump
Dybantsa, a 19-year-old phenom, sustained the injury back on a Friday during the Wizards’ preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans. He landed awkwardly on the court, got ruled out as a precaution, but not before he dropped 12 points and snagged two rebounds in just 15 minutes. Talk about a tease, right? He looked ready to roll before that unfortunate moment.
A Glimpse of What Could Be
And the preseason wasn’t just a fluke. Dybantsa was straight up productive, averaging 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 steals over four games, shooting 43.9% from the field. He hit double-digits in every single appearance, even throwing down two 13-point performances. This kid is legit, and he’s joining a team that’s added some serious firepower. The Wizards brought in veterans Anthony Davis and Trae Young last season, then went out and acquired Deandre Ayton and Khris Middleton in the offseason. Dybantsa himself said he believes those vets will help him make a smooth transition to the league, but he’s gotta get on the court first to feel that effect.
When Will We See Him?
The good news is, Dybantsa has been working diligently, even participating in some on-court shooting in practice, and he’s currently listed as day-to-day. So, while the Wizards hit the road Saturday in Chicago for a three-game trip after facing the Raptors, we’ll all be watching for updates. This kid had a productive training camp and is itching to make his debut. The team’s got big plans with their new core, and their No. 1 pick is a huge part of them. We’re all ready to see what he brings to the court!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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