AJ Dybantsa’s Development Is Top Priority for Washington Wizards

So far in this young season, the Washington Wizards have embarked on a bumpy rollercoaster that has included Alex Sarr struggling to meet expectations, Kyshawn George continuing to deal with frustrating foul trouble, Tre Johnson going through a shooting slump, amongst other roster construction concerns. However, amid all these concerns, there's one development that should overshadow everything else, AJ Dybantsa is looking every bit like the franchise cornerstone Wizards fans had hoped since he got selected number 1 overall back in June. The Wizards have plenty of issues to address, but finding a legitimate superstar is arguably the most difficult challenge in building a championship contender, which oddly enough is something that has plagued the Wizards franchise throughout the entirety of their existence. Through his first two NBA games, Dybantsa has demonstrated why he possesses one of the highest ceilings in franchise history. Everything else can be figured out along the way.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Dybantsa's early performances has been how effortlessly his offensive abilities have translated to the NBA. Standing at about 6-foot-10 with an incredible physical frame, Dybantsa is already challenging NBA offenses whenever he attacks downhill. Whenever he gets a head of steam in transition, it almost guarantees a paint touch. At times, his ability to gain tremendous distances with just a few strides resembles Giannis Antetokounmpo, especially in transition. He has routinely showcased since preseason that he is a one man fast break hellraiser that can attack defenders off the dribble, or finish through contact with either hand. Dybantsa has showcased his foundation of an elite two-point scorer that many NBA draft analysts projected him to be in the NBA. 

However, what makes his early success even more impressive is his composure. Dybantsa doesn't look overwhelmed by the speed or physicality of the NBA. Instead, he plays with the confidence and patience of someone who has been competing at this level for 10 years. Against the Charlotte Hornets, he finished with 17 points and eight rebounds in the Wizards 95-79 victory, shooting 5-of-11 from the field while converting six of seven free throws. His ability to generate free throw opportunities is really encouraging for a Wizards team that has struggled to consistently pressure the rim or create quality half court sets.

Dybantsa's impact extends far beyond scoring. His off ball defense has been impressive for a rookie who was touted to have a developing off ball defense to enter the league. He's consistently hustling back in transition, navigating defensive switches, closing out on shooters, staying connected to his assignments, and disrupting passing lanes. He's also boxing out and pursuing rebounds, all of which stems from hustle and discipline. Offensively, his cutting and movement without the basketball have been encouraging. There were legitimate questions about how a high usage prospect like Dybantsa would fit alongside Trae Young, but his ability to contribute and impact the game without having the basketball in his hands has been outstanding. 

Ultimately, these early performances should help clarify the Wizards long term direction. The goal isn't to develop Dybantsa into a productive player, it's to construct a roster that maximizes his enormous potential. Ideally, that means surrounding him with shooting, defensive versatility, and players who can capitalize on the attention he commands when attacking the paint. Imagine Dybantsa operating downhill with four capable three point shooters spacing the floor. Deadly, right? 

This season should be about two things, developing AJ Dybantsa and identifying which players on the Wizards current roster belong alongside him for the foreseeable future. There will be frustrating losses, inconsistent performances, and difficult decisions regarding the team's young core. The Wizards may not have all the answers right now, but they appear to have found the most important piece of the puzzle.