Evaluating Expectations for AJ Dybantsa in Year One with Wizards

It feels surreal to be writing about AJ Dybantsa wearing a Washington Wizards jersey. You have to go all the way back to John Wall to find a Wizards draft pick who entered Washington with this level of hype. Dybantsa has yet to play an NBA game, so there are still plenty of questions about how quickly he’ll adjust to the league, but his potential is undeniable.

The guy was a menace during his one season at BYU. He averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting an impressive 51 percent from the field. Dybantsa was a consensus First-Team All-American, won the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year award and was a finalist for both the Naismith and Wooden National Player of the Year awards, all as a freshman.

A lot of doubters might say, “Well, the competition wasn’t that strong. He was playing in the Big 12.” Sure, go with that narrative.

Dybantsa then showed up to the NBA Summer League and continued to dominate. In just two games, he averaged 25 points, seven rebounds, two assists, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.

So, is that jump good enough? It certainly looks that way to me.

Dybantsa brings a combination of size, skill and versatility that should make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. At 6-foot-9, he has the ability to create his own shot, attack the basket and score from all three levels.

His ball-handling is what really separates him from other players his size. Dybantsa can handle the ball like a guard, create off the dribble and comfortably play multiple wing and forward positions. That gives him the freedom to move around the floor and attack defenses in different ways.

His length also gives him a major advantage around the basket. When smaller defenders are forced to guard him, Dybantsa can use his size to finish over them and make the most of those mismatches.

Dybantsa is also joining the Wizards at an intriguing point in their rebuild. The Wizards have built what could be their most talented roster in a long time, and Dybantsa has a chance to step into a situation that allows him to maximize his skill set.

With Trae Young at point guard and Kyshawn George at shooting guard, Dybantsa can slide into the small forward position and immediately take advantage of his size and versatility. Young's elite playmaker ability should also create plenty of opportunities for Dybantsa.

Then you add Anthony Davis to the frontcourt, giving Washington an established superstar who can take pressure off the younger players while providing a dominant presence inside. Alex Sarr also gives the Wizards another young piece to develop alongside Dybantsa as Washington continues to build its core.

Dybantsa is walking into a situation where he can play to his strengths without having to do everything himself. With the talent around him and the skill set he brings to the table, there is no better time for him to show what he can do in the NBA.