Washington Wizards Have a Rising Dynamic Duo in Their Wings

Entering the 2026 season, many Wizards fans would agree the NBA's number-one pick was the top thing they were watching for. Three games in, you can see why.

In the early returns, AJ Dybantsa look every bit the part of what the Wizards hope is an emerging start off the wing. It's not just him, though. The first seven games have shown why the Wizards might have its dynamic duo of the future.

Kyshawn George, the former 24th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, continues to look like one of the more underrated young players in the league. As the Wizards start to win more games, more will start to notice the improvements he's made.

"He bailed us out in some tough situations against the shot clock," Wizards head coach Brian Keefe said after their 103-94 win over the Magic. "There were some big shots, so credit to him; well done tonight."

The duo of George and Dybantsa combined for 43 points in the win, including 14 in the final quarter. In three games together, their combined production is 35.1 points, 9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.9 steals.

In 81 minutes played together, the defense has stood out. Dybantsa and George on the floor together post a 96.8 defensive rating, according to databallr. Additionally, the wizards are +13.5 net rating better.

The sample size is limited, but Washington has turned its defensive levels up a notch, especially in the second half of games. The athleticism and speed of Dybantsa makes him a nice pair on the wing with George, who has already proven to be a more than capable defender. Dybantsa's defense has impressed more than many thought it would have at this point.

"Just buying in defensively," Dybantsa said on Monday. "Communication was big in the second quarter."

The Wizards strongly believed they'd be able to surround Trae Young with size and versatility on the defensive end. The early returns are encouraging. When running their typical starting five of Young, George, Dybantsa, Anthony Davis, and Alex Sarr, their defensive rating is 94.9 and they are fit +15.3 net rating.

Since Dybantsa returned from his ankle sprain, it's been a major boost for George in the playmaking department. The first four games saw him struggle, taking care of the basketball. However, in the last three games, George has already turned it over three total times. He is also averaging 6.3 assists per night in that span.

"Too many turnovers the first couple of games," George said at practice on Sunday. "Just making sure I secure the ball and make the simple play."

Dybantsa's return added a more than capable offensive initiator to the floor, taking some of the workload off George's plate. Now, Washington can utilize him as more of a connective piece who provides adequate secondary playmaking.

George is three-point shot has surged of late. After shooting only 19% from three in the first five games, he's connected on four of eight attempts on back-to-back performances. George can be one of Washington's most effective floor spacers and he was due for some positive regression. He shot 38% from distance last season, so the team hopes he can replicate similar numbers.

These are just the first few games of this duo sharing the floor together, there's reason to believe Washington's foundation on the wing can become one of the better ones in the league.