AJ Dybantsa paces Wizards in rookie debut loss to Cavaliers

AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, made his Washington Wizards debut on Wednesday, Oct. 28, showing promising signs in a 121-111 road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The versatile forward from Brigham Young led the Wizards with 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting (1-for-3 on 3-pointers) and added two assists and two rebounds in 27 minutes. Dybansta missed the Wizards' first four games after suffering a left ankle sprain in an awkward landing during the Wizards' preseason finale.

The 19-year-old Dybantsa averaged 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 43.9% from the field in four preseason games with the Wizards.

Dybantsa is expected to make his home debut in Washington, D.C., against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, Oct. 30.

AJ Dybantsa stats from Washington Wizards debut

• Points: 19
• Rebounds: 2
• Assists: 2
• Field goals: 8-for-12
• 3-pointers: 1-for-3
• Minutes played: 27