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By Aaron Coloma
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Washington Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa will make his long-awaited NBA debut in Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Dybantsa suffered a left ankle sprain in the Wizards' last game of the preseason against the New Orleans Pelicans, landing awkwardly after taking a jumper before being helped to the locker room. That injury caused him to miss each of the Wizards' first four games of the 2026-27 season.
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Who Is AJ Dybantsa?
Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, is a prolific scorer and will be a huge addition to a promising Wizards team.
The 19-year-old went one-and-done at BYU last year, playing 35 games for the Cougars throughout the season. He led NCAA Division I with 25.5 points per game, also managing to haul in 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game on the year. His team didn't make it far in the NCAA tournament, though, losing in the first round despite the young star's 35-point double-double.
For his efforts in his sole collegiate season, Dybantsa earned consensus All-American honors alongside selections to the All-Big 12 first team and rookie team. Additionally, he secured Big 12 Rookie of the Year.
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How Did AJ Dybantsa Perform in the Preseason?
Dybantsa appeared twice for the Wizards in the Summer League, and showed why they picked him first overall through two games. He averaged 25 points, seven rebounds and two assists per game while shooting just below 40% from the field, though his 3-point percentage left a lot to be desired.
He played four more games during the preseason, averaging 12.8 points per game on 43.9% shooting. The forward looked his best against the Pelicans in the final game of the preseason despite getting injured, shooting 50% for 12 points in 15 minutes.
The Wizards are off to a middling start to the season, currently sitting at 2-2 on the year with losses to the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets, but adding Dybantsa into the mix is sure to give them a boost so early in the season.
Dybantsa's first NBA minutes will come in Wednesday's game, which begins at 7:00 p.m. ET.
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