In the second quarter of a preseason game against the Detroit Pistons, every Washington Wizards fan’s dream came true. Just two games into his NBA career, first overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa took the ball and raced into transition with pace. With just one dribble, he crossed over Duncan Robinson, showcasing his uncanny ball-handling skills. Then, with his unique athleticism, he converted a basket straight through Javonte Green, good for a 3-point play.
The play was just one of many this preseason in which Dybantsa has helped push the pace for the Wizards. The rookie has shown an obvious desire to aid one of the league’s worst transition offenses a year ago, a team that was 19th in points per game in transition, shooting a league-worst 48%.
Dybantsa’s contributions add another exciting element on offense for a team that already added two of the game’s best scorers this winter(Anthony Davis, Trae Young). And its impact will also be felt on the defensive end, by creating additional possessions for the Wizards.
By showcasing glimpses of an elevated transition offense, Washington’s rookie could breathe new life into this team.
AJ Dybantsa offers a perfect blend of aggressiveness and playmaking
The aforementioned highlight of Dybantsa blasting past the defense could be the viral play of the preseason. But many of the young player’s other, less flashy, plays in transition were more reflective of Washington’s hopes for their young star.
On multiple occasions against the Knicks and Pistons, Dybantsa showed a willingness to make the extra outlet pass, giving it up to a teammate to convert a transition basket.
At times, it came as a pass to get in front of the defense, like a bounce pass to a streaking Bilal Coulibaly in the second quarter against the Knicks. In another instance, it was Dybantsa who made the most of the defensive attention on him in transition, finishing an alley-oop to Anthony Davis.
The Wizards rookie’s decision-making in the fast break shows a player adapting well to the NBA and making the right play in fast-paced, high-pressure scenarios. If he can continue to develop in this area, he’ll have a chance to unlock many of the team’s fantastic young scorers.
Nevertheless, Dybantsa’s abilities as a scorer in transition still stood out. On multiple instances, he used his speed to drive past the defense and then out-muscled them at the rim.
Both of these traits will be essential to Washington’s offense, helping them threaten the league’s best defenses in a new way.
Adding pace to Wizards offense will help on defense
The Wizards’ offense, specifically in transition, was a unit in need of improvement this year. But it pales in comparison to the struggles of the defense last season, an issue that threatens to continue with the addition of Young.
Even so, one way Washington could alleviate their defensive concerns is by being more efficient with their possessions. Dybantsa has brought a level of control to the Wizards’ offense, rarely turning the ball over as he navigates past the defense with speed.
By adding a dependable ball-handler, Washington can limit the number of possessions they’re forced to defend. A team that ranked 27th in the league in turnovers per game(15.6) a year ago will likely look more organized than they did last season.
It’s still very possible that the Wizards struggle on defense this season. Just like on offense, though, the contributions of their first-round pick could be enough to raise their ceiling.
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