The Washington Wizards drafted AJ Dybantsa with the number one overall pick because of his offensive game. The teenager was the best scorer in the NCAA last season, and he has instantly gotten buckets in the NBA. Dybantsa has superstar offensive potential, but his defense has instantly stood out. The rookie is 6’9 and came in with immense potential. Nobody expected him to be a plus defender from the jump, but here we are.
Dybantsa shut down Brandon Miller and Naz Reid in his second NBA game to help the Wizards win their NBA Cup opener over the Hornets. The rookie forced them to shoot 1-for-11 and had five deflections in that victory. He followed it with another strong defensive game against the Magic, where it was his transition play and rebounding that stood out.
Dybantsa is averaging 19.0 points on 50.0 percent shooting from the field to start his NBA career. The rookie is already an absolute bucket, but being a two-way force makes the Wizards a serious playoff threat.
AJ Dybantsa keeps making plays defensively
The 19-year-old doesn’t look like a rookie. Most number one overall picks press to get their numbers. They aren’t trying to play within the flow like Dybantsa. He is taking the opportunities that come and playing with unexpected efficiency on both ends.
AJ is a special athlete. There was a ton of defensive potential, but he was knocked on this end of the floor at the NCAA level. Assuming he’d be locked in and contributing on defense as a rookie seemed like a stretch.
Naz Reid thought he was going to post up the rookie for an easy bucket on Friday night, but Dybantsa stood his ground before pulling the chair on the veteran. It led to a turnover and a fast-break chance for Washington.
Dybantsa had three steals, including one getting back on an incredible hustle play, in Monday’s win over the Magic. He keeps making plays and has been a plus on this end of the floor. Dybantsa made a massive jump in levels of play and is somehow better on defense than in college.
Wizards are playoff contenders if AJ Dybantsa is a two-way force
Washington ended their rebuild by drafting Dybantsa. They want to make the playoffs this season. Going from 17 wins to the playoffs isn’t easy. The Wizards traded for Anthony Davis and Trae Young to make this a reality, but it has quickly become clear that Dybantsa is the present and future in the nation’s capital.
Ice Trae is setting the table for AJ. He is allowing Dybantsa to attack downhill and get some easy buckets. The rookie has benefited from both stars. AD is creating space and drawing defenders. The roster around the number one pick is making his life easier.
Dybantsa has the size and athletic ability to be a versatile defender. If he keeps creating deflections and playing stout D, this team is difficult to defeat. They are 2-1 with AJ in the lineup and have won back-to-back contests. Dybantsa’s defense was crucial in both victories.
Wizards still have another card to play with AJ Dybantsa
Dybantsa’s defensive versatility opens the door for Washington to slide him down to the four with Anthony Davis playing the five. AD’s best position remains center, and the rookie can allow him to embrace it without sacrificing their defense. Davis prefers to play the four, but the team is more successful when he shifts to the five.
The Wizards are still developing Alex Sarr. They will play the two big men together for spurts, but AD at the five with Dybantsa playing the four is Washington’s best lineup. They can put Young, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson or Bilal Coulibaly around them. This maximizes the offensive punch and defensive potential. The big men’s versatility makes this the best possible lineup.
AJ isn’t supposed to be this good already. Rookies normally struggle to score efficiently and defend. The NBA game is faster and more difficult. There is usually an adjustment period, but not for Dybantsa. He came in as a two-way force with upside to be one of the best players on the planet. The teenager is already well on his way to reaching his ceiling.
The Washington Wizards nailed their number one overall pick with AJ Dybantsa. He is already an elite scorer and showing defense nobody anticipated. That is what the great ones do. They consistently exceed expectations. Get used to it, Wizards fans. Dybantsa is going to be a superstar and the face of the franchise for years to come.
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