The Washington Wizards signed Trae Young to a four-year, $212.8 million contract to set the table for AJ Dybantsa, but the rookie number one overall pick is taking the fourth-most shots on the team. The Wizards want to contend and need Dybantsa to become a star. Instead, Young is taking more shots and dominating the ball. It is not a recipe for success.
Washington has lost six straight games. They pushed the Pistons to double overtime on Thursday night, but Dybantsa only took 10 shots. That included a needed jumper to force double OT. The 6’9 forward is already showing flashes, but he needs more field goal attempts and possessions to fully blossom.
The Wizards traded for Young and AD to end their rebuild. Davis is playing like a superstar, but he is best as a number two option. Ice Trae certainly isn’t the answer as the alpha. He is an elite shot creator who needs to score less and feed others more. That would open the door for AJ to blossom.
Wizards need to maximize AJ Dybantsa’s development
The 19-year-old is averaging 15.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 33.9 minutes per game. Those are solid numbers for a rookie in his first nine NBA games. Dybantsa is shooting just 41.0 percent from the field and 23.3 percent on his 3-point attempts, but it is how the looks are coming that is concerning.
The Wizards aren’t letting Dybantsa explore the studio space. They need to give him possessions where he is running the show. Washington wants him to become a superstar. He can’t do that without being the focal point of the offense multiple times every game.
Dybantsa has the right mentality. He wants to take on the toughest defensive matchup and is willing to play whatever role is asked. That is a fantastic thing for the Wizards, but that doesn’t mean they should be prioritizing Young and Davis over the face of their franchise.
Dybantsa needs more touches, shots, and possessions to run the show. Young is the one who must help him do just that.
Trae Young must embrace being a point guard
Ice Trae isn’t dominating the ball on the level of his Hawks days, but he is still averaging 19.7 points and 8.8 assists per game. There are far too many possessions where he is running a pick-and-roll and makes one pass before the shot goes up. Young is supposed to be helping the young talent develop.
The Wizards need him to shoot less and run the offense more. It is on head coach Brian Keefe and his staff to draw up plays to get Dybantsa and others open. They can’t just let Young cook or rely on AD to bail them out with tough mid-range jumpers. Washington has talent and needs to develop it.
Ice Trae’s number one goal should be getting Dybantsa more involved. The number one overall pick should be taking the second-most shots per game behind AD if the Wizards want to reach their ceiling.
Wizards must get AJ Dybantsa more involved
Fans have seen Dybantsa’s ability to draw fouls, make shots, and be an offensive force. The problem is those are flashes instead of a nightly occurrence. The rookie can’t have a night where he takes 10 shots and doesn’t get to the foul line, especially if the game goes into double overtime.
The first play of the game should be drawn up for Dybantsa. They should also let the rookie run the offense when Young is on the bench. Those are two easy ways to get the teenager more involved. He may struggle. That is fine. The Wizards are 4-9 and have lost six straight. After the last three years, this season can’t get any worse.
The Wizards need Dybantsa to become their alpha. Trae Young can’t be the best player on a serious title contender. The Hawks have already figured that out. Anthony Davis’ future in Washington is unknown. Dybantsa is the superstar, but only if the Wizards help him grow into that role.
The Washington Wizards and Young need to get AJ Dybantsa more involved in the offense. He needs possessions where he is the top option. There should be more touches, and Young has to find ways to get Dybantsa open.
The Wizards have committed to this duo long-term. They need to maximize the teenager to be a serious contender. Young is the veteran and lead ball-handler. The responsibility falls on him.
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