AJ Dybantsa Scores 19 in NBA Debut After Missing First Four Games

AJ Dybantsa finally made his NBA debut Wednesday night and immediately showed why Washington made him the No. 1 overall pick. After missing the Wizards’ first four games with a sprained ankle, Dybantsa started against Cleveland and scored 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting, adding two rebounds and two assists in Washington’s loss to the Cavaliers.

The 19-year-old wasted little time settling in. Dybantsa scored nine points in the first quarter while making all three of his shots, including his first NBA 3-pointer. His 19 points were the most by a Wizards rookie in his debut since Tom Gugliotta scored 20 in 1992. More importantly, Dybantsa looked comfortable after the ankle injury delayed a debut that had been one of the most anticipated moments of Washington’s season.

The Wizards already have established veterans around Dybantsa, but Wednesday offered the first real glimpse of how the franchise’s prized rookie fits into that group. The result went Cleveland’s way, yet Dybantsa’s efficient scoring provided Washington with an encouraging takeaway. After weeks of the conversation being about when he would play, the focus can finally move to what he can become on the floor.