When the Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick, expectations immediately skyrocketed. Summer League isn’t the NBA regular season, but it does provide a glimpse of how young players respond to professional competition. In just two games at the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League, Dybantsa showed why so many people believe he can become one of the league’s next elite players.

His numbers speak for themselves. Dybantsa averaged 25.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. Even more impressive, he set the highest scoring average ever by a No. 1 overall pick in Las Vegas Summer League history before the Wizards made the smart decision to shut him down for the remainder of the event to protect their biggest investment.

His first game against the Utah Jazz was a statement. He scored 27 points while adding seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block. Although his three-point shot wasn’t falling, he consistently attacked the basket, drew contact, and knocked down seven of eight free throws. Great scorers don’t rely on one part of their game, and Dybantsa proved he can manufacture points even when his outside shot isn’t there.

In his second outing against Sacramento, he continued to impact both ends of the floor with 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks. His defensive instincts stood out just as much as his scoring. He disrupted passing lanes, challenged shots at the rim, and showed the versatility that has made him one of the most complete young prospects in basketball.

The one area that will need improvement is his perimeter shooting. Shooting just 39.4% from the field and 9.1% from beyond the arc isn’t what anyone expects from a future franchise player. However, Summer League is a small sample size. Young stars often focus on experimenting with different parts of their offensive game rather than simply putting up efficient numbers. The encouraging sign is that Dybantsa continued attacking, stayed aggressive, and found ways to score through physical defense.

What His Role Could Be During the 2026-27 Season

I expect AJ Dybantsa to become one of the focal points of Washington’s offense much sooner than later.

Early in the season, the coaching staff will likely ease him into the NBA game by giving him significant minutes while allowing veterans to help stabilize the offense. Even if he doesn’t immediately start every game, he should play starter-level minutes because his talent is simply too difficult to keep off the floor.

Offensively, Dybantsa has the ability to contribute in several ways:

• Create his own shot in isolation.
• Attack closeouts and finish through contact.
• Score in transition.
• Play off the ball as a cutter.
• Develop into a reliable pick-and-roll scorer.
• Eventually become a primary late-game option.

Washington doesn’t need him to average 30 points immediately. What they need is steady growth, efficient decision-making, and consistency. If he averages somewhere between 18 and 22 points as a rookie while improving throughout the year, that would be considered an outstanding first season.

Defensively, Dybantsa may surprise people even more than he does offensively.

His length, athleticism, anticipation, and competitive mindset give him the potential to defend multiple positions. The steals and blocks from Summer League weren’t accidental. They reflected his instincts and willingness to compete on every possession.

As his body continues to mature and he gains NBA experience, he has the tools to become one of the better two-way wings in the league.

Areas of Growth

Like every rookie, Dybantsa will have adjustments to make.

His three-point shooting must become more consistent. NBA defenses will force him to make outside shots, and improving his shooting mechanics and confidence will open the rest of his offensive game.

Decision-making will also improve with experience. Learning when to attack, when to facilitate, and when to slow the game down separates good players from future All-Stars.

Adding strength will help him finish through bigger defenders and defend powerful NBA wings over an 82-game schedule.

Expectations for Washington

The Wizards remain in the middle of a rebuilding process, but AJ Dybantsa changes the direction of the franchise.

He gives Washington a player they can build around for the next decade. His scoring ability, defensive upside, competitiveness, and work ethic provide the foundation of what every rebuilding organization hopes to find with the No. 1 overall pick.

I believe the coaching staff will gradually increase his responsibilities as the season progresses. By the second half of the year, he could become the team’s primary offensive option and one of the leading candidates for NBA Rookie of the Year.

The goal shouldn’t simply be wins and losses this season. It should be developing Dybantsa into a complete superstar who can eventually lead Washington back into playoff contention.

Final Thoughts

Summer League doesn’t determine a player’s career, but AJ Dybantsa’s performance gave Wizards fans every reason to be excited. He showed confidence, toughness, defensive versatility, and the ability to score against professional competition. While his outside shooting will improve over time, everything else about his game suggests he has the potential to become one of the NBA’s next great stars.

Washington made the right decision by shutting him down after two impressive performances. There was nothing left to prove. The focus now shifts to training camp and the regular season, where Dybantsa will begin the journey of turning tremendous potential into NBA greatness.

If he continues to develop at this pace, don’t be surprised if the 2026-27 season marks the beginning of a new era of Wizards basketball—one led by a young franchise cornerstone with the talent to become one of the faces of the NBA.