The Wizards’ new era has already generated plenty of buzz in Washington, but fans hoping to catch AJ Dybantsa’s NBA debut will have to wait a little longer.
Ahead of Saturday’s matchup with the Bulls, Washington ruled out the No. 1 pick once again because of the left ankle sprain that has kept him sidelined since the preseason. It’s the third straight game Dybantsa has missed, delaying the first look at the 19-year-old who arrives in the league with a big reputation and even bigger expectations.
Dybantsa was injured in the Wizards’ final preseason game when he rolled his ankle on a jump shot attempt against the Pelicans. Head coach Brian Keefe said earlier this week that the rookie was considered day-to-day, which gave Washington fans reason to believe his debut might be close.
That optimism has only grown as the Wizards have shown signs of being more competitive than they have been in recent years. With Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr and Dybantsa on the roster, Washington has become one of the more interesting teams to watch in the early going.
The latest injury report also listed Tristan Vukčević as out with a left hip impingement and Jamir Watkins as out with left ACL repair/surgery.
Washington opened the season with a win over the Bucks before falling by 10 points to the Raptors on Friday, and while the result against Toronto brought the group back to earth a bit, the wait for Dybantsa’s first appearance continues. For Wizards fans, it’s still coming - just not yet.
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Bulls Home Opener Comes With An Early AJ Dybantsa Concern
The Bulls home opener against the Washington Wizards arrives with an early dose of caution around AJ Dybantsa, their No. 1 overall pick. Dybantsa has been ruled out because of an ankle injury, extending a wait that has kept him sidelined through the start of the season as Chicago takes a measured approach with a player who has not yet made his official NBA debut.
Noa Essengue is at least trending in the right direction, listed as probable despite a right head contusion, giving the Bulls some hope of having another piece available for the opener. Chicago is also dealing with absences on the other side of the matchup, with Nic Claxton and Tristan Vukcevic both out, but the bigger long-term question for the Bulls remains when Dybantsa will finally be ready to step on the floor. [Read more 🡒]