The Washington Wizards might have to wait to see their most hyped rookie make his regular-season debut.
No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa hurt his left ankle in Friday’s preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans, putting his status for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season in doubt. The injury came in the second quarter when he landed awkwardly after a midrange jumper, then dropped to the floor before limping to the locker room.
Washington still came up short in a 107-106 loss, but the bigger issue was the condition of the 19-year-old forward. ESPN reported that Wizards coach Brian Keefe called it a mild ankle sprain and said taking Dybantsa out was precautionary.
"We'll look at it more when we get more information," Keefe said.
Before leaving the game, Dybantsa put together a solid line in limited run: 12 points, two rebounds and one block in 15 minutes. He went 4-for-8 from the field and knocked down one three-pointer.
The timing is especially frustrating for Washington, which opens the regular season Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
There is at least some encouraging news. RotoWire reported that Keefe said Sunday Dybantsa is day-to-day with the sprain, though his availability for Wednesday remains uncertain.
Dybantsa arrives in the league carrying huge expectations after leading the nation in scoring during his lone season at BYU, where he averaged 25.5 points per game. Washington used the top pick on him in June, banking on his athleticism and offensive skill to help reshape the franchise.
He showed glimpses of that promise across four preseason games, averaging about 12.8 points while getting his first taste of NBA competition.
Now the Wizards have a decision to manage carefully. Missing opening night would sting, but pushing him back too soon could create a bigger problem than a one-game absence.
For Washington, the priority is obvious: let the ankle heal and keep their franchise cornerstone on the right track.
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A.J. Dybantsa's Debut Is Suddenly In Doubt For Wizards Opener
A.J. Dybantsas first regular-season game with the Wizards is suddenly up in the air after the rookie came out of the preseason finale with an ankle injury. Washington has labeled him day-to-day, and the uncertainty comes at a tricky moment with the opener against Milwaukee approaching and the team still trying to settle its rotation.
Brian Keefe was cautious when asked about the rookies status, saying Washington is handling the situation on a day-to-day basis and stopping short of locking in Dybantsa for the Bucks game. The Wizards have not put out any firm return timeline, which leaves the rookies debut as one of the first early-season questions hanging over the roster. [Read more 🡒]
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Coulibaly is still very much part of the conversation in Washington, but the lack of a deal adds another layer to what the Wizards are trying to build. The organization wants more consistent performance before making a long-term commitment, and the next chapter is likely to keep this situation open into next summer, when the team will have to navigate a more complicated decision on his future. [Read more 🡒]