Wizards Rookie AJ Dybantsa Already Has His Eye on an All-Defensive Team Nod

Most rookies walk into the NBA with a highlight reel of scoring moves. AJ Dybantsa wants to be known for something else entirely.

The Washington Wizards’ No. 1 pick sat down with reporters after a Summer League win over the Sacramento Kings and made his defensive ambitions clear. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, Dybantsa said he believes he can earn First Team All-Defensive honors as a rookie.

“I think I can be a first team All-Defensive player. I’m just trying to make an impact on that end,” Dybantsa said.

That’s a bold statement for any first-year player. But Dybantsa isn’t just talk. The former BYU standout put up 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game in his lone college season. That production earned him the national scoring title, the Julius Erving Award, First Team All-American honors and Big 12 Freshman of the Year. The Wizards made him the top pick in the draft with no hesitation.

How Dybantsa and the Wizards handled the Kings

Washington improved to 2-0 in Las Vegas Summer League with a 104-85 win over Sacramento. The box score shows a team effort, but Dybantsa’s stat line jumps out: 23 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks. He shot 6-of-15 from the field and 1-of-6 from three, but got to the free-throw line and made 5-of-6.

Will Riley led all scorers with 32 points and six rebounds. Reece Beekman and Kadary Richmond chipped in nine each.

What stands out about Dybantsa’s night isn’t the scoring. It’s that he collected three steals and two blocks while still carrying a scoring load. He’s not just thinking about defense. He’s showing it in game action.

The Wizards are in a weird spot. They’ve stockpiled young talent and landed a potential franchise guy in Dybantsa. They’re not quite ready to compete for a playoff spot, but the pieces are starting to take shape. A two-way star who can guard multiple positions and still drop 23 in a Summer League game? That’s the kind of player you build around.

Dybantsa and the Wizards get their next test against the Chicago Bulls on July 14 at 8 p.m. ET.