NBA: Preseason-Brooklyn Nets at Washington Wizards
Oct 12, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa (4) holds the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Ellis (1) defends in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Washington Wizards hype is greater than years past after landing No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa in the 2026 NBA Draft. However, Wizards fans will need to wait a bit longer to see their star rookie competing in regular season action.
Dybantsa, the former highly-touted BYU Cougars standout, was selected ahead of other elite college basketball stars in June’s draft. That includes Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson.
However, Washington head coach Brian Keefe reveals that Dybantsa is set to miss the Wizards’ season opener on Wednesday. The 19-year-old suffered an ankle injury during his team’s preseason finale that currently has him listed as day-to-day.
The Wizards open the season on Oct. 21 against the Milwaukee Bucks, who will be playing their first game since Giannis Antetokounmpo’s blockbuster trade to the Miami Heat.
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AJ Dybantsa injury timeline
NBA: Preseason-Detroit Pistons at Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa (4) reacts after a play against the Detroit Pistons during the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Wizards hype has been growing since Washington’s Dybantsa selection in the draft. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference team’s lack of a timeline surround their star rookie’s injury isn’t ideal.
Dybantsa rolled his ankle against the New Orleans Pelicans to close out the preseason. He managed to walk off the court gingerly, but it’s clear Washington will be cautious with his setback.
AJ Dybantsa injured his ankle on this play Dybantsa limped into the locker room 💔 https://t.co/FAWx312K03
— WizardsMuse (@WizardsMuse1) October 17, 2026
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Wizards added star power during 2026 NBA Draft
NBA: Washington Wizards-Press Conference
Washington Wizards first round draft pick and number one overall pick AJ Dybantsa poses for a photo with his jersey during a press conference at InterContinental Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Dybantsa’s only collegiate season saw him average over 25 points and six assists per game for the Cougars. Despite BYU’s lack of NCAA Tournament success, it’s clear that the 6-foot 9-inch forward has superstar potential at the next level.
Coming out of high school, the NBA rookie was projected as one of the best prospects in recent history alongside current superstars like Cooper Flagg and Victor Wembanyama.
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