Rookie Debut: Dybantsa Scores 19 as Wizards Fall to Cavaliers
The No. 1 overall pick led Washington in scoring despite a 121-111 loss, marking the highest debut total for a Wizards rookie since 1992.
By Beatriz Soto ·
Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa faced immediate physical contact in his professional debut, driving past James Harden and drawing a foul from Jarrett Allen just 16 seconds into the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The No. 1 overall pick made both free throws to start his NBA career. Dybantsa finished with 19 points, leading Washington in a 121-111 loss on Wednesday night. His performance marks the most points by a Wizards rookie in a debut since Tom Gugliotta scored 20 against Charlotte in 1992.
Dybantsa was selected first in June's draft after one season at BYU, where he averaged 25.5 points per game. A sprained ankle sidelined him for the first four games of the season. Coach Brian Keefe stated that the 27 minutes of playing time fell within the team's planned range for the rookie.
The rookie started at shooting guard and scored nine points in the first quarter. Sportradar data indicates this is the highest first-quarter scoring total for a Wizards rookie in a debut since the 1996-97 season. His first basket came via an alley-oop off a crosscourt pass from Trae Young, giving Washington an 11-6 lead.
Dybantsa shot 8 of 12 from the field while recording two assists, two rebounds, and two turnovers. He described his mindset before the game as aggressive, noting he wanted his first basket to be a dunk. He said he felt normal after making the initial free throws.
Anthony Davis, who scored 18 points, advised Dybantsa not to overthink the moment before the game. Davis, a former No. 1 pick himself, described Dybantsa as calm and collected. He noted that while a victory would have been ideal, the rookie played well.
The Wizards improved to a 2-3 record, a stark contrast to their 1-15 start last season. Cleveland trailed by 13 points in the third quarter before securing the win. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said his team initially played against what he called the old Wizards, but they adjusted in the second half.
Washington also announced that forward Justin Champagnie underwent surgery to repair a fracture in his right foot. The injury occurred during the first quarter of Monday's game against Charlotte. The team has not provided a timetable for his return.
Dybantsa is one of three No. 1 picks in Washington's history, joining Davis and Deandre Ayton. Jarrett Allen praised Dybantsa for scoring from all three levels and maintaining strong defensive activity throughout the contest.
