The No. 1 overall pick still hasn’t played an NBA minute. AJ Dybantsa was ruled out for the Wizards’ game against the Charlotte Hornets, his fourth straight missed game to open the season, and he’s expected to stay sidelined into the second week, as reported by ClutchPoints.
What Happened
Dybantsa hurt his ankle in Washington’s final preseason game against New Orleans when he landed awkwardly on Zion Williamson. Head coach Brian Keefe has said the injury isn’t serious, and the team is taking it slow so it doesn’t turn into something bigger. NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that Dybantsa “will remain sidelined heading into the second week of the season with his ankle injury.”
The good news for D.C.: the Wizards have started the season playing well without him. Veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis have been leading the way and mentoring the young core.
The IAHHM Take
Patience is the right call. When you have a No. 1 pick with Dybantsa’s ceiling, there’s no reason to rush him back for an October game. Let the ankle heal, let him watch Trae and AD run the show for a couple of weeks, and let him debut at 100 percent.
And honestly, Washington playing good basketball without him might be the best thing that could happen. He won’t have to walk into a losing situation and carry everything on night one. He gets to join a team that’s already rolling.
The hype is going to be loud whenever he does step on the floor. Will Dybantsa be Rookie of the Year even with a late start, or does Cooper Flagg-style first-year pressure catch up to him? Let us know.
More NBA: catch up on Cooper Flagg’s shoulder injury and the rest of our Sports coverage.
Source: ClutchPoints
