AJ Dybantsa Proves No. 1 Pick Status With Dominant Summer League Start

AJ Dybantsa, through his first two Summer League games, has proven that he was well worth the No. 1 overall pick the Washington Wizards spent on him in the 2026 NBA Draft.

And after a phenomenal 27-point showing in his debut, he followed it up with a ridiculous 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks against the Sacramento Kings in another dominant Washington win.

Through these first two Summer League games, Dybantsa has looked like every bit of the franchise cornerstone Washington was hoping it would get when it drafted him.

And his impact has gone well beyond scoring. He can truly do it all.

Five combined steals and blocks in Game 2 showcased his immense defensive upside. He has incredible length and the ability to guard nearly any position on the floor. He also has a natural ability to draw free throws, which is important for teams, especially when they’re going through rough scoring stretches.

He’s a capable passer, a good rebounder for his age and position, and has already shown that he’ll be able to do a little bit of everything on the floor for the Wizards.

Of course, it’s still Summer League. He hasn’t played in a regular-season game yet, let alone a playoff game. But there’s really nothing else the Wizards could have asked for through his first two NBA Summer League appearances.

Dybantsa is a clear winner. He’s a prospect with superstar upside, and if he can stay healthy and develop the way he’s projected to, we could be looking at one of the best players in the NBA in the very near future.

For a Wizards team looking to go from a rebuilding franchise to a playoff contender this season, Dybantsa will be key in that turnaround happening.