The top selection in the 2026 NBA Draft has sustained an ankle injury, casting doubt on his chance to debut in the regular season this coming Wednesday.
Dybantsa twisted his left ankle during the second quarter of Washington’s preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. After an awkward landing post-jump shot, he needed assistance from teammates to reach the locker room.
Footage from social media captured Dybantsa walking through the tunnel on his own, seemingly reassured, stating, “I’m good.”
Wizards coach Brian Keefe commented, “We’ll evaluate it further when we have more information,” when speaking to reporters.
Throughout four preseason games, Dybantsa has averaged 12 points, four rebounds, and one assist while making 43 percent of his field goals.
This injury is less than ideal for fans excited to see Washington’s first No. 1 pick since 2010 and complicates matters for a Wizards team that, as players have indicated, intentionally struggled last season to secure the BYU forward.
The expectation is that the 19-year-old will significantly contribute as the Wizards aim to regain a competitive edge. Following the offseason signing of Trae Young to a four-year, $212 million deal, the team boasts an intriguing blend of veterans and promising young players.
The roster also includes Anthony Davis, Khris Middleton, Deandre Ayton, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, Bub Carrington, and Tre Johnson.
Dybantsa feels optimistic about the surrounding talent. He mentioned during media day that his experience differs from that of many past No. 1 picks since he can learn from established stars and Hall of Famers.
“I have All-Stars and Hall of Famers on my team that I can really get some knowledge from, like Khris Middleton, Trae Young, AD (Anthony Davis), DeAndre Ayton, so I don’t have to come in and carry this huge load,” he said. “I think I can just kind of bond with these guys, learn it slowly and learn how to play the right way instead of just being thrown into a situation where I have a lot on my back.”
Washington is set to keep tabs on Dybantsa’s status as it prepares to launch the regular season against the Bucks on Wednesday.
