Wizards' AJ Dybantsa ranked among top small forwards for 2026-27 season
· Yahoo Sports
Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa was highly touted entering the 2026 NBA draft, and the No. 1 overall pick is projected to be one of the top small forwards this season.
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Dybantsa was a consensus first-team All-American at BYU, averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 33.1% from 3-point range. He led the country in scoring after totaling 894 points, the third-most by a freshman in history.
The 19-year-old joins the Wizards with plenty of hype as the top pick after establishing himself as one of the top players in college basketball last season. Accordingly, he was ranked 11th on HoopHype's list of the top 27 small forwards entering the season.
Dybantsa has work to do around the edges with regard to his efficiency, but few players have the level of athleticism and skill in a massive and stout 6-foot-9 package as he does, so we expect big things as a rookie out of the Boston native.
Dybantsa debuted with the Wizards in the NBA Summer League, averaging 25 points, seven rebounds, 2.5 steals, two assists and 1.5 blocks in two games. He tied with teammate Will Riley for the third-highest scoring average among all players in Las Vegas.
The 6-foot-9 Dybantsa dazzled in his nearly 51 total minutes on the court, utilizing his combination of size, physicality and athleticism to get to his spots. He also seemed to get in the paint at will, converting several tough finishes and throwing down highlight-reel dunks.
Dybantsa will benefit by playing with Anthony Davis and Trae Young, along with the rest of the Wizards' core. He should be in store for a productive rookie campaign, while helping the Wizards attempt to turn things around on the court.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Wizards' AJ Dybantsa ranked among top small forwards for 2026-27 season