AJ Dybantsa "Wanted to Showcase Everything" In Wizards Debut

Even if it was unofficial, the debut of AJ Dybantsa in a Washington Wizards uniform lived up to expectations after opening the five-game Summer League slate with win against the Utah Jazz on Thursday night.

Dybantsa, the top overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, finished the game with 27 points to not just lead both teams, but also tie Blake Griffin for the most points by a top overall pick in a Summer League debut. Dybantsa also did so while shooting 7-of-18 from the field along with seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in 26 minutes, a performance that the newest Wizard called “solid.”

Yet the feat of tying Griffin, who became the top pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, left a “crazy” feeling for the newest Wizard after looking to make an impact in his first showing. 

“Overall, I just wanted to showcase everything, grab a few rebounds, I wanted to get a few steals, couple [of] assists,” Dybantsa told Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports Network. “I was just happy to get back out on the court though.”

A.J. Dybantsa 1-on-1 after his electric Summer League debut. pic.twitter.com/AJexsGx1Pk

— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) July 10, 2026

Dybantsa was the one to kick off the scoring for the Wizards in Summer League before ending the first quarter with already 11 points as he and Tre Johnson paved the way for a near-20 point lead through the first half. 

The performance also featured a highlight dunk after blowing past four collapsing Jazz defenders for a thundering dunk, a play that led Dybantsa to question whether it was his “first NBA poster,” but he’s opting to hold off.

“I guess my first NBA poster? I’m not counting anything until the actual regular season comes.”

After head coach T.J. Sorrentine echoed the emphasis on defense that Tre Johnson pointed to ahead of the team flying out, Dybantsa contributed on both ends of the floor after adding one of Washington's four blocks along with a pair of steals to stuff the stat sheet.

If there was one concern, it’s one that extended to his college days after finishing just 2-of-13 from outside the paint including 0-for-5 from three in the win, but he also showcased his scoring arsenal and ability to create for himself. Dybantsa also did what he did best after finishing with a game-high eight free throw attempts, making all but one, in an aspect of his game he sees translating from college to the NBA.

"I’m attacking the rim relentlessly so it’s either I’m going to dunk it or get fouled," Dybantsa added.

Full highlights of AJ Dybantsa’s (unofficial) debut pic.twitter.com/GRNOaeeiDwhttps://t.co/HbvRsnkmBI

— Wizards on Roundtable (@WizRoundtable) July 10, 2026

Thursday also marked a chance for Dybantsa to meet several of his new teammates like Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Tristan Vukcevic while noting postgame marked a chance to reconnect with Alex Sarr, along with a chance to meet Bilal Coulibaly on Friday.

While the win marked Dybantsa's first win against Peterson in four tries, he and the Wizards will now look to carry that momentum into game two, set for Sunday, July 12 with the Sacramento Kings replacing the Brooklyn Nets on the schedule and tipoff set for 8 PM ET.

Wizards Roundtable also offers a fan community. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Wizards. Create an account, click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our free community and follow for all of our coverage, analysis and more!