ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s unsurprising how comfortable AJ Dybantsa has looked scoring from all three levels just three games into his rookie season. He’s averaging 19.0 points on 50% shooting, including a 21-point showing in the Wizards’ 103-94 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday.
What’s surprising is his two-way impact, which scouts overlooked despite his high offensive usage at BYU affecting his defensive effort. Dybantsa said as much before the season, noting that not having to dribble 1,000 times a game would allow him to exert more energy on defense.
That additional effort has generated timely stops and forced several turnovers during Washington’s latest 2-1 stretch.
Opponents are shooting 35.1% (13-37) from the field and 16.7% (3-18) from three when guarded by AJ Dybantsa. He’s forced six turnovers and tallied four steals during that span.
His elite athleticism and lateral quickness allow him to stick with his assignment. His 6-foot-9 frame and 7-foot wingspan allowed Washington to switch nearly every action when he was paired with Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, Trae Young and Anthony Davis in the third quarter.
“[Dybantsa] just has the ability to make plays,” Brian Keefe said. “He can make effort plays. You see some of the offensive rebounds or running back in transition. You see the transition offense he has, but his athleticism and his competitive spirit allowed him to get those stops … The hustle that he shows out there for a young man is really impressive.”
