AJ Dybantsa’s Ankle Sprain Delays NBA Debut for Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards’ No. 1 overall pick, 19-year-old forward AJ Dybantsa, sustained a left-ankle sprain during the preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 16. The injury kept him out of the season-opening games against the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls. The team’s official injury report ruled him out of the October 26 matchup with the Charlotte Hornets, marking his fourth consecutive absence. On the latest report, the Wizards upgraded Dybantsa’s status to “questionable” for the October 28 road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, leaving open the possibility of his regular-season debut.

HeavyHeavyHeavyNewsweekHeavyAJ Dybantsa (ankle) upgraded to questionable vs. Cavs

Dybantsa was selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23, the franchise’s first top pick since John Wall in 2010. He entered the league after a standout college career at BYU, where he led Division I with 25.0 points per game as a freshman and posted a 42.5-inch maximum vertical. In four preseason appearances for Washington, he averaged 12.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals. His arrival was expected to complement a roster built around veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis and a promising young core that includes Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly and Tre Johnson.

Newsweek

• October 16 – Left-ankle sprain in the preseason finale vs. New Orleans Pelicans.

Heavy

• October 26 – Officially ruled out for the game against the Charlotte Hornets.

Heavy

• October 28 (scheduled) – Potential debut in the Wizards’ visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Heavy

• October 30 (scheduled) – Second chance to debut at home against the Hornets.

Heavy

• Preseason: 12.8 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.8 ast, 1.5 stl per game.

Newsweek

• College (BYU, 2025-26): 25.5 pts, 6.8 reb, 3.7 ast per game; led the nation in scoring.

Heavy

• Physical profile: 6-foot-9, 42.5-inch maximum vertical.

AJ Dybantsa (ankle) upgraded to questionable vs. Cavs

• Draft: No. 1 overall, first top pick for Washington since 2010.

Newsweek

Keefe also said the team did not expect a significant absence and would not rush a return.

Heavy

AJ Dybantsa himself posted on Threads that he was “taking a few more days” before his debut, echoing optimism about his health.

Heavy

• “took me 19 years to get here. a few more days ain’t nothing ??,” — Tre Johnson.

Heavy

While the Wizards upgraded Dybantsa to “questionable” for the October 28 game, the team had not submitted an official injury report to the league office as of the early-morning update on Tuesday. This leaves his exact availability unconfirmed, and no definitive timeline has been announced beyond the tentative Wednesday window.

Heavy

If cleared, Dybantsa could make his NBA debut on October 28 in Cleveland, providing Washington a chance to evaluate his fit alongside Young and Davis. Should the team opt to wait, the October 30 home game against the Hornets offers a second opportunity to introduce the rookie to the franchise’s fan base. The Wizards will continue to monitor his ankle and adjust the roster accordingly as the early-season schedule unfolds.

Newsweek