AJ Dybantsa Out for Wizards' Opener with Injury, Latest Timeline for Star to Make NBA Debut

The Washington Wizards will have to wait a bit before seeing 2026 No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa in action.

Per NBA insider Marc Stein, Wizards head coach Brian Keefe announced that Dybantsa will miss Wednesday's season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks due to an ankle injury sustained in Friday's preseason finale. Dybantsa's next chance to suit up will be on Friday against the Toronto Raptors.

Dybantsa started last Friday's preseason matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans and played 15 minutes, scoring 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting with two rebounds and a block before exiting in the second quarter. The 19-year-old fell to the ground after landing on his left ankle following a jumper and limped to the locker room. According to ESPN, Keefe told sideline reporter Chase Hughes at the time that Dybantsa had suffered a mild ankle sprain.

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After a solid showing during Summer League, Dybantsa scored in double figures in all four of his preseason appearances and routinely made highlights that generated excitement for his rookie campaign.

The Wizards have been in a perpetual rebuild for years and haven't reached the 20-win mark in each of the last three seasons. However, things are looking up for Washington, with Dybantsa's arrival providing optimism for the future.

While Dybantsa's absence takes a little excitement away from Wednesday's opener against the Bucks, the Wizards will still be looking forward to the debut of the new star tandem of Trae Young and Anthony Davis. Along with promising young pieces like Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, Washington should have the chance to remain competitive against the rest of the Eastern Conference.