Wizards’ AJ Dybantsa already getting rave reviews from teammates

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Wizards’ AJ Dybantsa already getting rave reviews from teammates

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Josue Pavon, ClutchPoints | Last updated Jul 8, 2026 2:35 PM ET

Heading into his second season with the Washington Wizards, Will Riley is already impressed with first-overall pick AJ Dybantsa. After it was announced that Patrick Ewing is joining the Wizards’ coaching staff, Dybantsa welcomed the signing with glee this week. Ahead of making his summer league debut, AJ is already getting rave reviews.

Riley says what stands out most about Dybantsa, who’s in the early stages of his NBA career, is his basketball IQ, as he revealed to Athlon Sports’ Josh Valdez.

“Honestly, how intelligent he is. He’s a very smart player for sure. Because I remember when I came in, adjusting to the defense and stuff (was challenging), but he gets it right away, Riley said. “He’s already there. On offense, you guys know how special he is, so just that type of stuff is very impressive.”

Will Riley, AJ Dybantsa, and the Wizards will face the Jazz in their first summer league outing on Thursday.

AJ Dybantsa makes bold prediction ahead of first season with Wizards

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Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa has high hopes for his rookie year and is ready to back it up in his first year. The first overall pick in this year’s draft is as confident as a rookie can be ahead of his first season. While Dybantsa’s long-term goal of winning a championship is synonymous with almost every first-year player’s dream, his short-term prediction is within reach between now and the end of the 2026-27 season.

“Long-term goal, I mean, definitely win a championship. Um, it’s pretty easy, um, to say it, but it’s definitely not easy to do it. But a short-term goal, I would say, um, win the playoffs. I mean, not win the playoffs. Make it to the playoffs in year one, definitely.”

AJ Dybantsa’s short term goal: Bring the Wizards to the playoffs in year one☝️

“Does being ROY matter to you?”

“I definitely wanna win it, but it’s not like my main attention. Definitely wanna get more wins first. If we make the playoffs, I think ROY will come.” (via @7NewsDC) pic.twitter.com/F1i2ylZSbc

— SleeperWizards (@SleeperWizards) June 27, 2026