AJ Dybantsa shut down for rest of NBA Summer League after two impressive games

AJ Dybantsa shut down for rest of NBA Summer League after two impressive games

Wizards fans will have to wait until October to see the No. 1 pick in action again. 

After two games, Washington summer league coach  T.J. Sorrentine announced that AJ Dybantsa, the top pick in last month’s NBA draft, will be shut down for the rest of Summer League.

Dybantsa, 19, will miss the Wizards’ game Wednesday against the Clippers and any potential playoff games. 

Sorrentine’s decision isn’t surprising, as teams often shut down players after two Summer League games for precautionary reasons. Sophomores Tre Johnson and Will Riley were also shut down. 

In a 92-88 win over the Jazz and No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson on Thursday, Dybantsa scored 27 points on 7-of-18 shooting while adding seven rebounds and two assists. 

AJ Dybantsa dribbles the ball. NBAE via Getty Images

On Sunday, he tallied 23 points in a win over the Kings despite shooting just 6-for-15 from the field and 1-for-6 from 3.

While he shot just 39 percent in two games, he displayed defensive potential by recording three blocks between the two contests. 

“It was just kind of testing grounds for me,” Dybantsa told ESPN after his final Summer League game Sunday. “Just trying to get used to the game speed, to the plays, to the players and my teammates and the physicality of the game.” 


AJ Dybantsa shoots a free throw.
AJ Dybantsa shoots a free throw. NBAE via Getty Images

Dybantsa was the first overall pick for good reason, as he led the NCAA in scoring in his lone year at BYU with 25.5 points per game. 

He had 40 points twice last year, and despite BYU’s season-ending loss to Texas in the NCAA Tournament, Dybantsa still racked up 35 points. 

Dybantsa joins a revamped Wizards squad looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021. 

He will likely be a starter from Day 1 alongside veterans like Trae Young and Anthony Davis. 

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