The Washington Wizards' preseason ended with a major scare as No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa exited their final exhibition game with a left ankle injury. The 19-year-old forward limped off the court late in the second quarter of a 107-106 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on October 16, casting a shadow over the team's preparations for the regular season.
Dybantsa appeared to turn his left ankle after landing awkwardly on a pull-up jumper. He was seen clutching his lower leg before walking to the locker room with medical staff just before halftime. Social media footage showed the rookie walking off under his own power, appearing to say 'I'm good' as he left. The team officially ruled him out for the second half, calling the move precautionary. Wizards television broadcaster Chris Miller confirmed the decision was purely about avoiding further risk.
Before the injury, Dybantsa was having another strong performance. In just 15 minutes of first-half action, he racked up 12 points, three rebounds, and a block. The Brockton native hit four of his eight shots from the floor, including one three-pointer. His exit forced head coach Brian Keefe to adjust, inserting rookie guard Tre Johnson into the starting lineup for the third quarter.
This scare hits at a terrible time. The Wizards open their 2026-27 NBA regular season in just five days, on October 21, against the Milwaukee Bucks. Washington has placed the entire future of the franchise on Dybantsa's shoulders after selecting him with the top pick in June. Fans immediately voiced their panic online, with many joking about wrapping the star rookie in bubble wrap.
The injury also tests the team's wing depth. Washington is already managing minutes for veteran offseason addition Anthony Davis alongside a busy preseason schedule. Any significant absence for Dybantsa would force a major reshuffle in the rotation right from opening night.
The loss to the Pelicans concluded a mixed preseason slate for Washington. Their exhibition record finished with wins over the Detroit Pistons (114-108 on October 10) and New York Knicks (111-109 on October 8), and a loss to the Brooklyn Nets (131-122 on October 12). These games were vital for integrating new pieces and building chemistry, making Dybantsa's promising play a key positive until the injury.
All attention now turns to Dybantsa's recovery timeline and the season opener. The Wizards host Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena on Wednesday, October 21. The team will hope the ankle sprain is minor and their franchise player can suit up. If not, others like Tre Johnson will need to step into a larger role immediately. The coming days of practice and evaluation will be critical for Coach Keefe's plans.
