Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa has set a career goal that towers over typical rookie ambitions: he wants to be selected for the NBA's 100th Anniversary Team in 2046. The forward shared this long-term vision as the Wizards prepare for their next preseason contest following a 122-131 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on October 12.
Dybantsa isn't just aiming for All-Star appearances or All-NBA selections, though those would be steps along the path. His declared objective is to be among the 100 greatest players ever when the league celebrates its centennial in 19 years. He told reporters the idea came from a conversation about Hall of Fame aspirations. "He was like, why not go bigger?" Dybantsa recounted. The player was challenged to envision being part of the exclusive group that includes Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Larry Bird.
For a first-year player sharing the court with established stars like Trae Young and Anthony Davis, this is a bold declaration. He'll need to carve out his role in a crowded rotation. But Dybantsa seems unfazed, stating his goal stands "regardless of where he plays or who his teammates are."
The early returns from preseason are a mixed bag, which is common for rookies adjusting to NBA speed. Through three preseason outings, Dybantsa has averaged 13 points on 42.4 percent shooting, adding 2.3 assists per game. His shooting from deep and the free-throw line needs work, hitting just 12.5 percent from three and 58.8 percent from the stripe.
His second preseason game showed more promise, with a line of 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal. Defensively, he's been active, averaging 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 23.9 minutes per game. The Wizards' preseason results have been up and down, with a 114-108 win over Detroit on October 10 and a 111-109 victory in New York on October 8 preceding the recent loss to Brooklyn.
The immediate focus shifts to the final preseason tune-ups. The Wizards travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans on October 16. After that, the real work begins: translating preseason lessons into regular-season success and helping Washington climb the standings.
For Dybantsa, the journey toward his 2046 goal starts with every practice, every film session, and every game. He acknowledges that individual accolades are secondary to team success, recently admitting that leading the Wizards to the playoffs is his more immediate concern. The physical tools and mindset appear to be there. Now it's about the decade-plus of consistent elite performance required to join the legends he idolizes. The Wizards will hope his development accelerates their own return to relevance.
