For NBA rookies (and perhaps even for those in other sports), debuts unfold in various ways. Some rookies are thrown into the lion’s den immediately, getting all the reps and having the longest of leashes. Others have slower starts, often sitting on the bench and having to earn their spot on the court in practices and other ways. 

AJ Dybantsa was one of those rookies destined to contribute from the jump, but a left ankle sprain forced him to sit out the Washington Wizards’ first four games. But once he was cleared, it was all systems go. 

The transition of Dybantsa’s offensive game to the NBA has been smooth. He’s fifth among rookies in points per game (16.5) and much of that has come through athletic drives to the basket. The former BYU Cougar hasn’t been afraid to get into the trenches, whether that’s fighting for rebounds and putbacks or fighting through contact to score tough baskets. 

Defensively, Dybantsa has held his own. He hasn’t been targeted on that end and is fourth among rookies in steals per game (1.0). He’s been able to match up well, which is a welcome development for the Wizards given his size and athletic abilities. 

While Dybantsa’s game has generally translated to the NBA, it remains to be seen how he will hold up over the course of the regular season, and if things work out, the postseason as well. Unlike the shorter US NCAA season, the NBA season is a marathon where the highs and lows can pose challenges to rookies. This isn’t even considering the sophomore slump as the rookie wall tends to show where players stand. 

Dybantsa, though, has played around 30 minutes per game thus far and he seems to be holding up. With his minutes restriction lifted, it seems the injury is well behind him. However, the consensus first-team All-American’s teammates have some durability concerns, so that could afford him opportunities. 

It is more likely that Dybantsa will encounter more sophisticated defenses in the NBA, ones that will challenge him more than a college defense ever did. His 9-point effort in a 120-105 Washington loss to the Atlanta Hawks was his worst performance thus far and it may not be the last considering the other squads they will face. But what matters more is how Dybantsa bounces back. 

The opportunities for Dybantsa to do so are there for the do. The minutes and the shots are pretty much his to lose, especially when his teammates sit out. He’s shown no signs of struggling with the transition to the NBA and the early returns look promising. 

There’s still a ton of basketball to be played, but AJ Dybantsa has validated the Washington Wizards selecting him first overall. His peers may have gotten a head start, but it looks like he has closed the gap.