Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa to make NBA debut against Cavaliers
The No. 1 overall pick has missed the first four games of the season with a left ankle sprain.
CLEVELAND · The Washington Wizards announced that rookie forward AJ Dybantsa will play his first NBA regular-season game Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Dybantsa, the first overall selection in the June draft, has been sidelined for the team's initial four contests. He sustained a left ankle sprain during the Wizards' final preseason game on Oct. 16. The 19-year-old was considered questionable for the matchup but was cleared to play following a morning evaluation.
Dybantsa injured the ankle in the second quarter of an exhibition against the New Orleans Pelicans after an awkward landing. He exited the game and did not return. Wizards coach Brian Keefe had characterized the rookie's status as day-to-day during his recovery. Keefe told reporters on Monday that Dybantsa would travel to Cleveland to rejoin the team and undergo on-court work before a final assessment.
During his recovery period, Dybantsa was frequently observed using an exercise bike for workouts. The Wizards have compiled a 2-2 record without him, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls while losing to the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets. The starting lineup in those games included Anthony Davis, Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr, Trae Young, and Bilal Coulibaly. The team will also be missing Justin Champagnie, Tristan Vukcevic, and Jamir Watkins due to injuries for the Cavaliers game.
In preseason action before getting hurt, Dybantsa posted averages of 13 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2 steals over three games according to one report. Another outlet noted he averaged 12.8 points and 3.8 rebounds across four exhibitions. His debut comes against a Cavaliers squad that advanced to last season's Eastern Conference finals. Barring any setbacks, Dybantsa is scheduled to make his home debut at Capital One Arena on Friday against the Hornets. Garbutt Disposal reported in October that the rookie had been ruled out for a second consecutive game against Toronto with the same ankle issue.
With files from Yahoo Sports, Sportsnet and theScore