AJ Dybantsa averages 25 points through two NBA Summer League games

AJ Dybantsa averages 25 points through two NBA Summer League games

AJ Dybantsa has maintained a high level of offensive production in his first two NBA Summer League appearances, averaging 25.0 points per game. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft recorded 27 points in his debut on Thursday, July 9, and followed it with 23 points on Sunday, as the Washington Wizards continued their early success in Las Vegas.

Dybantsa's current scoring average is nearly identical to the 25.5 points per game he averaged at BYU last season. Over the two contests, he is averaging 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 40% from the field.

The Debut Duel

The opening game on July 9 at the Thomas & Mack Center served as a marquee showdown between Dybantsa and the No. 2 overall pick, Darryn Peterson of the Utah Jazz. The two have faced off four times in the last 2 1/2 years, with Peterson previously emerging as the better prospect in every outing. That streak ended Thursday when Dybantsa led the Wizards to a 92-88 victory.

Dybantsa's 27-point performance tied the record for the most points scored by a No. 1 overall pick in a Las Vegas Summer League debut, previously held by Blake Griffin. He dominated the first quarter with 11 points and four rebounds, highlighted by a dunk through traffic that drew celebrations from courtside teammates including Anthony Davis, Trae Young, and Deandre Ayton.

Despite the scoring, Dybantsa struggled from the field, making 7 of 18 attempts. However, his ability to draw fouls translated from college, where he led Division I with 296 free-throw attempts. He drew eight shooting fouls in the debut game.

"I think my game kind of is built for the NBA, me getting in transition a lot, me getting downhill a lot and be able to make plays for my teammates,"

AJ Dybantsa, player, via The Athletic

Peterson finished the game with 24 points but struggled with efficiency and discipline, recording eight turnovers and nine personal fouls.

Defensive Versatility and Growth

In the second game on Sunday, the Wizards defeated the Sacramento Kings 104-85. Dybantsa scored 17 of his 23 points in the first 14 minutes of play. While his scoring remained high, his defensive contributions were particularly notable. He recorded three steals and two blocks without committing any fouls, finishing the game with a +18 rating in 24 minutes.

Shooting from long distance remains a challenge for the 6-foot-9 wing. After failing to make a 3-pointer on Thursday, he shot 1 of 6 from beyond the arc on Sunday. Wizards summer-league coach T.J. Sorrentine noted that while Dybantsa did not shoot great, his talent is evident in how he gets to his spots and the free-throw line.

Dybantsa shared the backcourt efficiency with fellow rookie Tre Johnson, who scored 26 points in the Thursday game. Together, the pair combined for 53 points against the Jazz.

Organizational Oversight

The Wizards' leadership has closely monitored the rookie's progress. Present at the debut were principal owner Ted Leonsis, general manager Will Dawkins, and coach Brian Keefe. Former No. 1 pick John Wall was also in attendance. Dawkins had previously stated that the team would evaluate Dybantsa's participation on a game-by-game basis following the Sunday exhibition.

The Summer League tournament, which allows teams to evaluate young talent and second-year players, concludes on July 19. Dybantsa's formal rookie campaign is scheduled to begin in October.