Washington Wizards’ No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa enjoyed a magnificent Summer League debut by leading his squad to a 92-88 win over No.2 pick Darryn Peterson’s Utah Jazz.
It was only a Summer League contest, but Dybantsa’s professional debut carried heavy importance for a Wizards franchise that has struggled for years, and his performance quickly drew praise from several NBA analysts.
NBA Analysts React as AJ Dybantsa Shines in Summer League Debut
Dybantsa caught fire in the opening two quarters to help the Wizards build a 54-37 halftime lead in his Summer League debut. He finished with a game-high 27 points while adding 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 assists, tying Blake Griffin for the highest-scoring Summer League debut by a No. 1 overall pick.
Dybantsa failed to connect on any of his three-point attempts, but he still proved why he is considered a special talent.
On Saturday, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor was joined by analysts Corey Tulaba and Albert Ghim to discuss the opening days of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
When asked which player surprised him the most, Ghim immediately pointed to Dybantsa.
“My guy’s AJ Dybantsa,” Ghim said. “I just felt like I was surprised by how easy the game was for him. I like the fact that he just acclimated so easily. He was constantly walking to the rim. He felt the moment, lived up to the moment, and put on some highlight plays. He gave the fans what they wanted.”
“I was surprised how easy the game was for him.” 😮💨@KevinOConnor, @CoreyTulaba & @albertoeghim react to AJ Dybantsa’s impressive Summer League debut 💪
(via The Kevin O’Connor Show) pic.twitter.com/Wd0zZQ1kX3
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 11, 2026
Summer League games are often messy because of limited chemistry and players trying to showcase their skills, and Thursday’s game followed that pattern, with Peterson committing 9 fouls.
However, Utah had no answer for Dybantsa, as multiple defenders took turns guarding him, but none could consistently keep him from attacking the basket.
Tulaba also chimed in, noting the rookie’s ability to pressure the rim.
“You couldn’t keep AJ from the rim,” Tulaba said. “That is why he’s going to be such a devastating scorer, because even on nights where he’s not making shots, he’s going to get to the rim.”
The game also marked the fourth meeting between Dybantsa and Peterson.
Before Thursday, Peterson had won all three previous encounters, including their only college matchup, when he scored 18 points to help the Kansas Jayhawks defeat the BYU Cougars 90-82 despite Dybantsa’s 17-point effort.
However, Dybantsa finally snapped his winless streak against Peterson, and the rookies have braced the fans for exciting clashes next season.
