NBA fans think AJ Dybantsa will give Luka Doncic 'a run for his money' after solid preseason start

AJ Dybantsa made his second preseason start with the Washington Wizards, and fans think the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft could be the man who saves their franchise. Dybantsa scored 14 points in 23 minutes, showcasing a level of maturity in his game that few NBA rookies have shown when making the jump from the collegiate game to the pros. And after seeing how well he played, along with his fit alongside Anthony Davis and Trae Young, fans think the Wizards’ dark days are over. NBA fans say Washington Wizards ‘finally’ have something to cheer after AJ Dybantsa’s performance AJ Dybantsa’s highlights from his second preseason game with the Washington Wizards drew several reactions from fans on social media, with many highlighting his strengths on the offensive end. The former BYU standout has made quite the impression in preseason, delivering a performance that has inspired a level of optimism within the Wizards’ fanbase. View Tweet Many fans took to social media to laud Dybantsa’s performance, with some highlighting just how strong he looked and how bright his future is. One fan wrote, “Not going to lie – ROTY is going to be a dogfight.” Another fan added, “Had 12 in the first half, and he’s not slowing down. Number one pick playing like preseason counts! Wizards fans finally have something to watch.” MORE WASHINGTON WIZARDS STORIES A third fan pointed to how mature Dybantsa’s game looked, saying, “This man is moving like a five-year vet!” The Wizards select AJ Dybantsa with the first pick! What's your take on the decision? Dybantsa is a star in the making... “This kid is going to give Luka a run for his money,” wrote a fourth fan who was very impressed with Dybantsa’s ability to manipulate defences. A fifth fan referenced how stacked the 2026 NBA Draft class is, saying, “The crazy part is he’s this good and I still think it’s a toss-up for who the best player of this class is.” And lastly, one fan compared Dybantsa to the reigning league MVP, noting, “He’s like a larger, more athletic SGA.” Dybantsa scored 14 points while going 4/10 from the field. While he wasn’t able to convert either of his three-point attempts, he did score six of his points from his 10 free-throw attempts. On top of this, he grabbed 11 rebounds, dished out four assists, had a steal and two blocks. While his five turnovers will be concerning, this could be a sign for the Wizards coaching staff that he isn’t ready to be the primary ball-handler for the team. Read more: Join Our Newsletter Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox