No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa makes NBA debut for Wizards against Cavaliers

Washington Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa, the top pick in the NBA draft held in June, made his debut for the team against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.

Dybantsa, who stands at 6-foot-9, had been sidelined for the first four games of the season due to a sprained ankle. Coach Brian Keefe noted that the rookie was subject to minutes restrictions for his debut. "This is his first game. I just want him to enjoy it. It’s obviously a great milestone for him and his family, so just excited for him," Keefe remarked.

Dybantsa, who had been the leading scorer for BYU the previous season with an average of 25.5 points per game, is one of three players on the Wizards' roster who were selected as No. 1 picks. The other two are Deandre Ayton (2018) and Anthony Davis (2012).

The Wizards' season started off well, with a 2-2 record after the previous year's performance was a dismal 1-15. Keefe expressed his excitement about Dybantsa's debut, highlighting his impressive performance on both ends of the court, particularly in transition and in the passing lanes.

The team also announced on Wednesday that forward Justin Champagnie had undergone surgery to fix a fracture in his right foot, which had occurred during the first quarter of Monday's game against Charlotte. The Wizards have not disclosed a schedule for Champagnie's return.