NFL
The Washington Wizards opened the NBA Summer League with back-to-back wins. They defeated the Utah Jazz 92-88 before earning a 104-85 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Behind the outstanding debut of AJ Dybantsa and the talented young core, Washington entered this year’s NBA Summer League with renewed excitement for the years ahead. As the Summer League continues, five questions remain.
The Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Then, they acquired veteran stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis. Washington has given its fans a reason to believe in the franchise’s direction.
Young and Davis are not participating in the Summer League. However, their arrival signals a fresh chapter for the franchise as it moves past its rebuilding years. Summer League gives fans and the franchise a first chance to see how the organization’s young talent could fit into that future.
The excitement carried into Washington’s Summer League opener as the Wizards defeated the Utah Jazz, 92-88. Dybantsa wasted little to no time showing why he was the No. 1 overall pick. He finished with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in his debut. Tre Johnson nearly matched him with 26 points. In addition, Will Riley added 18, giving Wizards fans an early glimpse of a young core capable of shaping the franchise’s future. Washington built on that momentum with a 104-85 victory over the Sacramento Kings, moving to 2-0 in this year’s Summer League. Before tipoff against their next opponent, here are the five questions that remain.
1. Can AJ already look like the Franchise Player?
It’s never easy carrying the expectations that come with being the No. 1 overall pick, but AJ Dybantsa embraced the moment in his Summer League debut.
While his stat line certainly stood out, it was the confidence he played with that impressed the most. Dybantsa attacked the basket, looked comfortable creating his own offense, and never appeared overwhelmed by the moment. Although he struggled from three-point range, finishing 0-for-5, he continued to impact the game by getting downhill, drawing contact, and making winning plays.
One Summer League game won’t determine what kind of NBA player he’ll become, but it was an encouraging first step. The challenge now is seeing whether he can build on that performance against Sacramento and throughout the remainder of Summer League.
2. Did the Wizards find another building block in Tre Johnson?
While AJ Dybantsa received most of the attention, Tre Johnson quietly reminded everyone why the Wizards’ future isn’t built around just one player.
Johnson finished with 26 points, consistently creating offense and scoring in a variety of ways. Having another young player capable of carrying the scoring load takes pressure off Dybantsa. It also gives Washington another piece to build around. If Johnson continues to play with this level of confidence, the Wizards could already have the foundation for an exciting young duo.
3. Can this young core continue building chemistry?
Summer League is about much more than individual performances. It’s an opportunity to see how young players communicate, defend, and grow together before training camp begins.
Will Riley’s 18-point performance added another bright spot to Washington’s opener, while players like Felix Okpara and Jamir Watkins continued getting valuable experience. The Wizards aren’t looking for finished products; they’re looking for players who fit together and can continue developing over the next several seasons.
The more chemistry this group builds now, the stronger the foundation they’ll have heading into the regular season.
4. What impact will Trae Young have on this team?
Although Trae Young isn’t playing in Summer League, his effect may already be taking shape. Following his arrival in Washington, Young has spoken about taking on the opportunity to help lead this new-look Wizards team. For a roster filled with young players, having a veteran who understands the expectations of being a franchise player can be just as valuable as anything happening on the court in Las Vegas.
As players like Dybantsa, Johnson, and Riley continue developing, Young’s leadership and skill could become one of Washington’s biggest strengths once the regular season begins.
5. Is this finally the new beginning of a new era in Washington?
Perhaps the biggest question has nothing to do with one game.
For years, Wizards fans have been waiting for something to believe in. Thursday night’s victory over Utah won’t erase the challenges of recent seasons. However, it did provide something that has been missing for a while: optimism.
The additions of Trae Young and Anthony Davis, combined with AJ Dybantsa’s impressive debut and the emergence of several young contributors, have created a different feeling surrounding the franchise.
There is still plenty of work to do. However, for the first time in years, the conversation around Wizards basketball feels centered on possibility instead of uncertainty.
Summer League is about development, not perfection.
The Wizards still have plenty of growing to do, and one game won’t define the direction of the franchise. But after opening Summer League with a win over the Jazz, Washington has already given its fans a reason to stay invested.
Sunday’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings presents another opportunity for the Wizards’ young core to continue building chemistry, gain valuable experience, and answer a few more of the questions surrounding this team’s future.
If the first two games were any indication, Wizards fans have every reason to keep watching.
