After being selected with the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, there was bound to be an immense amount of hype surrounding AJ Dybantsa coming into the Las Vegas Summer League. With the rookie phenomenon set to make his debut for the Washington Wizards against the Utah Jazz, featuring No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson, on Thursday night, it is safe to say he did not disappoint.
Dybantsa put on a show for the fans while leading the Wizards to a 92-88 win over the Jazz. With 27 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block, Dybantsa led all scorers, briefly edging out Peterson (24 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST) in the duel.
While AJ Dybantsa’s performance was individually brilliant, it was also historically significant. With 27 points, Dybantsa tied Blake Griffin’s record for the most points scored by a No. 1 pick in their Summer League debut.
Having notched one of the more noteworthy performances by a first overall pick, here are the top 10 highest-scoring Summer League debut performances by the No. 1 picks in NBA history:
10T. Cooper Flagg – 10 points (Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 87-85, 2025 Summer League)
10T. Derrick Rose – 10 points (Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat, 94-71, 2008 Summer League)
10T. Deandre Ayton – 10 points (Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks, 92-85, 2018 Summer League)
10T. Ben Simmons – 10 points (Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics, 94-102, 2016 Summer League)
9. Zion Williamson – 11 points (New Orleans Pelicans vs. New York Knicks, 80-74 (game called early due to earthquake), 2019 Summer League)
8. Cade Cunningham – 12 points (Detroit Pistons vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 72-76, 2021 Summer League)
7. LeBron James – 14 points (Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic, 107-80, 2003 Summer League)
5T. Paolo Banchero – 17 points (Orlando Magic vs. Houston Rockets, 91-77, 2022 Summer League)
5T. Markelle Fultz – 17 points (Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics, 88-89, 2017 Summer League)
4. Andrew Wiggins – 18 points (Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 70-68, 2014 Summer League)
3. John Wall – 24 points (Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors, 89-86, 2010 Summer League)
1T. Blake Griffin – 27 points (Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 93-82, 2009 Summer League)
1T. AJ Dybantsa – 27 points (Washington Wizards vs. Utah Jazz, 92-88, 2026 Summer League)
When compared to the other top picks on this list, AJ Dybantsa dominated in his Summer League debut. However, when considering the quality of players mentioned, the Wizards forward finds himself in impressive company.
AJ Dybantsa Confident About His Debut
After a strong performance to kick-start his professional career, AJ Dybantsa seemed satisfied with himself. When speaking to the media after the game, Dybantsa confidently stated that he showed the Wizards what he could bring to the table.
More importantly, he was certain that he displayed his potential to his future teammates, Anthony Davis and Trae Young, who were in attendance for the game. While commenting on what he showed them, AJ Dybantsa shared:
“A little bit of everything. I tried to defend a little bit, get a couple of blocks, get a couple of steals, rebound the ball well, and obviously just show my scoring ability, and I can space the floor and give those guys an extra ball handler, an extra scorer if they get tired.”
Dybantsa’s athleticism and physical tools may be his greatest assets, but his versatility and intelligence are not to be overlooked. The Wizards’ rookie plays with a composure and confidence that is not typically seen in younger players. Given how positively this could translate into him meshing with the rest of his team, Washington can certainly expect big things from the BYU product.
After a tremendous debut performance in the Summer League, AJ Dybantsa and the Washington Wizards will gear up for their next game against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, July 12. With a matchup between Dybantsa and Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. on the cards, this game is bound to be an exciting one.
