Wizards' No.1 pick Dybantsa suffers ankle injury in preseason

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 18:27 · Archive

AJ Dybantsa, the Washington Wizards' No.1 draft pick, sprained his left ankle in Friday's preseason finale against New Orleans.

The Washington Wizards' No.1 draft pick AJ Dybantsa suffered a left ankle sprain during their preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. The 19-year-old turned his ankle after landing awkwardly following a pull-up jumper in the second quarter at Smoothie King Center. He walked to the locker room under his own power, appearing to mouth 'I'm good' as he departed.

The Wizards ruled Dybantsa out for the second half as a precaution. Head coach Brian Keefe told reporters: 'We'll look at it more when we get more information.' Before the injury, the rookie had recorded 12 points, three rebounds and a block in 15 minutes of first-half action. Across four preseason games, he is averaging 12 points, four rebounds and one assist while shooting 43 per cent from the field.

The injury casts doubt on Dybantsa's participation in the Wizards' regular season debut on Wednesday. The BYU forward was the team's first No.1 pick since 2010. The Wizards have bolstered their roster this offseason with moves including a four-year, $212 million extension for Trae Young.

How it is being reported

• AJ Dybantsa’s Wizards debut in jeopardy after ankle injury in preseason finaleAJ Dybantsa sprained his left ankle in the Wizards’ preseason finale, putting his opening night debut in doubt.New York Post · 17 Oct, 18:09
• Washington Wizards left sweating as No.1 pick AJ Dybantsa limps out of preseason finale with ankle injuryThe 19-year-old rookie appeared to turn his left ankle after landing awkwardly following a pull-up jumper late in the second quarter at Smoothie King Center.Daily Mail Sport · 17 Oct, 03:24

In this story: AJ Dybantsa · Washington Wizards · New Orleans Pelicans · Brian Keefe

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