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With top overall pick AJ Dybantsa leading the way, the Washington Wizards opened Summer League with a 92-88 win over second overall pick Darryn Peterson and the Utah Jazz on Thursday night.
While they weren't in action, the Wizards also had a healthy group from the rest of the roster in attendance with Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr, Tristan Vukcevic and Deandre Ayton among the players in attendance. So was Bub Carrington as one of a handful of NBA guest photographers through Summer League. Yet we dive into our three takeaways:
Dybantsa debut...the rookie had a slight case of some nerves in the opening minutes of the game, but quickly saw those slip away after kicking off the scoring for Washington with a layup. Less than 20 seconds later, Dybantsa would then find Will Riley for a dunk in transition for a three-point play. Dybantsa also showcased his scoring touch inside the arc between his reverse layups, finishing through contact on the wing or even a poster slam after taking on four Jazz defenders.
Dybantsa already notched double figures scoring by the end of the first quarter and finished with a game-high 27 points along with seven rebounds, two steals and two assists in 27 minutes. It didn't take long for the BYU product to showcase why he drew consistent buzz as the top prospect in the draft with his footwork and shot creation evident throughout. What was a struggle was Dybantsa finishing just 2-for-13 in shots outside the paint, including 0-for-5 from three.
Yet at times, Dybantsa may have forced his shot too much at times, such as contested mid-range jumpers despite facing double teams, still he showcased just about his full scoring arsenal along the way. It's only one game from Summer League, but Dybantsa showcased why he became the top overall pick over Darryn Peterson, who finished with a team-high 24 points on 6-of-18 shooting.
Sophomores shines...Tre Johnson looked to turn the page from a shooting slump to end his rookie season, instead opening Summer League as one of two Wizards to eclipse 25 points. Johnson was the first in double figures while he finished with 26 points on 11-of-20 shooting where he was aggressive in the paint, finishing with his off hand early in the first quarter then converting a tough floater with a minute left to keep Washington narrowly ahead. But he wasn't the only one who stuck out.
It would be Jamir Watkins who drew the assignment against Darryn Peterson and despite finishing with nine fouls -- one away from fouling out in Summer League rules -- his perimeter defense throughout the night reinforced why the second round pick carved out at least a small role almost immediately after arriving. Watkins wasn't as active offensively after finishing with two points on 1-of-2 shooting, along with three rebounds and one steal, while contributing to Peterson's eight turnovers. Peterson banked in a three as time expired before he exchanged words with Watkins walking off the court, adding another underrated layer to the regular season matchup.
The rest...Chris Livingston stuck out with a tip-in dunk in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter before chipping away late offensively. Reece Beekman's defense stuck out in the second quarter before benefitting with a block in the final minutes of the first half, one of a game-high three for the G League guard. Julian Reese showcase his activity around the rim that made him a rookie sensation to end the 2025-26 season after posting four rebounds in 21 minutes. Seth Trimble was able to jump passing lanes to register a pair of steals while Kadary Richmond played four minutes in the win. Norris Agbakoko, Tre Carroll, John Camden, Damari Monsanto and RJ Nembhard Jr. were all DNPs with a question how much we see them over the next four games.
Wizards Roundtable also offers a fan community. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Wizards. Create an account, click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our free community and follow for all of our coverage, analysis and more!
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While they weren't in action, the Wizards also had a healthy group from the rest of the roster in attendance with Anthony Davis, Trae Young, Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr, Tristan Vukcevic and Deandre Ayton among the players in attendance. So was Bub Carrington as one of a handful of NBA guest photographers through Summer League. Yet we dive into our three takeaways:
Dybantsa debut...the rookie had a slight case of some nerves in the opening minutes of the game, but quickly saw those slip away after kicking off the scoring for Washington with a layup. Less than 20 seconds later, Dybantsa would then find Will Riley for a dunk in transition for a three-point play. Dybantsa also showcased his scoring touch inside the arc between his reverse layups, finishing through contact on the wing or even a poster slam after taking on four Jazz defenders.
Dybantsa already notched double figures scoring by the end of the first quarter and finished with a game-high 27 points along with seven rebounds, two steals and two assists in 27 minutes. It didn't take long for the BYU product to showcase why he drew consistent buzz as the top prospect in the draft with his footwork and shot creation evident throughout. What was a struggle was Dybantsa finishing just 2-for-13 in shots outside the paint, including 0-for-5 from three.
Yet at times, Dybantsa may have forced his shot too much at times, such as contested mid-range jumpers despite facing double teams, still he showcased just about his full scoring arsenal along the way. It's only one game from Summer League, but Dybantsa showcased why he became the top overall pick over Darryn Peterson, who finished with a team-high 24 points on 6-of-18 shooting.
Sophomores shines...Tre Johnson looked to turn the page from a shooting slump to end his rookie season, instead opening Summer League as one of two Wizards to eclipse 25 points. Johnson was the first in double figures while he finished with 26 points on 11-of-20 shooting where he was aggressive in the paint, finishing with his off hand early in the first quarter then converting a tough floater with a minute left to keep Washington narrowly ahead. But he wasn't the only one who stuck out.
It would be Jamir Watkins who drew the assignment against Darryn Peterson and despite finishing with nine fouls -- one away from fouling out in Summer League rules -- his perimeter defense throughout the night reinforced why the second round pick carved out at least a small role almost immediately after arriving. Watkins wasn't as active offensively after finishing with two points on 1-of-2 shooting, along with three rebounds and one steal, while contributing to Peterson's eight turnovers. Peterson banked in a three as time expired before he exchanged words with Watkins walking off the court, adding another underrated layer to the regular season matchup.
The rest...Chris Livingston stuck out with a tip-in dunk in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter before chipping away late offensively. Reece Beekman's defense stuck out in the second quarter before benefitting with a block in the final minutes of the first half, one of a game-high three for the G League guard. Julian Reese showcase his activity around the rim that made him a rookie sensation to end the 2025-26 season after posting four rebounds in 21 minutes. Seth Trimble was able to jump passing lanes to register a pair of steals while Kadary Richmond played four minutes in the win. Norris Agbakoko, Tre Carroll, John Camden, Damari Monsanto and RJ Nembhard Jr. were all DNPs with a question how much we see them over the next four games.
Wizards Roundtable also offers a fan community. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Wizards. Create an account, click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our free community and follow for all of our coverage, analysis and more!
Continue reading...
