Hope, Defense, and a First Overall Pick: Wizards Preseason Thoughts
Hope, a four-letter word that has escaped Wizards fans since the fourth quarter of Game 7 against Boston in 2017, now circulates the District as the new-look Wizards provide plenty of preseason promise.
While we wait for regular-season play, the Wizards have echoed this change in their preseason rehearsal win over the Knicks and throughout training camp. Following my initial observations of the team, I’ll be sharing a few things I’ve noticed early on that should give D.C. basketball fans reason to hope.
Defensive Culture Change
Teams often talk about changing a losing culture, but it is another battle to truly turn the corner.
Coach Brian Keefe stated, “We’re focused on how we’re going to get there.” in reference to the team’s detailed approach to growth and internal expectations.
The 2025–26 Wizards ranked second worst in points allowed, had the worst rebounding differential, and ranked 26th in opponent field-goal percentage. While the additions of Anthony Davis and Deandre Ayton boost the team’s talent, the buy-in from young players may be what tips the culture in the right direction.
Anthony Davis told the media that the young Wizards communicate as much as he does when it comes to defensive coverages.
When I asked Keefe about his confidence in the defense following the team’s first preseason game, he responded, “It’s Game 1, though. This is something you want to be consistent at, but a good first step.” He also noted that mistakes in transition defense need to be cleaned up, as those were the main negative from the first preseason game.
Dybantsa’s Debut
Preseason basketball, combined with the hype surrounding a No. 1 overall pick like AJ Dybantsa, can often lead fans and those analyzing the game to overreact. However, in a limited showing, I think we got a good look at the player AJ is and who he can become.
Dybantsa finished with 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting, with two rebounds, two assists, and four steals in 23 minutes.
AJ gets to the rim and is an elite athlete, even at NBA standards. At practice on Friday, he told media about doing extra work in the weight room to build on his quick first step.
His fast decision-making and ability to attack closeouts stood out. The ball didn’t stick when he got his chance offensively, and he drew a second defender often on dries. He also blew past OG Anunoby on one of his drives to the cup. Given his speed, it will be tough for teams to have wing defenders that can match his level of explosiveness.
Despite a good showing slashing to the basket, Dybantsa shot 0-of-3 from three-point range, but defenders may close out more cautiously because of his speed, potentially giving him good looks as his jumper improves.
Defensively, he showed effort, matched up well against a veteran in OG Anunoby, and played the ball well, recording four steals in the contest.
There were some defensive question marks at BYU, where Dybantsa carried a heavy offensive load. AJ told the media that he was “lazy” at times and wanted to improve his activity on defense, and he certainly showed immediate growth in that department.
If his defensive effort remains consistent, his fit alongside the veterans, especially Trae Young, and the emerging Kyshawn George as playmakers could yield immediate results for this emerging Wizards team.
There’s still more to learn and plenty of basketball on the horizon, so stay locked in with District of Buckets for more to come.
