Dybantsa just led the nation in scoring (while shooting 51 percent from the field) despite being an inconsistent shooter from range (33.1 percent). And he did that as a teenaged freshman who lost his best teammate in the middle of February (Richie Saunders, who tore his ACL).
This type of scoring ability from an athletic, 6’9″ wing isn’t seen often, and it almost always points toward a high-end outcome. Even if Dybantsa doesn’t grow as a creator, defender and distributor—and, to be clear, his drive and natural tools both suggest he absolutely should—he has a pretty clear path toward wing-scoring stardom.
If the Wizards are unconvinced Dybantsa is the best prospect in this draft, they could trade back a spot or two to try snatching up whichever player sits atop their board. Still, given their need for stardom and this roster’s ability to welcome an impact wing, you’d think they would welcome him with open arms.
