WASHINGTON, DC — AJ Dybantsa was introduced to Washington media Thursday morning, meeting the press for the first time as a Wizard and confirming he will wear No. 4 for the franchise.
The number carries weight in this building. Dybantsa joins a long line of players who have worn No. 4 in Washington, from Moses Malone and Chris Webber to Antawn Jamison and Russell Westbrook. He is the latest, and perhaps the most anticipated, to put it on.
The introductory press conference with GM Will Dawkins made official what draft night started. Dawkins has been direct about what drew the front office to Dybantsa above everyone else in this class. “He’s the best athlete since our regime’s been here,” Dawkins said. “He led college in scoring, got a lot of upside on the defensive end, elite skill level. It’s hard to pass.”
Dybantsa arrived in Washington on Wednesday, greeted by members of the organization after flying in from New York. He came into Thursday’s session with the same mindset he carried out of Barclays Center Tuesday night. “Summer league coming up soon,” he said. “I’m just ready to work.”
That readiness is exactly what the Wizards are banking on. Dybantsa steps into a roster that now features Trae Young running the offense and Anthony Davis anchoring the frontcourt. The pieces are in place. The No. 4 jersey is his. The work starts now.