Wizards
AJ Dybantsa’s NBA debut will have to wait.
The Wizards have ruled out the No. 1 overall pick for Wednesday’s opener against the Bucks because of an ankle injury. Coach Brian Keefe said Tuesday that Dybantsa will be considered day-to-day afterward, according to Josh Robbins of The Athletic.
When he returns, Dybantsa will join a lineup that has prompted differing opinions among rival scouts. As Robbins writes, some evaluators believe playing alongside Trae Young will help the rookie find easier scoring opportunities. Others wonder whether Young’s ball-handling responsibilities will limit Dybantsa’s development as a creator.
“Ideally, you put the ball in his hands, and you let him figure it out,” one scout told Robbins. “He’s talented enough that, as you grow your team, he’ll get better.”
That scout questioned whether Dybantsa would get enough chances to attack, post up smaller defenders and make decisions with the ball.
Another evaluator viewed the presence of Young and Anthony Davis as a major advantage, allowing Dybantsa to learn without having to manufacture offense on every possession.
“He’s got so many guys that are really good basketball players that he should be able to find his spots within the flow of the offense,” another scout said. “He’ll get out and transition and finish. He’ll get the ball on the second side of the offense and be able to create.”
Warriors
Stephen Curry is ready for Wednesday’s opener against the Lakers, but the Warriors still have a couple of other availability questions.
Brandin Podziemski is questionable with lower back soreness after getting hurt during Sunday’s practice, Steve Kerr said, per Nick Friedell of The Athletic. Charles Bassey also missed Monday’s practice while dealing with knee tendinitis.
Kerr described both players as day-to-day. Neither issue has been presented as a long-term concern, though the Warriors already have little room for additional absences.
Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody remain out while recovering from major injuries, and Kristaps Porzingis is away from the team because of an illness.
Curry completed a full practice Monday after tweaking his right ankle Sunday. Having him available settles the Warriors’ biggest concern, but Podziemski’s ball-handling and Bassey’s size would also be useful for a team starting the season short on healthy bodies.
Timberwolves
The Timberwolves completed Jaden McDaniels’ one-year, $40 million extension before Monday night’s deadline, adding another season to their commitment to the forward.
McDaniels was already owed $84 million over the next three years. The extension covers 2029-30, bringing his total to $124 million over four seasons, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
That’s a sizable investment in a player who has become more than a defensive specialist. McDaniels averaged 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season, shooting 51.5 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from three while continuing to take on difficult perimeter assignments.
Minnesota believes there’s more offense available with LaMelo Ball running the point. McDaniels averaged 14.8 points in just 20.7 minutes during four preseason appearances.
The additional year also gives McDaniels a stronger starting point for future negotiations. His next deal would follow a $40 million salary, and he’ll have 10 years of NBA service by the time this contract expires in 2030.
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