# NBA preseason and early regular season rookie evaluations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nba-preseason-rookie-evaluations > Updated: 2026-10-23T00:41:43.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 5. The NBA preseason has commenced, featuring evaluations of rookie players across different teams. New York Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara enters the preseason under scrutiny following a rookie season where he averaged 3.6 points and 1.4 rebounds. Coach Mike Brown noted that while Diawara is a versatile shooter, he has appeared “a little jittery” and must improve his composure and decision-making to become a reliable rotation player. In a preseason matchup between the Knicks and the Washington Wizards, rookie AJ Dybantsa made a strong debut for Washington, recording 11 points and four steals in a 111-109 victory. Dybantsa, the number one overall draft pick, expressed a commitment to playing with more engagement to overcome perceptions of being “a bit lazy” during his college career, though he struggled with his three-point shooting during the game. During the Wizards’ preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans, Dybantsa suffered a left ankle sprain after landing awkwardly following a mid-range jumper late in the second quarter. Although he walked to the locker room under his own power, Wizards head coach Brian Keefe described the incident as a mild ankle sprain, noting that Dybantsa would be considered day-to-day. In the Wizards’ regular-season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks, Dybantsa remained sidelined due to the injury. Despite his absence, Washington secured a 128-116 victory, led by Anthony Davis with 34 points and 12 rebounds, and Trae Young with 20 points and 13 assists. Davis’s performance matched the franchise record for points in a debut, set by Antawn Jamison in 2004. Following the win, Young expressed support for Davis, stating he wants to help his teammate enter the “MVP conversation.” The game also marked a transition for Milwaukee, who played their first game following the offseason trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: Washington Wizards face early season mixed results and injury setbacks The Washington Wizards opened their season with a win led by Anthony Davis but have since suffered a loss to the Raptors and continue to deal with an ankle injury to top pick AJ Dybantsa. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/anthony-davis-shines-in-washington-wizards-debut ### 2026-10-20: Washington Wizards defeat Milwaukee Bucks in season opener Anthony Davis scored 34 points in his Washington Wizards debut to lead the team to a 128-116 season-opening win over the Milwaukee Bucks, despite the absence of rookie AJ Dybantsa. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aj-dybantsa-to-miss-wizards-season-opener-due-to-ankle-injury ### 2026-10-17: AJ Dybantsa suffers ankle injury during Wizards preseason finale Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa suffered a left ankle sprain during a preseason game against the Pelicans, leaving his status for the regular-season opener in doubt. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aj-dybantsa-suffers-ankle-injury-during-wizards-preseason-finale ### 2026-10-09: AJ Dybantsa shines in Washington Wizards preseason debut Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa recorded 11 points and four steals in his preseason debut against the New York Knicks, highlighting a significant commitment to defensive improvement. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aj-dybantsa-shines-in-washington-wizards-preseason-debut ### 2026-10-03: Mohamed Diawara faces key preseason test with New York Knicks New York Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara faces a pivotal preseason as coach Mike Brown looks for the sophomore to overcome rookie jitters and prove he can contribute to the rotation. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mohamed-diawara-faces-key-preseason-test-with-new-york-knicks --- Cite as: NBA preseason and early regular season rookie evaluations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nba-preseason-rookie-evaluations