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NBA preseason and early regular season rookie evaluations

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2026-10-22 12:33 UTC → 2026-10-23 17:21 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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