For the first time in a while, the Wizards enter an NBA season with a collection of high-end talent and a real shot at making a run to the playoffs.
It’s been six years since Washington last made the Eastern Conference bracket behind Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal — but now, with a unique combination of veteran stars and rising young talent, there’s optimism in D.C. again. On Thursday, the potential of a new era was on display.
Anthony Davis and AJ Dybantsa both made their Wizards debuts alongside Trae Young, offering glimpses into how Washington’s “Big 3” could click in 2026-27.
Here are three takeaways from the debut of the Wizards’ new star trio.
Takeaways from ‘Big 3’ debut for Wizards new star trioAnthony Davis is still Anthony Davis, even with uncertain future
Davis has been a Wizard since February, but it wasn’t until Thursday night that he finally put on a red, white and blue uniform and played a game for Washington. It looks like it was worth the wait.
The big man led all players in the Wizards vs. Knicks matchup with 16 points in his 17 minutes, proving he can still be the best player in any given game when at his best. Granted, it is preseason — but if Davis can remain the kind of force he was in Game No. 1, it gives Washington a fairly high floor this season.
Davis also finished with seven rebounds, two assists and one block after starting alongside Deandre Ayton as a power forward. History has suggested Davis prefers playing the four with a big man next to him — and if Ayton’s strong rebounding (10 rebounds vs. Knicks) continues, it could be an experiment that works well for Brian Keefe.
ANTHONY DAVIS HIGHLIGHTS IN HIS WIZARDS PRESEASON DEBUT 16 POINTS 7 REBOUNDS 2 ASSISTS 2 THREES 6/11 FG 17 MINUTES AD IS REALLY A WIZARD ❤️❤️ https://t.co/kEsrlTudbz
— WizardsMuse (@WizardsMuse1) October 9, 2026
Davis does still face somewhat of an uncertain future with the Wizards. For now, he’s not going anywhere, but he was surrounded by trade rumors all offseason, and he won’t fit on Washington’s timeline for long.
But as long as Davis is around and healthy —which is always another big question — he gives the Wizards the kind of big man threat they’ve lacked for a long time.
3-point shooting could be a significant strength
As a team in Thursday’s preseason game, the Wizards shot 13-of-33 (39%) from deep. The potential is there for Washington’s offense to be dynamic with a healthy Davis and Young often setting the table — and if the double-big lineup with Ayton is going to work, Thursday’s game was also an encouraging sign.
Davis, who hasn’t shot over 30% from 3-point range in a full NBA season since 2019-20, went 2-of-3 from deep against the Knicks. If he’s improved as a shooter this coming season, it could work wonders for Keefe’s unit, allowing him to start Ayton at center with less concern about spacing issues.
Anthony Davis gets on the board from deep in his @WashWizards preseason debut 🎯 Wizards/Knicks is LIVE on NBA TV! https://t.co/DFpd2RhI0u
— NBA (@NBA) October 9, 2026
Young is already a known commodity as a deep shooter, but his 3-for-6 night from deep was still further proof that the Wizards have a type of star shooting threat they haven’t had since Beal’s prime years. Young’s range and passing ability can open a lot of things up for this Washington team.
Life will be a lot easier for players like Kyshaun George and Bub Carrington this season as they play off of the Wizards’ star trio. The gravity that Young, Davis and Dybantsa create could make the Wizards one of the NBA’s best shooting teams.
This new Wizards trio might be scary 😲 https://t.co/E5ZZthv5yQ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 9, 2026AJ Dybantsa can make an impact every night on both ends of the floor
In his first game as a Wizard, Dybantsa went for 11 points, two rebounds and two assists on 5-of-11 shooting with four steals and no turnovers. Coming into the NBA, he was considered a prospect with a remarkably high floor — and that was shown in Thursday’s game.
When the Wizards need Dybantsa to create offense, he can do so. He had a couple of strong finishes around the rim against New York, and his lob pass to George showcased his playmaking ability.
AJ Dybantsa fadeaway is pure. 😮💨 https://t.co/il1gfbP2Za
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 9, 2026
Defensively, he was perhaps even more encouraging, picking off a few passes and getting in transition.
AJ Dybantsa showcased his skills in his NBA preseason debut 👏 11 PTS 4 STL (game-high) The @WashWizards pick up the road win! https://t.co/0GkIB1zQZv
— NBA (@NBA) October 9, 2026
There weren’t many doubts about Dybantsa before, but for Wizards fans, it was likely refreshing to see the young wing showcase his all-around talent. His skill set can impact games every night this season, even as a rookie, whether as a finisher at the rim, mid-range creator or defensive stopper.