WASHINGTON — The Wizards have asked Trae Young and Anthony Davis to help guide No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa through his rookie season, presenting him with a 300-page survival manual before the three have played a game together.
Young wrote the section on running an offense while four teammates point toward different places they would like the ball. Davis contributed chapters on protecting the rim, answering questions about expectations, and declining to make firm predictions about February.
The document also includes a glossary of phrases Dybantsa will hear throughout the year. “We’re building something” can mean almost anything. “Great learning experience” usually follows a loss. “The future is bright” should be interpreted according to the score.
“We wanted AJ to benefit from our experience,” said a fictional team official. “There’s no reason he should have to discover all 300 pages himself.”
Dybantsa’s first assignment was to ask Young and Davis what the team expects from him. Young said to play his game. Davis said to be patient. The cover of the manual said to become the face of the franchise by Thursday.
Coaches emphasized that the rookie will have plenty of veteran support. They then asked him to pose between Young and Davis for a photo captioned The Future Is Here, followed by a second photo with just Dybantsa for use if the first one becomes complicated.
The guide ends with a reassuring message: “You do not have to save this franchise alone.” It appears in four-point type beneath a full-page picture of Dybantsa.
