By JONATHAN BURROWS
Tribune Sports Reporter
jburrows@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIAN centre Deandre "D.A." Ayton recorded four points, seven rebounds and four assists in the Washington Wizards’ 131 to 122 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, continuing his adjustment to a new role during the NBA preseason.
Ayton played 25 minutes at Capital One Arena, shooting two for four from the field while committing one turnover and finishing with a minus 15 rating. His four assists marked his highest total through Washington’s first three preseason games, showing his ability to contribute as a passer despite a modest scoring output.
The 28 year old started against Brooklyn and played a larger role than he did in Washington’s previous two outings. He collected seven rebounds, including two on the offensive glass, as the Wizards suffered their first defeat of the preseason after opening with consecutive victories over the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons.
His strongest rebounding performance came in Washington’s preseason opener against New York on October 8. Ayton finished with four points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one steal in 17 minutes during a 111 to 109 victory at Madison Square Garden. He made both of his field goal attempts and secured nine defensive rebounds, providing an efficient contribution without needing many touches offensively.
Ayton followed that performance with four points, six rebounds and one assist in 15 minutes against Detroit on October 10 as Washington recorded a 114 to 108 win. He did not make his only field goal attempt but converted four of six free throws, helping the Wizards maintain their unbeaten preseason record at the time.
Across his first three appearances, Ayton has averaged four points, 7.7 rebounds and two assists in approximately 19 minutes per game. He has shot 57.1 per cent from the field, making four of seven attempts, while collecting 23 rebounds overall. His early production has been strongest on the boards, although his scoring opportunities have remained limited.
The preseason has also provided an early look at Ayton’s adjustment to Washington’s frontcourt rotation.
The Wizards acquired him from the Los Angeles Lakers in July, sending Jaden Hardy and two second round draft picks to Los Angeles. Ayton is expected to serve as a backup to Alex Sarr, although he started against Brooklyn while Anthony Davis was absent from the starting line up.
Ayton acknowledged the depth of the roster during Washington’s media day and expressed his willingness to accept whatever role head coach Brian Keefe assigns him.
“I’ll play wherever Coach BK wants me. The depth we have on this team is insane,” Ayton said.
The change represents a notable adjustment for the former first overall draft pick. According to Bullets Forever, Ayton had made 363 consecutive starts since his last appearance off the bench during Phoenix’s 2020 postseason run. He is now preparing to contribute in a different capacity as Washington looks to build a more competitive team.
Ayton enters his ninth NBA season at 28, having previously played for the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers before joining Washington, the fourth franchise of his career. He was selected first overall by Phoenix in the 2018 NBA Draft and has established himself as a centre capable of providing interior scoring and rebounding.
He finished the 2025 to 2026 regular season with the Lakers averaging 12.5 points and eight rebounds across 72 games. Those numbers came below his career averages, leaving the move to Washington an opportunity to re-establish himself and provide consistent production in a new environment.
Ayton’s contract also places added importance on the upcoming campaign. He exercised his $8.1 million player option for the 2026 to 2027 season, which is the final year of his current deal. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Washington’s preseason performances have so far produced encouraging signs in the rebounding department, particularly in Ayton’s outing against New York. His latest performance against Brooklyn also showed some passing ability, but the Wizards will need greater defensive consistency after allowing 131 points in the defeat.
Ayton and Washington are scheduled to conclude their preseason on October 16, against the New Orleans Pelicans before opening the regular season. As the Wizards prepare for the campaign, his ability to remain productive in a reduced role could prove important to the team’s frontcourt depth.