If the Indiana Pacers snag the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, they should be eyeing BYU's AJ Dybantsa. With the league's worst record, they've got a 14% shot at landing that top spot, according to Tankathon.com. And if they do, Dybantsa is the player to watch, especially after his recent performances.
Dybantsa has been lighting it up all season at BYU, but since February, he's taken his game to another level. Over 13 games, he's averaged 28.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, shooting 49.4% from the field and 35.2% from beyond the arc.
His last three games were nothing short of spectacular, racking up a combined 93 points and breaking Kevin Durant's Big 12 tournament scoring record. That’s right, Dybantsa put up 93 points in just three games, surpassing Durant's 92.
The upcoming NBA Draft is stacked at the top, with Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cam Boozer all looking like potential franchise players. The choice for the No. 1 pick will likely hinge on which team wins the draft lottery. But if it's the Pacers, their path seems clear-Dybantsa is their guy.
Why should the Pacers go for Dybantsa? While they'd be in good shape with Peterson or Boozer too, Dybantsa stands out.
At 19, he's got the physical attributes-standing 6-foot-9 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan-and the athleticism to thrive in the NBA. He's a versatile player who excels in almost every aspect of the game.
In today's NBA, a ball-dominant wing who can contribute across the board is invaluable.
Dybantsa brings relentless energy and has few weaknesses. He's an elite shot-creator, scoring at all three levels and continually improving his three-point shot. He can drive to the basket, rebound, defend, and facilitate plays, making him a complete package.
Adding Dybantsa to the Pacers' roster would relieve pressure from players like Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and Pascal Siakam, especially with Bennedict Mathurin no longer in the mix. His all-around game would make him an instant contributor, fitting seamlessly with the existing lineup. With the Pacers potentially re-entering the championship conversation soon, Dybantsa could be the missing piece.
Though he's already NBA-ready, Dybantsa still has untapped potential. His talent suggests he could start immediately for the Pacers, contributing significantly from the get-go.
Indiana will need a bit of luck to secure that No. 1 pick, but if they do, drafting Dybantsa could set them on a path to becoming a powerhouse, capable of competing for titles both now and in the future. Adding a player like him could be transformative for the franchise.