CHICAGO — AJ Dybantsa, widely viewed as a contender for the No. 1 pick in next month’s draft, treated the opening days of the NBA draft combine like a formal job interview, arriving in a suit and tie for meetings with club officials and the media.
“I never had a job before,” the 18-year-old forward said Wednesday. “This is my first job interview, so I came professional, came in a suit.”
By midday, Dybantsa had already met with the teams holding the first five selections — the Wizards, Jazz, Grizzlies, Bulls and Clippers — as well as the Hawks and Mavericks. He pitched his versatility, commitment and box-office appeal, noting he can defend or play positions one through four and “fill seats” with an explosive style.
Other top-four candidates state their cases
Projected lottery picks Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson were also pressed on why they deserve the draft’s top spot.
- Cameron Boozer pointed to his basketball IQ, feel for the game and competitiveness.
- Darryn Peterson emphasized his ability to blend with any roster and dismissed speculation he is focused solely on the point-guard role.
- Caleb Wilson highlighted leadership, focus and a clean bill of health after a hand injury shortened his college season. “My hand’s perfectly fine now,” he said, adding the setback made him more grateful to play.
Wilson displayed local savvy by referencing Michael Jordan, “The Last Dance” documentary and “SLAP” — the acronym Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham uses for the traits he prizes: size, length, athleticism and physicality. Chicago owns picks No. 4 and No. 15 and expects to interview roughly 20 prospects this week.
Scouts and executives at the combine largely view Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer and Wilson as the draft’s “big four,” with a talent drop-off projected once that quartet is off the board.
Source: Hoops Rumors
