NBA Execs Sound Off on Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer, Wilson, More in Fresh Rumors Amid March Madness
Amid all the hype around the start of the NCAA men's tournament, NBA scouts and executives are keeping a close eye on what the top prospects in the 2026 draft class will do under the bright spotlight.
Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, AJ Dybantsa is considered the "leader in the clubhouse" to go No. 1 overall with one team being a possible exception depending on how the lottery plays out.
According to Fischer, rival teams feel that Duke standout Cameron Boozer would be the "preferred selection" for the Indiana Pacers even with the top pick because of his fit next to Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac.
The Pacers are in a very unique lottery position because of their February trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for Zubac. They gave up a protected pick that will only convey if it falls between the five and nine.
As things currently stand, the Pacers have the NBA's worst record (15-55) and a 52.1 percent chance of getting a top four pick.
Even though the top of this draft has largely been centered around the big three of Dybantsa, Boozer and Darryn Peterson, Fischer noted that North Carolina's Caleb Wilson could sneak into the top three due to some questions NBA teams have about Boozer and Peterson.
"Concerns about Peterson's health after a freshman season at Kansas marked by missed games and cramping issues and skepticism about Boozer's athletic profile and whether it will allow him to be a franchise player in the NBA," Fischer wrote.
Wilson has some physical concerns after missing UNC's final nine games due to two different hand injuries. He suffered a fractured left hand against Miami on Feb. 10, then broke his right thumb in practice on March 6 while trying to work his way back.
Peterson has been something of a lightning rod in recent weeks due to questions about his availability. No one has expressed any real skepticism about his on-court talent.
Another interesting note provided to Fischer by one Eastern Conference executive is all 14 lottery picks could end up being comprised of college freshman.
Peterson, Boozer, Dybantsa and Wilson all fit the criteria, as do Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff, Mikel Brown Jr. and Kingston Flemings.
B/R's Jonathan Wasserman released a new mock draft on Tuesday, with Dybantsa going No. 1 overall. Boozer, Peterson, Wilson and Flemings round out the top five.
Dybantsa's final in-game audition for NBA scouts was very strong. He put up 35 points and 10 rebounds on Thursday in BYU's 79-71 loss to Texas in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Boozer fought through some shooting struggles to finish with 22 points and 13 rebounds to help Duke overcome an 11-point deficit and avoid a first-round disaster against No. 16 seed Siena.
