After trading Bennedict Mathurin to the Los Angeles Clippers in February, the Indiana Pacers are in need of another ball-dominant wing who can take the pressure off of players like Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Andrew Nembhard. And if all goes well, they will have a perfect replacement (and probably even an upgrade) in BYU forward AJ Dybantsa.
If the Pacers get their pick back from the Clippers (which they will if it lands in the 1-4 range), they will have a solid chance to draft Dybantsa, who many consider to be the best player in this year's class (and, trust me, that's saying something).
There is a lot to like about Dybantsa. He is an athletic freak who can score on all three levels, rebound at a high level, facilitate and make some plays, and (most importantly) create his own shot. And while he isn't a fantastic defender, he has the tools to develop into one with his athleticism and seven-foot wingspan.
But in Indiana specifically, he wouldn't just be another great player; he would be a big piece to the puzzle.
AJ Dybantsa would be a fantastic Bennedict Mathurin replacement
The two of them surely have their fair share of differences. Dybantsa is about four inches taller, is more athletic, has more defensive upside, and is a much better facilitator. Mathurin, on the other hand, is a more dynamic scorer (even if a bit streaky at times) and can generate immediate offense better than Dybantsa can.
However, on this current Pacers team, Dybantsa would essentially play the role they were trying to get out of Mathurin as a ball-dominant wing who can create his own shot, impact the game as a starter and coming off the bench, and be a more well-rounded player who can complement the game of everybody else on the roster.
Dybantsa is almost like the perfect version of Mathurin (in the Pacers' eyes), only with way more upside. The Massachusetts native has the talent and tools to be what they were molding Mathurin into, only it would be a much more seamless fit.
The reasons to trade Mathurin were valid. His fit wasn't ideal, and there were concerns about signing him to a big contract only to have him come off the bench (not to mention this would have pushed Indiana into the luxury tax for the first time in two decades). However, it's also fair to say they will miss having someone like him around, especially when they attempt to re-enter the title picture next season.
It's not a one-for-one replacement, but the Pacers may find their solution in the draft later this year in Dybantsa, who would be a fantastic addition to the team.