According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Indiana Pacers would prefer to select Duke forward Cameron Boozer if they end up with the No. 1 pick this year. But while Boozer is arguably the best player in this year's loaded draft class, if the Pacers have their choice, they would make a big mistake drafting him over AJ Dybantsa of BYU.
"No one in the NBA that I’ve consulted projects any sort of dramatic draft night fall for either Peterson or Boozer. When it comes to Boozer, in fact, there is a sentiment among some rival teams that the Duke star would be Indiana’s preferred selection even if the Pacers were to come away with the No. 1 overall pick because of his potential fit alongside Pascal Siakam and newly acquired Ivica Zubac," Fischer wrote.
Indiana should draft AJ Dybantsa over Cameron Boozer
Let's get this straight: Boozer is a fantastic basketball player.
He averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds (which led the ACC), 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting 56% from the field and 40.2% from deep in 35 games this season. Additionally, he was named the ACC Player of the Year by a unanimous decision.
The Duke forward has his flaws, particularly his rim protection and athleticism, but there's a reason many analysts, fans, etc. are so high on him. He is an incredibly smart player, particularly on offense, who is versatile and can do a bit of everything. He can shoot, score, pass, and rebound, all at high levels. And while his rim protection is questionable, he is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and use his physicality to his advantage.
But there's one player that makes even more sense for the Pacers, and that's Dybantsa.
99 times out of 100, NBA teams shouldn't draft based on need over best player available. This is why the Portland Trail Blazers selected Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan in 1984 (and this is no shot at Bowie, who was still a very solid player despite his injuries, but if Portland could have a do-over, it would take it in a heartbeat).
In the eyes of many, though, this is that one time when it really is just about drafting whoever fits the team the most.
Boozer, Dybantsa, and Darryn Peterson of Kansas all have a case to be the best player in the draft this year, and they're all worthy of getting selected first overall. But the team that gets the No. 1 pick will have a tough decision to make, and deciding who the best fit is for what they need in the moment might be the tie-breaker.
If Indiana lands the second or third pick and Boozer is there, parties are going to be thrown, and people will be happy. And rightfully so. But is he the ideal pick for the team? Probably not.
AJ Dybantsa can fill a major need for the Pacers
The Pacers shouldn't regret trading Bennedict Mathurin (yet), but it's clear that they miss him. He was a ball-dominant wing who could take a lot of pressure off of guys like Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam because of his three-level scoring and shot creation. The Canadian native had his flaws, but his scoring talent was never a question. And the Pacers need to figure out how to navigate through life without him.
Enter Dybantsa, who can do almost everything Mathurin can do and then some. He also excels at creating his own shot, scoring at all three levels, and getting to the basket at will. He can also create a lot of one-on-one mismatches and can bring the offense back to life if it goes stagnant.
But he is also a much better playmaker and passer than Mathurin is, has more upside, and has the tools to be a great defender in the league because of his seven-foot wingspan. Not to mention, he is also an athletic freak and might be good enough to be a starter for Indiana right away.
I like Boozer, but I LOVE Dybantsa. I think he's the safest pick. He's a jack of all trades but also has the potential to become an elite two-way player. And if the Pacers have their choice, it should be an obvious choice to draft him instead.