With Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, and Ace Bailey, the 2025 NBA Draft class was one of the more loaded groups in recent memory. The 2026 class is expected to be just as good, but the New York Knicks won’t get a high pick.
New York owns a first-round pick from the Washington Wizards, although it is protected in the top eight and won’t convey. The Knicks have very real title hopes, so their own pick is not expected to be anywhere near the top of the lottery.
Of course, fans would rather have a deep playoff run than the first overall pick, which seems to be just fine with one prospect. AJ Dybantsa, an elite young player, doesn’t see the Knicks as a winning franchise.
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – APRIL 12: AJ Dybantsa #7 of Team USA goes up for a dunk during the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit at Moda Center on April 12, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
AJ Dybantsa Slams New York Knicks’ Playoff Record
Dybantsa grew up in eastern Massachusetts and is a diehard Boston Celtics fan. Until he gets drafted, he insists that his allegiance will remain with his hometown team.
Last season, the Celtics were attempting to repeat as champions. In the second round of the playoffs, Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon in Game 4, ending his season and the Celtics’ title hopes. Boston would lose to the Knicks in six games.
Dybantsa is not alone in thinking that Boston would have won the series had they remained healthy, and he doubled down on his opinion during a recent media appearance.
“They only lost because Tatum got injured,” Dybantsa said on the October 14th episode of the Boardroom podcast. “I know if he was still playing, that wouldn’t have been an L.”
In Boston, fans celebrate championships, nothing else. In New York, the Knicks have not won a title since 1973. Fans are happy with that accomplishment, although Dybantsa doesn’t see them getting much more to celebrate.
“They can have their fun for now,” he quipped. “It’s New York, they still lost in a conference championship.”
AJ Dybantsa Will Be in the Running for #1 Pick
Dybantsa committed to play for BYU after receiving a massive NIL package. He is a do-all forward with an NBA frame and high-level athleticism.
Between him, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer, there is a three-man race for the top pick next year. Their college seasons should lay the blueprint for long NBA careers.
Dybantsa, like most young players, excels in the open court. However, his handle, speed, and physicality suggest that he will be a multi-level scorer in the NBA. On the defensive end, he can keep up with quicker guards or absorb some size down low, serving as a solid rim protector as needed.
In seven FIBA U19 World Cup Games, he averaged 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists for Team USA. For good measure, he shot 68.4% inside the arc and had no trouble getting to the free-throw line and finishing through contact.
The Knicks will not be tanking for Dybantsa this season. Several teams would love the chance to add him in the 2026 draft.
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