2026 Draft: AJ Dybantsa Favored No 1, Pacers Prefer Boozer

NBA scouts are glued to the NCAA tournament as they size up the 2026 class, and Jake Fischer names AJ Dybantsa the "leader in the clubhouse" to go No. 1. One wrinkle: rivals think Duke's Cameron Boozer would be the "preferred selection" for the Indiana Pacers because he fits beside Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac. Indiana's lottery is unusual after the Zubac trade, and questions about Darryn Peterson's health and skepticism about Boozer's athletic profile, plus Caleb Wilson's recent hand injuries, could shuffle the top of the board. Dybantsa put up 35 and 10; Boozer finished with 22 and 13. Merlin sees a draft where fit and availability will sway teams as much as upside. Lottery math and medical flags create movement potential. If the Pacers keep their pick and prioritize fit, Boozer can jump; otherwise Dybantsa’s late audition makes him the safer high-ceiling choice.