**Sacramento Kings Eye BYU Star AJ Dybantsa Amid NBA Draft Lottery Chase**
Key Takeaways:
- The Sacramento Kings are heavily scouting BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa for the 2026 NBA Draft.
- Dybantsa is averaging 23.1 PPG and drawing comparisons to Tracy McGrady and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
- The Kings are tied for the worst record in the Western Conference, improving their chances at a top draft pick.
Sacramento, CA — The Sacramento Kings are trending after emerging reports reveal that the franchise is strongly considering BYU freshman phenom AJ Dybantsa as their top choice in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, if they land one of the top picks. With Sacramento currently holding one of the league’s worst records, speculation is mounting that Dybantsa could become the new face of the franchise.
Front Office Sources Favor Dybantsa as Draft Frontrunner
Matt George, host of The Matt George Podcast and longtime Kings analyst, stated earlier this week that his sources inside the organization indicate a strong preference for Dybantsa amongst team decision-makers. “If the draft happened today and the Kings had the first pick, they’d go with AJ,” he said during his premiere episode released January 10, 2026.
The 18-year-old forward has been dominant in his freshman season at BYU, posting 23.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game with 58% field goal shooting. At 6’8” and 195 pounds, Dybantsa’s blend of athleticism, versatility, and scoring ability is generating comparisons to Tracy McGrady and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, which he cited himself during a December interview on ESPN’s First Take.
Context: Kings Tanking and Draft Strategy Take Shape
The Kings are currently tied with the New Orleans Pelicans at 8-30, dead last in the Western Conference and just 1.5 games away from the worst record in the NBA. With the league’s draft lottery rules in place, Sacramento would need to finish in the bottom three to gain the maximum 52.1% chance at a top-4 pick and 14.0% chance of securing the No. 1 pick.
Should they land a high pick, Dybantsa is seen as one of the top three talents expected to go off the board early—alongside Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson. Given that the Kings have lacked a superstar-caliber small forward for nearly two decades, Dybantsa’s positional fit and two-way potential make him a particularly enticing option.
Draft Implications and Future for the Kings
With continued poor results on the court, Sacramento is effectively setting itself up for a significant draft pick. The addition of Dybantsa could pair with existing pieces like Keegan Murray to reshape the team’s future. As Matt George pointed out, the combination could free Murray from top scoring duties and allow him to thrive in a support role.
If the Kings secure Dybantsa, it could reinvigorate a franchise that has struggled to remain competitive in the West. Until then, the team’s front office and scouting department will be closely monitoring Dybantsa throughout the rest of the college basketball season and into March Madness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is AJ Dybantsa trending?
A: AJ Dybantsa is trending because the Sacramento Kings are reportedly prioritizing him as their top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft if they land an early selection.
Q: What happens next?
A: The Kings will continue to track Dybantsa’s performance at BYU while hoping to finish the season with a bottom-three record to maximize their draft lottery odds.
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