Currently, the Oklahoma City Thunder have received predictions that they will land the No. 1 overall pick and draft AJ Dybantsa from BYU, further solidifying the dynasty they are creating. However, this might not come to pass.
Via FanSided’s Wynston Wilcox, the NCAA superstar is currently mulling his options, and may return to BYU or at least college for another year to complete his degree. If that happens, the Thunder might have to have a backup plan in place for who they pick.
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“If Dybantsa does go back to school, it would mean that either Kansas' Darryn Peterson or Duke's Cameron Boozer would be the No. 1 overall pick. More importantly, though, it would change the entire landscape of the NBA Draft. FanSided’s Chris Kline has Dybantsa as the No. 1 pick going to Oklahoma City Thunder, who still have a lottery pick courtesy of the Los Angeles Clippers despite the chance to defend their title this spring. Without Dybantsa, this draft class is still deep; but it doesn’t quite have the star power it’s been hyped up to have, and several tanking teams could be left holding the bag,” Wilcox wrote.
With this in mind, Wilcox notes that teams will probably take a harder look at Cam Boozer and Darryn Peterson, the other top two competitors for the No. 1 overall pick. And for Wilcox, Boozer has the edge as the less polarizing player.
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“NBA teams are obviously going to do their homework over the next few weeks. I would also add that if Dybantsa isn’t in this draft class, Boozer might rise as the favorite to go No. 1 overall for one simple reason: All eyes will be on Peterson and how he plays in the NCAA Tournament. Is he pulling himself out of games again? Is he on a self-induced minutes restriction? He’s gotten a lot of bad attention lately and could find his draft stock taking a hit if it continues through March Madness,” Wilcox stated.
For the Thunder, they are already set with their bigs, and they need guards and forwards, so they might be more inclined to go the Peterson route. Either way, a back up plan is needed, as the Draft is sneaking up on them, and if they aren’t ready, chaos could ensue.
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