AJ Dybantsa Boozer Peterson Jockey For NBA Draft No 1

Sixteen teams remain and nine projected lottery picks are still alive, so scouts are feverishly recalibrating their boards. Merlin sees AJ Dybantsa as the cleanest case — a 6'9" freshman with a 60.0 true shooting, elite touch and playmaking that reduce fit questions. Cameron Boozer offers polish and shooting but raises athleticism doubts, while Darryn Peterson mixes elite range and defensive upside with spotty decision making. Guards like Darius Acuff Jr., Keaton Wagler and Kingston Flemings have also surged. Merlin senses a draft in motion. If underclassmen chase NIL or a weaker 2027, several first-round names could stay in college and reshuffle picks. GMs will balance proven production versus long term upside. Expect a close race for the top three where team philosophy, not tape alone, decides the winner.