Potential No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa is approaching this week’s draft combine in Chicago like a “job interview,” writes Josh Robbins of The Athletic. Dybantsa has been wearing a suit and tie not only in his meetings with team executives, but even for his sessions with the media.
“I had interviews this morning with different teams, and I mean, I never had a job before,” Dybantsa told reporters on Wednesday. “I was 13 (when I) started taking basketball serious. But this is like my first job interview. So my dad’s kind of like, ‘You know, this is your job interview. So come professional, come in a suit.’”
By noon Wednesday, Dybantsa had talked with the teams holding the top five picks in the draft – the Wizards, Jazz, Grizzlies, Bulls and Clippers – along with the Hawks and Mavericks, according to Robbins. His case for being selected first overall includes a mixture of versatility, dedication to the game and fan appeal.
“I’m super versatile as a player,” Dybantsa said. “I think I can guard one through four, play one through four. I think that I can play a little bit of combo guard if you need me to. I can be that jumbo wing if you need me to. I play the game the right way. So I try to play to win, try to make my teammates better. But I’m super exciting as a player, super explosive. I fill seats.”
There’s more from the combine:
- The other projected top-four picks, Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson, were also asked why they should be taken first, Robbins adds. Boozer responded, “I think my mind, for sure,” along with his “feel for the game” and competitiveness. Peterson stated that he can fit with any team and dispelled rumors that he only wants to play point guard. Wilson cited his “leadership and focus” in addition to his on-court talents and said the hand injury that derailed his collegiate season is no longer an issue. “My hand’s perfectly fine now,” he said, “and I feel like it offered me a different perspective on basketball in general, just because once I injured my hand, now I’m way more grateful to play. Every day I wake up and I get the opportunity to play and just be able to shoot and dribble and stuff like that. I just feel grateful for the opportunity, and I wasn’t as grateful as I am now.”
- Wilson displayed his knowledge of Chicago by talking about Michael Jordan, “The Last Dance” documentary and SLAP, which is the acronym new Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham uses to sum up what he looks for in a player – size, length, athleticism and physicality, per Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune (subscription required). Wilson fits those characteristics and may be an easy choice for Chicago if he’s still on the board at No. 4, but the Bulls also hold the 15th pick and plan to talk to roughly 20 players this week, according to Poe.
- Talent evaluators and executives at the combine view Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer and Wilson as a “big four” in the draft, with the next tier starting once they’re off the board, confirms K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network (Twitter link).
Nice to see young people wearing suits again for job interviews. I thought that went out with Nixon.
Darryn doing too much with the media training (wouldnt be surprised if he signed with klutch), Wilson is also going heavy with the media training but in the right way, not being excessive with it.
Dybantsa and Boozer sound the most genuine.
He is signed with “The Team”. Formerly known as Wasserman. They had ties to Epstein.
In the 70’s I used to run the warehouse and assembly line for a company. A guy came in for and interview wearing ripped jeans and a wife beater that might have been white once but it was hard to tell. He actually started trimming his finger nails at my desk. I asked him a couple questions just before I was going to throw him out when he goes so when do I start? I really was stunned so I just walked over to the window and stared out. After about 5 minutes he finally asked ” What are you doing”? I said I’m looking for flying pigs. When you see some call me back. Then I threw him out before he could do his toe nails. I still don’t think he got it.
I applied for a basic entry level position at a huge corporation at age 27 after screwing up my life prior to that.
I wore a suit to the interview and the manager asked me if I could start right away?
I said, “sure,” not knowing he meant right now !! Here’s your apron, go downstairs.
When I typed that line about the suits and Nixon that memory just popped in my head like a freight train. I hadn’t thought of that in 50 years so I figured I’d share it. Thanks! Dress for success still works and is never a bad idea. LOL
Yes, me too, and I hope it wasn’t wrong. Thank you for stirring up a fond memory.
Gross
Don’t see why AJ would interview with anyone outside top 3. Been reading a few stories Mem could take Wilson at 3. That even Bulls could take Wilson at 4.
Passing on Boozer at 3 is just dumb. Boozer is a top scorer. And brings that offense. That will open up the offense for the Grizz. Bulls I can understand taking Wilson. Although I disagree. I take Wagler if I’m the Bulls. Either you believe in Essengue or you don’t. I like Wagler and Giddey backcourt. Imo they can be special.
If Wilson is gone for Clippers. Then I can see them trading down. And now the daft will get a little crazy.
Teams will be trying to move up. The fun begins.
I don’t think they’re taking Wagler. It was just a dream I had. Boozer or Wilson fills a need so like I said I wouldn’t be really upset. That leaves 15 open for anything but if Mara is there it might be the way to go. I’m not sure if he lasts but if there’s a shooter there who drops I suppose they can get a C with 38. Won’t be a top guy but when you have nobody, Anybody is better. Since FA is after the draft( Why is anybodies guess), I guess they can pick up somebody there. A C from the draft, Wilson, shooter at 15 or ?, Richards and Buzelis, Essengue it’s a start. If somebody offered 2 seconds for Jalen Smith they ought to be able to get that again seems to me. I would have jumped all over that. Looks like my TV will last this year.
Boozer you can’t pass on. That would be major imo. Wilson is same kind of player as Essengue is. It’s not a terrible idea. I just go with Wagler. Imo he has a bigger ceiling. Bulls draft Wilson. Then you should sign Grimes. Mara has also been getting a lot of hype. OKC could take him at 12. I can definitely see Hornets taking Mara at 14. Thunder have options man. It will be interesting to see what Bulls do at 4. It can start the trades imo.
The only way I see Wagler being a Bull is if Dybantsa, Boozer and Wilson go 1-2-3. Then I take Wagler over Peterson. Only way I see it happening.
Sure hope that the Bulls don’t end up with Wagler. Don’t want more skinny passive type players. Want ultra athletic fast twitch type players.
Bulls already have dillingham, who fits that bill. Anymore and wind becomes a real issue for that team.
That ain’t happening. Jazz have JJJ and Markkanen.
They are not passing on Peterson. Mem should take Boozer. There are whispers they could take Wilson. Mistake imo.
I wouldn’t touch Peterson with a 10-ft pole. He’s wiseman 2.0.
Nope … he’s the best guard in the draft. He is much more advanced than other players. He does not play like a 19 yr old. When his body fills out. He will be major lol. Trust me. He’s a serious talent.
I wish one of these guys would say, I’m not the #1 pick but I’ll outwork all of them and be the best player in 5-10 years.