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Brockton Today
By the People, for the People
Pacers Predicted To Select 'Strong 2-Way Prospect' in 2026 NBA Draft To Add Potential Star Alongside Tyrese Haliburton
BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa could be the perfect fit for the Pacers to pair with star guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:11am
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The Indiana Pacers, who are having a dismal 2025-26 season, are projected to have a high draft pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. PFSN analyst Andrew Melnick believes the Pacers should target BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa, a 6'9" wing with a 6'11" wingspan who has impressed with his scoring ability and two-way potential. Dybantsa's skills could complement star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is expected to return healthy next season, creating a formidable duo for the Pacers.
Why it matters
The Pacers have struggled mightily this season due to injuries, including Haliburton's torn Achilles tendon. Drafting a talented two-way prospect like Dybantsa could help the team quickly rebuild around Haliburton and return to contention in the Eastern Conference.
The details
Dybantsa, a 19-year-old from Brockton, Massachusetts, has led the nation in scoring as a freshman at BYU, averaging 25.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 52.0% from the field. His three-point shooting (33.8%) is a concern, but his size, athleticism, and ability to score at the rim make him an intriguing prospect. Pairing him with the elite passing of Haliburton could create a formidable duo for the Pacers.
- The Pacers currently sit at 15-50, the worst record in the Eastern Conference.
- Tyrese Haliburton is expected to return fully healthy for the 2026-27 season.
The players
Tyrese Haliburton
A 26-year-old star guard for the Indiana Pacers who is expected to return from a torn Achilles tendon next season.
AJ Dybantsa
A 19-year-old freshman at BYU who has led the nation in scoring this season, averaging 25.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
What they’re saying
“AJ Dybantsa offers impressive size at 6'9 with a 6'11 wingspan, making him a strong two-way pro prospect. While his perimeter shooting needs work, he can still improve. He attacks the rim well using size and speed. If Peterson goes first, the Indiana Pacers' choice is clear, and pairing Dybantsa with Tyrese Haliburton could elevate the team.”
— Andrew Melnick, PFSN analyst
What’s next
The Pacers hold a 14% chance at the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. If they land the top selection, they will have a difficult decision between Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, who is widely considered the top overall prospect. However, if Peterson goes first, Melnick believes Dybantsa is the obvious choice for the Pacers.
The takeaway
The Pacers have a chance to add a potential star alongside Tyrese Haliburton in the 2026 NBA Draft, with BYU's AJ Dybantsa emerging as an ideal fit. Dybantsa's two-way potential and ability to complement Haliburton's playmaking could help the Pacers quickly return to contention in the Eastern Conference.
