AJ Dybantsa Makes Bold Celtics Claim Month Before 2026 NBA Draft

AJ Dybantsa

AJ Dybantsa Makes Bold Celtics Claim Month Before 2026 NBA Draft originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Former BYU star AJ Dybantsa is gearing up for the 2026 NBA Draft, and there's a strong possibility that the Washington Wizards could select him with the No. 1 overall pick. However, he took a moment during the combine on Wednesday to share his thoughts about his favorite team, the Boston Celtics.

"This is my last year being a Celtics fan," Dybantsa said.

Dybantsa comes from Brockton, MA, where he grew up cheering for the Celtics. Yet, his time as a fan will be winding down soon. The Celtics won’t have any realistic options to draft him unless they make significant roster changes, like trading Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to the Wizards for the No. 1 pick.

The 19-year-old forward had an impressive season at BYU, averaging 25.5 points and 6.8 rebounds over 35 games, leading the Cougars to the NCAA tournament.

If the Wizards choose Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick, it will mark the second consecutive season that a player from the New England area has been selected first overall. Last year, the Dallas Mavericks picked former Duke star Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg, who hails from Maine, also grew up as a Celtics fan.