ACC formally backs Big Ten's push for the College Football Playoff to expand to 24 teams
ACC backs Big Ten's proposal to expand College Football Playoff to 24 teams.
The Washington Wizards won the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft lottery, sparking discussions about a potential trade to allow the Utah Jazz to draft AJ Dybantsa, who has strong ties to Utah.
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The Washington Wizards finally won the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft lottery... and now everybody wants them to trade it.
OK, maybe not everybody. But a loud faction of the internet is calling for Washington to consider moving back one spot for one reason, and one reason only: so the Utah Jazz can draft AJ Dybantsa.
Dybantsa's ties to Utah are well-documented. The Massachusetts-raised 19-year-old finished high school in "The Mormon State," attending Utah Prep Academy in 2024 before spending his one year of college at BYU, in Provo, Utah, on a multimillion dollar NIL deal reportedly funded by Jazz owner Ryan Smith and CEO Danny Ainge, both BYU alums.
So, the assumption is Utah wants to keep Dybantsa in Utah. And for what it's worth, Smith didn't say no when asked if the Jazz would make a play for Dybantsa. After winning the No. 2 overall pick in the lottery, they're so close to being able to make that a reality.
"We're trying to win a championship, so everything should be on the table," Smith told the Dessert Voices podcast. "[Jazz president Austin Ainge] and Danny have been known to do some pretty crazy stuff on draft night. The next 40 days, you're going to see some madness in the NBA. And it might or might not be with us."
Here's the thing, though. The Wizards might want Dybantsa for themselves. Especially after he impressed at the combine Tuesday with his insane athleticism. Plus, nobody knows if Dybantsa himself cares to stay in Utah.
Combined with the other incredible talent at the top of this year's draft, including Darryn Peterson, Caleb Wilson and Cameron Boozer, it all makes for what could be the most interesting draft in a long time.
Because whether or not the Wizards like Dybantsa at No. 1, they're about to be his biggest fan until that pick is called on June 23. Either because they actually plan to take him, or because they need the Jazz to believe they plan to take him. In which case, Utah, how much are you willing to give up to get your guy?
The Utah Jazz are interested in AJ Dybantsa due to his strong connections to Utah, having attended high school and college there.
Ryan Smith indicated that the Jazz are open to making bold moves during the draft, hinting at a possible play for Dybantsa.
The Utah Jazz received the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA draft lottery.
AJ Dybantsa is a 19-year-old who finished high school at Utah Prep Academy and played one year of college basketball at BYU.
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The Memphis Grizzlies have announced that Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29.
The NBA world mourned Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke and retired center Jason Collins yesterday after their untimely deaths. That included a moment of silence in San Antonio before Game 5 between the Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves.
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Holly Winterburn made the roster only to be waived before her first game.
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That's brutal.
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This article originally appeared on For The Win: AJ Dybantsa's ties to Utah give Wizards so much leverage over Jazz