For years, college basketball and even NBA scouts have gushed about AJ Dybantsa. He looks tailor-made for the modern game, and he’s projected to be the next superstar.
Given his size, length, and his rare shot-making skills, he’s often been compared to Kevin Durant. They’re both big players with great handles who can score from all three levels.
Nevertheless, after watching him dominate with Team USA during the U-19 FIBA World Cup, Tobias Brass of The Athletic believes he’s actually more similar to Paul George.
NBA expert compares AJ Dybantsa to Paul George
“What Dybantsa can do with the ball in his hands is reminiscent of NBA veteran Paul George. Dybantsa is similar; he is a big-shot creator with an excellent feel for the game, who can get downhill to either score or make plays for others. He also has a great motor; you don’t typically see kids ranked this high play this hard so consistently. He had a steal in every game but one (France), but his length and activity were always a problem for opposing teams,” Brass wrote.
AJ Dybantsa
While George may not get the credit he deserves nowadays, there was a time when he was one of the best two-way players in the league, and he even overcame a potential career-altering injury.
Of course, Dybatnsa is bigger and may have a higher upside. But even if his floor is similar to Paul George, whoever gets him in the 2026 NBA Draft will land a true gem.
