The Brooklyn Nets are two games into their 2025-26 NBA season and so far, the Nets haven’t been able to win a game yet despite an impressive comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brooklyn is trying its best to win as many games as possible this season, but the franchise also has its eyes on the 2026 NBA Draft to potentially get another impact player.
“The T-Mac comparisons are inevitable for Dybantsa, who shares similar size, athletic traits, advanced shotmaking and passing skill,” Jonathan Wasserman wrote for Bleacher Report during his latest 2026 mock draft. Wasserman projected the Nets to take BYU forward AJ Dybantsa with the third overall pick, an outcome still within their grasp as they are one of six teams with an 0-2 record heading into Sunday’s slate of games.
“The tape from Dybantsa’s 30-point preseason debut against Nebraska showed a 19-year-old with extraordinary positional tools, creativity and shotmaking skill,” Wasserman continued. “He aced the test in BYU’s opener, scoring from three levels using his physicality, high release point in the mid-range, handle to attack and shooting range.”
Dybantsa, 18, has been playing well for the Cougars so far in the 2025-26 college basketball season as he recently put up 18 points, eight rebounds, and three steals against the North Carolina Tar Heels. Dybantsa, who Wasserman compares to former NBA great Tracy McGrady, is expected to be one of the best players available for the 2026 draft, along with Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and Duke forward Cameron Boozer.
Ultimately, if the Nets are going to have a shot at taking Dybantsa or any one of the top players in the class, they will have to end up with a top-5 pick at the very least, meaning several events have to go their way. Brooklyn’s players and head coach Jordi Fernandez aren’t concerned with next year’s draft pick, but general manager Sean Marks has to be thinking of ways to ensure that Brooklyn ends up with one of the aforementioned impact players in the upcoming draft.