What happened: AJ Dybantsa received the call every prospect dreams about as the 2026 NBA Draft got underway. The moment marked the start of his professional career after a much-anticipated rise to the top of this year's class.

Why it matters: Dybantsa enters the league as one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, and the franchise calling his name is betting on him as a cornerstone of its rebuild. The selection sets the tone for how the team plans to build around its new top young talent heading into the 2026-27 season.

What to watch: Watch for Dybantsa's introductory press conference and his first Summer League appearances, where he'll get an early chance to show why he was so coveted.