In just three weeks, AJ Dybantsa will hear his name called at the NBA draft, likely as the No. 1 overall pick.
On Tuesday, Dybantsa appeared on “The Gilbert Arenas Show,” where he discussed the upcoming draft with former three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas.
With the Washington Wizards owning the first pick, Dybantsa will likely end up in D.C., but if Arenas had the power to manipulate the NBA draft lottery results, he has a couple of other teams in mind for Dybantsa.
He told Dybantsa that his preferred destination for him would be in a big city, either New York City or Los Angeles. His second choice would be a “tier two team” like the Chicago Bulls or Miami Heat.
“I’d put you in the LeBron (James category),” Arenas said. “No matter what city you’re in, the spotlight’s coming at you. So if the spotlight is going to come at you, then I’m going to keep you home.”
Surprised, Dybantsa asked if Arenas was talking about Boston, which is roughly 20 miles from his hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts. Arenas clarified that he meant Utah.
“That’s not home,” Dybantsa said.
Arenas countered, “It’s not home for you, but it’s been home for the last few years and that is your city right now.”
The former BYU star took the opportunity to correct Arenas again.
“Utah’s also not a city by the way,” he said.
“What is it?” Arenas asked.
“A state,” Dybantsa said.
Arenas said that, as a player, Utah “was just one of those (places) we just had to go there.”
Co-host Josiah Johnson pointed out that when Arenas played the Utah Jazz it was in Salt Lake City, not a city named Utah.
“For real?” Arenas said.
“You got to be trippin’,” Dybantsa said.
After the quick geography lesson, Dybantsa steered the conversation back to basketball and why Arenas thinks he should play for the Jazz.
“The fans already done seen you through high school and college,” Arenas said. “You will sell out the arenas, and that team instantly will be in the playoffs with you because the position that you in. They need that.”
Arenas and Dybantsa will have to wait until June 23 to see if his wish for the young star comes true.