The 2026 draft lottery isn’t until May, but the path for Atlanta is already coming into focus. There are franchise-changing prospects in this class—namely Darryn Peterson and Cam Boozer. The Hawks should zero in on one prospect above all: A.J. Dybantsa. Dybantsa to Hawks is the clearest path for Atlanta. They add size scoring and defense in one player while aligning philosophy with talent from day one. The league context matters here. The Pelicans have opened the season on a very bad start and that slide only heightens the long term stakes for Atlanta. In a recent article, I explained how valuable the Hawks’ 2026 pick via Pelicans can be if New Orleans continues to struggle. That draft capital strengthens the case to aim higher at the wing with a premium prospect who fits modern playoffs.
Atlanta’s recent seasons show a pattern. The team creates edges with strong guard play yet struggles to convert those edges when the game slows. Meanwhile a deteriorating Pelicans outlook could boost the pick options that feed the Hawks’ pipeline. Dybantsa can meet both the present and the future. He generates a clean look late in the clock and guards up or down without giving away spacing. With Dybantsa to Hawks in the plan shot quality rises while the defense gains length mobility and timely help.
A.J. Dybantsa to Hawks is the Best Pick for Atlanta
Why Dybantsa to Hawks Solves Atlanta’s Real Problem
Start with offense. Dybantsa’s handle at his size, balance into pull ups, and a growing catch and shoot base create several lanes to points. He adds value without heavy usage. On the other side, he attacks a tilted floor. In the corner, he punishes soft tags. From the middle, he reaches a clean pull up or a simple kick. In a pace and space system, these micro wins compound. Furthermore, Atlanta’s guards already draw help, and Dybantsa to Hawks turns that help into efficient finishes.
Defense matters just as much. His length bothers pull up shooters, while his feet survive switches across matchups. As a weak side helper, he peels in to cut drives and still recovers to contest at the arc. With continued strength work, he fits closing groups at the two, the three, or the four, depending on opponent. Consequently, the staff gains flexibility with fewer trade offs and more lineups that both shoot and stop. In short, a premium wing narrows the gap between who the Hawks want to be and what the current roster allows, which is why A. J. Dybantsa to Atlanta tracks as both best player and best fit.
Finally, consider scarcity. Two-way wings with self creation equity remain the league’s most coveted archetype. Teams that pass on that profile often chase short term patches that age poorly. In addition, the best player case and the best fit case converge on the same name. As a result, the premium wing path points clearly to Dybantsa to Hawks, which aligns with how playoff series are won.
AJ Dybantsa vs Nebraska
30 Points 7 Rebounds 3 Assists 1 Block 3 Steals 10/19 FG 2/4 3PT 8/8 FT pic.twitter.com/GEhWTfMm1s
— Isaiah Silas (@ProspectReportt) October 18, 2025
Usage and Development Plan
Begin with role clarity and steady minutes so confidence grows. Early responsibilities should be simple and repeatable. Run the floor, cut with purpose, take catch and shoot threes, and attack closeouts with strong finishes and direct kick outs.
Then, expand by plan rather than volume. Use second side actions, empty corner pick and roll, and clean handoffs that create single read choices and quick decisions. Meanwhile, track shot quality, rim pressure, kick out accuracy, and turnovers to decide when to add more.
On defense, emphasize switches, timely stunts, and loud communication that lifts the entire unit. In addition, let data guide progress through lineup net ratings, rim attempt rate allowed, and corner three volume created by his drives so adjustments remain transparent and results based. Framed this way, Dybantsa to Hawks becomes a development roadmap as well as a draft decision.
The conclusion matches the intent. A. J. Dybantsa brings size, skill, and true two way upside at the most valuable position on the floor. His game fits in coach Quin Snyder’s system, his tools fit the roster, and his ceiling fits a franchise that aims to contend. Finally, if the board cooperates, Dybantsa to Hawks should be the outcome and the start of a plan that turns a talented wing into a playoff problem.
© Sophia Scheller-Imagn Images
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