AJ Dybantsa, a leading candidate for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has been influenced by Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant. ## What happened?
Dybantsa recently mentioned Durant and Jaylen Brown as key figures offering him advice and mentorship during his development. He said: "I'm super tight with [Kevin Durant], Jaylen Brown. They just try to give me advice on how they came up in being top high school recruits, top college recruits, and ended up being top picks.”
Why it matters for Houston Rockets
The connection between Dybantsa and Durant goes beyond casual mentorship, with Dybantsa's trainers and coaches noting that his playing style mirrors Durant's skill set. Durant has become a reference point for many young players entering the league, and Dybantsa is no exception. He recently named Durant as his favorite player during an appearance on the “All The Smoke” podcast. ## What comes next?
As Dybantsa prepares for his NBA debut, the mentor-mentee dynamic is set to evolve into something even more compelling. The Houston Rockets' recent performance, including a 100-97 win against the Milwaukee Bucks on 2025-02-26, demonstrates the team's potential. | Team | Score | Date | | --- | --- | --- | | Houston Rockets | 100 | 2025-02-26 | | Milwaukee Bucks | 97 | 2025-02-26 |
And with Durant still competing at an elite level, Dybantsa's rise is likely to be closely watched by the basketball community. But for now, Dybantsa is focused on his upcoming draft and the opportunity to learn from experienced players like Durant. So, as the NBA draft approaches, all eyes will be on Dybantsa and his potential to make a significant impact in the league.