The Boston Celtics should view Brockton native AJ Dybantsa as more than hometown flavor. The 6-foot-9 forward led the nation in scoring at BYU before declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft as a projected top-three pick. His Tatum-like blend of scoring, facilitation, rebounding and defense fits the wings-first identity that carried Boston to the 2024 title, and his elite athleticism would add burst the second unit lacked against Philadelphia's length.

At a time when the luxury tax picture has loosened enough to chase buyout or veteran minimum help like a post-Dallas Khris Middleton, drafting the high-upside 21-year-old offers the rare low-cost swing that upgrades the talent floor without gutting the core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Running it back after the first-round exit to the 76ers makes sense for continuity. Ignoring a ready-made prospect with this profile would be conservative to a fault.

If Dybantsa slips into the mid-lottery, Boston must decide whether to package its own first-rounder plus salary to move up or trust veteran additions to bridge another year. Either path clarifies the timeline: contend in 2026-27 with a refreshed supporting cast or accelerate the youth movement around the two All-NBA wings before the next collective bargaining constraints tighten again. The next two weeks of workouts and the June draft will reveal which direction Brad Stevens actually chooses.