It’s draft night. The lights dim as the spotlight illuminates the Barclays Center stage. Colors and logos flash from the jumbo video screen as NBA commissioner Adam Silver approaches the podium. A smile nearly as luminescent as the reflection from his cranium flashes across his face as he takes a final step and leans into the microphone.
“With the first pick, in the 2026 NBA Draft,” Silver begins, the tension within the crowd materializing in the atmosphere. “The Washington Wizards select… TINGUS
PINGUS!”
A stunned silence washes over the arena. Cries of “What?”, “Who?”, and “No!” pepper the stands as mystery is hastily ushered out by realization. Chaos breaks out. It’s anarchy. Replica jerseys are torn to ribbons and lit ablaze as the draft’s attendees roar in disapproval. The broadcast zooms in on BYU star AJ Dybantsa, who had instinctively arisen before his name was even called. Eyes open wide, the anticipated number-one pick stares through the fabric of reality, desperately searching for an explanation.
Somewhere, Kristaps Porzingis smiles.
But none are more surprised than Draft HQ out in Salt Lake City, where the Jazz front office desperately scrambles to gather their thoughts as every great player is still available with the second overall pick.
Utah has a decision to make, and it’s one they must make quickly, because their team is on the clock, and the game plan has been thrown out the window.
You, the reader, are present in the Delta Center’s war room. Austin and Danny Ainge elbow Ryan Smith as the trio turns their attention to you. The room is still. The phone line to Brooklyn is in your grip. With every option available at number two, the decision is yours to make: who are you picking?
We asked you, the loyal (and might I add, attractive) readers of SLC Dunk, who you would prefer Utah to take with the second overall pick, and this is how you voted.
- Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas (53% of votes)
- AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU (38% of votes)
- Cameron Boozer, F, Duke (9% of votes)
Disagree with the pick? Demanding justice for Pingus? I didn’t make the list; you did. If you’ve got a qualm or two, however, that’s why these articles have comment sections, my friends.
Calvin Barrett is a writer, editor, and prolific Mario Kart racer located in Tokyo, Japan. He has covered the NBA and College Sports since 2024.
