Carmelo Anthony Warns Projected No. 1 AJ Dybantsa of 2026 Draft Pressure

3 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Jun 22

Carmelo Anthony told 19-year-old AJ Dybantsa he "doesn't know what's about to come" if he goes No. 1 in Tuesday's 2026 NBA draft, urging him to enjoy each step before the regular season begins.
The Hall of Famer said the "crown is heavy" for a top pick, describing the emotional swings, stress and scrutiny that come with entering the league as a franchise-level prospect.
Dybantsa enters that spotlight as Bleacher Report's projected No. 1 pick to Washington after averaging 25.5 points at BYU, where expectations would only rise alongside Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
Anthony's advice carries weight because his own path closely mirrors Dybantsa's: one college season, elite wing scoring and huge hype before he went No. 3 in the 2003 draft after averaging 22.2 points at Syracuse.