Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is widely considered one of the top prospects heading into the 2026 NBA Draft. Many even view Peterson as the favorite to be selected first overall by the Washington Wizards, suggesting that the guard is generating significant attention ahead of draft night.
In an interesting decision leading up to the 2026 NBA Draft, Darryn Peterson reportedly chose to only work out for the Washington Wizards. While this could clearly reflect his confidence in himself and his chances of being the No. 1 pick in the draft, Peterson recently rationalized his choice.
“Just a decision that was made,” Peterson clarified. “I’m definitely not dodging any team. Whoever takes me, I’m going to come in and be delighted to be there. Wherever that happens to be, they’ll get the best me.”
It would be easy to read into Peterson’s actions and assume he was angling to solidify his chances of being the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. However, when listening to his justification, it is clear that there may not be much to it.
Currently, Peterson finds himself competing against the likes of AJ Dybantsa to be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. While the Washington Wizards are in a unique position to benefit regardless of whom they draft, rumors about the Utah Jazz’s attempts to move up in the draft to improve their chances of landing Dybantsa could hurt Peterson’s case.
Kendrick Perkins Holds Darryn Peterson In High Regard
It goes without saying that Darryn Peterson is a special talent. Given that he is viewed as one of the top prospects in what is considered to be one of the most stacked draft classes since 2003, Peterson is truly elite.
ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins shed more light on this during a recent episode of the “Road Trippin’ Show.” While speaking about Peterson’s potential, Perkins stated:
“This is not disrespectful. I’m telling you how talented he is offensively. His floor is Bradley Beal. His ceiling, skill-wise, like his ability to get buckets at all three levels, is Kobe Bryant. I say that respectfully.”
“I’m not saying he’s going to have a Kobe Bryant type of career,” Perkins continued. “I’m talking about the talent level there. There’s nothing that this man can’t do. You are not stopping this young man from getting any shot. He gets any shot; he gets to any spot that he wants to.”
The guard has already proven himself as an elite three-level scoring threat. In his freshman season at Kansas, Darryn Peterson averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. What is more noteworthy is that he shot 43.8% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range over 24 appearances, helping the Jayhawks secure a 15-9 record when he was available.
While it can be argued that much of Perkins’ statement is hype before draft night, there is no denying how gifted Peterson is offensively. In that regard, Peterson has also compared himself to two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, highlighting the similarities in their playing styles. Purely from that perspective, he may be a more complete prospect than AJ Dybantsa.
For all intents and purposes, this is immensely promising. However, the likelihood of the Wizards drafting Darryn Peterson may have reduced slightly in light of Trae Young’s recent contract extension. Given the franchise’s needs now, Washington may see more value in selecting Dybantsa.
