Darryn Peterson makes a risky bet to be the No. 1 pick before 2026 NBA Draft

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With the NBA Draft fast approaching, Darryn Peterson is acting like a player who expects to hear his name called first, and he might not be wrong.

But it is also a bold move in a draft where AJ Dybantsa remains the more widely backed top pick.

Darryn Peterson puts faith in Wizards with draft decision

According to Shams Charania, Peterson has decided to shut down the rest of his pre-draft process after visiting Washington.

“Developments ahead of the June 23-24 NBA draft: BYU’s AJ Dybantsa has conducted formal visits with both the Washington Wizards (No. 1) and Utah Jazz (No. 2) while Kansas’ Darryn Peterson only visited the Wizards and does not plan to grant anyone else a meeting, sources tell Jeremy Woo and me.”

It is a clear signal from Peterson’s side. With Washington holding the top pick, he is treating that meeting as the only one that matters.

But most mock drafts still have Dybantsa going first. Bleacher Report and the Associated Press both project the Wizards selecting the BYU forward, while Sporting News also has Dybantsa at No. 1 and Peterson heading to Utah at No. 2.

There is a strong case for Peterson. The 6-foot-6 guard from Kansas offers scoring, shooting range, defensive upside, and clear star potential. But teams have also noted his inconsistent freshman year, cramping issues, and medical history, all factors that make limited access more risky than it would be for a cleaner prospect.

AJ Dybantsa ties to Jazz add draft intrigue

Utah and Dybantsa have been linked for weeks. Dybantsa played at Utah Prep, starred at BYU, and has ties to a Jazz front office with deep Utah connections.

That is why Utah has been mentioned as a possible trade-up candidate, though some reports suggest the Jazz may just stay at No. 2 and take whichever player falls.

If Utah moves up to No. 1 for Dybantsa, Peterson’s plan works out. Washington could slide down, gain extra value, and still land the guard who only met with them.

But if Washington stays at No. 1 and takes Dybantsa, the focus shifts to Utah. The Jazz could still pick Peterson as the best talent left, though he did not meet with them. They might also consider Cameron Boozer, whose maturity and production have him firmly in the top-three mix.

It is unlikely Peterson slips to No. 4, but the possibility is there if Utah passes and Memphis prefers Boozer. That is the risk of trying to shape the draft. Peterson may be backing himself, but draft night will show if Washington is backing him too.