Wizards weighing Darryn Peterson for top pick
wizards-weighing-darryn-peterson-for-top-pick
The Washington Wizards are giving serious thought to selecting Kansas guard Darryn Peterson with the first overall choice in next week’s NBA draft, veteran reporter Marc Stein wrote on his Substack.
A league insider told Stein the front office has “increased consideration” for Peterson, a 6-foot-5 freshman whose season was disrupted by hamstring problems and cramping. Peterson opened the year as the consensus favorite for No. 1 before those health concerns surfaced.
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo and Shams Charania reported Monday that Washington’s decision has narrowed to either Peterson or junior forward AJ Dybantsa. Stein added that forward Cameron Boozer and wing Caleb Wilson are no longer viewed as candidates for the top selection.
Some executives believe the late surge of Peterson talk could be a smokescreen. If Washington chooses Peterson, Dybantsa would be available at No. 2, a scenario that would reportedly please Utah Jazz owner and Brigham Young University alumnus Ryan Smith.
According to ESPN, Peterson has worked out for the Wizards multiple times but declined a meeting with Utah. Dybantsa met with both teams and is not expected to meet with any others before the draft.
The Jazz are still evaluating Peterson, Dybantsa and Boozer and intend to pick from that trio based on who remains on the board, league sources told Stein.
Source: Hoops Rumors
