Darryn Peterson may given the Wizards a reason to rethink their draft decision

There's plenty of noise about who the Washington Wizards should select at No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The obvious choice is AJ Dybantsa, who teams seem to be lining up for the opportunity to talk Washington out of the top spot in hopes of selecting.

Washington has made it clear that they're willing to discuss a potential trade down, but any potential deal would only be done if it were an offer the Wizards simply couldn't refuse.

With that said, it feels as if the most likely outcome is the Wizards standing pat at No. 1 and choosing their choice of top options.

Dybantsa's the preferred choice from the fanbase, scouts are suggesting Caleb Wilson could have the highest potential, and Cameron Boozer seems to be the safest bet.

However, the one name that may not be getting enough attention anymore is Darryn Peterson, whose freshman season at Kansas offered plenty of flashes and enough red flags to make the risks not worth the reward.

Still, after the recent comments from Peterson about how his NBA comparison, Washington may want to keep their options open.

Darryn Peterson embraces NBA comparison to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Peterson has been compared to a lot of NBA players up to this point in the draft process.

Original comps referred to him as the next Donovan Mitchell, which alone was enticing considering how dominant he's become leading the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Nonetheless, the recent comparison of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one that Peterson seemed to embrace in a recent interview on SportsCenter, and if that is the case, Washington should continue to do their due diligence on the Jayhawks' product.

When asked what way his game was similar to SGA's Peterson didn't hold back:

"Two big guards. Two guards that use their body to score well," Peterson said. "And I would say unguardable."

Confidence goes a long way, and it's clear Peterson possesses that, but if he also possesses the potential to develop into the next SGA, the Wizards have to at least consider taking a swing on that upside.

Peterson could be the best player in the draft

There are enough gripes to make a case as to why Washington shouldn't risk their top pick on Peterson, but a case could be made for every prospect.

At the same time, if Peterson's ceiling is similar to the likes of a back-to-back MVP, that may be enough reason to take the gamble people are advising the Wizards not to take.

Obviously, his fit alongside Trae Young remains a major concern, but if there's a will, there's a way, and that alone is enough for general manager Will Dawkins to keep his options open.

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