For a while there, it appeared as if AJ Dybantsa was going to run away with the number one pick, unopposed. It wasn't too surprising to see Dybantsa at the top of most projections. After all, with his exceptional size, veteran scoring appetite, and incredible leadership attributes all displayed as a freshman, Dybantsa was something of a no-brainer with Washington's first pick. Utah gladly fell in line (after doing some due diligence and inquiring as to what the Wizards would want for a 1-2 swap), arms open wide and excitedly awaiting the arrival of Darryn Peterson, the franchise's shining new hope.

That was until Darryn Peterson began quickly building momentum and has actually leapfrogged the BYU star in the order, according to several high-profile mock drafts.

Suddenly, the Dybantsa-to-Utah connection is more likely than ever to finish like a fairy tale. What a rom-com that whole saga has turned out to be in the few short weeks following the draft lottery.

According to this sample of some of the most reputable mock drafts at the time of writing, two sites has slipped Peterson ahead of the favorite for the number-one pick. One can't help but notice if this is more intel-driven, or built on speculation. Sure enough, in list list of six drafts, CBS and On3 believe that Darryn Peterson is the man for the top spot.

CBS: 2nd overall to Jazz
Tankathon: 1st overall to Wizards
The Ringer: 1st overall to Wizards
NBADraft.net: 1st overall to Wizards
On3: 2nd overall to Jazz
ESPN: 1st overall*

*ESPN's ranking taken from "best available prospects" list.

This draft remains a win-win for the Jazz, whose personal connection to Dybantsa has been iterated to death since the lottery.

Ryan Smith and the Ainge family are known BYU guys, and were instrumental in bringing the number-one high school recruit to Provo to play and develop under head coach, Kevin Young (who is a lead candidate in the Chicago Bulls' coaching search, by the way).

But when it comes to drafting the final piece of a playoff-primed roster, personal connections can only drive a franchise so far. As much of a day-one fan favorite as Dybantsa would be, Darryn Peterson is actually the player that the Jazz should be after.

I've driven this point through the ground repeatedly, but Peterson is a much more natural fit into Utah's backcourt, providing some much-needed perimeter defense beside Keyonte George, and likewise becoming perhaps the strongest self-creator on the offensive end by the end of his rookie season -- if all goes well, of course.

Still, this is a win-win either way, as both prospects project to become perennial All-Stars, and even MVP candidates in the best timeline.