Drawing parallels to Stephen Curry’s draft snubs, Green insists Utah won't be deterred by missed workouts if the elite guard remains the best prospect on their board.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green weighed in on one of the most talked-about storylines of the 2026 NBA Draft cycle, Darryn Peterson declining to work out for the Utah Jazz, and made it clear he doesn’t believe it will influence Utah’s decision at No. 2.
On The Draymond Green Show, Green pushed back on the idea that Peterson’s limited workout schedule, which he met only with Washington and Memphis, should be interpreted as a sign the Jazz are out of the running.
“The Utah Jazz know everything they want and need to know about Darryn Peterson,” Green said. “They don’t give a s*** whether he come in there and work out or not.”
Green then pointed to one of the most famous examples in modern draft history, being Stephen Curry’s pre‑draft process in 2009.
“Steph Curry did not work out for the Golden State Warriors, did not want to go to Golden State, worked out for the teams around Golden State, and asked them not to draft him,” Green said. “Eighteen years later, he’s been with that same team the whole time.”
Peterson’s decision not to visit Salt Lake City has been a burgeoning talking point as of late, especially as the Jazz continue evaluating the top tier of the draft with Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer. League sources have confirmed Peterson only visited Washington, the team holding the No. 1 pick, and Memphis, which sits at number three.
Green’s comments echo what many around the league believe, which is that Utah will not be deterred by a missed workout if Peterson is the top player on their board.
“If they want to draft Darryn Peterson when it comes time for their pick,” Green said, “they’re going to draft Darryn Peterson.”
This isn’t new territory for Utah, as last year, Ace Bailey declined to work out for the Jazz and attempted to, under the influence of his previous agent, force his way to Washington. Utah instead drafted him at No. 5, and he is now regarded as an untouchable cornerstone of this new era.
The Jazz have made it clear that they will not be influenced by pre‑draft maneuvering.
Peterson’s workout decisions may have fueled speculation, but Green’s perspective reflects how front offices actually operate. Utah has spent the entire year scouting Peterson, interviewing him and gathering intel, and a single workout, or lack of one, won’t change that.
If Peterson is the best player available at No. 2, the Jazz will take him.
