Is Darryn Peterson Trying to Force His Way to Washington Wizards?

There was no shortage of new intel for the Washington Wizards’ upcoming first overall pick.

This morning, Shams Charania reported that Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa both met with the Washington Wizards last week. He added Peterson decided he would not be meeting with any other teams ahead of the draft.

In Jeremy Woo’s mock draft, ESPN reported Washington’s decision was between Dybantsa and Peterson.

Quickly, speculation began whether or not Peterson’s decision was because he believes he’s going first overall. Another additional nugget noted was Dybantsa, viewed to be the favorite to become the first pick, also met with the Jazz a day later.

Lots of factors could potentially play into Peterson’s decision. One potential reason is that he and his camp believe he will be drafted no lower than two, so he does not feel the need to meet with the Jazz. The other theory some speculate is that Washington made Peterson’s camp confident he will be the first pick.

Ben Anderson, who works for KSL Sports as a Jazz Insider, reported Peterson had a scheduled visit with Utah, which he canceled after his visit with Washington.

“Sources told KSL Sports that Peterson’s camp is “very confident they are going #1,” prompting the change in this week’s plans,” Anderson writes.

Anderson reports that Peterson’s cancellation has nothing to do with avoiding the Jazz, and that the two sides had “plenty of communication.”

Anderson views Peterson’s decision to cancel the workout as a suggested shift at the top of the draft. Another report doesn’t subscribe to the idea that Peterson will be the first pick.

Clutch Point’s Brett Siegel is extremely confident Dybantsa is the pick for Washington as he downplayed Peterson's confidence.

“Darryn Peterson believes he’s the first pick, which he isn’t, but that won’t stop any other team from taking him, especially Utah who took Ace Bailey last year despite him not working out for them,” he added.

“While many are still creating a debate for the first pick in this year's draft, and the Washington Wizards haven't made it publicly known who they plan on choosing, AJ Dybantsa is still widely viewed as the obvious choice. Dybantsa recently worked out for the Wizards and met with the team's leadership at the end of last week, and everything went “perfect,” one source close to the situation told ClutchPoints.”

Yet there was more juice to the latest rumor into Monday evening after Shams reported that the Wizards did not just meet with Peterson, but did so multiple times after scouting him in both Los Angeles and Washington DC.

With all of this new information, Washington continues to hide its hand. 

Peterson’s medicals came up clear and are not caused major concern, “clearing the way for him to hear his name called as a top-two pick,” according to Woo.

If Peterson is truly trying to make his way to Washington, he’d become the second top-two prospect to do so in the last three years. Alex Sarr did not workout with the Atlanta Hawks, as he preferred the Wizards at his draft situation.

Last year, Ace Bailey did not workout with the majority of teams at the top of the draft, but reportedly had a private workout with the Wizards. Regardless of Bailey attempting to drop down to sixth overall, the Jazz took him with the fifth pick. That precedent seems important in regards to the Jazz and potentially taking Peterson if the Wizards go with Dybantsa.

ESPN’s reporting referenced Peterson’s desire to play point guard in the NBA. Both Washington and Utah have lead guard options on the roster at this time. The one wildcard is what happens with Trae Young’s player option, but the expectation for a while has been that he and the team will agree to a new contract.

Young is also not viewed as an impediment from drafting Peterson, according to Woo. Add in the fact that the Wizards could now face outside interest for Trae Young, the reason why the former Kansas guard is emerging as a growing contender and possible fit.

The Jazz are led by a great young guard in Keyonte George. However, Peterson played better as a shooting guard in his freshman year at Kansas, so teams could be interested in bringing him in to pair in the backcourt with the lead guard.

At this point in time, it appears both camps remain confident in their respective draft positioning. Both have made it clear they believe they should be the number one pick.

At this point, it appears Washington’s selection at number one will simply come down to preference.

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