The Warriors veteran cites Stephen Curry’s history to dismiss concerns over Peterson’s draft preferences, arguing that team fit and superstar potential outweigh a prospect's initial destination desires.
Draymond Green Defends Darryn Peterson Amid NBA Draft Speculation
As the debate surrounding Darryn Peterson's draft stock continues to dominate NBA circles, another prominent voice has weighed in on the former Kansas star's reported preference to avoid landing with the Utah Jazz.
Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, the four-time NBA champion dismissed concerns about Peterson's reported reluctance to play in Utah and argued that draft-day preferences rarely determine a player's future success.
"Utah don't give a sht,"* Green said. "Ask Steph Curry. He did not work out for the Warriors. And asked them not to draft him. Eighteen years later, he's been with that team the whole time."
Green's comments come after multiple reports suggested Peterson preferred the Washington Wizards, who own the No. 1 overall pick, and declined additional pre-draft visits. The situation fueled speculation that Peterson was attempting to steer his destination away from Utah, which owns the No. 2 selection.
Rather than viewing that as a red flag, Green pointed to NBA history.
Stephen Curry famously preferred the New York Knicks during the 2009 draft process, but Golden State selected him seventh overall anyway. Curry went on to become the face of the franchise, winning four NBA championships and transforming the Warriors into a dynasty.
The comparison highlights the reality of the draft process: prospects can have preferences, but teams ultimately control the decision.
Peterson remains one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2026 draft class. While some analysts, including Stephen A. Smith and Colin Cowherd, have questioned aspects of his profile following an injury-filled freshman season at Kansas, others continue to see superstar potential.
ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo recently moved Peterson to No. 1 on his final big board, calling him "the most gifted scorer in this draft." Former NBA star Kendrick Perkins also said Peterson's ceiling resembles that of Kobe Bryant, while former Wizards point guard John Wall publicly endorsed Peterson as Washington's top choice.
With the draft less than a week away, opinions continue to vary. One thing is clear: Peterson remains firmly at the center of the No. 1 pick conversation, and voices across the basketball world continue to debate where the former Jayhawk belongs.
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