The ESPN firebrand cites durability concerns as the polarizing Kansas star battles AJ Dybantsa for the top spot, forcing the Washington Wizards to weigh elite talent against injury risks.
Stephen A. Smith Questions Darryn Peterson's Draft Case Ahead of NBA Draft
As Darryn Peterson continues to generate buzz near the top of the 2026 NBA Draft, not everyone is convinced the former Kansas star should be the No. 1 overall pick.
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the debate Wednesday morning during First Take and made it clear where he stands.
"Ain't no way in hell I'm taking [Darryn Peterson] No. 1 overall, if it were me," Smith said. "I don't trust your availability, period."
The comments come as Peterson remains locked in a battle with BYU star AJ Dybantsa for the top spot in the draft. While several recent reports have suggested Peterson is gaining momentum with the Washington Wizards, concerns about his health continue to follow him throughout the pre-draft process.
Peterson averaged 20.2 points per game during his lone season at Kansas and entered college as the consensus top prospect in the country. However, injuries limited him to just 24 games. He battled a hamstring injury early in the year, missed time with an ankle issue late in the season and frequently dealt with cramping problems that occasionally forced him out of games.
Those concerns are clearly part of the conversation for evaluators.
Still, Peterson's supporters believe his talent outweighs the risk. Earlier this week, former Wizards star John Wall said he would select Peterson with the No. 1 overall pick. ESPN's Jeremy Woo recently called Peterson "the most gifted offensive player in the class," while reports from around the league suggest Peterson's camp remains confident he could ultimately hear his name called first on draft night.
The debate highlights the biggest question facing teams at the top of the draft. Is Peterson's offensive upside worth betting on despite concerns about durability?
The Washington Wizards will ultimately make that decision next week. Until then, the former Kansas star remains one of the most polarizing prospects in the entire draft class.
Whether teams focus on his production or his availability could determine where Peterson's NBA career begins.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!
Join the Community
