Darryn Peterson took the basketball world by storm when he announced he would only be doing an official workout with the No. 1 pick-holding Washington Wizards earlier this month.
For a prospect to do this can be interpreted as showing the confidence that they believe they deserve the No. 1 spot.
This drew mixed reactions, but the narrative on Peterson that had been formed through his injury-ridden season was already looking for something else to bite onto, so it became clear that impressing those who threw out accusations over his love of basketball was in his rearview.
For a prospect of Peterson’s potential to believe he is worthy of a No. 1 NBA pick is not wrong or new.
However, when speaking with the media one day ahead of the NBA Draft, Peterson made it clear that just because he only worked out with the Wizards doens’t mean he’s oblivious to the fact he math not go No. 1 overall, saying, “It's just a decision that was made [only working out for the Wizards], but [I’m] definitely not dodging any team. Whoever takes me, I am gonna come in and be glad to be there. Whoever that happens to be, they’ll get the best me. But I am not dodging any team; I am ready to play for whoever.”
The consensus is that Peterson will be out by the No. 3 pick, with either Washington or the Utah Jazz taking the former five-star.
Earlier today, it was revealed that the Washington Wizards were set to re-sign four-time All-Star guard Trae Young back to the team after Young had originally opted out of his contract earlier this month. Now, this is by no means a sign that Peterson won’t go No. 1. There are several analysts and pundits who believe Peterson is still a better fit with the Wizards than with the Jazz.
What is going on in the Association?
When asked if he specifically met with the Jazz, Peterson replied, “We met…They've all been similar. Everybody got like a poker face right now. I can't really read anybody.”
There were understandably rumors from the second the draft lottery ended of Utah trying to make a switch with Washington, as potential No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa has a long-running relationship with Utah, having played at Utah Prep and spending his sole year at college with the BYU Cougars; however, just after the lottery, Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports revealed that Dybantsa’s camp won’t “play that sort of game,” meaning that Dybantsa had no problem playing in D.C.
An interesting development was also recently made by Marc J. Spears of Andscape when, earlier today, Spears quoted that the Wizards aren’t interested in giving away their pick, shooing away any idea of a possible switch for Utah and solidifying their stance at the top of the board.
The Washington Wizards are expected to keep the No. 1 pick and aren’t engaging in trade opportunities, a source told @andscape.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) June 22, 2026
With Washington seemingly stubborn about keeping the No. 1 overall pick, their choice is anything but crystal clear. Both Dybantsa and Peterson have made great cases for why they should be the No. 1 overall pick, and most importantly to the Wizards, they have a need for both.
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