There was some concern after the Trae Young trade about whether or not he would elevate the Washington Wizards to a point where they would play themselves out of their top-eight protected first round pick.
Some of those concerns were put to rest on Wednesday when ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Young, who is still recovering from MCL and quad injuries, will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break and that the Wizards are taking a “cautious” approach. With CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert now on the Atlanta Hawks and Young sidelined for the time being, and possibly even the entire season if they are able to agree on a long-term extension, the tank is back on. Losers of four straight since sending McCollum and Kispert to Atlanta for an injured Young, it looks like the Wizards will be in prime contention for the No. 1 overall pick.
There is a consensus top three who all could go at the top depending on which talent evaluator you ask. Some would value Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson’s combo guard skills and offensive maturity. Others would be unable to look past BYU freshman wing AJ Dybantsa’s pure scoring ability. Duke freshman forward Cameron Boozer’s sky-high floor and consistency will also get him looks from whoever is picking at the top of the draft.
If the Wizards get the No. 1 pick, who they should draft has become clear to me. Here is my preview of Darryn Peterson.
Darryn Peterson, 6’6” freshman guard from Kansas
I struggle to remember the last freshman guard prospect who looked as pro-ready as Peterson when he has been on the floor for Kansas this season. His comfort level and steadiness as a lead guard is unprecedented for a true freshman. While he is not going to jump out of the gym, he has enough athleticism, and at 6’6”, 205 pounds with a 6’10.5” wingspan, has the positional size necessary to be an elite two-way player at either guard spot.
The start to Peterson’s college career has been marred with consistent cramping issues in his hamstring and quad that has allowed him to only play in seven games. He has not been on the floor to finish a game since returning from his initial hamstring injury in December. There has also been some uncertainty regarding the circumstances of the severity of Peterson’s injury and whether or not he could have returned sooner, including his family’s involvement in his rehab.
Here is what Kansas head coach Bill Self said while addressing those concerns after a 90-61 victory over Davidson on Dec. 23 in which Peterson sat out (via ESPN’s Myron Medcalf).
“[Peterson’s family] made a decision, which I don’t disagree with it at all, that they want him to be as close to 100 percent as possible when he comes back,” Self said. “He’s just not quite there yet. It’s a day-to-day deal. He will be [ready]. I wish he could have played tonight, but the fact of the matter is other guys got some run and did well.”
Peterson’s lingering injuries and his family’s apparent influence initially gave me cause for concern, enough so that I viewed him as the third option behind Dybantsa and Boozer. But really watching Peterson play and seeing the impact he has on this Kansas team puts those worries to rest. While not even at full strength, Peterson recorded 16 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals and a block on 6-15 shooting to help Kansas upset No. 2 Iowa State on Tuesday.
On the year, Peterson is averaging 21.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 40.0% from three in just 27.3 minutes per game. This level of production is coming while Peterson has been less than 100%. Peterson is also the clear first option on one of the least talented Kansas teams in recent memory and is getting the full focus of opposing defenses.
It is difficult to find any flaws or weaknesses in Peterson’s game. He is a silky-smooth dribbler, can create his own shot on the perimeter and drive downhill or change speeds while attacking the rim, where he can finish with both hands. The assist numbers are not eye-popping, but I think that is more of a product of the team around him and than an indictment of his passing ability. Watching his tape, he still makes excellent reads and is able to find open teammates as needed. The most exciting part of Peterson’s game might just be his intangibles. He just looks so comfortable and poised while running an offense and bearing such a heavy scoring load.
The only thing that could hold Peterson back are injuries. If he continues to not be able to finish games or if he has to miss any more time while dealing with his lower body/cramping issues, then it may be time to worry. But he has already shown enough to prove that he is the most talented and pro-ready prospect in college.
If the Wizards sign Young to an extension to keep him in Washington long-term, he and Peterson would instantly form one of the most exciting backcourts in the entire NBA. Playing off-ball next to Young, Peterson would be able to benefit from Young’s elite playmaking and fully blossom as a scorer. With his size, length and athleticism, he would also be able to mask a lot of Young’s defensive shortcomings. It is thrilling to imagine a long-term core of Peterson, Young, Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington and Bilal Coulibaly.
There are no shortage of NBA comparisons for Peterson. The most common, albeit the most lofty, is Kobe Bryant. Like Bryant, Peterson is a versatile, offensive juggernaut who can get to his spots and the court with ease and convert from all three levels regardless of the defensive pressure. Other comparisons I have seen include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray and Brandon Roy. Basically, Peterson has been compared to most of the elite high-usage combo guards over the last century.
If he continues to work his way back from his injuries and is able to sustain this level of play with Kansas, then Peterson should absolutely be at the top of the Wizards’ big board. Adding Peterson to the current mix, along with a few veterans in free agency, would instantly put the Wizards back in the mix to make the playoffs in the 2026-27 season.
