With the NBA Draft set for June 23, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is drawing No. 1 overall buzz—but his camp is reportedly not planning to work out for the Utah Jazz and would prefer the Washington Wizards or, ideally, the Memphis Grizzlies.
On the lead-up to the NBA Draft, where every workout and every sentence can sway a board, Darryn Peterson’s camp is making one preference loud and clear.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson does not plan to work out for the Utah Jazz. His camp believes he has a real chance to go No. 1 overall to the Washington Wizards while preferring not to land in Utah, Dallas Hoops Journal reported.
Right now, the Wizards hold the No. 1 overall pick. Peterson is considered an option to go there alongside BYU star AJ Dybantsa and a few others. Utah, meanwhile, is sitting with the No. 2 pick.
Peterson’s ideal scenario, according to the outlet, is simple: he’d like to be drafted by Washington. Even better, he’d prefer the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis currently has the No. 3 overall selection.
That sets up a draft tension already being tracked closely in league circles—Peterson’s talent is being evaluated. but so are the destinations he wants (and the one he would rather not visit). Utah isn’t just a no-workout team in this story either. Dybantsa played his college basketball in Utah, and reports swirl that Utah would like to draft him.
Peterson’s college resume at Kansas is part of why his name keeps coming up at the top. He played one season at Kansas, helping lead the Jayhawks to another NCAA tournament appearance. He missed several games due to injury, and he averaged more than 20 points during the season.
But the questions that follow him are just as real as the points. The Athletic reported about his time at Kansas. per their draft guide. that Peterson’s performance raised questions—especially in regard to his decision-making and his ability to consistently get paint touches. The same draft guide also framed the possibility that those issues could fade once he is placed into an NBA offensive scheme.
The upside remains the argument for Peterson staying near the top of the board. The Athletic added that Peterson still has a lot of upside. saying that while there are questions NBA teams need to answer. the talent is there—and he projects to be the kind of player who can dribble. pass. shoot. defend. and think the game at a high level as long as his development goes well in the next two years.
The NBA Draft starts on June 23. By the time the first pick is called. the Wizards’ decision will carry the biggest weight in the league. and Peterson’s preferences—Wizards first. Grizzlies also welcome. Jazz not on the itinerary—will be tested against what the teams on the clock are actually willing to do.
Darryn Peterson NBA Draft Washington Wizards Utah Jazz Memphis Grizzlies AJ Dybantsa Kansas basketball No. 1 overall pick NBA rumors
So he “avoids” Utah like it’s a bad restaurant? lol just work out and let them figure it out.
I swear the draft is all politics anyway. If his camp wants the Wizards that bad, it makes me side-eye like… why not Utah?
Wait, is this saying Utah is the Jazz but he doesn’t wanna go there? Confusing title. Also if he missed games from injury at Kansas, shouldn’t teams be worried more about that than workouts?
Memphis ideally?? Next thing you know he’ll be like “I don’t want the Grizzlies either” and then everyone acts shocked. The article mentions decision-making/paint touches or whatever, but I don’t get why that would magically fix itself in the NBA scheme. Sounds like people are just praying he turns into someone else after two years.