2026 NBA Draft: Darryn Peterson Only Wants to Meet the Wizards!

Darryn Peterson is going all-in on Washington before the draft. Unlike AJ Dybantsa, who met with both the Wizards and the Jazz, the Kansas guard is refusing to schedule meetings with other lottery franchises...

By@Nicolas Flamecourt

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2026 NBA Draft: Darryn Peterson Only Wants to Meet the Wizards!

Mar 12, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson (22) during a break in play during the second half against the TCU Horned Frogs at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

Photo Credit : © William Purnell-Imagn Images

With the 2026 NBA Draft’s first round just days away on June 23, the race for the top pick is taking an unexpected turn. According to ESPN, Darryn Peterson has granted only one official visit: to the Washington Wizards, holders of the number 1 pick. And he reportedly has no intention of scheduling any others before the ceremony.

Darryn Peterson told me at the #NBADraft Combine that he thought it was « pretty cool » the Wizards focused on him as a person, not just a basketball player.

Being that Washington is the only team he’s working out for, that approach may have left an impression. 👀 @dbltakesports https://t.co/h2RLnWPxAS

— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) June 15, 2026

A Striking Contrast with Dybantsa

Peterson’s approach is a sharp departure from that of A.J. Dybantsa. The BYU forward, long considered the frontrunner to be called first by Adam Silver, met with both the Wizards and the Utah Jazz, who own the second pick. A classic approach for a prospect covering his bases and keeping all doors open.

Darryn Peterson plans to meet only with the Wizards, who hold the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, per @ShamsCharania

Peterson reportedly believes he’s going No. 1 overall and does not plan to meet with any other teams. 👀 pic.twitter.com/cNlEnErN8H

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 15, 2026

Peterson, on the other hand, is taking a far bolder stance. No planned visit with the Jazz, and no meeting with the Grizzlies, who pick third. A posture that has clearly not gone unnoticed by other franchises, according to ESPN.

Two interpretations naturally arise. Either Washington has given Peterson enough assurances that he sees no need to meet with other teams. Or his camp is making a power play, signaling a clear preference to force the Wizards‘ hand. « Both Peterson and Dybantsa believe they will be the number one pick, » Charania and Woo noted, leaving the suspense fully intact.

Immense Talent, but Some Questions Remain

On the court, Peterson has plenty to fuel the debate. The 6’5″ guard averaged 20.2 points per game during his freshman season at Kansas, a program record. However, he missed 11 games due to injuries, making him the top prospect with the most missed games since Kyrie Irving in 2011, who played only 11 times at Duke before being selected first overall.

REPORT: Darryn and AJ are fighting to be drafted by the Washington Wizards (Via @ShamsCharania)

« Both Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa believe they will be the number one pick » 👀 pic.twitter.com/nbHLBvOm7M

— WizardsMuse (@WizardsMuse1) June 15, 2026

Peterson explained in May to ESPN that debilitating cramps, caused by high creatine consumption, were behind his absences. A medical context that makes his refusal to open up to other franchises all the more surprising. By turning down meetings with the Jazz and the Grizzlies, he is denying those teams a potential evaluation — which could cool their interest if the capital’s franchise ultimately turns to Dybantsa.

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