Darryn Peterson NBA Draft Prop
This is a loaded NBA Draft with talent, and it starts right at the top. The expectation is that AJ Dybantsa will be selected No. 1 overall by the Washington Wizards. Assuming that is the case, Darryn Peterson is worth a bet to be the No. 2 selection.
Remember, Peterson was the odds on favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick for much of the college basketball season. Eventually, Dybantsa overtook him and the price has continued to be bet out. The reason for the flip of the favorite was not just due to one factor. Dybantsa’s tremendous play as the season went on made it clear he’s an elite NBA prospect, but Peterson’s inability to stay on the court played a role in his fall.
That said, Peterson is still an elite prospect himself, and many NBA General Managers will be willing to overlook missing some games for Kansas due to his skill set. Peterson is a pure shooter that can create his own shot. He has all the makings to be a superstar caliber guard in the NBA. What is Danny Ainge known for throughout his lengthy career as a decision maker for NBA teams? Taking the best talent on the board.
Ainge has done this dating back two decades with the Boston Celtics, and proved this was still his philosophy just last summer — when the Utah Jazz selected Ace Bailey with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
While there’s been some noise surrounding Cameron Boozer jumping up to No. 2 overall, Ainge will not pass on the talent level of Dybantsa or Peterson. Whichever one the Wizards do not select should be the pick at No. 2. With Dybantsa in the -500 range to go No. 1 overall, we’re getting a nice deal by just backing Peterson to be the pick at No. 2.
If you need to talk yourself into positional need, we can do that too. Utah is set in the frontcourt with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen, as well as Walker Kessler, for the time being. Keyonte George appears to be the point guard of the future, with Ace Bailey a bigger wing. The shooting guard of the future is in need with this core, and Peterson would be the perfect fit. But that’s all just a luxury for the Jazz, as Ainge has a proven track record of simply selecting the top available talent.
NBA Draft Pick: Number 2 Pick – Darryn Peterson (-150)
*Editors Note: As of Tuesday morning, Peterson is now -250. I’m still fine with that price given the movement at the No. 1 overall pick. Dybantsa is priced -700, meaning Peterson is more likely to be available at No. 2. If that’s the case, I do not see Utah passing.
