Peterson meets Wizards only before NBA Draft 2026

Top prospect Darryn Peterson visited the Washington Wizards, who hold the first overall pick, but declined meetings with other teams.

Prospect's limited team access Darryn Peterson, the top NBA draft prospect, visited the Washington Wizards but has no plans to meet with any other franchises. Shams Charania and Jeremy Woo noted that teams in the lottery have noticed Peterson's decision to grant access exclusively to Washington. BYU's AJ Dybantsa has already met with both the Wizards and Utah Jazz, who hold the second overall selection. Sources indicate both players believe they will be selected first overall. The first round of the draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on June 23. ## Mock draft predictions and trades Jeremy Woo provided an updated NBA mock draft predicting all 60 picks one week before the draft. Dybantsa sees an opportunity for quick success similar to what the Spurs experienced. Discussions include six potential trades involving eight of the top ten selections. Peterson has not planned a visit to Utah before the draft, though rival teams do not view this as a major factor in the Jazz's potential selection of him. ## Selection precedence despite workout absence There is precedent for selecting a player who did not participate in a workout, as general manager Austin Ainge chose Ace Bailey fifth overall last year despite Bailey's camp electing not to work out there. Peterson, a 6-foot-5 guard, averaged 20.2 points per game, the highest ever by a Kansas freshman, but missed 11 games due to injuries. Those were the most missed games by a potential top overall pick since Kyrie Irving was selected after playing just 11 games for Duke in 2011. ## Injury details and medical explanation Peterson told a reporter in May that debilitating cramping caused his mysterious injury, with doctors attributing the condition to high doses of creatine revealed after the college basketball season. The Wizards finished 17-65 last season and secured the top pick in the May lottery despite having the best odds. Washington has not won a playoff series since the 2017-18 season. ## Wizards' rebuild and fan support Michael Winger, the Wizards' top basketball executive, said the No. 1 pick is for the fans who have endured the most. He described the pick as a reward for their continued support despite periods of poor performance. Winger highlighted the franchise's multiyear teardown and reinvention process. Peterson's potential selection is seen as a positive step for the team. ## Dybantsa's Utah connections and draft outlook Dybantsa has strong ties to Utah, having played his senior year of high school at Utah Prep and last season at BYU. Both Peterson and Dybantsa believe they will be the first overall pick. The Jazz finished 22-60 last season and traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. in February. Jackson played just three games for the Jazz before undergoing surgery to remove a growth in his left knee.