Darryn Peterson's Lofty NBA Comparisons From Execs Revealed by Kendrick Perkins Amid Draft Rumors

NBA executives love Kansas shooting guard Darryn Peterson, per ESPN NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins, who relayed a lofty comparison during the latest edition of NBA Today.

"I did my own little research and made a couple calls and talked to two executives that got top-five picks in this year's draft. And they said they wouldn't be surprised if he go No. 1. And you're right, [ESPN's Brian Windhorst], he is going number two and they also said he's a great kid, a great young man. And they said the perception that was out there throughout the course of the college season, that's not what they get from him, you know? They also said they did their research.

"Here's another thing real quick. When it comes to his talent, his pace, and his shooting, will translate easily to the NBA, right? And he's good in the pick-and-roll. Know how to make the right reads. low end, Bradley Beal. High end, Kobe Bryant."

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report provided a pro comparison to Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards in his latest mock draft.

Peterson averaged 20.2 points on 43.8 percent shooting (38.2 percent from three), 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals in 29.0 minutes at Kansas. Injuries unfortunately forced him to miss 11 games as he dealt with a hamstring ailment, cramps, a rolled ankle and flu-like symptoms.

Peterson revealed an interview with ESPN's Ramona Shelburne that he started taking creatine while at Kansas, which led to serious issues.

"I made it to the training room and just started begging them to call 911," Peterson said. "They were trying to get a vein to get me the IV, get me back hydrated. But I was cramping so hard they couldn't get a vein. I thought I was going to die on the training table that day."

Petersen just participated in the NBA Scouting Combine earlier this month, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo, and reportedly did well in interviews.

"NBA teams are still awaiting the results of Peterson's medical evaluation, which is viewed around the league as the most important off-court piece after he dealt with serious cramping concerns, which he attributed to high dosages of creatine. According to team sources, Peterson came across as quiet but serious in interviews last week and handled that part of the process well, addressing questions about his strange season."

Ultimately, Peterson's collegiate season is in the rearview mirror, and it appears all signs are pointing to a positive pre-draft process that may lead into him being a top-two pick. Expectations are sky-high if the Bryant-Beal ceiling-floor combination is any indication.

We'll see where Peterson lands soon when the draft begins on June 23.