John Wall Campaigns for Wizards to Take Darryn Peterson over AJ Dybantsa in 2026 NBA Draft

Former Washington Wizards great John Wall said Wednesday he would take Kansas star Darryn Peterson with the top overall pick, though he said AJ Dybantsa would be his second choice.

Peterson clearly is angling to go No. 1 overall, only taking a pre-draft workout with the Wizards.

The 19-year-old averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24 games at Kansas last season, shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from three. In Atlanta he'd be backcourt mates with Trae Young as the Wizards look to kickstart their rebuild with veteran talent (Young, Anthony Davis if he isn't traded) and young prospects (Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, whoever is selected No. 1).

Dybantsa still seems like the favorite to be the guy for the Wizards, but if Wall had his way, it would be Peterson.