NBA GM's Bold Quote on Darryn Peterson Could Reveal Wizards' Plans for No. 1 Draft Pick

A number of mock drafts, including one from B/R's Jonathan Wasserman, projected the Washington Wizards to select BYU's AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick in Tuesday's NBA draft, but that would mean passing up on arguably the most talented player available.

At least in the eyes of one NBA general manager.

"[Darryn] Peterson's the most talented player in this draft," the GM told insider Jeff Goodman. "That's not a debate. But he's also the most terrifying. I just don't think Washington can roll the dice on him because they can't afford to miss on this pick."

Wasserman projected the Utah Jazz to take Peterson at No. 2 and listed Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards as a pro comparison, which underscores the Kansas playmaker's overall ceiling and ability.

Still, he also generated headlines during his one collegiate season when missed time with cramping issues he said stemmed from creatine usage.

"That thing this year was weird," a college coach told The Athletic's David Aldridge when discussing Peterson. "It shocked me. Because it had never been that. Like, in high school, he didn't duck any smoke. From afar, it was shocking to see that stuff."

Ultimately, there's little doubting Peterson's overall talent.

Darryn Peterson Highlights

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He can score 25-plus points on any given night and could be a franchise cornerstone in Washington, Utah or anywhere else that takes him. But he is also part of a loaded draft class that includes Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson, among others.

If the Wizards have even a bit of hesitation when it comes to Peterson after he missed time during his collegiate career, they will likely look elsewhere given all that talent.

After all, ensuring they end up with a consistent difference-maker to plug into the lineup alongside Anthony Davis and Trae Young will be critical if they are going to compete in the Eastern Conference.

And it seems like that pick is going to be Dybantsa if the mock drafts are accurate.