Top NBA draft prospect Darryn Peterson has limited pre-draft meetings to the Washington Wizards, who hold the first overall pick in the June 23 draft, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania and Jeremy Woo. The decision sets up a potential blockbuster night as Peterson and projected top prospect AJ Dybantsa both believe they will be selected first.
Peterson, a 6-foot-5 guard from Kansas, averaged 20.2 points per game as a freshman, a school record. He missed 11 games due to injury, the most for a projected No. 1 pick since Kyrie Irving played just 11 games at Duke before being selected in 2011. Peterson told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne in May that severe cramping caused his injury issues. He said doctors determined after the season that high doses of creatine contributed to the condition.
The Utah Jazz, who hold the second overall pick, are not expected to be deterred by Peterson’s decision to limit meetings. Both Peterson and BYU forward AJ Dybantsa see themselves as the top prospect, creating a logjam at the top of the draft board. Dybantsa, a 6-foot-10 forward, has drawn praise for his versatility and potential as a two-way player.
Washington, who finished last season with a 17-65 record, has not won a playoff series since the 2017-18 season. The Wizards hold the top pick after winning the draft lottery in May, a position they were heavily favored to earn. Peterson wants to play point guard in the NBA but does not see joining Trae Young in Washington as a problem. Young, who averages 20.6 points and 8.5 assists per game, could form a dynamic backcourt with Peterson if the Wizards select him.
Peterson’s decision to limit visits reflects confidence in his stock and the Wizards’ interest. The Utah Jazz, who have not won a playoff series in four years, are also evaluating whether to prioritize Peterson or another top prospect. With both Peterson and Dybantsa projecting as top-3 talents, the first round of the draft will be closely watched.
The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on June 23. Teams will finalize their decisions in the hours leading up to tipoff.
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