The NBA Draft order is set. Where could KU basketball star Darryn Peterson go?
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is now one step closer to finding out which NBA team he will play for next season.
After the ping-pong balls settled, the NBA Draft order was set with a top four of:
- Washington Wizards
- Utah Jazz
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Chicago Bulls
The Los Angeles Clippers will pick at No. 5, followed by the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings.
Where will Peterson end up?
Multiple NBA scouts and draft evaluators told The Star throughout the season that Peterson remains a strong contender for this year’s top pick despite a turbulent season at Kansas. They view him as unlikely to fall past No. 2.
Peterson is contending with BYU’s AJ Dybantsa for the chance to be selected No. 1 overall. Things could get even more interesting because of the order of teams. Danny Ainge, the CEO of the Jazz and a BYU alum, has a close relationship with Dybantsa and his family. Ainge was seen at multiple BYU games throughout the season, including at the Big 12 Tournament, where Ainge greeted Dybantsa after games.
But Dybantsa may not even be available with the second pick.
Many NBA Draft evaluators have Peterson mocked second overall. Peterson was seen as the consensus No. 1 prospect before the season, but after Peterson’s injury and ailment-filled campaign, Dybantsa appears to have moved in front.
That said, the order of teams could change things. For example, Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress had Peterson projected first overall in his updated mock draft after the order was set.
Members of Peterson’s camp have also expressed the belief he won’t drop past No. 3. One NBA scout recently told The Star he believed Peterson could fall as low as No. 4, but no further.
The NBA Draft is set for June 23-24 in New York City.
