Stephen A. Smith Doubts Darryn Peterson as Top 2026 Draft Pick

WHO:

RealGM Basketball - The Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz are undecided between Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa for the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Pro Football Network - Stephen A. Smith, a sports commentator, expressed doubts about Darryn Peterson.

Sportskeeda - Stephen A. Smith, ESPN commentator, discussed his concerns regarding Darryn Peterson.

WHAT:

CBS Sports - AJ Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points per game for BYU during the season, while Cameron Boozer averaged 22.5 points per game for Duke.

CBS Sports - Dybantsa is considered the best high-ceiling/high-floor prospect in the draft, with experts stating he should be the first pick barring injuries.

CBS Sports - The 2026 NBA Draft is described as one of the best and deepest draft classes of the modern era.

RealGM Basketball - The Washington Wizards are said to be giving "increased consideration" to drafting Darryn Peterson with the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

RealGM Basketball - Peterson is reportedly working out only for the Wizards ahead of the draft.

RealGM Basketball - If the Wizards select Peterson, the Utah Jazz are expected to be more than happy to snag AJ Dybantsa with the No. 2 pick.

RealGM Basketball - The Wizards are considering BYU wing AJ Dybantsa at No. 1 but are also studying Kansas guard Darryn Peterson.

RealGM Basketball - The Jazz have not settled on a direction for their pick at No. 2.

Pro Football Network - NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that an Arizona standout is now under consideration for the Clippers' No. 5 pick at the 2026 NBA Draft.

Pro Football Network - Stephen A. Smith stated, "No Way In Hell" would he pick Darryn Peterson as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Sportskeeda - Stephen A. Smith made it clear he does not trust Darryn Peterson's availability for the upcoming NBA Draft.

WHEN:

Sportskeeda - The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for next week.

WHY:

RealGM Basketball - Washington lead executive Michael Winger is seeking leadership qualities in a No. 1 pick, with Dybantsa viewed as a more outgoing personality compared to Peterson.

RealGM Basketball - Washington lead executive Michael Winger is seeking leadership qualities in a No. 1 pick, while Peterson's introverted nature has drawn scrutiny.

RealGM Basketball - Peterson's agency may be withholding a visit to Utah as leverage in contract negotiations for Jazz point guard Keyonte George.

Sportskeeda - Stephen A. Smith's concerns about Darryn Peterson center around his availability, which he explicitly stated: "I Don't Trust Your Availability, Period."

HOW:

RealGM Basketball - The Atlanta Hawks are actively weighing trade-up and trade-down scenarios with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, with Kingston Flemings among the players drawing serious consideration.

RealGM Basketball - The Hawks acquired the No. 8 overall pick via a trade at last year's draft with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Pro Football Network - Stephen A. Smith's evaluation of Darryn Peterson is based on ongoing discussions about the potential No. 1 pick in the draft.

In the lead-up to the 2026 NBA Draft, AJ Dybantsa from BYU has made a strong impression, averaging 25.5 points per game, while Cameron Boozer from Duke followed closely with 22.5 points per game. Dybantsa is being touted as the top prospect in this highly regarded draft class, with experts suggesting he should be the first pick unless injuries intervene. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks are exploring trade options with their eighth overall pick, considering players like Kingston Flemings as they navigate their strategy.