Will Brockton’s AJ Dybantsa or Kansas guard Darryn Peterson go No. 1 in the NBA Draft? Now, it’s not so clear.
While it appeared a few weeks ago that Brockton native AJ Dybantsa was the unquestioned No. 1 pick in the June 23 draft, that assertion has now become blurry with the development that Kansas guard Darryn Peterson has only worked out for the Wizards, who own the top pick.
Read more Why are traffic cones appearing on statues all over Boston during the World Cup? The Scots explain.
The Wizards have offered no hint as to their plans but it appears as if Peterson and Dybantsa are their choices unless they decide to trade down and gather assets. Nine years ago, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge traded out of the No. 1 overall pick because he knew his top option, a forward out of Duke named Jayson Tatum, would be available at three, so he swapped picks with the 76ers and picked up a first-rounder in return.
The Wizards, if they prefer Peterson, could approach the Jazz, who own the second pick about a potential deal where they drop and allow the Jazz to take Dybantsa, who played one season at BYU and attended prep school in Utah.
Peterson and Dybantsa are the expected consensus top two picks with Duke’s Cameron Boozer being third, although some teams have been impressed by Boozer’s NBA readiness and his pre-draft workouts. Peterson is a gifted guard who was limited to 24 games because of various injuries.
There have been concerns about Peterson’s durability because of those missed games but he said during the draft process that high doses of creatine caused his cramping and injuries. With that hurdle cleared, Peterson has turned into a franchise-potential prospect, a smooth-shooting guard who can score at three levels.
The Wizards need a shooting guard and Peterson could fit in perfectly. Dybantsa, however, is considered a generational player who will be a perennial All-Star. Dybantsa hasn’t hinted at his desires for a professional destination. Although the Jazz would love Dybantsa because of his Utah roots and comfort playing there.
Yet, just because Peterson hasn’t worked out for the Jazz doesn’t mean Utah won’t draft him. They had similar issues last year with Rutgers prospect Ace Bailey, who wanted to go to Washington. The Jazz drafted Bailey and he turned in a solid rookie year and is part of the team’s core.
Dybantsa has already worked out for the Wizards and will work out for Utah. After this weekend, all the prospects will head to New York for media obligations and the draft and there appears to be no further clarification on what the Wizards will do.
Teams have prepared for this draft for years, which is why there were so many tanking teams this season. The Wizards, Jazz, Pacers, Nets, and Grizzlies were among the teams targeting the top players from this class and those prospects proved throughout the college season they were worthy of high picks.
Read more ‘No Scotland, no party!’ Boston is starting to agree.
The Celtics pick 27th Tuesday and could obtain a quality player who could contribute right away given the depth of the group. Last summer they scored big with Hugo Gonzalez while 2024 pick Baylor Scheierman (30th pick) has turned into a rotational piece and Payton Pritchard (26th in 2020) has already won Sixth Man of the Year.
And there’s always a possibility the Celtics decide to trade up in this fruitful draft for a more desired target. This will be the final draft where the odds favor the league’s worst teams.
The NBA’s new anti-tanking play adjusts the lottery odds to favor those clubs who finish higher than the third-worst record, so fewer tanking teams are expected next season and those who did tank are banking that the players selected Tuesday, including Dybantsa and Peterson, will put them into playoff contention.
The decision for the Wizards will be pivotal for their franchise. Washington has not amassed a 50-win season in 48 years and acquired Anthony Davis and Trae Young to join their group of first-round picks that includes Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, and Bub Carrington. Dybantsa gives the Wizards another frontcourt option to pair with Sarr and expedites their return to respectability.
It appears Dybantsa is warm to playing for Washington because he wants to be the No. 1 pick. And while the franchise has a porous reputation in recent years, it is believed to headed in the right direction with new management and a stable plan.
The Jazz are more unstable. Former first-round pick Walker Kessler has expressed disappointment about his future because he was not offered a lucrative extension. Bailey, Keyonte George, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Lauri Markkanen make a solid lineup along with Peterson or Dybantsa. Former Celtics assistant coach Will Hardy was advised by management to tank games last season by benching his frontline players in the fourth quarter. The Jazz were fined for their actions. The addition of Peterson or Dybantsa will provide a player with star power and marketing attraction and give the Jazz a chance to compete in the Western Conference.
Regardless of what Washington decides on Tuesday, the Wizards and Jazz will both get impactful players but it may be difficult for them to pass up on the potential of Dybantsa.
Post Comment