AJ Dybantsa has long been considered the heir-apparent to the number-one overall selection in the 2026 edition of the time-honored NBA Draft. After proving his worth with the BYU Cougars as a freshman, there's little question that Dybantsa is deserving of such a prestigious designation, but the question now becomes if he'll receive that great reward, or be doomed to mire in the insignificance of picks 2-60. Pitiful.
There's an added layer to the NBA Draft frenzy the moment the Draft Lottery results are revealed. All of a sudden, very little is hypothetical anymore. We know who has what spot. We know what each team needs to take that next step toward contention. With the never-ending onslaught of media coverage (to which I contribute my fair share, I'll admit), we may even know exactly what condiments Utah Jazz GM Austin Ainge prefers on his french fries -- but who doesn't love fry sauce?
Now, with recent word from Jeff Goodman who polled 15 NBA executives, the greater image is zooming into focus. So, according to the decision-makers in the NBA, who would you take if you had the number-one overall pick?
Who wants to pick AJ Dybansta?
AJ Dybantsa: 12 votes (80%)
Darryn Peterson: 3 votes (20%)
I polled 15 NBA executives on who they would take if they had the No. 1 pick:
AJ Dybantsa: 12 votes
Darryn Peterson: 3 votes
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 11, 2026
This question might actually hold greater weight than it appears at first glance, with recent rumors rumbling that the Washington Wizards, winners of the NBA powerball and benevolent magistrates of the draft, are not completely set on retaining their draft position. In fact, until they're sold on a specific player as a can't-miss prospect, they may even consider trading downto both get their guy and rake in some future draft capital.
The numbers revealed from Goodman's poll reveals a truth that many of us already suspected: AJ Dybantsa is the favorite to come off the board first. But he's not the only candidate for that role, and that's important to note.
Darryn Peterson is a 6'6" guard with elite offensive skills and a defensive edge that at least three NBA executives would take number-one overall given the chance.
It makes teams like Utah less likely to be a trade partner than originally anticipated. Peterson is a better fit alongside the already loaded front court of the Jazz, slotting effortlessly alongside Keyonte George in the starting lineup. They'd happily take AJ Dybantsa if Peterson comes off the board first, but in their eyes, the second overall pick is essentially a second number-one pick. Peterson or Dybantsa, Utah leaves draft night an undeniable winner.
So the question becomes very simple now. Which side of the line does Washington fall on: Dybantsa or Peterson?
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