Although the outside perception has largely been that AJ Dybantsa is the frontrunner to be selected first overall during next week’s draft, multiple draft experts believe there’s a real chance the Wizards will instead take Darryn Peterson, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line (Substack link).

One “well-placed insider” told Stein that Washington is giving “increased consideration” to drafting Peterson, whose freshman season at Kansas was marred to some extent by hamstring and cramping issues. The 6’5″ guard was considered the preseason and early-season favorite to be selected first before those issues arose.

Jeremy Woo and Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Monday that the Wizards had narrowed down their selection process to either Dybantsa or Peterson, and Stein confirms from sources that Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson aren’t in contention for the No. 1 pick.

Stein acknowledges the increased buzz about the Wizards potentially drafting Peterson could ultimately be “some sort of smokescreen.” He also points out that Jazz owner Ryan Smith, a BYU alumnus, would likely be thrilled if Dybantsa was available at No. 2.

ESPN reported that Peterson participated in multiple on-court workouts for the Wizards and decided against meeting with Utah. Dybantsa has met with both teams but isn’t expected to meet with any others.

The Jazz are said to be “torn” and still deciding which player to pick out of Peterson, Dybantsa and Boozer, depending on who’s still on the board.