Darryn Peterson from Kansas is the expected number 1 pick in the NBA design of 2026. Although it is not a foregone such as a Victor Wembanyama or Cooper Flagg, Peterson has separated himself as the number 1 prospect in the eyes of many drawing analysts. Duke’s Cam Boozer or Byu’s AJ Dybantsa could possibly challenge Peterson for the number 1 pick. For now, however, Peterson seems to be the most likely number 1.
Looking at the game of the 6-foot-5 shooting guard, he has clear similarities with Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. Both players have similar frames and are explosive athletes with a talent to score. It is also worth noting that Edwards was the number 1 pick in 2020, but Lamelo Ball and James Wiseman were not far behind him in the eyes of many.
The similarities between Mier and Peterson
The first to stand out in terms of similarities between Peterson and Edwards is their explosive athletics and the ability to attack the edge. Although Peterson is not as powerful as an ant, he has the explosiveness and if he fills in his framework, he can be more powerful. Just as important is that Peterson is a productive shot maker who can score on multiple levels and makes it routinely difficult. This made Edwards the number 1 that came from Georgia, and we could see something similar with Peterson.
Peterson in particular had an average of 29.1 points in high school. Of course, high school numbers must be taken with a grain of salt, but that is an absurd number. Although athletics creates highlights and general excitement, the Scot creation aspect of Edwards’s game is which makes him a real star. Likewise, this Peterson makes a really special prospect. If Peterson can show flashes to become the elite shooter who is Edwards, his path to be a clear no. 1 pick is clear.
Apart from their similarities as scorers, Peterson, just like Edwards, is a gifted on-ball defender who can contain opposing perimeter players. Peterson could be a legitimate two -way sample. However, he must remain outside the ball to maximize his defensive impact. Sounds familiar, right?
Playmaking is the most important weakness of Peterson in the eyes of most people, and he will probably always be an off-guard star. Peterson in particular took an average of 3.1 turnover in high school, something he will cut to Kansas. While Edwards wants to make a new leap, playing is the most striking area of improvement for him.
Ultimately, the similarities between Edwards and Peterson are clear. Although it is too early to call him the following Edwards, Peterson certainly has the potential to be. It will be interesting to see how this ultra-talented 18-year-old develops in Kansas.
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