The 2026 NBA Draft is just a month away, and the consensus has been clear for months: A.J. Dybantsa is the man to beat for the top spot. But CBS Sports just threw a major curveball, projecting Kansas guard Darryn Peterson to go No. 1 overall to the Washington Wizards, with Dybantsa sliding to No. 2.
It’s a move that’s sure to spark debate from draft analysts to barstool fans. Dybantsa, the former BYU star and the nation’s leading scorer, has been the face of this draft class. He’s a bucket-getter with NBA-ready skills, and many assumed the Wizards—holding the top pick—would lock him in. But CBS’s latest mock suggests otherwise.
Peterson’s Upside Wins Out
According to CBS, Peterson has been their No. 1 prospect since the start of the draft cycle. “Yes, there are concerns about Peterson after an up-and-down season at Kansas, but I’m still buying all the stock on him being the best player in the class,” the network wrote. “The Wizards can go in several directions with this pick — including a trade with Utah — but Peterson is the best option. If it were up to me, Peterson would be off the board first. He has legit superstar potential.”
Peterson’s season at Kansas had its highs and lows, but his blend of size, athleticism, and playmaking has long intrigued scouts. Recent combine results showed Dybantsa with a key athletic edge, but CBS seems to value Peterson’s ceiling over raw athletic numbers.
Dybantsa to Utah: A Dream Scenario?
If Peterson goes first, the Utah Jazz would be thrilled to snag Dybantsa at No. 2. “This would be Utah’s dream scenario,” CBS noted. “Being able to draft a player who played his senior year of high school basketball at nearby Utah Prep and last season at BYU would make Dybantsa immediately the most popular man in the state of Utah.”
Dybantsa still has a strong case for No. 1. He was the best scorer in college basketball and has the upside to be one of the NBA’s elite scorers by the end of the decade. But CBS believes the Wizards might prioritize Peterson’s all-around game and superstar potential.
The Wizards have multiple options. They could trade the pick—Utah is a rumored partner—or select another top talent like Duke’s Cameron Boozer or North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson. Analytics have called Boozer the lone superstar in this class, adding another layer of intrigue.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about two players. The draft order itself has been a lightning rod for conspiracy theories, with some fans questioning the lottery process. A live draft lottery could help end those rumors, but for now, all eyes are on Washington’s decision.
If CBS is right, the 2026 draft will be remembered as the moment Peterson stole the spotlight from Dybantsa. If they’re wrong, Dybantsa will prove why he was the frontrunner all along. Either way, the next month promises plenty of drama.
