NBA Scouts Unfazed By Darryn Peterson's Injuries, Still Viewed As Top Draft Prospect

NBA scouts remain confident in Darryn Peterson's draft stock despite his sporadic availability at Kansas this season, with multiple evaluators telling The Athletic the freshman guard is still expected to be a top pick in June's draft. The assessment contradicts mounting public criticism of Peterson's injury-plagued season.

"I haven't heard, from anyone I've talked to, like, 'Wow, he's going (pick No.) 10 now,'" said one NBA scout granted anonymity in exchange for candid assessment. "When finally on the clock, I don't think a couple of missed games because of hamstring (issues) or whatever are gonna convince someone that it's not worth it (to draft) Darryn Peterson."

Peterson has appeared in just 15 of Kansas' 26 games this season, averaging 26.9 minutes in those contests. The potential No. 1 pick has been sidelined by hamstring injuries, cramping issues, a twisted ankle, and flu-like symptoms throughout his freshman campaign.

The debate over Peterson's status intensified after Wednesday night's victory over Oklahoma State, when he scored 20 first-half points before requesting to be removed for the final 17:22 due to cramping. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith declared Thursday on "First Take" that "there is no team in hell that should grab Darryn Peterson No. 1."

Scouts dismiss those concerns, citing Peterson's exceptional talent and valuable archetype as a 6-foot-6 lead guard who can run an offense and make difficult shots. His play when healthy has exceeded expectations.

"He's elite, elite, elite," a second NBA scout said. "When he's fully healthy, the shot-making is on another level. When it comes down to it, man, if you've seen this guy play in high school, and you saw those matchups, like, Darryn is the guy. For sure."

One industry source familiar with Peterson's recruitment called him a "complete" player whose flashes have been "even better" than most NBA decision-makers anticipated, despite playing fewer than 40 percent of Kansas' minutes.

The primary challenge to Peterson's draft position comes not from health concerns but from an exceptionally deep freshman class featuring BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Duke's Cameron Boozer, North Carolina's Caleb Wilson, Houston's Kingston Flemings, and Arkansas' Darius Acuff. One executive told ESPN this week that a top pick in this draft would be worth as much as $100 million if put up on an open auction.

"The thing that's making this hard is the class is elite," the second scout said. "You're getting Acuff last night. You're getting AJ playing at such a high level. I mean, Boozer's been the ultimate reliable in terms of production and double-doubles."

Multiple college and NBA sources told The Athletic that Peterson was known to miss games in high school as well. Unless pre-draft medicals reveal serious concerns, scouts expect him to remain near the top of draft boards.

Peterson has averaged 20 points while shooting 49 percent overall and 43 percent from 3-point range when healthy. His feel for the game has drawn comparisons to Kobe Bryant.

His absences have created bizarre moments. Against TCU on January 6, Peterson scored 32 points but sat with heating wraps during a late comeback, checked in for the final 5.4 seconds to draw a foul and sink three free throws to force overtime, then sat out the entire extra period. Against BYU on January 31, he dominated the first half before cramping forced him out for the final 17 minutes.

Kansas coach Bill Self publicly defended Peterson days after he missed a matchup against No. 1 Arizona due to flu-like symptoms announced minutes before tipoff.

"I've read some of the narratives that are out there about him, and it's really not remotely true," Self said. "The narratives are BS."

After Wednesday's game, Self acknowledged frustration. "I didn't anticipate that tonight at all. I thought he was good to go," he said. "We only got 18 minutes out of him."

If apprehension exists at the NBA level, it centers not on Peterson's talent but whether his inner circle has provided optimal guidance.

The issues appear genuine rather than strategic draft positioning. "I don't know what they're calling it medically," the first scout said, "but you can't hide from the combine."

Peterson's willingness to keep playing despite setbacks has impressed some evaluators.

"I do feel for Darryn in some ways," the second scout said, "because I think he looks at it as, 'I'm trying to play, and I could have shut it down.'"