In a projection for the 2026 NBA Draft, CBS Sports' Gary Parrish ranks Kansas guard Darryn Peterson as the top overall pick. The mock draft prioritizes the best available prospects over team needs, with BYU's AJ Dybantsa and Duke's Cameron Boozer following closely. Peterson's inconsistent season has raised questions, but Parrish expects him to emerge as the consensus choice.
Gary Parrish's latest mock draft for the 2026 NBA Draft places Kansas guard Darryn Peterson at No. 1, ahead of BYU's AJ Dybantsa and Duke's Cameron Boozer. Parrish emphasizes that the list ignores team needs, serving primarily as a ranking of the top 30 prospects. The actual draft order for the first 14 picks will not be set until the lottery on May 10, and outcomes could change based on the results.
Peterson has faced challenges this season, with frequent absences from the lineup earning him the social media nickname 'DNP.' Parrish acknowledges these issues, stating, 'Do I love the way his season has unfolded? Obviously not.' However, he remains optimistic, adding, 'I'm going to trust that Peterson's in-and-out-of-the-lineup stuff ... is behind him, and that, by the time it's time to select players, he'll be the consensus option at No. 1.'
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25-26. Currently, the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets hold the best odds at 14% each for the No. 1 selection. Parrish notes that labeling the projection a 'mock draft' rather than a 'prospect list' improves its visibility online, despite the distinction being minimal in practice.
This projection highlights Peterson's potential despite recent setbacks, positioning him as the leading candidate in early evaluations.
