Wizards Predicted to Land 6'6'' 20.2 PPG Star Guard in 2026 NBA Draft

This would cap off Washington's multiple-year rebuild.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:39pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicts the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with the players' forms abstracted into sharp, overlapping shapes.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the raw energy and motion of a high-stakes basketball game, hinting at the Wizards' potential future star.Washington Today

According to Bleacher Report's latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft, the Washington Wizards are predicted to select Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, who is compared to Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. Peterson was one of the best players in the NCAA last season, averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

Why it matters

The Wizards have been in rebuild mode since trading away Bradley Beal in 2023, and landing a potential star like Peterson in the 2026 draft could help them transition from rebuild to contender status.

The details

Peterson, a 6'6'' guard, had an impressive season at Kansas, leading the team to the Big 12 Tournament semifinals and the round of 32 in March Madness. His scoring ability, 3-point shooting, and comfort playing off the ball are seen as exciting traits that could translate well to the NBA. If the Wizards are able to draft Peterson, they could have a starting lineup of Trae Young, Tre Johnson/Peterson, Bilal Coulibaly/Peterson, Anthony Davis, and Alex Sarr, which would be a formidable group.

  • Peterson averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game for Kansas in the 2025-26 season.
  • Kansas lost in the round of 32 in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The players

Darryn Peterson

A 6'6'' guard who was one of the best players in the NCAA last season, averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game for Kansas.

Bradley Beal

The former star player for the Washington Wizards, who was traded away in 2023 as the team began a rebuild.

Trae Young

The starting point guard for the Washington Wizards in the proposed future starting lineup.

Tre Johnson

A potential starting shooting guard or small forward for the Washington Wizards alongside Darryn Peterson.

Bilal Coulibaly

A potential starting small forward or power forward for the Washington Wizards alongside Darryn Peterson.

Anthony Davis

A starting power forward for the Washington Wizards in the proposed future starting lineup.

Alex Sarr

The starting center for the Washington Wizards in the proposed future starting lineup.

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What they’re saying

“Despite all the controversy around his injuries and in-game tapouts earlier in the season, he still averaged 20.2 points on 43.8 percent shooting (38.2 percent from three) while playing 29.0 minutes a game. Peterson's shotmaking skill remains as exciting as it seemed at Prolific Prep.We also learned he's very comfortable scoring from off the ball, a good sign considering his ball-dominant role at Prolific Prep. He posted productive and efficient numbers playing a lot of reps out of spot-ups, running around screens and taking dribble handoffs.”

— Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report NBA Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Wizards will look to land the 6'6'' Darryn Peterson in the 2026 NBA Draft, which would help them transition from rebuild to contender status.

The takeaway

The Wizards' potential selection of Darryn Peterson, who is compared to Anthony Edwards, could be a game-changer for the franchise as they look to return to contention after several years of rebuilding.