Pacers Weigh Drafting Injury-Prone Prospect Darryn Peterson

The Kansas star is the presumptive No. 1 pick, but his extensive injury history raises concerns.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Indiana Pacers are in prime position to land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and Kansas star Darryn Peterson is widely projected to be the top selection. However, Peterson's extensive injury history, including missing 11 games this season due to various ailments, has some questioning whether the Pacers should take him with the first pick.

Why it matters

The Pacers are looking to add a franchise-changing talent to pair with All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton, and Peterson's elite offensive skills and two-way potential make him an enticing prospect. But his injury issues raise concerns about his long-term durability and availability, which could be a major factor for a team looking to build a contender.

The details

Peterson, a versatile 6'7" wing, has already missed 11 games this season due to a variety of ailments, including flu-like symptoms, a hamstring strain, and ankle sprain. Even before the regular season began, he was dealing with cramping issues that caused him to leave an exhibition game early. Despite his injury history, Peterson has been dominant when healthy, averaging 20.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game on 48.9% shooting.

  • In November, Peterson missed seven games with a hamstring strain.
  • In a game against TCU, Peterson left early due to cramping issues.
  • In the next game, Peterson sprained his ankle and had to leave early.

The players

Darryn Peterson

A 6'7" wing and the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Peterson has elite offensive skills but an extensive injury history, including missing 11 games this season due to various ailments.

Tyrese Haliburton

An All-NBA Third Team guard for the Indiana Pacers, Haliburton would be paired with Peterson if the Pacers select him with the No. 1 pick.

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What they’re saying

“Darryn Peterson has been declared 'good to go' after his 11th missed game of the season due to flu-like symptoms, according to Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self.”

— Bill Self, Kansas Jayhawks Head Coach (Twitter)

What’s next

The Pacers will have to weigh Peterson's immense talent against his concerning injury history as they decide whether to select him with the No. 1 overall pick.

The takeaway

The Pacers face a difficult decision with the No. 1 pick, as Darryn Peterson's elite skills are tempered by his extensive injury issues. Selecting an injury-prone prospect with the top pick is a risky proposition, but Peterson's two-way potential could be too much for the Pacers to pass up as they look to build a championship contender.