Narratively, it would make all the sense in the world if AJ Dybantsa winds up on the Utah Jazz. Because of his well-documented ties to the state of Utah (not *city*, Mr. Arenas...), it would make sense for him to start his career in the same state where he played high school and college ball. There have been rumblings that it could happen, and said rumblings have only gotten stronger.
Locked on Jazz's David Locke revealed that he would be "surprised" if Washington doesn't take Darryn Peterson (pending on his medicals), thus giving the Jazz the chance to draft Dybantsa. In all fairness, he made it sound like they would have to think hard to decide between Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer.
I think the Utah Jazz will get a chance to draft AJ Dybantsa pic.twitter.com/ekRgwubMHA
— David Locke (@DLocke09) June 5, 2026
The more time passes, the less surprising it is when rumors like this sprout. Locke didn't say this, but it speaks more about just how talented a prospect Darryn Peterson is. And why wouldn't he? Despite a rather enigmatic freshman year at Kansas, Peterson grades out as one of the most talented guard prospects in years.
His ceiling is so high as a prospect that not only could he be picked over Dybantsa, but it might not even be a surprise if and when it happens?
It further shows Utah will get a baller with the No. 2 pick
Locke is pretty well-respected in the NBA community, but it's not like he was reporting anything concrete here. Rather that this is how the situation is shapgin up for him. It's very possible Utah will end up with Peterson in the end.
Even so, all indications are that Utah will end up with a real game-changer from all of this. From a sentimental perspective, the preference would be Dybantsa, but who is losing sleep over the prospect of drafting Peterson?
Even better is that Utah is constructed to build for both now and later. They have a team talented enough to make the playoffs while also having the young talent to usher in a new era of excellence if all goes right. One of Dybantsa, Peterson, or Boozer will lead the way on that, and the Jazz will be ecstatic when they do.
The fact that there is still this much uncertainty all because of the talent this class possesses should excite fans even more for the future. These future NBA players are so promising that even there will be questions no matter who the Jazz pick, they're more than happy to let it play out before doing anything major.
Utah would be ecstatic to get Dybantsa at this year's draft, but should be more than happy to take the next best prospect if he's off the board.
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