Lost in the AJ Dybantsa disputes and Caleb Wilson conjecture lies one of the most underdiscussed options for the Chicago Bulls at the top of the 2026 NBA Draft: Darryn Peterson.
Wilson, who is most often mocked to Chicago at No. 4, would be a home-run pick for a team that entered the lottery with just a 20.3 percent chance of landing a top-four selection. Landing Dybantsa would mean making a blockbuster trade to acquire the No. 1 pick from the Washington Wizards.
Even Duke forward Cameron Boozer, the son of former Bulls star Carlos Boozer, has been tossed around as a possibility.
But there has been far less discussion about Peterson, who arrived at Kansas ranked ahead of Dybantsa and Boozer — and still arguably holds the highest upside of anyone in this class.
It's an odd situation, though "unacceptable" may be the better word to describe it.
Darryn Peterson is essentially being ignored in Bulls 2026 NBA Draft conversation
Dybantsa seems almost cemented as the No. 1 pick, while Wilson may slide perfectly into Chicago's lap. But Darryn Peterson deserves to be discussed as a possibility for the Bulls.
Peterson was the consensus No. 1 player in the 2026 high school class. At 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, explosive yet effortless athleticism, an ability to score from anywhere on the floor, and high-level playmaking skills, he was one of the most flawless high school players in recent history.
Watching his high school tape, Bulls fans may see a bit of Derrick Rose — except taller, longer and more skilled. Yikes.
This is why he was head and shoulders above Dybantsa:
But Peterson's season in Lawrence went far from as planned. He was sidelined by hamstring and ankle injuries as well as a mysterious bout of full-body cramping.
In the 19 games he played, though, he flashed that All-NBA, superstar potential, averaging 20.2 points and 4.6 rebounds. He shot 38.2 percent on threes (6.9 attempts per game) and 48.7 percent on twos.
The question becomes: Is Peterson injury-prone, or was his one injury-plagued season a fluke? If you believe the second, it's difficult to rank him behind Dybantsa.
The Bulls shouldn't rule out trading up — but for Peterson not Dybantsa
There have been rumblings that Chicago has contacted the Wizards about a potential deal to acquire the No. 1 pick. The chances, as exciting as the move would be for Bulls fans, are remote.
Dealing with the Utah Jazz, who hold the second overall selection, however, is a different story.
Standing pat and taking Peterson is certainly an option for Jazz president Austin Ainge. But if Ainge believes Peterson, Boozer and Wilson are on the same level as prospects, trading No. 2 to the Bulls for Nos. 4 and 15 becomes an attractive, and, frankly, smart option.
Regardless, it's time to talk about Peterson as the top prospect on Chicago's board way more as we approach draft night in less than three weeks.
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