The 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the better drafts in recent times. The draft class is filled with talent all across the board, with plenty of potential impactful role players and stars. However, the real prizes of this draft are the top three prospects: Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, and Darryn Peterson. Peterson is easily the best guard prospect of this draft, possessing incredible upside as a two-way lead guard. In particular, Peterson excels as a three-level shot creator, high-level defender, and great playmaker. Given his overall talent, Peterson would give any tanking team their franchise-changing guard. As of December 9th, let’s dive into a ranking of the best fit for Darryn Peterson among the bottom five teams in the NBA.
Ranking The Best Fit For Darryn Peterson Among Bottom 5 Teams
#1. Washington Wizards
Out of all the young cores in the NBA, the Washington Wizards are the team that can benefit from Peterson the most. Unquestionably, they are a team that badly needs someone who can be the main offensive option for the long-term future of the franchise. Plus, the Wizards need to find more talent for their backcourt. Getting Peterson would certainly fix both problems, as he is a supreme scorer who has had experience initiating the offense for his team. Undoubtedly, Peterson can be the perimeter partner next to Alex Sarr and help him get great looks. Not only that, but Peterson would add more perimeter defense to the roster, making an intriguing defensive trio with Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George. Overall, adding Peterson to Washington’s roster would help tremendously on both ends.
#2. Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a franchise that must pivot their team in a new, different direction. In particular, the roster they have currently has no hope of contending for the playoffs and no hope for the future. However, drafting Peterson would give the Kings the piece they need for the rebuild to come. Peterson has the potential to be a true first option for the Kings and someone to build around. Players like Keegan Murray, Nique Clifford, and Maxime Raynaud have the skill sets to be perfect fits next to Peterson while benefiting from the on-ball creation that he provides.
Defensively, Peterson would benefit from playing next to Murray and Clifford, who can help share the defensive load. Offensively, he would have a real floor spacer in Murray, who can open the floor for him as well as strong cutters like Clifford and Raynaud, who will make good on his playmaking. The Kings, like Washington, would be a place for him to be the sole focal point of the offense, allowing him significant playing time on the ball. Getting Peterson would be a godsend for a Kings franchise that needs to move on from its era. With him, they can focus on building up the young core they have.
#3. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans)
Peterson would fit well on the Atlanta Hawks, regardless of whether Trae Young remains on the roster or not. In the event that Young is off the roster, Peterson slots in perfectly as the primary offensive option who can provide the Hawks the perimeter shot creation they need. Also, Peterson can help relieve a portion of the offensive load from Jalen Johnson. Not only that, but Peterson has the defensive ability to fit with Atlanta’s defensive personnel. Alongside players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels, Peterson can be the piece to complete a formidable defensive backcourt. Should Young still be on the roster, Peterson also complements him as a secondary shot creator who can cover up his defensive weaknesses.
Peterson himself would benefit from the overall talented roster that Atlanta has. He wouldn’t be forced to be the sole shot creator on the team due to Johnson’s presence. Furthermore, the Hawks have capable floor spacers in Alexander-Walker and Zaccharie Risacher. The Hawks also have significant defensive personnel, which means that Peterson wouldn’t have to fully exert himself on both ends despite his defensive talent. If Young is on the roster, then Peterson would be forced into a secondary creator role, which is why Atlanta lands third. However, Atlanta is still a good fit overall for his skills.
#4. Indiana Pacers
For the same reasons as the Hawks, the Indiana Pacers would make a good fit for Peterson. He would give them another shot creator and three-level scorer, making Indiana’s offense even more potent. Plus, his perimeter defense and defensive playmaking would fit well next to other defenders like Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam. Like Atlanta, the Pacers have the spacing and offensive help in Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and a fully healthy Tyrese Haliburton to share the offensive load. Also, should Haliburton not return as the player he once was, Peterson can step up as the new face of the franchise. Though, Peterson could be relegated to a more off-ball role due to the multiple creators on the team. Nevertheless, Indiana would absolutely enjoy his services.
#5. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Los Angeles Clippers)
The current NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, would be a good place for Peterson to develop more slowly. They also have multiple creators in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and more to help share the offensive load. The Thunder have elite defenders at every position, which would allow Peterson to focus more on the offensive end. They are also an elite shooting team, giving him the spacing he needs for his drives. It is hard to deny how much the overall team complements him.
Peterson himself has the skill set to be a perfect fit in the Thunder’s system. Not only can he dribble, pass, and shoot, but he can also defend at a high level. The only issue with this fit is the sheer number of excellent creators on the roster. Peterson would almost certainly be in more of an off-ball role. He is capable of playing that role well. However, he is at his best when the ball is in his hands.
Featured Image: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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