Grizzlies fans should go into the 2026 NBA Draft full of excitement. Even though Cam Boozer has been the main name linked to the Grizzlies this draft cycle, there are growing links towards the Grizzlies landing Darryn Peterson third overall. Regardless, the Grizzlies are in the dream draft situation and should be able to walk away with a franchise-altering player anyway.
Plenty can happen before draft night, but the signs point to AJ Dybantsa being selected first overall by the Wizards, leaving the Grizzlies with one of Cam Boozer or Darryn Peterson. While Boozer is an extremely logical fit for the Grizzlies, the team should still feel very confident in banking on Peterson's talent if he falls.
Grizzlies can still win even if they get Peterson instead of Boozer
Understandably, many fans have had questions about his health in the pre-draft process. Jeremy Woo of ESPN has Peterson going second to the Jazz in his latest mock draft. He wrote, "Sources say Peterson's medicals have not raised major concerns with teams, clearing the way for him to hear his name called as a top-two pick."
If AJ Dybantsa goes #1 overall to the Wizards and Cam Boozer ends up going #2 to the Jazz, the Grizzlies should pounce on the opportunity to select Darryn Peterson. There will likely be smokescreens about the Grizzlies possibly moving out of #3, but they simply don't need to. They should just let the Jazz make the decision for them based on who they select second overall.
It wouldn't be a surprise if Darryn Peterson ends up being the best scorer in the entire class. Peterson was still an incredibly dominant scorer in his lone season at Kansas despite battling multiple injuries and cramping issues during the season. Peterson averaged 20.2 points in just 29 minutes per game, a strong sign of the scoring prowess he had despite not being at 100%.
Peterson is a prolific jumpshooter and is a skilled scorer with or without the ball. Peterson was much more dominant getting to the rim back in high school, but there is a strong likelihood that he will create significant rim pressure early in his NBA career with improved health. With a Ja Morant trade looking likely, the Grizzlies need a player who is capable of being a #1 scoring option.
Most of the thought process in this draft cycle has been the exciting possibility of creating a Cam Boozer and Zach Edey frontcourt. However, the Grizzlies can still win by adding Darryn Peterson's scoring potential to the roster. With how fast Ja Morant ascended early in his career, Peterson would have a golden opportunity to do the same for a Grizzlies team at the beginning of their rebuild.
Even though Cam Boozer to Memphis is still an amazing scenario, the Grizzlies can still be ecstatic if Darryn Peterson ends up being the pick at #3. The Grizzlies are in the perfect situation to get off to a strong start in what should be an impressive 2026 NBA Draft class.
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