The Brooklyn Nets are entering a pivotal offseason, and while the dream scenario is landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the reality is that the lottery will ultimately decide their fate. But what if the ping-pong balls bounce their way to the second overall pick? Who would be the ideal target for a franchise in need of a cornerstone?
According to recent mock drafts, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is a name that keeps surfacing. "Unless something shows up during medical reports, Darryn Peterson will be evaluated strictly on his on-court development and predraft interviews," wrote Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report. The Nets are currently projected to pick third overall, but a simulation by Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley gave Brooklyn the No. 2 pick, putting Peterson squarely in their sights.
Peterson's game is tantalizing, but it comes with questions. "If he drops to No. 2, 3 or even 4, one reason will be because of his mere 2.2 assists per 40 minutes, a number that paints an archetype—perimeter-scoring, non-playmaking guard—that's seemingly lost value in recent years," Wasserman noted. However, he added that front offices often consider context for freshmen, and Peterson's high school tape shows a player who thrives as a primary ball-handler, creating rim pressure and setting up teammates.
This season, Peterson averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, shooting 43.8% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range across 24 games for the Jayhawks. Entering the 2025-26 campaign, he was widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick, but BYU forward AJ Dybantsa's emergence as a dominant offensive force has reshuffled the board.
If the Nets secure the second pick—which comes with a 13.4% chance—they'll have their choice among Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson. General manager Sean Marks has already outlined what the team values in a prospect, making it clear that versatility and basketball IQ are priorities. Whether Peterson fits that mold will be a key storyline as draft night approaches.