Should NBA Teams Avoid Drafting Darryn Peterson?

Nobody is questioning Darryn Peterson’s talent. The Kansas freshman is an amazing player, averaging 20 points per game on 48.5% shooting and 43% from three, doing it in under 27 minutes a night against Big 12 competition. A combination of size, scoring ability, and high basketball IQ, especially for a young player, has scouts drooling. Based on pure talent, the case for taking him first overall is easy to make.

However, NBA front offices aren't just drafting talent, especially ones with a top-three selection. They are looking for a player who can be the face of their franchise, and Peterson's freshman season has raised some genuine concerns that may have thrown some GMs and coaches off. 

Peterson has appeared in just 15 of 26 games this season,  just over half the Jayhawks schedule. He's missed time with a strained hamstring, a quad injury, and ankle issues. Add to that the games where he played through limitations and left the court early. Most recently, he removed himself from a win over Oklahoma State due to cramping, finishing with just 18 minutes after coach Bill Self had plans for his star to play.  Self has stated that Peterson’s availability or lack thereof has been confusing and somewhat challenging to coach, admitting that the Jayhawks almost have two teams. 

The questions that have come from this are, “Does Peterson have the mental durability and competitive drive to compete at the next level?”, “Does he even love the game?” and “What will his availability be like?” All valid concerns for a team willing to spend a top pick on a player they hope could potentially become the future of their franchise. 

Former NBA player turned analyst Jay Williams stated he would select BYU star AJ Dybantsa over Peterson, pointing out that front offices simply "cannot trust him." While some may think that is a bit harsh, NBA teams do not want to invest millions into a young player who is only available on a part-time basis at best. 

Peterson may well be the most gifted player in this draft class. But the team holding that top pick owes it to itself to ask some difficult questions, because investing a franchise in someone with a questionable injury history is a legitimate risk regardless of the upside.