Feb. 21, 2026, 5:10 p.m. ET

The Brooklyn Nets are one of a few teams this season that will be hoping for luck when it comes to the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery given the incoming class. Brooklyn came into this season with many around the league expecting them to be amongst the worst teams in the NBA, but there may be some cause to pause regarding one of the best prospects in the class.

“I haven’t heard, from anyone I’ve talked to, like, ‘Wow, he’s going (pick No.) 10 now,” an NBA scout said of Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson, according to Brendan Marks and Justin Williams of The Athletic. Peterson could potentially be the first player taken in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he has also missed 11 of Kansas’ 27 games due to a variety of injuries, including cramping.

“When finally on the clock, I don’t think a couple of missed games because of hamstring (issues) or whatever are gonna convince someone that it’s not worth it (to draft) Darryn Peterson,” the scout continued before explaining where Peterson’s inconsistent availability this season shouldn’t be a deterrent to NBA teams, per Marks and Williams. “He’s such a valuable archetype, right? Big enough. Can lead an offense. Makes tough shots.”

Peterson, 19, was averaging 20.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 48.5% from the field and 43.1% from three-point land prior to Saturday’s 84-68 loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats. Peterson, who has been drawing attention due to his cramping sometimes taking him out of games for long stretches at a time throughout this season, played 32 minutes against Cincinnati and dropped 17 points and four rebounds.

As of this writing, the Nets have the fourth-worst record in the league, meaning that they have a 12.5% chance of their pick being first overall, assuming that they finish the season at the same place in the Lottery standings. If Brooklyn is lucky enough to end up with the first overall pick, there are some scouts saying that Peterson’s injury issues shouldn’t be of much concern.

Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!