Darryn Peterson appreciates the rivalry brewing between him and AJ Dybantsa
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Darryn Peterson appreciates the rivalry brewing between him and AJ Dybantsa originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The top picks from the 2026 NBA Draft have been embroiled in rivalries. Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa are an interesting matchup because they don't play the same position, yet they have a unique dynamic.
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Since their high-school days, Peterson and Dybantsa have been seen as the top prospects in their class alongside third overall pick Cameron Boozer. With that kind of history, it is normal for people to brand them as some sort of rivals.
Darryn Peterson likes the rivalry between him and AJ Dybantsa
Peterson was selected second overall by the Utah Jazz, which was one behind the Washington Wizards' selection of Dybantsa. Both players felt they deserved to be picked first overall, but that is how the cookie crumbled for both players.
Being rated highly with a better placing in the NBA Draft is one of the ways that players can feel valued during their first few years in the league. While they are only separated by one pick, the competition drives players like Peterson and Dybantsa.
MORE: AJ Dybantsa had the upper hand in his first-ever NBA matchup against Darryn Peterson
There are some bragging rights when it comes to getting selected first overall. That was quite evident back in 2021 when Jalen Green felt he deserved to be picked first overall over Cade Cunningham.
Now, Peterson is letting that fuel his competitive fire. They are friendly off the court, but on the court, they will always be rivals.
"Off the court, me and him are cool, but I think it's kind of cool coming in. They're making it kind of the rival thing. I kind of like it," Peterson said about his rivalry with Dybantsa.
As the years progress, AJ and Darryn will most likely keep duking it out as rivals. They are both in good situations where they are being set up for success. It won't be a surprise if they have some fun matchups twice a year because they are separated by the conferences.
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