Darryn Peterson has been in the news recently and not just for good reasons. He’s a talented and skilled guard for the Kansas Jayhawks and has established himself as one of the best players in the country.
In his recent stretch, the focus has shifted to Peterson’s absence from the floor. Only a few weeks ago, he was being considered for the number one pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. That narrative has started to change now.
Peterson has been missing games lately, and even when he laces up, he ends up playing limited minutes. Many believe it’s a strategy to protect his draft stock. If that’s true, then the same strategy is making some experts question whether he should be considered for the number one pick.
During a recent appearance on NBA Today, 2016 NBA Champion Richard Jefferson shared his thoughts on Peterson. Jefferson said that if Peterson is doing load management, then it’s understandable why he’s spending less time on the floor.
This is a practice that’s seen in the NBA as well. In his opinion, Peterson’s strategy might be to only play when he feels he’s at his 100%, so that when he laces up, it’s his talent that’s showcased. But is that a quality that a franchise would appreciate in their top draft pick? Jefferson doesn’t think so.
“Number one pick in the NBA Draft, it’s a place…that person is supposed to be the franchise leader, a person you can build around. It’s not just you’re the ultra talented…are you marketable, can you be the face of the franchise…If you start to see inconsistencies in someone…if you’re the number three pick, that’s not the worst,” Jefferson said.
Peterson’s recent stretch shows that he’s not reliable because he’s inconsistent. Even though he’s still one of the most talented players, Jefferson believes that he wouldn’t be the number one pick because of his shortcomings.
Insider Outlines Flaws in Darryn Peterson’s Strategy
Only a few weeks ago, Peterson was the majority’s choice to be the number one draft pick. Those who are unhappy with his inconsistencies have stated that he should’ve clocked out early from the season, as it’d have protected his draft stock.
To make matters worse, whenever he misses games or plays limited minutes, there’s no information conveyed from his team. It’s either an illness or a cramp that’s stated as the reason behind his absence.
“Here’s what makes this Darryn Peterson situation even worse. Peterson and his camp have offered no real explanation on what’s going on all season. It’s called terrible PR. Just come out and explain the situation because obviously Bill Self has been and still is trying to protect the kid,” Jeff Goodman wrote.
Even when they’re trying their best to protect Peterson, it seems like his reputation has taken a major hit.
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