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Jazz Predicted to Surprisingly Pass on AJ Dybantsa in 2026 NBA Mock Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 4:13 PM ET

The 2025 NBA draft has come and gone, with multiple surprises taking place. But the one thing that wasn't a surprise was former Duke star Cooper Flagg being taken No. 1 overall.

Flagg has been the projected first pick for a long time, and things worked out exactly as people planned. But it's never too early to look ahead to next year's draft, and the draft class is loaded with talent.

Many believe they know who will go No. 1 overall, but one draft analyst seems to be pushing against that thought.

In a new 2026 NBA Mock Draft by Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report, the Utah Jazz pass on AJ Dybantsa of BYU. Wasserman has the Jazz selecting Darryn Peterson of Kansas.

"At 6’5” with a solid build and advanced footwork, Peterson creates offense with effective pacing and confidence. He is smooth pulling up off the dribble, gets into his jumper and floater with balance and rhythm, and flashes vision when needed.

"AJ Dybantsa may wind up generating more highlight-reel plays at BYU, but Peterson should be able to match his production and translatability with more efficiency," Wasserman wrote.

This would certainly be a surprise to many since Dybantsa has been the projected No. 1 pick for a long time. Dybantsa has all the tools to find success quickly in the NBA, and Utah could see a player like him.

But it seems that Wasserman is looking at the potential of Peterson instead of pure talent right now. The draft expert compared him to Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and if he were to emerge similarly, it could be a steal.

Dybantsa and Peterson are likely going to be interchangeable for the top pick in 2026, depending on who you ask. But both players should make a strong impact in the NBA for whatever team is lucky enough to draft them next year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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