Kansas Star Darryn Peterson’s Habit of Checking Out of Games Early May Impact His NBA Draft Stock

Darryn Peterson is one of the most talented prospects coming out of what is expected to be one of the most loaded NBA Draft classes in recent memory.

However, in recent weeks, Peterson has oddly checked himself out of games, which could impact his draft stock.

Could Darryn Peterson’s Checking Out Be a Problem?

On ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” Sean Farnham revealed that after Peterson checked out early during Kansas’ game against Oklahoma State, there have been questions from NBA teams about whether he’s worth taking a risk on.

“It’s availability that continues to be the problem for Darryn Peterson,” Farnham said. “…It’s starting to elevate questions, and not just questions from us in the media. I talked to numerous scouts and front office folks in the NBA today that will have picks in the lottery and they’re starting to say that there’s questions… not about what he brings to the court, but it’s the mentality in which he is approaching this season and then the availability.”

Farnham concluded by saying the main question attached to Peterson will be: “Will he play?”

Sean Farnham on Darryn Peterson:

“I talked to numerous scouts and front office folks in the NBA today that will have picks in the lottery and they’re starting to say that there’s questions not about what he brings to the court, but it’s the mentality…and then the availability.… https://t.co/0XJNyMaHAH pic.twitter.com/NZAXcnKsXb

— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 19, 2026

Peterson won’t be alone at the top of the 2026 NBA Draft, as his stiffest competition for the No. 1 spot will be the likes of BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and Duke’s Cameron Boozer. They may get the nod over him for simply not doing what Peterson has been doing.

However, Peterson deserves the benefit of the doubt, as he may be hurt and doesn’t want to risk making the injury worse with the NBA right around the corner. If so, it’s a valid concern, as an injury can alter an early-career trajectory at minimum, or even worse, ruin it altogether.

The concern is that we’ve seen players either display a concerning attitude despite their talent or suffer an unforeseen injury that changes everything. Ben Simmons was the consensus No. 1 pick when he played his lone year at LSU, but his attitude about playing put off many.

READ MORE: Stephen Curry Injury Update: Shams Charania Provides the Latest on the Warriors Star’s Status

That didn’t stop the Philadelphia 76ers from taking him with the first overall pick. Despite having the talent of a franchise player, those concerned about his attitude were vindicated when he coasted on natural talent and bowed out early.

Then there was Markelle Fultz, who was also the consensus No. 1 pick. It made sense when the Sixers picked him, but after that, he had a mysterious shoulder injury that he never quite recovered from during his Philadelphia tenure.

Peterson might not suffer the same fate when he reaches the NBA, but it’s those prior cases that would justify any team’s concern about him.