Darryn Peterson gaining momentum for Wizards at No. 1?

The Wizards may be keeping everyone guessing right up until draft night.

For months, the widespread assumption around the NBA has been that AJ Dybantsa would be the favorite to go No. 1 overall.

But according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, there is growing belief in league circles that Washington is giving serious consideration to Kansas guard Darryn Peterson.

In fact, one well-placed source told Stein that the Wizards are giving “increased consideration” to selecting Peterson with the top pick.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Peterson has overtaken Dybantsa.

It does mean the race for No. 1 may be far closer than many initially believed.

Peterson entered the college season viewed by some scouts as the favorite to be the first player selected in this draft. Injuries, including hamstring issues and cramping problems, slowed some of that momentum, opening the door for Dybantsa to emerge as the perceived frontrunner.

Now, however, the conversation appears to be shifting again.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo and Shams Charania, Washington has essentially narrowed its decision to Peterson and Dybantsa. Stein added that Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson are not believed to be under consideration for the top pick.

Of course, this is also draft season, where smokescreens are almost as common as workouts.

Stein acknowledged that some of the recent Peterson buzz could be strategic. The Jazz, who own the No. 2 pick, remain undecided among Peterson, Dybantsa and Boozer, depending on who’s available.

One thing seems certain — and it’s that the Wizards aren’t tipping their hand.

And with less than a week until the draft, the battle for the No. 1 pick may be far from over.