For the first time in several years, the Utah Jazz have some real hope. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2022 or reached the Western Conference finals since 2007, but they have assembled a roster that could be competitive not too long from now.
They have an intriguing frontline anchored by Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jusuf Nurkić, and Kyle Filipowski. In the backcourt, Keyonte George is a rising star, and wing Ace Bailey has shown potential.
Then there is Darryn Peterson, Utah’s incoming rookie guard and the No. 2 pick in June’s NBA draft. Through two games of the Summer League, he has been impressive, and the basketball world is paying attention.
Darryn Peterson Puts NBA World on Notice With His Summer League Performance
On Saturday, Peterson had 28 points in his summer league debut. Two days later, he scored 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting and dropped 12 assists in a 109-100 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
DARRYN PETERSON TONIGHT:
25 POINTS
12 ASSISTS
2 REBOUNDS
2 STEAS
8/15 FGM
27 MINUTESELITE. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/QWXgUtXscq
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 7, 2026
A number of fans on X (formerly Twitter) were smitten with the University of Kansas product.
“People really watch Darryn Peterson right now and claim [AJ] Dybantsa is better and it’s the most comical thing in the world,” sports content creator Braden Burch wrote. “DP is already a MVP candidate and no one is talking about it”
“Twitter said Darryn Peterson couldn’t pass so he followed it up with 12 assists, 2 turnovers lol,” wrote another X user.
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“Darryn Peterson might already be one of the most effortless scorers & playmakers in the league…” wrote X user Josh Reynolds. “He’s so damn fun to watch. 25 points, 12 dimes, all efficient buckets. Just so smooth, so easy & let’s the game come to him. Nasty, nasty offensive bag. Wow.”
Darryn Peterson might already be one of the most effortless scorers & playmakers in the league…
He’s so damn fun to watch. 25 points, 12 dimes, all efficient buckets. Just so smooth, so easy & let’s the game come to him. Nasty, nasty offensive bag. Wow. pic.twitter.com/vmQEpsBbY0
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) July 7, 2026
“The Utah Jazz got the best player in the draft,” wrote X user SleeperJazz.
After Monday’s game, Peterson said he’s looking to emulate a man who was one of the greatest NBA players and one of the greatest competitors and winners in the history of any sport.
“I say it all the time, I’m a Kobe [Bryant] guy….Anytime I can assert dominance, I try to, so at the end of games, I try to kill.”
“I say it all the time, I’m a Kobe guy….Anytime I can assert dominance, I try to, so at the end of games, I try to kill.”
— Darryn Peterson. 🔥
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 7, 2026
Peterson played one season with the Jayhawks and averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals a game while hitting 38.2% from 3-point range. The 6-foot-6 guard isn’t a natural facilitator, but his performance on Monday showed that he could, at least at times, set the table for his teammates.
If he pans out the way he seems he will, the Jazz could be just a few years away from being one of the better teams in the Western Conference.
