SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks in action during the second half of the game against the California Baptist Lancers in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

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Anne Erickson

By Anne Erickson

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The NBA offseason officially begins when the confetti is still being swept off the floor. Sure, a champion has been crowned and the season's final box score has been filed away. But for fans, front offices and anyone who spends way too much time refreshing social media, the real fun is often just getting started.

That's what makes the NBA Draft one of the most exciting events on the basketball calendar. For one night, every franchise gets to dream.

The Utah Jazz didn't disappoint when they selected Darryn Peterson. Jeremy Woo, Ben Golliver and Bobby Marks of ESPN name the Jazz's pick one of the best picks out of the first day of the draft.

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"Peterson was arguably the best fit for Utah out of the top four prospects: the Jazz needed another shooter and more size in the backcourt, and in Peterson, they get both," they state in the feature. "They will have to figure out how he balances alongside another scoring guard in Keyonte George, but Peterson, being a taller guard and frankly, an underrated defender, also helps. The way this worked out will age very well for Utah."

My Take: Why Jazz and Darryn Peterson Are a Solid Fit

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks in action during the second half of the game against the California Baptist Lancers in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

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Peterson should be a franchise-altering addition for the Jazz. One of the most dynamic young guards in basketball, Peterson brings elite shot creation, scoring ability, and playmaking instincts that could give Utah the star power it has been searching for.

He has the confidence to take over games but also the vision to make teammates better, which is rare. The Jazz have assembled a promising young core, and Peterson could become the centerpiece that elevates the entire group.

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Peterson's blend of talent, athleticism and flat-out skillset makes him the type of prospect capable of accelerating Utah's rebuild. That's, of course, a good thing.

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