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By Anne Erickson
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Darryn Peterson is hot right now.
As the second overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the expectations in Utah are already clear: the Jazz believe they have found a player who can become a major part of their future.
Now comes the fun part. Seeing how quickly he can make an impact.
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Peterson enters the league with the kind of offensive skill set that usually gets young players plenty of opportunities. He's expected to handle a large role right away, with the chance to create shots, run the offense and take on responsibility as one of Utah's primary scoring options.
That's a big ask for any rookie, but Peterson has shown he's comfortable carrying an offense.
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During Summer League action, he wasted little time showing off his scoring ability. The points came in bunches, and his confidence stood out. Summer League numbers always need some context, but when a young player consistently looks like the best player on the floor, people tend to notice.
Utah certainly did.
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The Jazz have been searching for young talent to build around, and Peterson gives them a dynamic piece to pair with Keyonte George in the backcourt. The two guards bring different strengths, but both have the ability to create offense and put pressure on opposing defenses.
That combination could become one of the more interesting young backcourts in the NBA.
For Peterson, the biggest adjustment will be learning how to score efficiently against bigger, smarter, and more experienced defenders. Every rookie goes through that process, especially players who have been the main offensive option for most of their careers. The good news is Peterson already has the confidence and creativity needed to figure it out.
The Jazz aren't drafting him second overall just to hope he becomes a solid contributor. They see a player who can eventually be the centerpiece of their offense.
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If Peterson continues developing his shot-making, decision-making and ability to create for teammates, his rookie season could be the beginning of something much bigger in Utah.
The spotlight will be there from opening night. Now it's up to Peterson to show he belongs in it.
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