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By Anne Erickson
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As Halloween decorations start creeping into stores, that means the NBA season is coming soon, too.
The Utah Jazz have been searching for their next true franchise player since moving on from Donovan Mitchell. They might have found that player with Darryn Peterson.
Heading into the 2026-27 season, Peterson is the Jazz's x-factor.
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The No. 2 overall pick arrives with plenty of looks because of his scoring ability, and that's understandable. He has the kind of offensive talent that jumps off the screen. He can create shots, attack defenders and make difficult plays look a little easier than they probably should.
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But focusing only on the scoring would be selling him short. Peterson has the tools to make an impact on both ends of the floor. His defensive strength is a big reason Utah was so high on him, and that two-way potential is what separates him from a lot of young players who enter the league with a reputation as pure scorers.
The Jazz need that kind of player. Utah has gone through different identities over the years. Peterson could represent something different: a team built around young talent and overwhelming offensive ability.
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Of course, patience will be important. Peterson's freshman season at Kansas was interrupted by health concerns, and staying available will be a major part of his development. The talent is obvious. The next challenge is proving he can be on the floor consistently.
The Jazz also have plenty of pieces around him, which is great, including Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ace Bailey. If those players can grow together, Utah could have one of the more intriguing young cores in the league.
That's why Peterson is the x-factor. The Jazz didn't draft him just to add another scorer. They drafted him hoping they found the player who can define what this team becomes now and in the future.
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