The Utah Jazz didn’t have to wait long to see why they made Darryn Peterson the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The former Kansas star delivered an outstanding performance in his Salt Lake City Summer League debut on Saturday, pouring in a game-high 28 points to lead the Jazz to an overtime victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Peterson also added five rebounds, two blocks and knocked down four 3-pointers, flashing the complete offensive skill set that made him one of the nation's top prospects.
It was exactly the type of debut Jazz fans had hoped for, and it served as another reminder of why Peterson entered the NBA with so much hype after just one season in Lawrence.
Darryn Peterson Looks Every Bit the No. 2 Pick
Peterson wasted little time taking control offensively. He scored from all three levels, attacked the basket with confidence and showed off the smooth shooting stroke that made him one of college basketball's most dangerous scorers.
His 28 points led all players on the floor, while his five rebounds and two blocks showcased his ability to impact the game beyond scoring. Peterson also buried four shots from beyond the arc, helping Utah pull out an overtime win in its Summer League opener.
For a player making his unofficial NBA debut, Peterson looked remarkably comfortable against professional competition.
Kansas Star Continues Impressive Rise
Peterson entered the NBA after one sensational season at Kansas, where he averaged 20.2 points per game while earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors and a spot on the Big 12 All-Freshman Team.
Before arriving in Lawrence, Peterson was one of the most decorated high school recruits in the country. He was the 2025 Naismith High School Player of the Year, a McDonald's All-American and the consensus No. 1 recruit in his class.
His combination of size, shot-making ability and playmaking quickly made him one of the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft, and the Jazz selected him second overall with hopes he could become the franchise's next cornerstone.
Saturday's performance only reinforced that belief.
Jazz Fans Have Plenty to be Excited About
Summer League performances don't always translate directly to NBA success, but Peterson showed the traits that made him such an intriguing prospect.
He played with confidence, created his own offense, knocked down perimeter shots and competed on the defensive end. Even more impressive was how poised he looked throughout the game despite the added attention that comes with being the No. 2 overall pick.
Utah finished last season with a 22-60 record and is looking to build around a talented young core. If Peterson's debut is any indication, the rebuilding Jazz may have found the dynamic scorer they have been searching for.
While it's only one Summer League game, Peterson couldn't have scripted a much better start to his professional career. His 28-point explosion immediately put the rest of the league on notice and gave Jazz fans plenty of reasons to be excited about what lies ahead.
