Peterson's Summer League Impact
Jazz Rookie Darryn Peterson Thrives as Primary Ballhandler in Summer League
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Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, says he is finally enjoying basketball again after a difficult season at Kansas. The Utah Jazz rookie made that clear during Summer League play in Las Vegas, telling reporters he is "back having fun" — a sharp contrast to how he described his college year. Yahoo Sports reported Peterson's upbeat mood despite the Jazz falling 92-88 to the Washington Wizards.
Peterson arrived in the NBA with high expectations after being selected second overall. The Summer League stage has given him a chance to reset — and early signs suggest the move suits him well.
Peterson Opens Up About Tough Kansas Season
Peterson did not hold back when comparing his NBA debut to his time in college. He made clear that something felt off at Kansas. His comments suggest the team environment or role was not the right fit. Now, with Utah handing him primary ballhandling duties, he looks far more comfortable running a team.
The Jazz have built their Summer League system around Peterson from the start. That kind of trust is rare for a rookie right away. Peterson has responded by contributing at a high level, even in a close loss to Washington. Coaches have praised his ability to control the pace of the game.
Dybantsa Edges Peterson in High-Stakes Summer League Debut
Before the Jazz-Wizards game, the biggest matchup of Summer League was No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa against No. 2 pick Peterson. The two top draft selections faced off at Thomas and Mack Arena in Las Vegas. Fans lined up outside the arena for first-come, first-serve seating — a rare scene for Summer League. Sporting News reported that Dybantsa got the better of Peterson in their debuts.
The buzz around the game showed just how much attention both players carry into the league. Dybantsa, the top pick, edged out Peterson on the night. But both performances gave NBA fans an early look at what could be a long rivalry between the two young stars.
Jazz Lose 92-88 but Peterson Shows Clear Promise
Utah fell to Washington 92-88 in a close Summer League game. The four-point margin was tight enough to show the Jazz are competitive even without a full NBA roster. Peterson played a key role in keeping Utah in the game. His ballhandling and scoring kept the Jazz within striking distance for most of the contest.
Summer League results do not count in the regular season standings. But they matter for player development and confidence. For Peterson, the games are a chance to build rhythm before October. The early returns suggest the No. 2 pick is settling in fast and finding his footing at the professional level.
What Peterson's Mindset Means for Utah's Rebuild
The Jazz are in a rebuilding phase. They have drafted high in recent years and are collecting young talent. Peterson fits that plan perfectly as a long-term piece at point guard. A player who says he is "back having fun" is a player who is likely to grow quickly. That kind of mindset can be just as important as raw skill.
Utah needs Peterson to develop into a franchise cornerstone. His Summer League performance — even in a loss — has given the front office reasons to feel good about where he is headed. If the joy he is showing now carries into the regular season, Jazz fans may have a lot to look forward to this fall.
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