The Utah Jazz held the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and knew exactly what they were getting into. They scouted the hell out of the top prospects in what scouts are calling one of the deepest draft classes in years. AJ Dybantsa went first overall to Washington. Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson were the other two names at the top of the board. The Jazz picked Peterson, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard out of Kansas who can score from everywhere on the floor.
But here’s the thing about Peterson’s path to Utah. It was weird. Like, genuinely weird. And the Jazz walked into it with their eyes wide open.
The injuries and the creatine cramps
Peterson’s one season at Kansas was a mess physically. He dealt with a hamstring issue that cost him games early. Then when he came back, his quadriceps started cramping up so badly he’d sub himself out during crunch time. He admitted later the cramps were tied to his creatine intake. Said his whole body was in pain. Add an ankle sprain and flu-like symptoms to the list, and it’s a wonder he played as much as he did.
But when he played? He was electric. In the Big 12, playing for a blue blood program, Peterson averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. He scored at the rim, from mid-range, and from deep. He looked like a No. 1 pick on the floor. The talent is undeniable.
The questions about his competitiveness, though? Those aren’t going away. And neither is the pre-draft drama.
He didn’t want to be a Jazz pick
Peterson wanted to go No. 1 to Washington. He canceled his workout with Utah. Reports came out that he’d rather fall to Memphis at No. 3 than get taken by the Jazz. It was pretty clear he didn’t see Utah as his preferred destination.
The Jazz didn’t care. And they’ve been here before.
Last year, Ace Bailey had similar reservations about Utah. The team drafted him anyway. That worked out fine so far. The Jazz believe in their player development program and their culture. They think Peterson will buy in once he gets to Salt Lake City and sees what they’re building.
Boozer and Dybantsa both met with the Jazz before the draft. Boozer’s dad, Cameron, works in Utah’s front office. The BYU connection with Dybantsa was real too. But the Jazz went with Peterson anyway, even knowing the drama that came with him.
What the Jazz are building
Utah won only 22 games last season, dead last in the Western Conference. But the future looks different. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler (assuming he re-signs) are coming back healthy. They join Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, and Keyonte George. That’s a solid young core, and Peterson slots in as the starting shooting guard right away.
Peterson has All-Star potential. The Jazz think the talent outweighs the baggage. They’ve seen this movie before with reluctant draft picks. They’re betting the ending is different in Utah.
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