The Utah Jazz kicked off Summer League with a win on Saturday, but the headline afterward wasn’t just about the rookie who dropped 28.
Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft, looked every bit the part against Atlanta. He scored efficiently, knocked down tough shots, and generally made the Hawks look helpless. It was exactly the kind of debut you’d hope for from a top-two pick. For one afternoon, the hype felt real.
But somewhere in the middle of all that, last year’s lottery pick Ace Bailey left the game with back spasms and didn’t return. Sarah Todd of the Deseret News posted the update during the action. It wasn’t clear on which play he got hurt, and the Jazz haven’t said much beyond the initial diagnosis.
Bailey’s rookie season was a mixed bag. He showed flashes of the athleticism and shot-making that made him a top pick, but consistency was an issue. There were whispers at the time that Utah wasn’t his first choice, which never helps. Him being back in Summer League this year was actually a good sign — it suggested he was putting in the work to build on Year 1 instead of sulking.
Now this. Back spasms aren’t usually a long-term thing, but it’s not ideal timing either. The Jazz were hoping to see Bailey and Peterson share the floor and show off some chemistry, not have one of them sitting in street clothes after a quarter.
Peterson, at least, gave everyone something to feel good about. He controlled the pace, hit from deep, and didn’t look nervous in his first pro game. For a guy carrying the weight of a top-two pick, that matters. He and Bailey could form an interesting duo if they ever get healthy reps together.
The Jazz play again later this week. No word yet on whether Bailey will be back for that one. The team will likely be cautious with him, given that Summer League is more about development than winning a trophy. But you’d rather see them out there together than not.
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