Darryn Peterson hasn’t played a single real NBA minute yet. Not one. But at least one former pro is already calling his rookie year.
Darren Collison, who last suited up for the Lakers in 2021-22, went on NBA TV and said Peterson will be one of the best guards in the league this season. As a rookie. That’s a massive take, even for a guy who went No. 2 overall in the 2026 draft.
“Guys, I feel like Darren Peterson is going to be one of the best guards to play this season, even as a rookie,” Collison said. “You think about big guards, Castle, Harper, Shai, don’t forget I’ve got my guy Kyrie along with Luka. They’re 6’4 and above, they’re able to score all three levels, and they’re able to play make at their height.”
Collison is clearly lumping Peterson into elite company. He’s talking about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving. That’s not casual praise. That’s putting a kid who hasn’t faced an NBA defense on an MVP-level pedestal.
Why Collison Believes in Peterson’s Game
The Kansas product checks the size box at 6’5. But Collison drilled down on the skills that separate Peterson from typical rookies.
“I believe Darren Peterson is like that,” Collison added. “We look at the film. We’re going to be able to see Darryn Peterson score at all three levels. Right now, Darren Peterson is coming off the pick and roll. Really good coming off the pick and roll. He keeps his dribble a lot, and he loves to attack the big that he wants.”
Peterson averaged 20.2 points in his lone college season, shooting 43.8 percent from the field over 24 games. That’s a solid sample, but it’s not like he dominated the tournament or carried a loaded roster. Still, the Jazz like what they see.
Utah’s Backcourt Gets a Centerpiece
Peterson is expected to start alongside Keyonte George right away. That’s a young, high-usage backcourt that could either click fast or take a season to figure out spacing and turnovers. But the Jazz aren’t exactly in win-now mode. They can afford to let Peterson learn on the job.
The real question is whether Collison’s prediction holds up. Rookie guards historically struggle with efficiency and defense. Peterson might put up numbers on a bad team and still not be “one of the best guards.” Or he could be that rare rookie who looks like a veteran from day one. We’ll find out soon enough.
Training camp starts in a few months. Until then, Peterson’s hype train is rolling — and a former Laker just threw another log on the fire.
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