Darryn Peterson was highly touted out of Kansas, and the Utah Jazz rookie will begin the 2026-27 season projected to be one of the top point guards in the NBA.
Peterson was a second-team All-Big 12 selection last season, averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 38.2% from 3-point range. He led the Jayhawks in scoring, ranking fourth among all players in the conference.
The No. 2 overall pick dazzled with the Jayhawks, thanks to his scoring, playmaking, ability in the open court and strength in the paint. Because of those abilities, Peterson is projected to be the 13th-best point guard for next season, according to HoopsHype.
It’s difficult to predict how Darryn Peterson will perform as a first-year player.
On the one hand, he’s an immense talent, often compared in the draft process to a 6-foot-6 Kyrie Irving type, a crafty ball-handler with a quick first step and the ability to hit difficult shots from all over the floor. On the other hand, his lone season at Kansas was up and down; he showed moments of absolute brilliance and potential future superstardom, but he also missed time or would ask to come out of games due to obscure health issues, which Peterson says are now past him.
Peterson debuted with the Jazz in summer league, averaging 23 points, 5.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and one steal while shooting 34.5% from 3-point range in five games. He scored 20 or more points four times, including a 28-point effort on July 4.
The 6-foot-6 Peterson pointed to established players on the roster that he is eager to work with, including former All-Stars Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen, and mainstay Keyonte George. He has already impressed George early on with his work ethic and off-court demeanor.
Peterson should have the opportunity to compete for rotational minutes when training camp opens next month. If he can contribute at a high level and help the Jazz turn things around, he could finish the year as one of the top players at his position.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson ranked among top point guards for 2026-27
