Utah Jazz: Hype intensifies for Darryn Peterson after Game 2 performance at SLC Summer League
Tyler Tate, Associated Press
Darryn Peterson, left, and Utah Jazz team owner Ryan Smith hold up his jersey during a press conference for Peterson's selection by the Jazz as the No. 2 overall pick on June 27, 2026, in Salt Lake City.The beginning of Darryn Peterson’s professional career could not have started much better.
The No. 2 overall draft pick out of Kansas turned in a seemingly effortless performance for the Utah Jazz on Monday night, leading his squad to a 109-100 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Day 2 of the Salt Lake City Summer League.
Peterson totaled 25 points, 12 assists, two rebounds and two steals in 28 minutes. The rookie shot 5 of 6 from inside the arc and 3 of 9 from distance at the event played at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center.
Monday’s game put both Peterson and No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer, taken right after him by Memphis, on the same floor. Boozer was effortless too, tallying 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
In response to a post about how good Boozer looked in the contest, @UtahJazzHistory posted on social media site X: “Truly no disrespect to Boozer but I didn’t even notice he was on the floor. I was distracted by the reincarnated Kobe Bryant.”
Jazz fans are hungry for Peterson to be all that the No. 2 pick might indicate, but they aren’t the only ones making comparisons.
In analyzing how Peterson gets his points, a video from ClutchPoints on Yahoo Sports said: “I said looks familiar. I’m not comparing anyone to Kobe, that’s unfair. But Peterson’s skill set and the way that he creates shots does give me Mamba vibes.”
Third-year guard Cody Williams also put together a second good performance, totaling 18 points and eight rebounds, shooting 7 of 13.
Neither is expected to play again in Salt Lake this summer. The Deseret News reports both Peterson and Williams would sit Tuesday to wrap the SLC event and prepare to play against No. 1 pick and former BYU player AJ Dybantsa when the Jazz face the Wizards to open Las Vegas Summer League on Thursday night.


