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Jazz may want AJ Dybantsa, but Darryn Peterson is who Utah needs
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- Jazz may want AJ Dybantsa, but Darryn Peterson is who Utah needs
Jazz may want AJ Dybantsa, but Darryn Peterson is who Utah needs appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Utah Jazz recently learned that they will be picking number two in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. Since then, reports have emerged, including from ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, that the team has a significant interest in AJ Dybantsa , who is expected to be taken number one by the Washington Wizards .
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However, the upcoming draft isn't exactly lacking for star power beyond Dybantsa at number one, and overall, the Jazz would be better off sticking at number two and selecting Kansas point guard Darryn Peterson .
When he was on the court, there was little to question about Peterson's talents during his time with the Jayhawks. The rangy guard showed off a silky-smooth jumper, explosive athleticism, and solid playmaking instincts, quickly turning himself into a consensus top-three player in the upcoming draft class.
The major concern with Peterson regarded his availability, as injury struggles mounted for him during this past season, as well as multiple bizarre instances in which he either warmed up and didn't play, or seemed to check himself out of games prematurely, which has caused some to question whether his commitment to the game might be a problem.
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However, Peterson seems to have staved off most of these concerns with his combine performance and interviews, and on the Jazz, Peterson would have the opportunity to join a blossoming core of players.
There are some questions about Peterson's fit with Keyonte George in the Utah backcourt, which would be among the smallest in the NBA should they draft him. However, the Jazz are huge everywhere else, with Lauri Markkanen , Jaren Jackson Jr. , and Walker Kessler making up a massive front line.
George has shown the ability to play both on and off the ball, and the combination of him and Peterson could theoretically mirror something like the Philadelphia 76ers ' lethal backcourt duo of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe , with two explosive guards who can shoot perimeter jumpers, get by defenders in one-on-one situations, and are comfortable moving without the ball.
Peterson would also be able to help cover for at least some of George's defensive shortcomings, which were the only negative part of his game last year in Utah.
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While Dybantsa would certainly also check plenty of boxes for the Jazz, the chance to draft him wouldn't be worth the hefty price that Utah would have to pay to move up, which would almost assuredly include last year's lottery pick Ace Bailey , who still figures into the Jazz's long-term plans moving forward.
The NBA Draft is slated to get underway on June 23.
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