Utah’s second‑overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Darryn Peterson, opened his summer league stint with a commanding 25‑point outing, leading his team to a 109‑100 victory over Memphis in Salt Lake City. The performance also featured 12 assists and just two turnovers, underscoring his poise under pressure.
A Promising Start
Peterson, a 19‑year‑old native of Canton, Ohio, scored 28 points in a previous game against Atlanta and now aims to assert dominance in clutch moments, drawing inspiration from Kobe Bryant’s legacy. His teammate Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 pick, contributed 18 points for Memphis, while AJ Dybantsa was selected No. 1 by Washington in the same draft.
The win highlighted the value of team chemistry, as Peterson noted that his teammates’ movement created opportunities for him. He will sit out the Jazz’s final game in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, a decision made to manage workload before the squad travels to Las Vegas for the summer league.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming Las Vegas circuit begins on Thursday, with each team slated to play four or five games. In addition to Peterson, former Kansas standouts such as Tre White, KJ Adams and Zeke Mayo are also participating, each delivering notable contributions — White’s 16 points for Miami, Adams’ seven for Golden State, and Ejiofor’s 19 points and 15 rebounds for Atlanta.