The expectations for former Kansas star Darryn Peterson were already high going into the 2026 NBA Draft. Even though he wasn't selected No. 1 overall by the Washington Wizards, Peterson didn't have to wait long to hear his name called. The Utah Jazz quickly jumped in and selected Peterson with the No. 2 overall pick, a move many saw coming when he slipped from No. 1.
Now seeing action in two NBA Summer League games, everyone remembers why Peterson was once considered the bona fide No. 1 overall pick before he even stepped foot on the court in a Jayhawks uniform. Peterson has returned to his old style of play before the cramping problem, and fans aren't the only ones noticing.
NBA analysts like Darren Collison are seeing things as clear as day right now and set a pretty high ceiling for Peterson in his rookie season.
"I feel like Darryn Peterson is going to be one of the best guards to play this season, even as a rookie," Collison said.
"I feel like Darryn Peterson is going to be one of the best guards to play this season, even as a rookie." @Darren_Collison highlights @Darryn_P1 of the @utahjazz, breaking down his performance in his first NBA Summer League game on The Association. pic.twitter.com/h21Ej7UmyZ
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 6, 2026
Can Darryn Peterson be the best guard in the NBA in his rookie season?
This is a pretty lofty claim by Collison, as there are a lot of talented guards in the NBA, starting with the reigning NBA MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Let's not forget about guys who have been in the league for a while and are doing it at a high level, like Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Then, there's the newly-crowned champion and Finals MVP, Jalen Brunson.
So, for Peterson to outperform those guys, he has to do a lot for the Jazz, which may not be as tough as some think. With the Jazz, it is clear that Peterson will be the focal point of the offense, and defensively, he already knows that is something he needs to improve on.
While it may be the NBA Summer League, what Peterson did against the Grizzlies and No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer was nothing short of sensational. Dropping 25 points with 12 assists and only two turnovers is everything any NBA team would ask from their star guard. SGA has proven that he is what he is for the Thunder, as has Doncic with the Lakers.
Peterson has the advantage of being a big guard who can score in all three levels, as he has shown so far in just two gams of NBA Summer League action. Plus, being the focal point for this Jazz team, Peterson's opportunities to score will grow the more comfortable he gets in the system that head coach Will Hardy runs.
So, while the ceiling of being the best guard in the NBA, even as a rookie, is high, it doesn't feel completely unattainable for Peterson. Right now, his only focus should be on getting through the Summer League games and gearing up for the NBA season starting in the fall.
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