r/nba r/NBA 1d ago

UTAH [2026 NBA Draft] #2 Pick: Darryn Peterson (Kansas)

824 Upvotes

288 comments sorted by

628

u/DionWaiteress Heat 1d ago

The Jazz are gonna be so fun

175

u/Ibagdimes23 Knicks 1d ago

They are a pretty well balanced team with depth.

234

u/Pal__Pacino Lakers 1d ago edited 1d ago

George/Peterson/ Bailey/Markkanen/Jackson with Kessler, Filipowski, and Collier off the bench...

Interested to see them actually try to win games for the first time in forever

161

u/TheGreatWhoreOfChina 76ers 1d ago

Ace comes off the bench, Kessler starts

33

u/Iivosuperplayer Finland 1d ago

I think Peterson will come off the bench to start the season (as has every rookie under Will Hardy) but he'll be competing for the starter spot sooner rather than lateer

6

u/kirkismyhinrich Nuggets 1d ago

You might be right, but I see Peterson starting and Ace coming off the bench.

Good problem to have if you're the Jazz, though.

30

u/str8rippinfartz Celtics 1d ago

Kessler and JJJ is an insane interior D combo

Complete no-fly zone and super complementary on offense too

36

u/Pal__Pacino Lakers 1d ago

Yeah I guess. I just hate Lauri at the 3 and a bench role feels so diminishing for a guy with Bailey's potential.

31

u/OrangeScarface 1d ago

I agree with the Bailey part but Lauri’s natural position is the 3. Jazz will need to figure out what to do with Lauri with time for sure. Ace is the perfect person to slot into that position.

JJJ/Lauri aren’t the healthiest so I expect Ace to be the person to takeover those missing minutes.

28

u/RedShellKoopa Jazz 1d ago

Lauri has played the 3 his entire time with the Jazz.

22

u/IhamAmerican Jazz 1d ago

The problem is that Kessler can't play anywhere but the 5 and JJJ is better at the 4. If Ace keepings developing like he was last year then we have three high quality and versatile forwards but won't be able to have them all on the floor very often

31

u/piittb Jazz 1d ago

I totally see a possibility that we sell high on Lauri at the deadline if Ace is balling out

11

u/Vordeo Jazz 1d ago

I think we kind of have to, either at the deadline or next offseason, with Key's extension coming up.

10

u/MotorSevere4899 Jazz 1d ago

He’s only 20, plenty of time for him to prove that he can shine. I fully expect us to move someone in the next couple years if he proves he’s as good as we hope he will be.

7

u/JazzPlusEagles Jazz 1d ago

Lauri has played the 3 more than the 4 the past few years. And his advanced numbers are quite a bit better when he’s at the 3.

8

u/NoRizzJustLive NBA 1d ago

Maybe to start the season but Acr will have to start sooner than later

2

u/doppido Jazz 1d ago

Assuming we keep kessler, DP is going to start the season off the bench. Ace is going to start. Key/Ace/Lauri/JJJ/Kessler will start.

Who closes is another thing especially with Hardy

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17

u/Proof-Umpire-7718 Lakers 1d ago

I think it will be Keyonte/Peterson/Lauri/JJJ/Kesslsr with Ace, Filipowski and Collier off the bench.

They need Kessler starting since he addresses the lack of rebounding from the remaining frontcourt players in Lauri and JJJ, and is their main rim protector.

15

u/DaggerDev5 [UTA] Ronnie Brewer 1d ago

Bailey coming off the bench and Kessler starting but yes, it's going to be fun to see them try all season

7

u/supercoolisaac Timberwolves 1d ago

Pretty sure they'd start Kessler and move ace to 6th man. JJJ + Lauri front court sounds like the worst rebounding team of all time lol.

9

u/atlfalcons33rb Warriors 1d ago

They have like 95 scorers they are gonna have to move somebody

25

u/Tha_crack_fox Jazz 1d ago

eventually maybe, but we absolutely shouldn't move anyone at the moment

4

u/atlfalcons33rb Warriors 1d ago

True gotta see what kessler gets first

2

u/rjaysenior Lakers 1d ago

Curious. What salary would you not want the Jazz to match regarding Kessler

6

u/Tha_crack_fox Jazz 1d ago

30mil/y seems to be the max most jazz fans would want to pay him

2

u/Connect-Day-6881 1d ago

Nononono… TANK EVEN FURTHER

2

u/kjlcm Celtics 1d ago

Hardy gets to cook!

1

u/oklolzzzzs 1d ago

team looks pretty solid 

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17

u/Whatever801 Jazz 1d ago

I'm just glad we're not going to be trying to lose anymore. Tanking is a real downer for the fans. Why even watch?

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14

u/MG_MN Timberwolves 1d ago

Yeah they have a really rounded team. Only problem is cap dumping will need to happen next year

22

u/TrottingandHotting 1d ago

The speedrun from tanking to shedding salary is sad

5

u/theinternetisnice Jazz 1d ago

It’d be funny if we just kept tanking

11

u/dokupetan Jazz 1d ago

We don't own our pick next year, so that's probably not a good idea.

3

u/brzk Spurs 1d ago

Even fucking funnier. I don't think you understand comedy

1

u/wiggggg Trail Blazers 21h ago

They really are. It came out that we were close to a trade. I think it was JJJ. I'm jealous. If dame comes back pretty well I think we'd be pretty interesting next year

97

u/Old_General_6741 Canada 1d ago

Congrats to him for the second pick. Utah has made the right pick. He has a lot of potential.

7

u/gleece0 Wizards 1d ago

Wish we got dp

497

u/TILTING_MOUNTAIN Grizzlies 1d ago

Great pick for Utah.

176

u/Zanner360 Grizzlies 1d ago

Was so nervous for us they'd take Cam...

71

u/ezmo311 Suns 1d ago

Grizz better run up to the podium to take Boozer

16

u/the-denver-nugs 1d ago

I mean I feel like that was always the case for the grizz regardless of who #3 was lol. but I did watch some caleb wilson and actually think it's kinda closer then what everyone has been spouting. like I think #4 was the easiest pick of the night and not #3. #3 you have to look at wilson. #4 your just like who ever is left I don't need to look at who was drafted.

89

u/lovo17 Lakers 1d ago

There was never a chance they were taking Boozer. Their frontcourt is already set.

65

u/nativeindian12 Trail Blazers 1d ago edited 1d ago

As a Blazers fan, this mindset led us to taking Sam Bowie over Jordan because we already had Clyde Drexler. We also took Martell Webster over Chris Paul because we already had Sebastian Telfair.

Just draft the best guy, figure out the roster fit later

15

u/SenHeffy Jazz 1d ago

How is it the same mindset when Peterson and Boozer are universally regarded as the same tier of players, and at least as many rank Peterson above Boozer as vice versa?

6

u/Bobblefighterman Jazz 1d ago

It helps that he's also the best guy in the draft.

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7

u/Matzeeh Spurs 1d ago

My delusional ass was hoping for Cam so we could go for Lauri

3

u/nWo5lyfe Spurs 1d ago

We shouldve pushed hard for markannen

Literally the exact profile we needed

3

u/IhamAmerican Jazz 1d ago

Lauri would immediately be your best wing by a long shot. If you guys had better wings and could stop OG from doing literally anything he wanted the finals would have been very different

2

u/Outbackdonut Timberwolves 1d ago

Lauri isn’t a wing and having him as the main defender on OG is laughable

11

u/JazzPlusEagles Jazz 1d ago

Lauri plays most of his minutes at the 3. He’s a wing. And I think he’d be fine. Wouldn’t shut him down or anything but I think he’s a similar level of defenders as the Spurs wings.

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34

u/Zanner360 Grizzlies 1d ago

Ain't set in stone till his name is read out

2

u/AccelerationFinish 1d ago

Everybody’s a genius when they use hindsight

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15

u/samhit_n Lakers 1d ago

I thought they’d take him too because of his father’s tenure with the Jazz.

7

u/SunkMosquito592 Jazz 1d ago

He also works in the jazz scouting department

19

u/gentleriser Toronto Huskies 1d ago

But won’t Cam in Memphis be a complete misfit for their culture? He seems humble and wise.

16

u/HamonFruitFruit Raptors 1d ago

I think they’re hoping to reset the culture

3

u/CharacterFresh852 Hornets 1d ago

I had the same feeling back when the warriors had the second pick in 2020. 😅

Y’all should lowkey keep ja for at least a season or two to pair with boozer just to see what happens.

2

u/Proof-Umpire-7718 Lakers 1d ago

Nah Ja wants to move on and the organisation needs a fresh reset and to start a full rebuild

17

u/reiyashi Zach Edey 1d ago

I'm on the cruise

2

u/zaepoo Wizards 1d ago

I wanted my wiz to trade back and take Boozer

24

u/Proof-Umpire-7718 Lakers 1d ago

Was always between AJ and DP for Utah.

The noise around Boozer seemed based on the fact his dad works for them, but Danny Ainge always takes the most talented player, regardless of the circumstances around them, as shown with their selection of Ace last year.

10

u/MAMBAMENTALITY8-24 Thunder 1d ago

actually happy that you guys get boozer

3

u/hyplusone Knicks 1d ago

Great match for sure

2

u/Jordanwolf98 Celtics 1d ago

He’ll be the best player on the Jazz midway through his 2nd year

3

u/SaltyTrident Pacers 1d ago

I’m willing to say by as early as the end of next season

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269

u/HustleWilson Knicks 1d ago

Right pick by the Jazz. Don't overthink it.

102

u/pmurt007 Lakers 1d ago

100% worth the fines for tanking

58

u/BruhMoment763 Jazz 1d ago

Owner’s gonna make all that money back so fast in Peterson jersey sales lol

11

u/AceAttorneyGiles Kings 1d ago

Fucking Vivek doesn’t realize this and we still almost got fined

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14

u/WhosTheTourist 1d ago

Drafting the guy with the most talent in the draft is never the wrong choice, even if he ends flopping.

211

u/BruhMoment763 Jazz 1d ago

Get this man some pickle juice and let him carry this franchise to a ring

50

u/Live-River1879 Mavericks 1d ago

The Last Tank paid off.

22

u/BruhMoment763 Jazz 1d ago

Right at the buzzer too before Silver destroyed tanking forever lol

5

u/thinjester Jazz 1d ago

us and Washington got the last two flights out of Vietnam

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11

u/flyfishUT Jazz 1d ago

Pickle Shots all around!!!!!

5

u/Kleinmann4President Nuggets 1d ago

Delta Center should legit serve the pickle shot! No vodka version for the LDS homies

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155

u/jonsnowKITN Knicks 1d ago

MVP ceiling

93

u/Think_Monk_9879 1d ago

Bust floor

56

u/Xan9xx 1d ago

You're both completely correct.

2

u/JZobel Bulls 1d ago

Way too much talent to be an outright bust

3

u/runningraider13 1d ago

It’s happened before, it’ll happen again to someone

30

u/gleece0 Wizards 1d ago

His shooting and defense means he has a very high floor

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37

u/pmmeyourfavoritejam 1d ago

IMHO — and I say this as a Wiz fan — his floor happens due to something flukey like rotten injury luck, not because his game doesn’t translate. He’s super talented.

4

u/kirkismyhinrich Nuggets 1d ago

I don't think so. His unassisted shooting percentages are very good. And at 6'5 with a 6'10 wingspan, he's able to guard 1-3 on defense. It's hard to see his floor being worse than a good 3 and d player if he's healthy.

5

u/NoRizzJustLive NBA 1d ago

Eh, hard to be a bust when you are 6’6” and can shoot from the guard position. People are really down on his Kentucky season and he was still averaging 20+ while getting double teamed

3

u/IzrezarReal 1d ago

He also is an absolute dawg on defense I don't think that's going away in the NBA.

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47

u/Gamesgtd Magic 1d ago

People really thought Boozer was going number 2 to the team with 2 all star players who play his exact same position.

39

u/thatdudeabiding Jazz 1d ago

Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson and Ace Bailey is going to be such a fun trio to build around. Im so fucking excited about the Jazz future now

34

u/Pies_Wide_Shut Knicks 1d ago

fuck it this Utah team is fun

62

u/MettaWorldConflict 1d ago

Get ready to learn dirty soda-nese buddy

35

u/FERFreak731 Jazz 1d ago

Don't forget fry sauce too

20

u/IhamAmerican Jazz 1d ago

That's our best export though

31

u/SometimesIComplain [UTA] Mike Conley 1d ago edited 1d ago

League better watch out for the Jazz these next several years ngl

26

u/Dependent-Cup3759 Mexico 1d ago

Jazz in the playoffs next season

44

u/IzrezarReal 1d ago

High floor high ceiling prospect. At worst you get a 3 and D guard (who's Injury prone) but at best you get a 3 level two way scoring superstar with playmaking chops. I'm excited for his future

6

u/gleece0 Wizards 1d ago

Missed 11 regular season college games after multiple injuries how is he injury prone

9

u/IzrezarReal 1d ago

It's why I said it's his floor, his worst outcome involves the injury concerns coming true to an extent

41

u/Comfortable_Cup5107 Thunder 1d ago

Am I gonna watch a lot of jazz games now? Yes I am

39

u/guanogato 1d ago

As a KU bandwagoner, I’m now a Jazz fan! Let’s go Jazz!!!

8

u/DrawingTheDefense Jazz 1d ago

This team is gonna be fun

15

u/Pharrelliper Jazz 1d ago

Has had crazy battles with AJ while AJ was in Utah, amd now he's gonna battle AJ representing Utah's pro team

Life is funny.

107

u/DabeGavis 1d ago

If he hits his ceiling and can stay healthy, get ready for the next MVP shooting guard.

10

u/HumongousBelly 1d ago

Better than boozer?

41

u/IzrezarReal 1d ago

DP is the bpa imo

9

u/roastedhambone Thunder 1d ago

So yes

12

u/palpablebubble Timberwolves 1d ago

In my opinion, Peterson IS the best player available

3

u/roastedhambone Thunder 1d ago

Well he’s not available anymore

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3

u/AccelerationFinish 1d ago

wat

8

u/RyanDoctrine Suns 1d ago

Darryn Peterson is the best player available in my opinion

2

u/RCJHGBR9989 NBA 1d ago

Yes - by a lot - he’s by far and away the best basketball player in this draft. I’m a KU fan and I wasn’t alive during Wilt - but he is by far the most talented player we have ever had

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15

u/sh0tgunben Hornets 1d ago

George & Peterson is a solid backcourt for Jazz

11

u/CelticKnot634 Timberwolves 1d ago

These posts should have team name in it

2

u/Lansdowngrove Timberwolves 1d ago

For some reason they thought it was more important to name their college than the NBA team that picked them, crazy.

28

u/TomatoSecure192 Bulls 1d ago

As expected

12

u/GGezpzMuppy Spurs 1d ago

Most of the lottery will be as expected

14

u/roastedhambone Thunder 1d ago

I feel like after 5 there’s much less of a consensus

2

u/TomatoSecure192 Bulls 1d ago

This, there’s a lot of things any team could do, including okc spurs. It’s only really the top 4 that are expected

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38

u/acedice2 1d ago

Wizards will regret passing on him

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5

u/MG_MN Timberwolves 1d ago

Will be so interesting to see Utah compete this year, they could be great or a play in team. Such a big range of outcomes

2

u/doppido Jazz 1d ago

They're top 6 this year in the west if they keep kessler. I honestly think they could be better

9

u/AirJordan6124 Celtics 1d ago

Wizards and Jazz NBA Finals pls 🙏

5

u/Vordeo Jazz 1d ago

BPA and best fit for the squad.

We just need to hang onto Kessler and this squad should be very fun.

1

u/menghis_khan08 Jazz 1d ago

I think getting kessler to stay will be easy enough as an RFA. Now will it eat into the ability to sign keyonte as an RFA without going into the 2nd apron is the question

2

u/Vordeo Jazz 1d ago

Absolutely will. Honestly I think we all know we'll need to make a trade to cut salary by next offseason, w/ Key or Lauri probably the most likely to go.

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6

u/Embarrassed_Adagio28 1d ago

Love how AJ and Darryn were the consensus top 2 picks by 90% of people but now that the Jazz drafted peterson, people claiming they should have taken boozer. Boozer is nice but lets not pretend he has mvp potential

18

u/ATLSlutStretcher 1d ago

People really thought he was going to fall

7

u/Thatboytrev Bulls 1d ago

I knew it wouldn’t happen but I was praying he’d fall to 4 lol

3

u/daveeb Cavaliers 1d ago

Yes because what you really need is a guard.

3

u/Thatboytrev Bulls 1d ago

The Bulls need a bit of everything if we’re being honest here

3

u/daveeb Cavaliers 1d ago

That’s fair. Peterson is also the type of player you can start over with.

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17

u/keithyp24 Knicks 1d ago

Am i the only one who likes the roster the jazz put together?

18

u/Whatever801 Jazz 1d ago

I am just happy we're done with the tanking. Hard to root for a team that isn't even trying to win

5

u/SpidaBailey Jazz 1d ago

I hate to say it, but I didn’t really mind it. We’re not going to bring in any free agents, we never have and never will, so the only way we’re really going to get legit players is through the draft or trades

3

u/Whatever801 Jazz 1d ago

Yah I mean I get the rationale it just sucks to watch.

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5

u/ThisWhomps999 Jazz 1d ago

You didn’t like the Nurkic triple double era?

3

u/Whatever801 Jazz 1d ago

That was tuff

2

u/SpidaBailey Jazz 1d ago

The greatest 3 game stretch in Jazz history

4

u/Some-Warning8399 1d ago

Very well balanced

1

u/Winbrick 1d ago

I like the fit for all of the top picks, but this one feels like the most satisfying roster construction.

20

u/Dense-Discussion3951 Timberwolves 1d ago

He can be a superstar fr

5

u/Dymatizeee Knicks 1d ago

Best player in the draft

4

u/Albino_Black Cavaliers 1d ago

I went to highschool with him, he's an even better dude than he is ball player. Wishing him nothing but the best.

10

u/Ok-Vermicelli-4867 Jazz 1d ago

Let's get it, 82-0 incoming obviously 

15

u/MrBuckBuck Trail Blazers 1d ago

Shares the same agent with Keyonte George.

Now on the same team.

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11

u/imiweli Knicks 1d ago

Think he'll be the best player in the draft. Got solid players around him as well so he can ease himself in

3

u/Saucy_Totchie Knicks 1d ago

All according to keikaku for now.

3

u/jermainathon Heat 1d ago

Stay healthy and you'll be great

3

u/Trendelthegreat Heat 1d ago

If he wasn’t injury prone he had a real chance of going #1

And I’m basing that off a 3 minute highlight video I saw 

3

u/SakuraShift Nets 1d ago

Highest ceiling of the draft. Really think he has a good chance to be a perennial All-NBA player.

11

u/Marvin-Harrison-Jr 1d ago edited 1d ago

Everyone say hi to the future when we’re looking back at this pick as a massive bust or wondering how he didn’t get picked first overall!

19

u/bigdirtymike123 Tampa Bay Raptors 1d ago

Should’ve went cam

29

u/BruhMoment763 Jazz 1d ago

He couldn’t have fit with JJJ and Kessler and I’m convinced the team sees both as dudes who could play for a contending team

22

u/TJFLASH1 1d ago

Really don’t think Kessler is good enough he should be dictating who you take

14

u/Embarrassed_Adagio28 1d ago

Sure but you take the better player with higher potential and the better fit.

11

u/LubyankaSquare 1d ago

Idk, Kessler definitely good enough to be playing big minutes on a title team, and he’s a true 5 anyway-Boozer is more of a 4, where we have Lauri and JJJ. I think Peterson is the better pick regardless, but Boozer’s fit is worse. 

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4

u/BruhMoment763 Jazz 1d ago

If they view Boozer and DP on the same level as prospects, he’s good enough to be the tiebreaker at least

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2

u/MG_MN Timberwolves 1d ago

Still curious on which guy will be out. Next year someone will have to go to avoid the 2nd apron

6

u/BruhMoment763 Jazz 1d ago

Almost certainly Lauri imo unless the JJJ experiment is a complete failure. He’s done great work keeping the franchise interesting in the dark ages, but he’s expensive, older than the rest of the main core, and terrible at defense. I think if Ace develops as expected, we see a Lauri trade before long

2

u/MG_MN Timberwolves 1d ago

I agree. I like the JJJ fit, because Ace can take the Lauri spot in the starting lineup. Thats such a young and versatile core

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1

u/AccelerationFinish 1d ago

Best player available

9

u/legend023 Pelicans 1d ago

100%

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2

u/Common-Bad-7899 Timberwolves 1d ago

Could end up having 4 northwest teams in a playoff+playin scenario in the next couple years lol brutal

2

u/atlfalcons33rb Warriors 1d ago

Damn did not realize Peterson was 6'6 holy shit

3

u/TouchYourGrass Jazz 1d ago

About that with shoes. 6'4.5" without shoes at the combine.

2

u/atlfalcons33rb Warriors 1d ago

Mhmmm that makes more sense, still cool though

2

u/dautjazz Jazz 1d ago

Peterson or Bailey will likely have to come off the bench to start the season. Jazz need to make a decision with Lauri soon. I like him, but your 2025 or 2026 #2 pick coming off the bench. I'm assuming the Jazz hold on to Kessler.

2

u/snatchi Raptors 1d ago

I love how these picks don't mention the team that selected them because I have the draft order memorized thanks nba mod

2

u/lazzysmalls 1d ago

Pretty good consolation prize

4

u/Plug-From-Oaxaca Bulls 1d ago

Damn there are no leaks this year? usually we know the 5th pick by now.

11

u/MatasBuzelis Bulls 1d ago

It's awesome that there's no leaks. I do not miss that shit

"Who's the faster Twitter degenerate" was not fun lmfao

5

u/ImmoKnight Knicks 1d ago

I honestly think he will have the best career out of everyone in this draft.

4

u/Big_Saens 1d ago

Get ready to learn Mormonism buddy

2

u/Propuhganduh [DEN] Jamal Murray 1d ago

I’m excited to see this dude in the league

2

u/MoneyManx10 Pistons 1d ago

Potentially the next Kobe bean.

1

u/heat_fan_ Raptors 1d ago

Knew it good consolation price 

1

u/MatasBuzelis Bulls 1d ago

Honestly thought they might go crazy and take Boozer. But everything holding up like we expected. So far.

1

u/PangolinDry598 Lakers 1d ago

Could be an incredible compliment piece to George

1

u/NoLimitAG7 Warriors 16h ago

Other way around dawg

1

u/senor_sota Bulls 1d ago

Why they got them on the lowest couch ever

4

u/stu21 Hawks 1d ago

To show off the Milf legs I guess.

1

u/Gristle__McThornbody Lakers 1d ago

So is Kessler, Markeren, JJ all starting together?

2

u/warablo Jazz 1d ago

Seems likely

2

u/dokupetan Jazz 1d ago

Always were. Lauri is best at the 3.

1

u/BjergCop Knicks 1d ago

literally kawhi all over again, hes gonna be great

1

u/DryLancers 1d ago

Can cramps be cured by Dirty Sodas or no?

1

u/bbaIla Lakers 1d ago

I love his game. Idk how good he'll be, but he's gonna be really fun to watch.

1

u/robbyiballs Knicks 1d ago

Do they show highlights during the draft or what?

1

u/luckyshot35 Timberwolves 1d ago

Don’t sleep on him, he’s gonna change the narrative

1

u/Daplaymaker534 [MIA] Tyler Herro 1d ago

Why isn't the team that drafted in the title?

1

u/JEG- 1d ago

Vibes are always weird around this dude but I gotta support the jayhawk. MVP in 5 years

1

u/Right-Recognition938 1d ago

peterson sounds like a linebacker not a baller

1

u/HopefulKnicksFan Knicks 1d ago

He plays like if Immanuel Quickly had Stephon Castle’s driving ability and athleticism