Two of June’s top NBA rookies showcased their talents on Monday night. No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson led the Utah Jazz against No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer and the Memphis Grizzlies in a thrilling matchup.
Peterson shone in his second game of the NBA Summer League. He scored 25 points, converting 8 out of 15 field goals, including three 3-pointers and three free throws. He also contributed 12 assists, two rebounds, and two steals, helping the Jazz secure a 109-100 victory. The former Kansas Jayhawks star expressed post-game that facing Boozer motivated him. “Always, I try to find something about everybody I play against,” Peterson remarked. “He was the pick after me, so I know he probably had an agenda today as well, so I couldn’t let the ride.”
“I try to find something about everybody I play against.” -Darryn Peterson
Boozer, on the other hand, had a commendable performance. He finished the game with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal, despite the loss. Notably, Boozer made four 3-pointers and shot a remarkable 66.7% from the field. Cedric Coward, Boozer’s teammate and one of last season’s top rookies, led the Grizzlies by scoring 23 points.
Looking ahead, Peterson and the Jazz will return to action against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night at the 2026 Salt Lake City Summer League. Meanwhile, Boozer and the Grizzlies will face the Atlanta Hawks in their next game.
Leading to the NBA Draft, much attention was on the top three picks, with debates over who might be chosen first overall. Despite significant focus on Peterson and Boozer, AJ Dybantsa from BYU claimed the No. 1 pick. Dybantsa expressed confidence in his position, stating that he did not need to participate in team workouts. He is heralded as potentially the league’s next big star. However, both Peterson and Boozer aim to demonstrate their worthiness for the top spot.
Though Dybantsa has yet to debut with the Washington Wizards, he is set to make his much-anticipated entrance on Thursday night against Peterson and the Jazz. This game may initiate a budding rivalry between two prominent young stars in the league.
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