Because the Utah Jazz have not typically depended on the draft, they haven't had all that many high lottery picks over the years. Karl Malone and John Stockton were first-round picks, but they weren't high picks, nor were they hyped going into their rookie seasons. Such won't be the case with Darryn Peterson.
Ever since Peterson came in, there's been nothing but high marks for the Jazz rookie. The only Jazz rookie who had this much hype from the jump (apologies Ace Bailey) was Deron Williams. No matter what happens this season, Utah should be very excited for what the future holds.
However, there is one unfortunate likely reality that should be brought up before the season begins: pending any surprises, he's not winning Rookie of the Year this season. In all fairness, it's all out of his control.
Peterson came from a loaded draft class that featured AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson, so that challenge was going to be tall enough on its own, but what also works against him is that he's playing on a team built for the playoffs in the Jazz.
Even though it may take little time at all for Peterson to assert himself as Utah's best player, that doesn't change the fact that they will depend on Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Keyonte George first before they turn their attention to Peterson.
It will come for sure, but the aforementioned three players will likely be featured more for their respective teams than Peterson will be as a Jazzman. By virtue of being held back only because they have more proven options ahead of them compared to the other three, Peterson won't take the highest honor for a rookie.
That doesn't change that he's a cornerstone in the making
Even if Peterson doesn't win Rookie of the Year, there's a still a good chance he's going to make an All-Rookie first team, which would be impressive because, again, this rookie class is quite special.
Whether he does or doesn't, that doesn't diminish Peterson's potential to be the face of the franchise in a few years' time. He still is a phenomenal prospect who possesses both the talent and poise to be a superstar, whether that's on opening night in the coming days or in the 2030s, this should be the start of something special.
Right now, the bar for Peterson is to just be cohesive with the other starters, and he could definitely has the abilities to pass that test with flying colors and then some. Besides, it's sentiment like this that gives someone like Peterson the perfect chip on his shoulder to prove to Utah just how lucky they were to get him in the drafy.
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