The Utah Jazz get the rare privilege of picking second in the NBA Draft, something that hasn't happened since 1980. With the draft just days away, we've got our first twist leading up to it: Darryn Peterson canceled a workout with the Jazz.
Now, for what it's worth, it doesn't sound like Peterson is turning down Utah because he doesn't want to play there as much as he believes he's Washington-bound. Even so, this is a predicament that the Jazz have not only faced before, but has also happened quite recently.
Many know all too well about what happened with Ace Bailey leading up to the draft. He canceled workouts with basically every team because he, too, wanted to go to the Wizards. That didn't stop Utah one bit. Even then, Bailey did not look too thrilled about it at the time.
So it'd be hilarious if the draft shakes out with Utah taking Peterson anyway after he has pulled similar stunts to what Bailey did at last year's draft.
Even so, if Peterson is available with the No. 2 (which would depend on whether AJ Dybantsa is taken first overall), of course Utah should take him regardless of what has happened ahead of time.
The Jazz's culture is strong enough to flip that coin
Going back to Bailey, there were concerns that he was going to be a problem child. It looks ridiculous in hindsight now, but with his pre-draft antics, many were nervous that his attitude could have create some contempt in that Utah locker room.
In no time at all, Bailey proved that his character was just as good as his talent. In fact, one year later, it seems pretty clear that both the Jazz and Bailey are happy about their current situation. Part of that has stemmed from Utah having the right people around him.
Having a veteran mentor like Kevin Love, a charismatic owner like Ryan Smith who wants the best for his players, and a coach like Will Hardy who has a track record of helping players reach their potential is a good comfort to a potential superstar like Bailey.
The funny thing is, since being drafted by the Jazz, there has been absolutely no indications that Bailey has an attitude problem in the slightest. Even though Peterson's history hasn't been great - and that dates back to before this whole thing with the Jazz - that shouldn't deter Utah from taking him because they will do on the belief that his talent and fit on the team outweighs any issues that would lie ahead.
Because it worked with Bailey, there's no reason for Utah to think it won't work with Peterson.
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