The NBA draft lottery wrapped up, and now, we know exactly where each NBA team will pick for the 2026 NFL draft, excluding, of course, in-draft trades.
One of the biggest names in the upcoming draft is Kansas standout Darryn Peterson, who is projected to go early. During his 2025-26 season with Kansas, the guard averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game in 24 games, according to ESPN research, so his numbers are strong.
In a mock out on Sunday, May 10, after the NBA draft lottery, Jeremy Woo of ESPN projects where each young player will fall in the draft.
In the draft, he sees Peterson going to the Utah Jazz with the No. 2 pick.
“Utah also was a major winner, moving up to No. 2, which will be its highest selection since 2011,” Woo states in the piece. “The Jazz positioned themselves at the trade deadline for a step forward next season, acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Grizzlies.”
He adds: “Adding an elite talent in the draft will be a major boost in that direction. Utah has talented young perimeter players on the roster, including Ace Bailey and Keyonte George, but Peterson’s shot creation and elite long-range shooting would give the Jazz a potential top-tier scorer to build around.”
My Analysis: Darryn Peterson to the Utah Jazz
Peterson is largely seen as the No. 2 pick in this draft, so even before the Jazz drew that selection, it was almost a given that any team with the No. 2 selection would take him. Because of his injury situation, NBA teams will look to make sure his medical evaluation goes well during combine, but so long as he’s healthy, the Jazz can’t go wrong with him.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.