New Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson has drawn comparisons to Kobe Bryant throughout his basketball career, but the No. 2 overall pick says it isn’t just Bryant’s offensive game that he hopes to emulate.
Speaking with reporters following the 2026 NBA Draft on Saturday, Peterson explained that Bryant’s commitment to playing both ends of the floor has shaped the way he approaches the game.
“I would like to say I can be a lockdown defender. Obviously, I haven’t guarded the best in the world yet, but I’m willing to take this challenge. 6’10” wingspan, I think that can help me a bit, and just my effort. I might not be the fastest guy or quickest guy, but my effort will be to take out some of that.
He added, “I’m a Kobe guy, so if you play both sides of the ball, that’s my idol, so I’m trying to lock down on defense.”
Peterson entered the NBA as one of the draft’s most dynamic offensive prospects, earning praise throughout his lone collegiate season at Kansas for his shot creation and ability to score in isolation.
However, he also showed flashes of becoming a disruptive defender. In Kansas’ 67-65 loss to St. John’s in the March Madness tournament, Peterson recorded four blocked shots. Earlier in the season, he showcased his quick hands with five steals in a March 3 victory over Arizona. Overall, he averaged 1.4 steals per game to go along with his 20.2 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. He also shot 38.2% from three-point range and 43.8% from the field.
Those performances, combined with his 6-foot-10 wingspan and defensive mindset, are qualities Peterson hopes will translate to the NBA as he begins his career with the Jazz.
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