Darryn Peterson shines in Summer League: “I model my game after Kobe Bryant”
Darryn Peterson continues to impress in the NBA Summer League, with Kobe Bryant serving as his biggest inspiration. The Jazz rookie led Utah past the Grizzlies with 26 points and 12 assists
The Utah Jazz front office’s decision to select Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is already paying dividends on the court.
In a rookie class widely regarded as one of the most talented in recent years – headlined by Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer – the former Kansas guard has quickly emerged as one of the Summer League’s most productive scorers.
Through his first two Summer League appearances, Peterson is averaging 26.5 points per game while shooting nearly 53% from the field.
In Monday’s matchup, the 19-year-old also showcased significant growth as a playmaker, dishing out 12 assists and displaying the court vision to complement his natural scoring ability.
Speaking on SportsCenter, Peterson discussed his approach to the game and revealed that Kobe Bryant has always been his basketball role model.
I was willing to do whatever it took to help my team win. I love Kobe’s mentality, and I try to model my game after it. I even have a tattoo dedicated to him – he’s always been my idol. I always say I’m trying to be a kind of ‘Black Mamba 2.0,’ even though I can’t say I’m anywhere near that level yet
Darryn Peterson
Like any rookie, Peterson’s transition into Utah’s system will depend on the natural adjustment period required to adapt to the speed and demands of the NBA.
The Summer League – a tournament featuring several intriguing hidden gems – is already reinforcing what the 2007-born guard showed in college: his physical tools and high-level decision-making make him the centerpiece around which the Jazz intend to build their next era.