Anthony Edwards now has a rising rival to watch in the Northwest Division. On 18 June 2026, Utah Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson lit up the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, posting 25.0 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds over four games. That scorching start earned him a bold comparison to Edwards, the 2020 top pick who has twice led the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals.
What happened in Las Vegas?
Peterson, the Jazz’s No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has been the engine of Utah’s Summer League offense. He’s played point guard and shooting guard, initiating sets and drawing double teams while averaging 25.0 points per game. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, an anonymous Western Conference scout called Peterson’s offensive package the most polished among guards from the last decade, comparing him directly to Edwards.
Why the Edwards comparison sticks
Edwards, now in his fifth NBA season, has spent the past year taking on a bigger role in Minnesota’s offense. Last season he posted career highs of 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game as the Timberwolves made another deep playoff run. The scout told McMenamin that Peterson and Edwards could set the standard by which guards are judged. The two will face off often now that both teams sit in the Northwest Division.
What coaches are saying
Jazz head coach Steve Wojciechowski was impressed by how Peterson handled defensive pressure. “Darryn puts a lot of pressure on the defense,” Wojciechowski said. “Guys who can get to the foul line like that are a real asset.” Peterson’s ability to draw fouls and finish at the rim drew praise from Wojciechowski, who expects that scrutiny to ramp up once the regular season starts.
What comes next for Peterson and the Jazz
Peterson will join a Jazz core that includes Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ace Bailey, and Keyonte George. Utah is aiming to return to the playoffs, and the rookie’s Summer League burst suggests he could be the missing piece. Edwards and Peterson will battle for division supremacy when the regular season tips off in October, turning a Summer League storyline into a Northwest Division rivalry before the first official game.