Two of the NBA’s top rookies wasted no time in proving why they were picked so high in the draft, putting up big numbers in their Summer League debuts in Salt Lake City.
Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 overall pick of the Utah Jazz out of Kansas, exploded for 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting and added five rebounds, two blocks and four three-pointers in 27 minutes.
He scored on his very first possession, beating Atlanta’s Asa Newell for a layup, and then hit a couple of crucial threes down the line to help Utah defeat the Hawks 103-102 in overtime.
Peterson did had eight turnovers and was critical of himself after the game, however Jazz coach Will Hardy applauded how he handled the pressure, according to ESPN.
DARRYN PETERSON IN HIS SUMMER LEAGUE DEBUT 🤯
28 PTS
11/21 FG
4 3PM
OT WINThe No. 2 overall pick has ARRIVED 🔥 pic.twitter.com/y0RAw44UgS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 4, 2026
Boozer Shines for the Grizzlies
Third overall pick Cameron Boozer of the Memphis Grizzlies was as spectacular in a 111-74 win over Oklahoma City.
The former Duke star recorded 15 points on 7-of-11 shooting, four rebounds and four assists in 24 minutes, getting things going with a nifty pick-and-roll pass and finishing the play with a two-handed dunk over the 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara.
Boozer’s passing instincts were especially impressive to scouts courtside, reported ESPN.
#3 overall pick Cameron Boozer in his Salt Lake City Summer League debut:
🐻 15 PTS
🐻 4 REB
🐻 4 AST
🐻 7-11 FGMMemphis defeats Oklahoma City! pic.twitter.com/jIOzcZkHqG
— NBA (@NBA) July 4, 2026
Family Bonds and Fan Love
Both rookies attracted plenty of headlines outside the box score.
Peterson drew MVP cheers from jazz fans during a free-throw attempt, while Boozer’s dad, ex-NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, sat courtside sporting a Grizzlies hat.
Boozer said his teammates made the game easier for him. “It felt comfortable,” he added, noting that it’s still a work in progress to adjust to a new club and system in just a week of practice.
Peterson, who has been playing more as a point guard than he’s expected to in this season’s pairing with Keyonte George, said the moment was much bigger because of the hype around his arrival.
What’s Next
The two will face off on Monday as the Salt Lake City Summer League continues, both teams seeking to follow up on their opening night statements.
