Jazz, Darryn Peterson Should Be Thrilled With 2026 Projection
It doesn't get much better than this projection.
ESPN's panel of experts has placed the Utah Jazz among the most promising teams to make a significant leap in the 2026 NBA season. The Jazz share the top spot with the Indiana Pacers, each receiving 46 points in the "Surprise Teams" voting. This is a strong endorsement for a team that hasn't traditionally been associated with winning.
The reason for optimism lies in the team's 2026 NBA Draft pick, Darryn Peterson. The Jazz acquired Peterson with the No. 2 pick after a disappointing season, and ESPN's panel believes this move could drastically alter the course of the franchise. Additionally, Utah bolstered their roster during the 2025-26 season by trading for Jaren Jackson Jr., a proven high-end starter.
With Peterson and Jackson forming the core of the team, ESPN's panel predicts Utah as one of the top surprise teams for the upcoming season. The Jazz's position at the top of the "Surprise Teams" voting, ahead of teams like the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks, further underscores their potential.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
