It's hard to conjure up ways the Utah Jazz could screw up in the 2026 NBA Draft. Sure, there could be certain twists that would throw them for a loop, but even then, it's not like it would get in their way. One of the few ways in which they could screw this situation up is by trading up, which they apparently are not going to do.
The latest draft rumors from ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel indicate that Utah has every intention of keeping the No. 2 pick regardless of who is available between AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson.
"The Jazz also won't trade the second pick in this year's draft, league sources told ClutchPoints, and they are thrilled to welcome either Dybantsa or Peterson to what they believe can be a threatening roster in the West for years to come," Siegel wrote.
This is the most straightforward decision of the draft. Even if it would be a shame to miss out on Dybantsa (Siegel's rumors also insist that he will go first), Utah has no reason to go all out for him when someone arguably on the same level (maybe even better) in Peterson is right there.
They have enough cushion that it's not necessary to trade up
it's possible Dybantsa will be much better than Peterson. It might even be possible that Cameron Boozer is better than both of them. Even so, Utah has such a talented roster that they don't truly have to worry about who they pick, especially in a draft where it won't take much thought to choose wisely.
Utah has a roster ready to compete for the playoffs next season, so adding a lottery pick to a team like this is simply gravy for them. If their situation isn't good enough already, there are simply too many talented prospects for this not to help the Jazz and ensure their glorious future.
They can afford to take it slow with Peterson if, by chance, he's not quite ready to contribute just yet. At the same time, if he is, they can also let him take all the minutes at his disposal to make them better.
Sometimes the smart move is simply not making one, and this here is a good example of that. Peterson or Dybantsa being right there at No. 2 is a pretty ideal position for the Jazz given the kind of team he's joining next season.
It truly feels like for the first time in Jazz history, they have a pretty easy choice to make with absolutely no controversy speak of regardless of what happens.
