Darryn Peterson is the real deal, and the Utah Jazz got a player who works as hard as the legends he idolizes.
Darryn Peterson has already been compared to Kobe Bryant. Yeah, that's a lofty measuring stick for a player who still hasn't even laced up for a regular-season game with the Utah Jazz, but it would be a lie to say there's no credence to the comparisons.
As a shooting guard with an exceptional jump shot, ball handling ability, and the relentless drive to compete, Peterson's comparison to one of the greatest guards in the history of basketball is not one to be taken lightly, but it's also one to keep an eye on as his career advances.
The Jazz certainly hope and believe that he could some day become an all-time great at his position. After years of tanking and fielding non-competitive teams, the Jazz feel they've finally secured the type of player -- the caliber of player -- who can lift them to their ultimate goal of an NBA championship.
The last time Utah saw the NBA Finals at all was before this milennium. They're due.
But the difference between a good player and a great player isn't what they can do on the court, it's what they do regularly inside their head. The mentality, the determination, the will and resolve to consistently improve, no matter the circumstances. Those are the qualities that convert talent into stardom, and those are the qualities that others see in Darryn Peterson.
Keyonte George is no exception, recently appearing on ESPN to share some observations he's made about his new teammate, and why he thinks DP will live up to the hype that precedes him.
"We got a top-2 pick, and [Peterson] was a top-2 player... I think it's just the guard connection," George recalled when he, as the Jazz's draft lottery representative, approached Peterson in the wake of Utah receiving the number-two pick. "I've already heard about his work ethic, what type of person he is... I'm just glad he's on the team now."
"How fast he picks up on things [is impressive]. Obviously, in this league, it's a split second -- if you make that mistake, it's over... He picks up on it right away. He's always willing to learn. I think that's the main thing: coming in as a high pick and still humble enough to still want to learn."
As a leader and veteran on this young Jazz team, Keyonte's belief in the newest Jazzman is a massive vote of confidence.
As great as Peterson was with Bill Self in Kansas, Jazz fans should be excited to see what Peterson's career looks like while in the NBA.
