A symbolic jersey swap ignites a promising partnership between Utah’s budding stars, setting the stage for the versatile big man to cement his role in a crowded rotation.
Before Kyle Filipowski and Darryn Peterson run their first pick-and-roll together, the Utah Jazz teammates have already completed a successful exchange.
Peterson gets No. 22.
Filipowski gets a potentially fitting opportunity to begin his third NBA season wearing No. 2.
Peterson wore No. 22 throughout high school and during his lone season at Kansas as a tribute to his father, Darryl, who wore it in high school. The problem was that Filipowski had already claimed the number after Utah selected him with the 32nd pick of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Peterson initiated negotiations shortly after becoming the No. 2 pick two years later.
“He wanted to keep it, but he was willing to give me that, so I appreciate him for that,” Peterson said. “That’s his first assist to me.”
Whatever Peterson surrendered remains undisclosed. He acknowledged paying something before laughing when reporters requested details.
The exchange provides a fun introduction to a partnership that could become considerably more important than either jersey number.
Filipowski quietly improved across nearly every statistical category last season, increasing his averages from 9.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists as a rookie to 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He also recorded 13 double-doubles and finished the season by averaging 22.2 points, 10 rebounds and four assists across his final six appearances.
Utah’s depleted April roster provided opportunities he won't consistently receive on a healthier team. Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. should command most of the frontcourt touches, while Jusuf Nurkić, Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba make center the most crowded position on the roster.
Filipowski doesn't need to displace all of them.
He needs to demonstrate that none can replicate his particular combination of size, handling and passing.
At 6-foot-11, Filipowski can screen for Peterson before rolling toward the basket, popping outside or receiving the ball in the short roll. If opponents send two defenders toward Utah’s rookie guard, Filipowski has the vision to find a cutter or attack a scrambling defense.
That versatility helped him win the 2025 NBA Summer League MVP before producing a stronger second NBA season. It could also allow Will Hardy to deploy him as either a backup power forward or small-ball center depending on the matchup.
His 32.5% 3-point shooting remains the limitation. Raising that figure closer to league average would make lineups involving Filipowski and another big considerably easier to construct.
The Jazz guaranteed his $3 million salary for next season, confirming they still view him as part of the roster despite adding several veteran centers. His next challenge is progressing from productive young reserve to someone Hardy must play.
Peterson needed Filipowski’s permission to maintain a family tradition.
Filipowski may need Peterson’s gravity to complete his own transformation.
No. 22 received the first assist.
No. 2 could become one of its greatest beneficiaries.
