Austin Ainge, Utah Jazz unfazed by Darryn Peterson injury history
Jun 24, 2026, 12:07 AM
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with Darryn Peterson after he is drafted second overall by the Utah Jazz during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — One of the biggest question marks surrounding Darryn Peterson in the pre-draft process was concerns around the slew of injuries that plagued him in his one year at Kansas.
After his selection as the second pick in the NBA Draft, Utah Jazz president of basketball operations Austin Ainge addressed that storyline.
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He’s been working out twice a day, every day, and he feels great. (He looks like) he’s getting stronger already, and he’s been working pretty hard. Our doctors went through everything from the combine and all the tests that were ordered, and we feel very comfortable, and he’s ready to hit the ground running. We plan on seeing him in the summer league.
When asked if there were any larger health issues that haven’t come to light yet, Ainge simply responded, “Nope.”
In recent interviews, Ainge explained that teams will receive medical reports from the NBA Draft Combine in the weeks leading up to the draft. Teams will then look over the information and seek outside opinions from professionals if needed.
We pore over the medical stuff. That’s a huge thing that we have not had access to in the past. We make sure that we get experts to look at any issues that arise. These guys all got tested in various ways at the combine. They’ll do MRIs, blood tests, x-rays, histories, and hands-on evaluations. Then, our team of doctors will review and seek a specialist’s advice when needed. If there’s something outside of their area of expertise or something they want more help on, they can go find whatever worldwide expert that we want to help us make a decision.
Considering the Jazz were picking in the top two for the first time in nearly 50 years, and also had other good options on the board, it’s fair to assume injury concerns were almost a non-factor with the selection.
Peterson also said that a goal for himself in year one was to play in all 82 games.
Even if cramps or other injuries follow Peterson into the pros, he is stepping into a situation where he won’t be relied on to play 30 or more minutes every night. Utah played the slow game with Ace Bailey last season, and they have the luxury of doing the same with this year’s No. 2 pick.
