Utah’s first look at Darryn Peterson in Summer League offered exactly what the Jazz hoped for: flashes of star-level talent wrapped in the rawness of a teenager still learning the pro game. His debut didn’t settle any long-term questions, but it did reveal five important early takeaways.

First, the athletic profile is real. Peterson’s first step, vertical pop and body control all translated against NBA-length defenders. Even when the finish didn’t come, he consistently created separation and got to his spots. That kind of self-created advantage is the hardest skill to teach and a key reason Utah is investing in his development.

Second, his handle and pace are further along than expected. Peterson mixed hesitations, crossovers and changes of speed that hinted at future on-ball creation. He occasionally over-dribbled, as most young guards do, but looked more like a future primary or high-usage secondary creator than a pure off-ball scorer.

Third, the decision-making is clearly a work in progress. There were possessions where he forced drives into traffic or settled for tough pull-ups early in the clock. That is normal for a high-usage scorer learning NBA spacing and timing, but it underscores the need for reps, film work and structure around him.

Fourth, the defensive tools are intriguing. Peterson’s size, length and lateral quickness allowed him to stay in front of smaller guards while still contesting bigger wings. He had moments of losing track off the ball, yet his activity level and willingness to compete on that end suggest he can be more than just a neutral defender in time.

Finally, the Jazz’s developmental plan was on display. Utah put the ball in Peterson’s hands, let him play through mistakes and surrounded him with simplified sets rather than rigid structure. That approach signals organizational belief that his ceiling is worth nurturing patiently. One Summer League game never defines a prospect, but Peterson’s debut reinforced why the Jazz view him as a potential long-term pillar.