Ex-NBA coach draws John Stockton, Deron Williams connection to Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson

As the Utah Jazz prepare for the 2026-27 NBA season, former head coach Tyrone Corbin believes rookie Darryn Peterson could follow in the footsteps of franchise legends John Stockton and Deron Williams.

Following Utah's 3-1 preseason finish, which included a 119-116 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, Corbin highlighted the organization's history of building around talented guards while discussing Peterson's potential.

In a recent interview with Kyle Odegard of NEXTPredict, Corbin drew connections between the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and two of Utah's most accomplished point guards.

Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

"They had another guard there for a lot of years, John Stockton , and did a lot of great things with him. And another guard in Deron Williams , who did a lot of great things there. They have a history of taking point guards and building around him. Hopefully that continues with him."

Meanwhile, Williams established himself as one of the league's premier point guards during his six seasons with the Jazz, earning two All-Star selections before his departure in 2011.

Tyrone Corbin sees John Stockton, Deron Williams blueprint for Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson

Although Peterson has considerable ground to cover before approaching either player's accomplishments, his preseason performances offered an early glimpse of his potential.

The 19-year-old averaged 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.8 turnovers across four appearances while playing 25.5 minutes per game. He shot 44.4% from the field, 21.4% from 3-point range and 76.9% from the free-throw line.

Peterson delivered his strongest performance during Utah's 117-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets, recording 23 points, three rebounds and three assists while shooting 10-for-18 from the field in 30 minutes.

Beyond Peterson's individual potential, Corbin expressed confidence in Utah's approach to developing its young roster rather than rushing its rebuilding process.

"It's Utah. They don't overreact or go really fast. They'll pace themselves and hopefully they hit on a couple of these young kids, build from the inside and have a chance to be better sooner than later."

With Peterson joining a young core featuring Ace Bailey and Keyonte George, the Jazz have several promising pieces to build around as they look toward their long-term future.

Utah will open its 2026-27 regular season Wednesday, Oct. 21, against the Memphis Grizzlies on the road at 5 p.m. PT.