Where They Stand
Utah opens the 2026-27 season with its highest expectations in years after selecting Darryn Peterson No. 2 overall — the franchise's highest draft pick since 1980. Peterson joins second-year wing Ace Bailey and Keyonte George, who signed a five-year, $157.5 million extension this summer, while All-Stars Lauri Markkanen and mid-season acquisition Jaren Jackson Jr. anchor the frontcourt. Will Hardy — signed through 2030-31 — finally has a roster built to win after back-to-back 60-loss seasons, including last year's 22-60 finish (15th in the West).
The offseason reshaped the center rotation: Walker Kessler was sent to the Lakers in a sign-and-trade, while Utah re-signed Jusuf Nurkić and added Jaxson Hayes and Josh Green. The preseason opens Oct 4 at Denver, with Peterson's home debut coming Oct 6 against the Nuggets at Delta Center and Victor Wembanyama's Spurs visiting on Oct 12.
The Squad
Keyonte George
Darryn Peterson
Ace Bailey
Lauri Markkanen
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jusuf Nurkić
Isaiah Collier
Kyle Filipowski
Brice Sensabaugh
Jaxson Hayes
Josh Okogie
Josh Green
Upcoming Games
Team News
Jazz's Will Hardy Impressed With Darryn Peterson Early
At media day, Hardy praised the No. 2 pick's professionalism and fast learning, and Peterson ran with the projected starters on the first day of training camp — a strong sign he'll open the season in the lineup.
Will Jazz Finally Take a Step Forward? "It Can't Be Worse," Says NBA Scout
After consecutive 60-loss seasons, league scouts see a genuinely improved Utah team with Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and a dynamic young backcourt — though a lot still has to be proven.
Jazz Training Camp Footage May Have Revealed the Starting Five
Day-one camp videos showed George, Peterson, Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Nurkić in the same purple unit, with Bailey, Collier, Sensabaugh and Hayes in the second group.