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There aren't many rookies who receive superstar treatment in their third NBA Summer League game ... but Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson did.
After watching the No. 2 overall pick carve through opponents during Utah's stay in Salt Lake City, the Washington Wizards entered their matchup against the Jazz in Las Vegas with a very specific game plan:
Get the ball out of Peterson's hands.
They trapped him, doubled him and turned Jamir Watkins loose to play an extremely physical brand of basketball against the 19-year-old guard.
Watkins committed nine fouls in just 20 minutes of action.
Peterson still finished with a team-high 24 points, but he shot just 6-of-18 from the field and committed eight turnovers in Utah's loss to Washington and fellow rookie sensation AJ Dybantsa.
Rather than complain about the physicality or officiating afterward, Peterson acknowledged that Washington's plan had been effective. He understands that the better he becomes, the more uncomfortable opposing defenses will try to make him.
But Washington's approach may have resonated with the rookie for another reason.
Peterson apparently wants to establish that same physical reputation himself.
During a recent discussion about the Jazz rookie, ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealed Peterson's reaction upon learning that players are permitted 10 fouls before being disqualified from a Summer League game.
"In Summer League you get 10 fouls," Windhorst said. "As soon as Darryn Peterson found that out, he said, 'I'm gonna try to get nine,' because he wants the players to learn he's going to play very physical.
"I was told he wants to foul because he wants to be physical. He wants to push the limits. He is not messing around. He is very serious about this."
Peterson's larger message is about establishing an identity.
He wants opposing players to understand that nothing will come easily against him.
It's a fascinating mentality for a guard primarily celebrated for his offensive ability.
Peterson entered the NBA as an advanced shot creator capable of scoring from all three levels. His wrong-foot floaters and effortless creation have already shown why Utah selected him second overall.
But becoming a franchise cornerstone requires more than compiling points.
The Jazz need Peterson to embrace physicality and set a standard that extends beyond his scoring production. Based on Windhorst's report, he understands that responsibility already.
There is also some irony in Watkins committing nine fouls while trying to slow Peterson down.
Washington used nearly the exact level of physicality Peterson wants to bring himself. The Wizards pressured and forced him to experience how opponents will defend him when they believe he can take over a game.
Peterson didn't make excuses.
He viewed the difficult night as preparation for what awaits him, and his own nine-foul ambition suggests he plans to make opponents equally uncomfortable on the other end.
Summer League fouls won't follow Peterson into the regular season, where he will be disqualified after six.
The mentality can.
Peterson has already received a glimpse of the aggressive defensive attention that accompanies that responsibility.
Now, the rest of the NBA is learning he plans to push back.
Continue reading...
After watching the No. 2 overall pick carve through opponents during Utah's stay in Salt Lake City, the Washington Wizards entered their matchup against the Jazz in Las Vegas with a very specific game plan:
Get the ball out of Peterson's hands.
They trapped him, doubled him and turned Jamir Watkins loose to play an extremely physical brand of basketball against the 19-year-old guard.
Watkins committed nine fouls in just 20 minutes of action.
Peterson still finished with a team-high 24 points, but he shot just 6-of-18 from the field and committed eight turnovers in Utah's loss to Washington and fellow rookie sensation AJ Dybantsa.
Rather than complain about the physicality or officiating afterward, Peterson acknowledged that Washington's plan had been effective. He understands that the better he becomes, the more uncomfortable opposing defenses will try to make him.
But Washington's approach may have resonated with the rookie for another reason.
Peterson apparently wants to establish that same physical reputation himself.
During a recent discussion about the Jazz rookie, ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealed Peterson's reaction upon learning that players are permitted 10 fouls before being disqualified from a Summer League game.
"In Summer League you get 10 fouls," Windhorst said. "As soon as Darryn Peterson found that out, he said, 'I'm gonna try to get nine,' because he wants the players to learn he's going to play very physical.
"I was told he wants to foul because he wants to be physical. He wants to push the limits. He is not messing around. He is very serious about this."
Peterson's larger message is about establishing an identity.
He wants opposing players to understand that nothing will come easily against him.
It's a fascinating mentality for a guard primarily celebrated for his offensive ability.
Peterson entered the NBA as an advanced shot creator capable of scoring from all three levels. His wrong-foot floaters and effortless creation have already shown why Utah selected him second overall.
But becoming a franchise cornerstone requires more than compiling points.
The Jazz need Peterson to embrace physicality and set a standard that extends beyond his scoring production. Based on Windhorst's report, he understands that responsibility already.
There is also some irony in Watkins committing nine fouls while trying to slow Peterson down.
Washington used nearly the exact level of physicality Peterson wants to bring himself. The Wizards pressured and forced him to experience how opponents will defend him when they believe he can take over a game.
Peterson didn't make excuses.
He viewed the difficult night as preparation for what awaits him, and his own nine-foul ambition suggests he plans to make opponents equally uncomfortable on the other end.
Summer League fouls won't follow Peterson into the regular season, where he will be disqualified after six.
The mentality can.
Peterson has already received a glimpse of the aggressive defensive attention that accompanies that responsibility.
Now, the rest of the NBA is learning he plans to push back.
Continue reading...
