There's hardly ever a moment during a player's first NBA season that isn't surreal.
In most cases, it's what they've dreamed of since they were little kids. Now, that dream has become a reality for those among one of the most talented draft classes ever.
Darryn Peterson - Utah's selection with the second-overall pick in the the 2026 NBA Draft - is able to score well beyond his years. His ability to put the ball in the basket resembles plenty of veterans. Even with as NBA-ready as he is, he's still a rookie, and is looking forward to going head-to-head with some of his idols.
Among the players he's looking forward to facing is Atlanta's CJ McCollum.
Peterson and McCollum have been connected for awhile now
In a recent interview with many rookies for the NBA's official Instagram account, Peterson was asked which veteran he's most looking forward to playing against:
"LeBron [James] or CJ McCollum. Both from Canton, Ohio, me and him are family."
Of course, nearly everyone mentioned LeBron. Who wouldn't be over the moon about the possibility of suiting up against arguably the greatest player of all time?
McCollum, however, was a unique answer that only Peterson gave.
Having grown up in the same area, the veteran's been familiar with the rookie from the beginning.
In a 2025 interview with Marc J. Spears for Andscape, McCollum mentioned that he's known Peterson "since he was a baby."
Now, they'll have to put their friendship aside for two in-season battles. Being in opposite conferences, the Atlanta Hawks and Utah Jazz don't see each other often.
They're scheduled for one game in each team's arena - standard for cross-conference matchups. The only other chance they'll get to see each other will either be in the NBA Cup Championship or NBA Finals. Odds are, those matchups won't feature the Hawks and Jazz. Maybe one, but likely not both.
Ignoring their matchups, Peterson can rely on McCollum during the year
An NBA rookie is bound to struggle. Even someone as ready as Peterson is.
There will be an inevitable adjustment period, as he gets accustomed to the flow, pace and physicality of the modern NBA.
His freshman season at Kansas prepared him for what's next, but no one really knows how soon his game will fully translate.
In the event it's not immediate, and even if it is, someone as experienced as McCollum will be able to guide him through it.
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