Should Ace Bailey or Darryn Peterson Start for the Utah Jazz?

Basketball fans, rejoice. The NBA finally released its schedule, and on October 20, 2026, the 2026-2027 season will be underway.

For Utah Jazz fans in particular, this is an exciting day. For years, the Jazz banked on the lottery in hopes of building a contender. Now that second pick Darryn Peterson and trade acquisition Jaren Jackson Jr. are in town, Utah looks to compete this season.

The Jazz Have a Roster Logjam at the Starting Lineup

With such a loaded roster coming to play this year, many wonder who the fifth starter will be for Utah. Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen, Jackson Jr., and Jusuf Nurkic seem established in the starting lineup, but the open slot appears to come down to two players: Peterson and Ace Bailey.

Drafted fifth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft and fifth in rookie scoring, Bailey makes a great case to continue his starting role with the Jazz. However, Peterson dominated in the Salt Lake Summer League, averaging 20.7 points, four assists, one steal, and 1.3 blocks.

 To get to the bottom of this debate, The Lead interviewed KSL Jazz beat writer Chandler Holt. With his insight, The Lead was able to break down the debate.

Bailey Has Already Earned His Spot

Bailey possesses something Peterson does not have: NBA experience.

In a league where veterans dominate, any ounce of experience can determine the outcome of an important game. It took 10 games before Bailey got inserted into the starting lineup. While he struggled to find a flow in the first half of the season, his stats surged in the second half.

In March and April alone, he averaged 18.4 points, 1.1 blocks, two assists, and 4.7 rebounds. Those numbers alone should give him a leg up on Peterson. To average double digits in the NBA is no easy task. Holt echoed the same sentiments when asked about Bailey starting.

“This guy has been on the team for a year longer; he’s also a top five pick. We’ve seen what he can do in the NBA a little bit already,” said Holt. “So I think it would be especially beneficial for Ace after a year of inconsistency to see some consistency. Maybe he stays in the starting lineup, and you’re just like seeing him next to all of these other guys (Markkanen, George, etc.).”

Peterson Might Be Too Talented to Keep on the Bench

Even though Bailey possesses NBA experience, Peterson might just be too talented to sit on the bench.

Called the best guard prospect since Kyrie Irving, Peterson possesses the potential to become an elite player. In college, Peterson showed off his skill throughout the season.

On Feb. 18, 2026, the Kansas Jayhawks blasted the Oklahoma State Cowboys behind Peterson’s 23 points in 18 minutes. Earlier that same college season, the guard helped the Jayhawks erase a double-digit deficit. After scoring 32 points and hitting clutch free throws to tie the game, Kansas ultimately beat TCU in overtime.

While it’s impressive he produced these kinds of performances in college, it became evident in Summer League his skills could translate to the NBA. He reinforced that with a 25-point, 12-assist Summer League performance.

“Just get him out and let him [Peterson] run,” said Holt… “It could also be a pro to let him and Keyonte figure it out as early as possible. Let them bounce back and forth and figure out how it all works together.”

Bringing Both Off the Bench Has Its Merits

There’s a way the coaching staff could ensure equal playing time for both Bailey and Peterson. They could either bench or start both players. This decision would create equal playing time and no favoritism shown towards either prospect.

Coming off the bench would help bring both players along slowly. They would play a Dylan Harper-like role of maintaining leads or helping the Jazz get back into games. 

Starting Both Could Accelerate Their Development

On the flip side, starting both players would accelerate their development. Peterson and Bailey are the Jazz’s future, so it’s imperative to set them up for success.

Most of an opposing team’s defenders would get assigned to Markkanen and George, leaving wide-open lanes for Peterson and Bailey to attack.

Plus, having their best vets around teaching them winning plays could help their growth into All-Stars. When Walker Kessler was with the Jazz, he benefited from Rudy Gay‘s mentorship. Gay told Kessler where to stand and how to defend at a higher level. This teaching helped the young center become the elite rim-protector the League knows today.

Hardy’s Decision Will Shape the Season

“I think that starting one of them, both of them, or neither of them are all on the table,” said Holt. 

This coming training camp, Will Hardy and his staff will face a tough task. Having a team full of talent is a great problem to have, especially when you’re trying to make the playoffs.

“I think there are pros and cons for everything. It is on them [the coaching staff] to decide what has the most pros and the least cons. I will say, I think it would be in the best interest to start [Jusuf] Nurkic… Because then you have at least a bigger body behind Jaren Jackson. Nurkic showed to be a very good quality big man.”

If Nurkic gives Utah the best chance at winning, that means only one of Bailey or Peterson should start. 

Bailey Is the Most Likely Starter — For Now

Hardy commonly makes his players earn their way into the starting lineup. It took George nine games to make the starting lineup and Isaiah Colliereight games to earn his spot. Therefore, Bailey is the most likely candidate to start this upcoming 2026 season.

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