Utah Jazz fans, I understand.I understand the angst surrounding the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Frankly, I don’t blame you. This is new territory. The Jazz don’t typically get lucky in the lottery. That’s usually reserved for the San Antonio Spurs.So, the social media discourse, which has gone in every possible direction over the past few weeks, is expected. Jazz fans are acting like a 10-year-old who just found a $100 dollar bill with no idea how to spend it.Let me simplify this: Draft AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson. Do not consider anyone else. Do not trade up. Do not get cute. Do not pass go and collect $200.Utah’s job on draft night is incredibly simple: Let whichever team that picks first take Dybantsa or Peterson, then run to the podium and draft the other one. Problem solved. In a lot of ways, the Jazz may have the easiest job in the NBA on draft night.When I watch the teams in the playoffs — the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and even the New York Knicks — I don’t think the path to beating those teams starts from the inside-out. Take the alien Victor Wembanyama out of the conversation and look at what defines those teams. They are hallmarked by dogged perimeter defenders, length, athleticism, multiple ballhandlers, shooting and the ability to get to the free-throw line. That’s where the league is headed.Which is why this draft feels like a two-person race for Utah.Now, I know it doesn’t feel that simple to Jazz fans. A large faction of the fan base wants Dybantsa because they believe he’s more likely to stay in Utah long term. And, I get that too. Jazz fans have been jilted by stars of the past. Donovan Mitchell was traded. Deron Williams was traded. Both situations were motivated by a front office that — rightly or wrongly — didn’t believe that either player had any intention of staying in Utah in their prime.For years, Jazz fans have been searching for their replica of John Stockton and Karl Malone — not just because of their talent level, but because of their willingness to stay. They want stars that will choose Utah back.That’s why Dybantsa resonates so deeply. He went to BYU and immersed himself into the unique LDS (Latter-day Saint) culture. During his year at BYU, he became more than a star player for the Cougars. He wanted the Jazz in the lottery, and Jazz fans wanted him. So, yes, it’s easy to understand why some fans are already dreaming about Utah trading up to secure him.But there’s another faction of the fan base that is enamored with Cameron Boozer. Some think the Jazz should draft Boozer — whose father Carlos played for the franchise and is currently a scout in Utah — even if the Jazz had won the No. 1 pick. Look, Boozer is an outstanding prospect. I think he’s the third-best player in the draft. I also think there’s a gap between him and the two perimeter stars at the top.Utah also badly needs another superior ballhandler alongside point guard Keyonte George. Peterson and Dybantsa could solve that problem immediately.Dybantsa is the kind of 6-foot-9 guard/forward that franchises dream of getting. He’s got apex size for his position. He’s a terror off the dribble. He consistently plays to his spots. He knows how to get to the free-throw line. He will be one of the NBA’s best vertical athletes from the moment he steps into the league.Peterson belongs in the same tier. He’s one of the best shooters to come into the league in a long time. He’s also very good off the dribble. He’s talented enough to play both backcourt spots. He has a chance to be the kind of scorer that defines the top of the league. Think Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. That’s the level of upside we’re talking about.The Jazz do not currently have a starting-level shooting guard on the roster. Peterson and Dybantsa both fill that need. That is why this feels straightforward to me. They don’t need to complicate the process. They need to draft the best perimeter star available. If Dybantsa is there, take him. Same with Peterson.And if Boozer somehow goes No. 1? Take Dybantsa. Not only because of the fit but because Dybantsa would instantly become one of the most popular players to ever wear a Jazz uniform.So, take a breath, Utah. Treat yourself to a Diet Coke. The hard part is over. The Jazz are in a great spot.As long as Dybantsa or Peterson is there at No. 2, there is no wrong answer. The only mistake Utah can make is overthinking it.May 27, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms