What Bill Simmons has said about Utah Jazz

Simmons says Danny Ainge's record with elite prospects makes him more confident in Peterson.

“Danny Ainge, really awesome track record with taking elite guys. And if he likes Peterson, that makes me feel a lot better about Peterson”

The Bill Simmons Podcast: 2026 NBA Draft Winners and Losers With Joe House and J. Kyle Mann (Jun 24, 2026) · Listen from 27:50

Simmons says Peterson looks more like a young Kobe Bryant than anyone in 30 years, despite red flags.

“If you're going to pick who has come into the league in the last 30 years, who's looked the most like young Kobe, you would pick Peterson”

The Bill Simmons Podcast: 2026 NBA Draft Winners and Losers With Joe House and J. Kyle Mann (Jun 24, 2026) · Listen from 30:30

Simmons noted that he believed Utah had never moved up in a lottery in franchise history before this draft.

“they've never moved up in a lottery i don't think in the history of the franchise until until this draft”

The Bill Simmons Podcast: The Wizards Win (Something!) and More Lottery Reactions, Plus the Juggernaut Knicks With Joe House, Tate Frazier, and Chris Vernon (May 11, 2026) · Listen from 22:13