The Utah Jazz have four scorers in their starting lineup, all capable of scoring double figures. The only issue is who will give up shots during the regular season.
Utah finished 22-60 in the 2025-26 season, tanking to secure a top-five pick in the NBA draft. With the Jazz taking Kansas guard Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 overall pick, they have a problem rebuilding teams rarely have: too many players who deserve the ball.
Lauri Markkanen is the established scorer. He had his best statistical season in 2025-26, averaging 27.7 points on 47.7% shooting. Jaren Jackson Jr. arrived at the trade deadline last season as a two-way defensive anchor. Keyonte George has developed into a natural scorer, and Peterson was selected for his ability to put the ball in the cup.
The preseason opener in Denver offered a glimpse of what the regular season may bring. Markkanen, Jackson and George all finished with double figures. Peterson scored only three.
In Peterson's first game at Delta Center, facing Denver again, he finished with 23 points. Jackson and George both scored fewer than 10. Markkanen sat out.
All four finished with double digits in the win against the Spurs on Monday.
The box scores show a team still sorting itself out. When all four finally reached double figures against the Spurs, it raised a question: if everyone is good for 15 to 20 points a night, whose attempts count once the games start?
There are a few ways coach Will Hardy could narrow it down.
Markkanen is the most efficient floor spacer of the four, so he very well could shift off the ball. This would trade his isolation looks for spot-up 3-pointers and crafty off-the-dribble midrange shots. It keeps him effective, but lowers his usage rate from the season before, which sat at 28.1%.
George has always played the lead guard role, but with Peterson alongside him in the backcourt, Peterson's scoring could push him toward a more traditional playmaking role, with fewer tough shots and more assists.
As a screener, roller and pick-and-pop big, Jackson could produce more looks from the traditional stretch 4. He is capable of shooting efficiently without needing the ball in his hands.
The least appealing option for the Jazz is Peterson taking the hit as a rookie. With Utah taking him with such a high selection, the fans and franchise would like to see him put up numbers. But it is the most common outcome for first-year players on teams with established scorers like Markkanen.
It goes beyond who gets to take shots. Utah finished second-to-last in defense last season. Rotations built around four offense-first players will have to defend to justify staying on the court.
For Hardy, winning will matter more than anyone's scoring average.
The final preseason game won't settle who gets to take the shots. But the first rotations Hardy tries will show what he values, and how he handles the first sign of adversity will say plenty.