Utah Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson will wear jersey No. 22 after teammate Kyle Filipowski agreed to relinquish the number [1].
The exchange allows Peterson to maintain a personal family connection as he begins his professional career. The move signals an early act of camaraderie between the team's established players and its newest high-profile addition.
Peterson was selected No. 2 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night [1]. Following the draft, Filipowski agreed to give up the number so Peterson could wear the digit his father, Darryl Peterson, wore during his own college basketball career [2, 4].
Reports on the transition surfaced June 27 [1]. While some initial reports suggested Peterson might have to choose a different number to honor Kobe Bryant if a switch was not possible, confirmed reports state that Filipowski did concede the number [1, 3].
Filipowski, a former Kansas guard, now makes way for the rookie's preference. The agreement ensures Peterson enters the league with the specific identifier he desired for familial reasons [2, 4].
This jersey swap represents the first unofficial "assist" from Filipowski to Peterson within the organization [1]. The transition comes as the Jazz integrate their top draft pick into the roster for the upcoming season.
“Kyle Filipowski agreed to give up jersey number 22 so Darryn Peterson can wear it”
Jersey number disputes can occasionally create friction in NBA locker rooms, but Filipowski's willingness to switch suggests a supportive team culture. By securing No. 22, Peterson maintains a legacy link to his father, which may provide a psychological boost as he faces the pressure of being a top-two overall pick.
