Darryn Peterson, the Utah Jazz’s 2026 second overall pick, will wear jersey number 22 despite a franchise history of inconsistency associated with the digits. Peterson bargained for the number from teammate Kyle Filipowski, though historical records show the number has been worn by more players in Jazz history than any other.
Why has number 22 been linked to failure in Utah?
The reputation of jersey number 22 in Utah stems from a lack of long-term, high-impact success for its wearers. Former Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune sports reporter/columnist Kurt Kragthorpe has documented this trend over several years.
“Some players have worn the number with a degree of success at times, but nobody’s Jazz tenure ever truly has ended well in No. 22,” Kragthorpe wrote nearly nine years ago.
Recent players wearing the number have struggled to find stability. Jeff Green and Rudy Gay both had difficult stints in Utah while wearing 22. Kyle Filipowski, who recently held the number, will switch to number 2 to accommodate Peterson’s arrival.
According to Basketball Reference, number 22 has been worn by more players in Jazz history—including the franchise’s time in New Orleans—than any other number. Peterson will be the 22nd player to wear it.
What does the statistical history of number 22 reveal?
Data suggests the “curse” may actually be a result of the number’s high turnover rate. The number has been highly transitory for the franchise, with many players failing to establish a foothold in the rotation.
A breakdown of the historical usage shows several patterns of short-term stays:
- One-to-two game stints: Seven different players appeared in only one or two games total while wearing 22.
- Short-term contributors: Malcolm Thomas played seven games, while Stu Lantz and Bernard King each played 19 games.
- Underperformers: Players such as Curtis Borchardt and Morris Almond underperformed relative to expectations.
- Off-court issues: Bernard King faced off-court troubles during his time with the organization.
Which Jazz players found success wearing number 22?
While the number is often associated with failure, five players managed to maintain solid tenures in Utah while wearing 22. These players provide a counter-narrative to the perceived curse.
Nate Williams, playing from 1975 to 1978, averaged double digits in scoring during three of his four seasons. Carl Nicks averaged 7 points over 120 games between 1980 and 1982. John Crotty served as a reliable longtime backup to John Stockton.
More recently, Thabo Sefolosha averaged 5.7 points over 88 games, and Kyle Filipowski established himself as a solid rotational player before his departure from the number.
Comparison: Success vs. Underperformance
| Player Category | Examples | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Successful Stints | Nate Williams, John Crotty | Consistent minutes/scoring |
| Transitory Players | 7 players (various) | 1–2 total games played |
| Underperformers | Jeff Green, Rudy Gay | Failed to meet expectations |
Can Darryn Peterson overcome the jersey’s reputation?
Peterson enters the NBA with significant momentum as the 2026 draft’s second overall pick. He has earned comparisons to elite guards, including Kobe Bryant, due to his skill set.
However, his transition to the professional level faces scrutiny. His lone freshman season was marked by a mysterious injury, leading to skepticism regarding his long-term durability. His ability to navigate both his physical health and the historical weight of number 22 will likely define his early career in Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Darryn Peterson?
Darryn Peterson is a highly-touted guard selected second overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Why did Peterson choose number 22?
Peterson reportedly bargained for the number 22 from his new teammate, Kyle Filipowski.
Is number 22 actually cursed?
While sports columnists like Kurt Kragthorpe have noted that Jazz players in No. 22 rarely have successful tenures, the number is also the most frequently worn in franchise history.
What do you think about Peterson’s choice? Can he break the “curse” of number 22? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more Jazz updates.
