NBA Notes: Jazz, Darryn Peterson, Lakers, Walker Kessler, Pacers

Jazz

The Jazz don’t appear interested in easing Darryn Peterson into the NBA.

According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Utah already envisions the No. 2 overall pick and Keyonte George growing into one of the league’s better backcourts.

Peterson, who famously skipped a pre-draft workout with the Jazz before being selected, said all of that is behind him now.

“What excites me the most is being able to be a part of the young core,” Peterson told ESPN. “It’s time to win. So, to be a part of that is like a dream come true for me.”

Coach Will Hardy said the plan isn’t to force either Peterson or George into a traditional point guard role. Instead, the Jazz want both guards sharing the ball-handling duties and learning to play off one another.

Utah has quietly assembled an intriguing young nucleus, adding Jaren Jackson Jr. at last season’s trade deadline before landing Peterson with the No. 2 overall pick.

Lakers

Some additional details have emerged on Walker Kessler‘s new contract with the Lakers.

According to Hoops Rumors, Kessler’s four-year, $129.5 million deal carries a starting salary of just over $30.1 million. As a result, the sign-and-trade generated a trade exception worth approximately $15.05 million for the Jazz because of the NBA’s base-year compensation rules.

It’s another small piece of the financial puzzle surrounding one of the biggest moves of the offseason.

Pacers

The Pacers are bringing back Kobe Brown.

According to Tony East of Forbes, Brown has agreed to a two-way contract after showing some promise following his arrival from the Clippers at last season’s trade deadline.

The former first-round pick averaged 9.4 points and 4.9 rebounds in 27 games with Indiana while shooting better than 50 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Brown joins Taelon Peter and Ethan Thompson on Indiana’s current list of two-way players, though the Pacers are also expected to sign second-round pick Braden Smith to a two-way deal. That means there could still be some shuffling before the regular season tips off.