Jazz Risers & Fallers: Preseason Stock Report

The Utah Jazz are in the early stages of their 2026 preseason, offering a glimpse into player performance and potential roles.

Jaxson Hayes is emerging as a player whose stock is trending upward. This rise is less about his performance in the two preseason games against the Denver Nuggets and more about the team's depth at the center position. With only Hayes, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Mo Bamba as healthy big men, Hayes is expected to receive considerable playing time early in the regular season if no changes occur.

Darryn Peterson, the second overall pick, demonstrated his scoring ability in the rematch against the Nuggets, tallying a game-high 23 points. While head coach Will Hardy desires improvement on the defensive end, Peterson has already shown considerable promise in limited exhibition play.

Ace Bailey is also a player to watch. Coach Hardy praised Bailey's defensive upside in his preseason debut, suggesting a potential for a massive second year if he develops into an impactful two-way player.

On the selling side, Jusuf Nurkic's stock is currently trending down due to a foot injury. The veteran big man, valued for his rebounding and passing, is expected to miss at least four weeks, delaying his season debut until early November.

Svi Mykhailiuk has struggled offensively in the preseason, shooting a combined 6-of-23 from the field. Despite this, he is considered a trusted part of the rotation and is likely to have a significant role off the bench.

Josh Green's preseason debut was uninspiring, with zero points in limited minutes. His offensive struggles and minimal playing time suggest he may be behind other players like Mykhailiuk and Josh Okogie in the current rotation pecking order.