Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- NBA Summer League attracts thousands to Salt Lake City, boosting the local economy.
- Utah Jazz's No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson generates excitement among fans and media.
- The event showcases Utah's sports culture, enhancing its national reputation and economic activity.
SALT LAKE CITY — Thousands of basketball fans have flocked to the Huntsman Center this week for the NBA Summer League, where some of the league's newest players are making their first impression on professional basketball.
The annual event brings NBA prospects, team personnel and fans from across the country to Salt Lake City, creating an economic boost for local hotels, restaurants and other businesses while putting Utah in the national spotlight.
"When you showcase your own talent, when you have a chance to have national TV expose the state, the community (and) the franchise, all of those things are great," said Jeff Robbins, president of the Utah Sports Commission. "It continues to build this Utah State of Sport theme and brand and position you at another level."
Much of the buzz surrounding this year's summer league centers on Darryn Peterson, the Utah Jazz's No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
"If you look at what Darryn's done so far, (it's) pretty remarkable. I would say success on all levels," Jazz fan Ryan Fletcher said.
Fans said the summer league offers an opportunity to get an early look at the players who could shape the future of the Jazz.
"I think when you're drafting a player toward the end of the draft, it's not going to generate the same excitement," Fletcher said.
"The fact that he's the second pick and he's doing so well, I think it's just going to escalate," Carson Hatch said.
Robbins said the value of hosting an NBA event reaches far beyond the games themselves, helping market Utah to a national audience and generating economic activity throughout the city.
"When you look at being able to associate with the NBA, the caliber of players that are coming out of the draft now, what it does for you far exceeds just the games taking place themselves," Robbins said.
For some fans, Peterson's arrival in Utah could bring even more attention to the state and its NBA franchise.
"The fact that this guy is going to Utah and he's part of the Jazz and it's literally in Salt Lake, I feel like that could definitely help a lot," Hatch said.
As summer league play continues, local businesses are benefiting from the influx of visitors, while basketball fans are getting an early glimpse of what could be the next chapter of Jazz basketball.
"It's an exciting time," Robbins said. "I'm excited, just as a sports fan, not only a partner, to see the next level of success they'll have. And I'm sure it will come."
