Forecasting the Utah Jazz’s Rotation for the Upcoming Season
The Utah Jazz’s rotation is not yet finalized; more clarity will come after training camp and the preseason.
The Utah Jazz’s offseason was relatively low-key, with the main highlight being the four-year, $195,868,144 extension for Lauri Markkanen. While there were some additions to the young roster, none of the moves were significant, suggesting a likely rebuilding year.
Who’s Departing
At last season’s trade deadline, the Utah Jazz traded away several rotation players from the previous year, including Talen Horton-Tucker, Kris Dunn, Luka Samanic, Omer Yurtseven, Kenny Lofton Jr., Darius Bazley, Kira Lewis Jr., Ochai Agbaji, Kelly Olynyk, and Simone Fontecchio.
Talen Horton-Tucker and Kris Dunn were inconsistent rotation players, with THT starting 11 games and Dunn starting 32 games.
Who’s Joining
Cody Williams, Isiah Collier, Kyle Filipowski, Patty Mills, Drew Eubanks, Svi Mykhailiuk, and Oscar Tshiebwe have joined the team. All three of the rookies had standout performances in the Summer League. Patty Mills brings valuable leadership and has a solid rapport with coach Will Hardy, although his playing time next season might be limited.
In the opening game of last season, the Jazz’s starting lineup consisted of THT, Clarkson, Markkanen, Collins, and Kessler, while the bench rotation included Kris Dunn, Collin Sexton, Keyonte George, Ochai Agbaji, and Kelly Olynyk. Six of these players remain on the roster and are expected to be key rotation contributors. Taylor Hendricks, who began the season in the G League, ended up starting 23 games for the Jazz, mostly in the latter part of the season. As a lottery pick entering his sophomore year, Hendricks is anticipated to be a rotation player from the start. This sets seven players as clear rotation choices. Coach Hardy used 10 players in rotation-level minutes early last season and is likely to follow a similar approach this year. The question now is: who will fill the remaining three rotation spots?
Johnny Juzang
Juzang had some notable performances with the Jazz after the 2024 trade deadline. His impressive shooting, size, and familiarity with the Jazz system make him a strong candidate to step into the role previously occupied by Simone Fontecchio.
Svi Mykhailiuk
Svi has yet to find consistent success, but his shooting and athleticism make him a valuable investment. I anticipate the Jazz will give him a genuine opportunity to prove himself from the start.
Cody Williams
Williams, selected 10th overall in the 2024 draft, was widely regarded as deserving of an earlier pick. His defensive skills, shooting ability, speed, and size position him to surpass other Jazz rookies and secure a spot in the rotation from the start.
Final Prediction
Starters
- PG: Keyonte George
- SG: Collin Sexton
- SF: Johnny Juzang
- PF: Lauri Markkanen
- C: Walker Kessler
Bench Rotation Players
- PG: Jordan Clarkson
- SG: Cody Williams
- SF: Svi Mykhailiuk
- PF: Taylor Hendricks
- C: John Collins
I predict that Isiah Collier, Kyle Filipowski, and Brice Sensabaugh will initially spend time with the Stars. They may see some action with the Jazz later in the season, especially if the team trades rotation players at the deadline to enhance their chances of landing Cooper Flagg or Ace Bailey.
Mills or Collier might need to start right away since the Jazz will only have three true ball handlers with this rotation. Williams could potentially emerge as the secondary ball handler off the bench. Although Collins started over Kessler last season, Tony Jones has indicated that Kessler is expected to start next season. While things could change, I believe Kessler will likely be the starter as he enters his third year.
What are your thoughts on the Jazz’s rotation for the upcoming season? Share your opinions below!