The 2024-25 season is just around the corner for the Jazz. Here’s what to look out for.
The Utah Jazz will kick off the 2024-25 season in just a week. After an exciting preseason, fans are eager to see what the future holds for the team.
While preseason results hold little weight, they offer a glimpse into the Jazz’s potential. Although no individual player has stood out dramatically, the team itself appears cohesive. The Jazz may have a shot at landing Cooper Flagg, but it’s uncertain if they will pursue that route.
As the season begins, several intriguing storylines emerge:
The Jazz may not be as bad as expected… again.
While it won’t have long-term implications, their recent win over the Kings—both teams fielding their starters—suggests that the Jazz might be in for another season similar to the past two. Despite many hoping for a rebuilding phase, the team could prove to be too good for that once more.
Lauri Markkanen has established himself and may continue to improve. The presence of several veterans could help create a competitive roster. Additionally, one or more of the young players could make significant strides, potentially influencing the team’s overall performance.
The challenge will be determining if they should aim to remain among the NBA’s weaker teams or embrace their current roster.
Collin Sexton could be part of the future.
It has been speculated that Sexton might mirror Lauri Markkanen’s path in Utah, which isn’t far-fetched. Although he’s not among the top guards in the league, he could still provide valuable contributions down the line.
While Sexton was mentioned in trade discussions over the offseason, the frequency was low, possibly for a reason. He has proven he can score, and his playmaking abilities may suggest that keeping him long-term could be beneficial for Utah—if it continues to yield positive results.
Walker Kessler’s return to form could have significant implications.
There’s ongoing conversation about Walker Kessler’s future in Utah, and while the discussions persist, they haven’t yielded definitive outcomes. If Kessler returns to the level he played at during his rookie season, it would bode well for the Jazz.
Kessler’s improvement could also increase his trade value, although that remains uncertain. Regardless, it’s encouraging to see him regaining his form.
Which young players will get playing time?
Keyonte George appears poised for further development this season. He showed the most promise of the Jazz’s young players towards the end of last season, and his preseason performance has only bolstered fans’ faith in his potential.
As he steps into a starting role, attention will turn to how Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh, Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier, and Kyle Filipowski fit into the rotation. While it’s possible that none may become regulars, there’s enough talent among them to suggest that at least one could secure a spot in the rotation.
The effectiveness of the rotation will play a crucial role in determining their contributions. Collier appears the most ready for the NBA, while Hendricks shows considerable upside. Although this group is promising, immediate results may not be apparent for Utah.
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