2024-25 NBA SEASON PREVIEW: UTAH JAZZ

2024-25 NBA SEASON PREVIEW: UTAH JAZZ

We are just one day away from the start of the 2024-25 NBA Season! This preview will focus on the Utah Jazz, a young team that’s full of potential. The Jazz have been rebuilding for a couple of years now but have shown signs of improvement. Let’s dive in!

What Happened Last Year?

The Jazz finished the 2023-24 season with a record of 31-51, which placed them at 12th in the west. It was the second straight season the team failed to make the playoffs. Under second-year head coach Will Hardy, the team showcased its young talent, with rookies Keyonte George and Taylor Hendricks showing great promise. George averaged 13.0 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. For the last two seasons, Utah had been a fairly impressive team halfway through the year. That is until the team seemingly tanked the second half of the season the last two years. I mean, the Jazz lost 14 out of their last 16 games last year! This is for draft stock reasons, but no matter how hard the Jazz try, they always seem to be a mid to late-pick lottery team. Even though the Jazz have struggled with consistency as of late, they have demonstrated growth.

Offseason Recap

In the 2024 NBA Draft, the Jazz had the 10th, 29th, and 32nd overall picks. They added Cody Williams (Forward, Colorado), Isaiah Collier (Guard, USC), and Kyle Filipowski (Forward/Center, Duke). In addition, the Jazz made some strategic moves in free agency, including re-signing their star player Lauri Markkanen and adding a veteran at the Guard position with the signing of Patty Mills.

Projected Starting Five

• Lauri Markkanen, SF – The All-Star forward is the centerpiece of the Jazz’s offense and will look to return to form after an injury-riddled 2023-2024 campaign.
• Jordan Clarkson, SG – Clarkson is a proven scorer and playmaker, and his ability to create his shot will be crucial for the team.
• Collin Sexton, PG – Sexton brings energy and scoring to the backcourt. I expect rising star Keyonte George to take some minutes away from him.
• John Collins, PF – Collins brings athleticism and versatility to the forward position. His skill set makes him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor.
• Walker Kessler, C – The young center is known for his shot-blocking and rebounding. He’s poised to be a key player in the frontcourt.

Notable Reserves

• Patty Mills, PG – Mills is a veteran guard known for his leadership and sharpshooting. He can provide valuable mentorship to younger players while also contributing as a scorer off the bench.
• Taylor Hendricks, PF – Hendricks is a versatile forward who has both length and athleticism. He is a capable shooter from beyond the arc and has the potential to be a strong defender. Hendricks can contribute in various roles, making him a valuable piece in the rotation as he continues to grow and adapt to the NBA level.

Biggest X-Factor: Walker Kessler’s Development

Kessler’s growth as a center will be crucial for the Jazz’s success this season. Known for his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities, if he can refine his offensive game and become a more consistent scoring option, it could significantly boost the team’s offense. However, I would like Walker to be more consistent on the defensive end as well. It seems that whenever I watch a Jazz game, he is getting dunked on all the time.

Season Projection

I have the Jazz finishing as the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, making it to the play-in round.

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