SLC Dunk - All PostsOur Team Is On The Floorhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/29190/slc-redunk-fv.jpg2024-03-28T09:52:00-06:00http://www.slcdunk.com/rss/current/2024-03-28T09:52:00-06:002024-03-28T09:52:00-06:00Digesting the reality of the Utah Jazz own 2024 first round pick
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<img alt="San Antonio Spurs v Utah Jazz" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9SXF78PwrU0b5knKs7ECTRh8rPM=/0x0:4640x3093/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73238998/2110568923.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Coach Will Hardy has had to digest and re-adjust many times over his first two seasons at the helm for the Utah Jazz | Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With just a couple weeks of regular season basketball left to play, the realities of Utah’s own 2024 first round pick are coming into focus</p> <p id="DeHeHo">For many across the NBA, this time of year brings a lot of clarity. Championship teams seem to be sifted from the chaff, long-term pieces separated from commodities, and support staff throughout the organization are prized or despised.</p>
<p id="BkzOIz">The Jazz are no exception. Trades made at the deadline and significant playing time shifts have been driven by a search for clarity in some cases (e.g. Taylor Hendricks) and clarity achieved in others (e.g. Keyonte George).</p>
<p id="FVmb8C">But with each passing day, the area within the franchise that comes more into focus are the realities intertwined with Utah’s own 2024 first round pick. Let’s dive into those realities:</p>
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<h2 id="fGuFmV">Utah is the likely 8th or 9th pick</h2>
<p id="zyUlFr">Upon entering the post All-Star stretch of the season, Utah was set to compete with the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com">Houston Rockets</a>, <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com">Atlanta Hawks</a>, and Chicago Bulls. The rule of thumb seemed to be that finishing ahead of two would translate to the the Jazz losing their pick while finishing below two would ensure the Jazz keep the pick.</p>
<p id="FkeSf5">But only 3 wins since the break and surges by those teams has clarified two things: 1) the Jazz will keep their pick and 2) the remaining competition is with the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com">Brooklyn Nets</a>.</p>
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<img alt="Utah Jazz v Brooklyn Nets" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BCOPLz7bmS3bPKLogsDf2OfRpBk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25359041/1971652181.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets square off in New York</figcaption>
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<p id="xVTFx8">As of last night, <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/friv/playoff_prob.html">Basketball Reference</a> predicting BKN at 31.8 wins and UTA at 32.5, jockying for 8 or 9. While BKN won an overtime road game in Washington, UTA dropped a home matchup to San Antonio. The Jazz have one of the 5 most difficult remaining schedules while the Nets have one of the 10 easiest, per <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/remaining_schedule_strength">Tankathon</a>.</p>
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<h2 id="ZzTX7n">Draft position is less valuable this year</h2>
<p id="Qs6bi8">Most basketball fans have heard the anecdotal assessment of the upcoming draft: 1) there’s no consensus ranking and 2) few, if any, prospects are thought to have star potential. </p>
<div id="TYzxwc"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_XD2b1TKiYQ?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="vzTG6m">If such subjectivity doesn’t do it for you, let’s derive some observations from 12 industry draft boards, such as ESPN, The Ringer, The Athletic, Global Scouting, and others:</p>
<ul>
<li id="AVQfZC">11 players had at least one ranking in the top 5 across these boards’ latest version</li>
<li id="9BXs7s">24 players had at least one ranking in the lottery</li>
<li id="RIz0tw">47 players had at least one ranking in the first round</li>
</ul>
<p id="gbSOxS">The point is there’s a lot of volatility in this draft. Teams may judge 5 players as being in a similar range. These boards indicate those 5 could find themselves picked by as many as 20 picks. </p>
<p id="YBfGT7">To summarize, competitive positioning in the upcoming draft is less valuable this year than in many previous, putting more pressure on teams at the top and boosting the probabilities for teams at the bottom.</p>
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<img alt="San Antonio Spurs v Oklahoma City Thunder" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H207bZBhsH7EVI27RS-ICS91J2A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25359038/1238544919.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Derrick Favors communicating with new teammates as a member of the Thunder</figcaption>
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<h2 id="3zO0BM">Jazz still owe the pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder</h2>
<p id="aRqGIe">In the summer of 2021, the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com">Utah Jazz</a> traded Derrick Favors to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a salary dump maneuver that cost the franchise a future, protected first round pick. This draft is the start of owing that pick.</p>
<p id="br07Uz">With Utah all but guaranteed to retain this selection, the protection rules carry over to next year. Said differently, if the Jazz are one of the 21 best teams next year, the 2025 pick will go to Oklahoma City. If not, meaning the Jazz had another brutal season, we keep the pick again. But, the protection carries over to the following year where in 2026 the Jazz would again have to be a bottom 8 team to keep the pick. Where they to, the obligation to the Thunder would expire.</p>
<div id="yFkN98"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hc69v64fDi8?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="4FpJVa">Based off the reality of this year’s talent pool, ideally the pick would have conveyed this year. 2025 is a not ideal draft to give up the pick with the premiere top-end talent of Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey. 2026 is also no good since the Jazz may lay claim to the best of their own, Cleveland’s first, and Minnesota’s first IF their pick is retained.</p>
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<p id="Nnhai1">Admittedly, these realities are in large part negative and detrimental to the franchise in varying degree. Probabilistically, their combination gives the team a relatively up-hill climb to deriving value this year and maximizing their value in upcoming drafts, especially considering the team would like to get back to competing in the West sooner than later.</p>
<p id="JxaqBI">For some, fandom is about holding on to the merry, optimistic views throughout the process. For readers who identify with this approach, we sincerely send our apologies. But we aim to shine a light in all corners and support the team no matter how dire the circumstances seem.</p>
<p id="Oi7P0T">With that said, there are some silver linings, most notably in the fact the Jazz have another late first round pick and an early second. This trio of picks in a draft with so much variability will be very tempting for other teams in the association. If Utah is sold on a prospect, the nature of this draft is far more conducive to moving up, down, and around than normal. We’ll see how Danny Ainge plays it out.</p>
<p id="vJzuSf">For now, bask in the clarity and deploy the “rose-colored glasses” at your leisure.</p>
https://www.slcdunk.com/2024/3/28/24114232/digesting-the-reality-of-the-utah-jazz-own-2024-first-round-pick-this-yearAdam Bushman2024-03-27T21:53:17-06:002024-03-27T21:53:17-06:00The tank keeps rolling as the Jazz lose to the Spurs 118-111
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<img alt="San Antonio Spurs v Utah Jazz" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ipZMJahb0Mddx1LxCCRwxtClei4=/0x0:6746x4497/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73237893/2110568812.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>#TankNote</p> <p id="kZO5a2">The <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com">Utah Jazz</a> are bad. </p>
<p id="Fyn7Wx">The 16-56 <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a> came to the Delta Center and beat the Utah Jazz at home. Utah has now lost seven straight and ten of its last eleven games. They currently hold the 9th worst record in the league and are closing in on 8th. </p>
<p id="04X3A4">The Jazz gave up this game early on by losing the first quarter 29-15. Both the offense and the defense looked about as bad as they had all season. The offense eventually came around, led by Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">bank’s open for the rook <a href="https://t.co/GLyQ9QjcqN">pic.twitter.com/GLyQ9QjcqN</a></p>— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) <a href="https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/1773159024210714851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a>
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<p id="hVpAoI">Keyonte George bounced back from a couple of really rough games with a solid outing tonight. The other rookies, Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh, each had impressive moments against the young Spurs. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">they don’t call him Brice Sensa-Buckets for nothing <a href="https://t.co/uN3KnFU92W">pic.twitter.com/uN3KnFU92W</a></p>— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) <a href="https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/1773179422365143279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a>
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<p id="tRcP3H">The Jazz fought to get back into it, and a Lauri Markkanen three-pointer in the final minute brought them within five points, but it was too little, too late. </p>
<h3 id="p6khaX">Player of the Game</h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">you don’t want to be in the Young Bull’s way when he’s <a href="https://t.co/lU1DfrsfY0">pic.twitter.com/lU1DfrsfY0</a></p>— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) <a href="https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/1773168064852275466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2024</a>
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<p id="LuCd6Y">Collin Sexton had 26 points, nine assists, and two steals. He’s been one of the few bright spots for the team this season. He’s had arguably the best season of his career and has shown up consistently, even during this tanking stretch. </p>
<h4 id="ExPShX">Honorable Mentions</h4>
<p id="EpgTpq"></p>
<ul>
<li id="nkkXK1">Lauri Markkanen: 25 points, six rebounds</li>
<li id="6XNcEl">Keyonte George: 14 points, eight assists</li>
<li id="S5ROo3">John Collins: 18 points, five rebounds</li>
</ul>
https://www.slcdunk.com/2024/3/27/24114253/the-tank-rolls-on-as-the-jazz-lose-to-the-spurs-118-111Calvin Chappell2024-03-27T16:23:12-06:002024-03-27T16:23:12-06:00Are the Jazz Gonna Rebrand Again?
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<img alt="Los Angeles Lakers v Utah Jazz" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dwqZnsPboyE7Fes45ciqNO1V-Fs=/0x300:3584x2689/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73237472/1244595427.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Rumor has it Ryan Smith is planning another rebrand </p> <p id="X7sNNp">Rumor has it the Jazz plan to rebrand the rebrand. Ben Anderson and Chandler Holt of KSL.com recently had a podcast where they had some interesting information about a rumored rebrand starting as early as next season. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m a dork when it comes to this stuff, but some very interesting talk about the Jazz rebrand…<br><br>-Coming next season<br>- Mountains will be incorporated back into the design…along with the note<br>- Yellow is going away. <a href="https://t.co/udzGWCrKqk">https://t.co/udzGWCrKqk</a></p>— Jason Shepherd (@jsnshep) <a href="https://twitter.com/jsnshep/status/1772778743519379529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2024</a>
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<p id="UKvisy">Jason Sheperd of <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com">BYU</a> TV broke down the podcast with some highlights, the rebrand could be coming as soon as next season, both the Mountains and Jazz Note are going to play a strong role in the design, and the most wonderful news of all… Yellow is gone! </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Per Ben Anderson <a href="https://t.co/pOEelZCVeh">pic.twitter.com/pOEelZCVeh</a></p>— Landen Reynolds (@LJ_Reny) <a href="https://twitter.com/LJ_Reny/status/1772844469521653833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2024</a>
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<p id="zDTvYH">This post even refers to a rumor of new jersey’s to go along with the rebrand. </p>
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<p id="YqYQNN">The Jazz have all but gone away from the yellow jersey this season, they consistently switch out the times they’re scheduled to wear the yellow jersey with another. I expect this jersey to be burned and hopefully forgotten forever. </p>
<h3 id="81ol5Q"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h3>
<p id="eBhSFp">It’s a little funny that the man who started a survey company facilitated a pretty bad rebrand, luckily the voice of the people has been heard and the rebrand will soon be rebranded. The Jazz have a wonderful color scheme, beautiful scenery, and a really cool name to work with. I look forward to seeing what comes next for the Jazz new look. </p>
<p id="O6H6O6">*It is important to note that nothing has been officially announced, meaning all of this is decently credible rumors. However, Ben Anderson is definitely in the know when it comes to the Jazz. </p>
https://www.slcdunk.com/2024/3/27/24114010/are-the-jazz-gonna-rebrand-againLake Hale2024-03-27T13:26:10-06:002024-03-27T13:26:10-06:00Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs: preview, start time, channel
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<img alt="San Antonio Spurs v Utah Jazz" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6MjI5OXHnJmUlVhoE15UnfnlyvM=/0x0:4634x3089/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73237072/2040703201.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>How will things look as the Utah Jazz take on Victor Wembanyama</p> <p id="l0yuP7">The <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com">Utah Jazz</a> will take on the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a> and Rookie of the Year favorite, Victor Wembanyama. The last time they played Wemby was fantastic and dominated the game defensively. The question for the Spurs in these games is whether they get anything from their role players around him. The Spurs have been terrible this season but Wembanyama has looked incredible and that’s looking like the story tonight. If the players around Wemby play well, they can be dangerous.</p>
<p id="s2sWrw">For Utah, they have some questions to ask themselves. They’re 1-9 in their last 1o games and now find themselves just 2 games back of Brooklyn for the 8-spot in the lottery. With the Nets, who have no incentive to lose, facing the <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com">Washington Wizards</a>, the Jazz have a chance to get within 1 of the Nets with a loss in this one. They likely get a win here, but getting a higher pick in this draft is absolutely the motivation for the Jazz right now to continue building a young talented roster. We’ll see what happens tonight but every game matters and the Jazz have some more tough decisions to make as the season moves along.</p>
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<h2 id="166gP3"><strong>Game Info</strong></h2>
<p id="BEOir0">When: March 27 - 7:00 PM MST</p>
<p id="bwflTJ">Where: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT</p>
<p id="H0Frej">Watch/Stream at: KJZZ, Jazz+, Bally Sports SW-SA</p>
<p id="L5drsl">Listen at: SiriusXM KSL 97.5 FM / S: KBMG 106.3 FMWOAI/KXTN</p>
https://www.slcdunk.com/2024/3/27/24113872/utah-jazz-vs-san-antonio-spurs-preview-start-time-channel-victor-wembanyamaJames Hansen2024-03-27T09:10:00-06:002024-03-27T09:10:00-06:005 questions for the Utah Jazz to answer before the season ends
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<img alt="Dallas Mavericks v Utah Jazz" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2EGrSPTP7OCb3lvigIrozWl1R9A=/0x0:3467x2311/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73236316/2105338600.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Can the Utah Jazz answer these 5 questions before the offseason is here?</p> <p id="QJHtQJ">Whether you like it or not, reality is sinking in for the Jazz. Pretty soon that lonely E will be sitting next to their name in the standings, they’ll be eliminated from playoff and play in contention here in the next few games. There are just 10 games left in the 2023-2024 season, I’m not sure I’ll be too choked up to see it go. It hasn’t been the most exciting season, to say the least. However, with just 10 games left to go, I am curious if there are a couple of questions that can be answered before the book closes. I’ve asked just 5 questions I am curious about and I’d bet the front office is too. </p>
<h3 id="tguRxj"><strong>Is Walker Kessler the center of the future?</strong></h3>
<p id="YowAaS">This question can’t fully be answered in the next 10 games but the picture can become more clear. It’s not breaking news to say this season has been tough for the 2022 first-round pick, the two most glaring issues have been a clogged-up position due to the signing of John Collins as well as injuries. He’s played better as the season has progressed but this question is important for both Walker and the Jazz, is he a starting-caliber center in the NBA next season? If I had to bet money, I’d say he is, hopefully shifting the starting lineup will give Walker some added confidence and the freedom to flow how he needs to. </p>
<h3 id="Amj5F5"><strong>Is Brice Sensabaugh a floor spacer?</strong></h3>
<p id="f8c6F6">Brice has made just 14 of 62 threes on the season, 22% isn’t exactly changing the trajectory of our offense. I’m not asking for Brice to become Klay Thompson, but I’d like to see if his shot can become more reliable. Brice shot 40% from deep in college, he’s shooting 32% in the G league, I’d love to see him split those and shoot around 35% to end the season. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">step 1. blocker kessler <br>step 2. brice sensabaugh <a href="https://t.co/YbTyDcYiCY">pic.twitter.com/YbTyDcYiCY</a></p>— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) <a href="https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/1771722385378701646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a>
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<h3 id="LqQmHJ">
<strong>Is Keyonte the starting point guard next season?</strong> </h3>
<p id="Ues0jY">This is an obvious yes and a good excuse to just celebrate the young king. Keyonte is shooting 42% from the left corner 3, 47% on his driving floater shot, and shooting 55% from shots less than 5 feet from the basket. If you’re ever having a bad day read these stats and touch some grass, it’ll help I promise. </p>
<h3 id="CbbgGq"><strong>What’s Taylor Hendricks’s future position?</strong></h3>
<p id="4bQyNI">Is Taylor a power forward, a combo forward, or a center? With all the talk of the NBA going position less there is some validity to wondering where Taylor Hendricks might play the most minutes at next season. The fit offensively has the potential to be clunky with Collins, Kessler, and Lauri all playing similar positions as him. I want to know if Hendricks has the skill to start at the 3, it would help a lot allowing Lauri to be the 4. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">update: i remain smitten by taylor hendricks <a href="https://t.co/HOZfhQ0Gty">pic.twitter.com/HOZfhQ0Gty</a></p>— Dan Favale (@danfavale) <a href="https://twitter.com/danfavale/status/1770156136563355718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a>
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<h3 id="0cdbT5"><strong>Is there any way we can show Jordan Clarkson a well-deserved standing ovation before the season ends? </strong></h3>
<p id="OwkAbQ">It’s not breaking news that Clarkson probably isn’t on the Jazz next season. Jordan has resurrected his career since joining the Jazz, he’s won a 6th Man of the Year award, and he’s created a reputation as a certified bucket whether off the bench or in a starting lineup. But most important to me, he’s been an unapologetically authentic person of color here in Utah. As an African American myself it is wonderful to see players like Clarkson embrace Utah while still being true to himself. It’s good for the state and a testament to the type of human Jordan Clarkson has been. I look forward to celebrating one of the most exciting Jazz men ever. </p>
<h3 id="72W6IO"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h3>
<p id="wqq9eu">This article is maybe a few weeks late, 10 games isn’t a long time to get questions answered. But answering these questions will make our impending offseason significantly more comfortable. </p>
https://www.slcdunk.com/2024/3/27/24113193/5-questions-to-ask-before-the-season-ends-utah-jazz-jordan-clarksonLake Hale2024-03-25T22:37:38-06:002024-03-25T22:37:38-06:00Utah Jazz Film Room: How Collin Sexton can maximize his drives
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<img alt="Utah Jazz v Dallas Mavericks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tRwUHdOZmXDg8yeLvNpbnYnINDw=/0x712:3727x3197/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73232780/2095088189.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It’s all about using the attention to create easier scoring opportunities for the Jazz</p> <p id="M9irGU">Let’s not sugarcoat things here: watching <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com">Utah Jazz</a> games has not been fun during this stretch. Yes, I was keeping notes about this blurb during the 147-117 beating dealt by the streaking <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com">Houston Rockets</a>. The team has sported a 3-12 record since the All-Star break, which is the worst mark across the league. While it’s tough to find positives for the Jazz, the move of head coach Will Hardy to put Collin Sexton to the bench has proven to be beneficial.</p>
<p id="CSphsL">In the four games where Sexton played with the second unit, he has averaged 22.8 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists on an excellent 65.4 true shooting percentage (TS%). He was inserted once again to the starting lineup against the Rockets. But an interesting thing that popped in their matchup versus the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com">Dallas Mavericks</a>. That’s what we’re going to deep dive in this edition of the Jazz Film Room!</p>
<p id="cpSA5S">Zooming into the first quarter of the game, the Jazz won 27-26 even though converting only one triple in 12 minutes. The impact of Sexton’s tenacious drives produced a lot of optimal scoring opportunities that enabled them to keep up against the Mavs early.</p>
<p id="7rDgmF">Throughout the season, we’ve known that Sexton has got the uncanny ability to get to the rim with ease. According to NBA Advanced Stats, he has amassed 12.2 drives per game, scoring 63% on those opportunities for the Jazz. Now it’s time to look at each driving possession and how Sexton navigated what the defense gave him.</p>
<p id="DJJphw">This first play is all about drawing help when Sexton generates a paint touch. It’s probably the biggest development of his game, knowing when to issue the pass as the defenders swarm him around. Here Sexton drives to the rim, drawing attention from several Mavs players. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic, wary of Keyonte George’s corner three-point threat, was late in retreating back to Taylor Hendricks to open up a cut for the easy bucket.</p>
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<p id="hX7ZYK">The ensuing sequence was in transition and Sexton drew big man Daniel Gafford on a cross switch. He understood the speed advantage in this situation, which forced two on the ball. With PJ Washington leaving Kessler at the short corner, the former Alabama spots the sophomore center for the jam.</p>
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<p id="yc5md0">A pet action that the Jazz have often run under Hardy has been Pistol or 21. For this particular possession, they go with the variation of ‘21 Nash’ as Sexton keeps the ball from the entry pass that flows into a double ball screen. Even though Omer Yurtseven missed the shot, we see how much Derick Lively paid attention to his downhill drive. More about this creativity of the Jazz offense soon!</p>
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<p id="UAf83s">For context, the Jazz extremely struggled in this game to shoot the three-ball, as they only made 13% from deep. With that said, these inside looks that Sexton can create for his teammates through his daredevil drives is still essential to the Jazz offense, which isn’t really known to be a sharpshooting group the whole season.</p>
<p id="CVcw4T">As the Jazz conclude their season, it’s just a matter of evaluating the current process they have and execute on both ends of the floor. If you’re Sexton, the remaining games could serve as an audition, whether they belong to the future of the squad moving forward. The passing chops that we highlighted today could be his biggest green flag, in relation to what head coach Hardy wants to be the brand of basketball by the Jazz.</p>
<p id="UIVQ9h">Certainly, the Young Bull is making his case to become an offensive spark plug and be a veteran presence to the second youngest roster in the NBA. Time will only tell if he’s shown enough as the Jazz head into a crucial offseason that can make or break the fate of the franchise.</p>
https://www.slcdunk.com/2024/3/25/24111419/utah-jazz-film-room-how-collin-sexton-can-maximize-his-drivesMiguel Alfonso Caramoan2024-03-25T22:07:34-06:002024-03-25T22:07:34-06:00Utah Jazz vs Dallas Mavericks recap and final score: Markkanen has big game but Utah falls short
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<figcaption>Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It was good to see Lauri Markkanen ball out for the Utah Jazz, but it wasn’t enough to stop Luka Doncic</p> <p id="a9WT7c">The <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com">Utah Jazz</a> had most of their team play for the first time in some time, and they looked a lot better than they had the last time they faced the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com">Dallas Mavericks</a>. Lauri Markkanen looked like his old self, with a monster stat line of 34 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists on a split of 52/66/100. That said, it wasn’t enough to power the Jazz past Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, who won 115-105.</p>
<p id="jV4KWI">It was probably one of the best defensive efforts for the Jazz since the trade deadline, with multiple players doing a great job holding the Mavericks in check. Most of the game was a tight, back-and-forth contest until the Mavericks pulled away late. Taylor Hendricks, who struggled shooting the ball, did a great job defending Luka Doncic all night. His ability to guard multiple positions is shining and shows that he’ll be a valuable player for years for Utah. They just need that consistency with the shooting, but that will come with time.</p>
<p id="2qVCLN">Keyonte George is in a huge shooting slump right now. It was another night where his threes weren’t falling again, going 0/6. Outside of the tough shooting, he did have a solid game passing and rebounding, and he got the offense set up overall. He had 6 assists and 5 rebounds, 2 steals, providing help in other areas. He also had multiple defensive possessions, and he did a solid job at the point of attack. Eventually he’ll come out of this slump, it’s just a matter of when. The Jazz could really use his shooting right now, if he has one of his big nights, the Jazz likely win this one easily, but this is the thing with rookies. They’re going to have struggles like this, and it’s a part of the growing pains while you watch them develop.</p>
<p id="YO6yiI">The Jazz vets in this one were pretty solid. Collin Sexton had his clockwork efficient 20+ points with 6 assists on good percentages. John Collins was a best tonight with 21 points and 11 rebounds with a split of 56/40/33. And even though Clarkson literally couldn’t hit a shot 0/7, he does bring a stabilizing presence to the team that seems to keep the ship afloat when they need a play. THe best thing about Clarkson is that even when he’s struggling to shoot, he’s getting assists. Tonight he ended with a team-leading 8 assists.</p>
<p id="vSHT3R">A tough night overall for the Jazz, but they’re likely happy seeing their young guys develop while also solidifying their draft position. Fingers crossed to see what Utah is able to get out of this draft, but they can use all the young talent they can get as they continue this rebuild.</p>
https://www.slcdunk.com/utah-jazz-game-coverage/2024/3/25/24112200/utah-jazz-vs-dallas-mavericks-recap-and-final-score-markkanen-has-big-game-but-utah-falls-shortJames Hansen2024-03-25T11:37:11-06:002024-03-25T11:37:11-06:00Utah Jazz vs Dallas Mavericks: preview, start time, channel
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<img alt="NBA: Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iv_-UavbwoT-t6dyWxIZ1aADZOs=/0x13:2782x1868/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73231921/usa_today_22832380.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Utah Jazz look to finally get a win against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. </p> <p id="4JEMRU">It’s been a tumultuous season for the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com">Utah Jazz</a>, who sit at 29-42 on the season. A promising season has been derailed by the midseason trades of Simone Fontecchio, Ochai Agbaji, and Kelly Olynyk, as well as extensive injuries to star Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson. While most fans expected a transitionary season, the Jazz’s midseason run to a .500 record had us all excited for a surprise play-in spot. Alas, the Jazz are back to playing terrible ball and have been a tough watch of late. They will match up against a very good <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com">Dallas Mavericks</a> team, with Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic playing tremendous ball of late. </p>
<p id="dov14H">Just 2-8 in their last 10 games, the Jazz have been struggling in all aspects of the game, most notably with defense. Though it’s been fun to watch Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George, Johnny Juzang, and Brice Sensabaugh get the majority of playing time, the on-court product has been a rough pill to swallow. Keyonte has been growing throughout the season, however, and has 17.2 points, 4.4 assists in the last 10. His shooting is still a bit of a challenge, as he’s shooting only 30% from three over the last 10 and 34.4% on the season overall. </p>
<p id="GaA2NO">Taylor Hendricks has been flashing tremendous defensive potential with 1.3 blocks in the last 10 Jazz games and his shooting is coming around, at 44.7% overall in the last 10. The Jazz look to have found a few gems with both he and Keyonte. </p>
<p id="ZEcniZ">These promising signs haven’t been leading to wins recently...and the losses haven’t been pretty. The Jazz have been losing by a LOT, with the last Rockets game being quite an abysmal showing, with Utah losing 119-147. The Jazz also lost Kris Dunn during that game after his ejection, and he will also be out for today’s game while he starts to serve a two-game suspension due to his brush up with Jabari Smith Jr. </p>
<p id="x1btff">The Jazz, however, may have a pretty full roster with most showing Questionable on the official injury report, with even Kenny Lofton Jr, and Darius Bazley showing as maybes:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jazz Injury Report:<br><br>QUESTIONABLE - Darius Bazley (G League)<br><br>QUESTIONABLE - Jordan Clarkson (right groin strain)<br><br>OUT - Kris Dunn (league suspension)<br><br>QUESTIONABLE - Kenneth Lofton Jr. (G League)<br><br>QUESTIONABLE - Lauri Markkanen (right quadriceps contusion)<br><br>QUESTIONABLE - Omer… <a href="https://t.co/vBZDvZC0Ov">pic.twitter.com/vBZDvZC0Ov</a></p>— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) <a href="https://twitter.com/utahjazz/status/1772038017131426146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a>
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<h2 id="166gP3"><strong>Game Info</strong></h2>
<p id="BEOir0">When: March 25 - 7:00 PM MST</p>
<p id="bwflTJ">Where: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT</p>
<p id="H0Frej">Watch/Stream at: KJZZ, Jazz+, Bally Sports SW-DA</p>
<p id="xP4VBi">Listen at: <strong> </strong><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.siriusxm.com%2Fsports%2Fnba%3Futm_campaign%3DSXM_NA_BAU%26utm_source%3D2023-11_NA_NBA-SiriusXMNFLRadio.NBA.NBAWebsiteWaystoListen.NA.Logo-NBA2023WaystoListen.Q42023.NA%26utm_medium%3DPartner%26utm_term%3D&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.slcdunk.com%2F2024%2F3%2F25%2F24111628%2Futah-jazz-dallas-mavericks-preview-start-time-injury-report-luka-doncic-kyrie-irving-lauri-markkanen" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">SiriusXM</a>, KSL 1160 AM & 102.7 FM / S: KBMG 106.3 FM97.1 FM / S: 99.1 FM</p>
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