NBA: Utah Jazz focusing on developing rookies, second-year players

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) drives against Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II, left, during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

UTAH JAZZ

Last season: 31-51, missed playoffs.

COACH: Will Hardy (3rd season, 68-96).

SEASON OPENER: Oct. 23 vs. Memphis.

DEPARTURES: G Talen Horton-Tucker, G Kris Dunn, C Omer Yurtseven, F Luka Samanic.

ADDITIONS: F Cody Williams, G Isaiah Collier, F Kyle Filipowski, F Drew Eubanks, F/G Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, G Patty Mills.

BetMGM championship odds: 50000-1.

What to expect

After striking out at drawing big-name free agents to Salt Lake City during the offseason, the Jazz have pivoted to developing rookies and second-year players already on the roster. Lauri Markkanen cemented himself as the newest franchise cornerstone after signing a contract extension in August.

READ: NBA: Lauri Markkanen agrees to remain with Utah Jazz

Still, there’s little change in his supporting cast that struggled to pass 30 wins last season. If Utah’s on-ball and perimeter defense can become less of a liability in Will Hardy’s third season at the helm, the Jazz may exceed limited expectations and find a way to not become buried near the bottom of the Western Conference.

Strengths and weaknesses

The good: Markkanen is the right player for the Jazz to build around. He can shoot from anywhere on the court – a rare thing for a 7-footer – and gives Utah a reliable source of offense from game to game. Keyonte George showed good passing and court vision at times during his rookie season and promises to be even better now that he’s settled in as a point guard. When shots are falling for Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton, they draw a ton of defensive pressure away from Markkanen.

READ: NBA: Jazz pick up 5th-year option on coach Will Hardy’s contract

The not-so-good: Six players under 20 years old are on the Jazz roster. Tons of youth means tons of mistakes and could lead to a flurry of early losses. Clarkson and Sexton were wildly inconsistent last season. Sexton often drives into traffic without looking for open shooters. Clarkson defaults to iso ball at the wrong times and can shoot his team out of a close game. Defensively, Utah was atrocious a year ago. Walker Kessler took a step back from his rookie campaign and the team’s best perimeter defender, Kris Dunn, left in a sign-and-trade to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Players to watch

Veteran point guard Patty Mills was signed to give the Jazz a leader in the locker room. Mills will factor in helping George progress as a floor general and turning rookie Isaiah Collier into a capable backup. Rookie forward Cody Williams has the talent to be an impact player defensively as long as he can stay healthy.

Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh are expected to take on expanded roles in their second seasons. Markkanen will be Utah’s go-to scorer once again this season, but the Jazz need consistent second and third options to emerge alongside their all-star forward.