David Locke here, the host of the daily Locked On Jazz podcast, with your daily Locked On Jazz newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Jazz and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Locked On Jazz
UTAH JAZZ OFFENSIVE EVOLUTION
Utah Jazz’s Offensive Evolution: A Game-Changer
The Utah Jazz recently showcased a significant shift in their offensive strategy, leading to a thrilling victory. As a fan, it’s exhilarating to witness how the team adapts and evolves, especially when faced with challenges like injuries to key players Taylor Hendricks and Lauri Markkanen. This forced the Jazz to pivot from their planned five-out strategy to a four-out approach, which proved to be a masterstroke.
The coaching staff’s decision to increase ball movement was pivotal. The Jazz executed 377 passes, the second-highest in the league this season, which is a stark contrast to their earlier games. This change wasn’t just about increasing passes but about enhancing the tempo and fluidity of the game. The concept of “0.5" decision-making—where players decide to shoot, pass, or drive within half a second—was embraced, moving away from the stagnant play that had previously plagued the team.
Stylistic Changes and Player Adaptations
The Jazz’s adaptation wasn’t limited to passing. They ramped up their handoff plays, running 58 handoffs in the game, a significant increase from their season average. This strategic shift allowed players like John Collins to thrive in their roles. Collins, adapting to his new position, demonstrated a keen understanding of spacing and shot selection, focusing on high-percentage shots near the basket rather than settling for outside attempts.
Walker Kessler’s defensive prowess was another highlight. His ability to protect the rim was crucial, holding opponents to a low shooting percentage in the restricted area. This defensive strength, combined with the offensive adjustments, created a balanced and effective game plan.
The Jazz’s ability to adapt their style of play, even against a team like the Chicago Bulls, who struggle to force turnovers, was impressive. By increasing their handoff plays and maintaining a high number of passes, they minimized turnovers and maximized scoring opportunities. This strategic flexibility is a testament to the coaching staff’s insight and the players’ adaptability.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Utah Jazz’s evolving strategies, tune into the Locked On Jazz podcast for this and much more.
Sports fandom has long been a vehicle of escape, basketball fandom perhaps even more so. If you’re someone who toggles between NBA and WNBA, then you’ll never have a break in games you can escape into. If you’re purely an NBA watcher, then the league has done its willful best to make its product one that runs all year round, even if the games themselves take a break. If you’re even a little online then you can find something NBA-related to get excited/upset/anxious/overworked about any day the year, even in the deepest dregs of August.
Escapism is fine as a temporary measure. There’s no person alive that doesn’t seek it out in some shape or form, sometime. In basketball fandom the dangers of treating the game, and the people who play it, as a pure means of escape run fairly parallel to the dangers of this political moment.
To lose sight of the humanity of athletes, to range on the spectrum of othering to nullification of their personhood; to assume a franchise has only your interests as its sole, driving concern. To put so much stake into the outcome of a game, a season, that anything outside of pure dominance and control is considered failure. To take on defeat as a personality trait and grow miserable, hostile, blame serving both as vitriolic release and an easy balm.
This is perhaps a clumsy attempt to address the U.S. election results last night in a newsletter about NBA basketball, but it seemed a perfect encapsulation of my point of blind escapism to write about OKC’s pestering defence, or Joel Embiid’s three game suspension after shoving a reporter, and make no mention of Donald Trump’s second ascension.
Basketball isn’t apolitical. No sport is, but the NBA hasn’t been for a long time. Shut up and dribble, stop-work protests in the Orlando Bubble led by athletes personally the target of police brutality, taking a knee. Even when it isn’t trying to be, it is, because it’s a game played by people and beyond that, predominantly Black men. In October 1979, when the Knicks paired their roster from 13 players down to 11 — a move required by league regulation — media and fans jumped on the move because the remaining team became the first all Black roster in the league. “White people have to have white heroes,” Cavs owner, Ted Stepien said at the time, “I myself can’t equate to Black heroes, I’ll be truthful. I respect them, but I need white people.”
Being the target of someone’s desire for escapism can be enough to turn something from the political to the personal, and vice versa. We’re seeing a new iteration of it now with the rise of sports betting and the blurring of boundaries between athletes and fans, but Kareem Abdul-Jabbar saw and put it succinctly in the early 1970s. “Out there, you’re a vector for all the hostility in the stands,” he said.
As a conduit for escape, there are no political prerequisites. Fandom isn’t barred from you based on your voting patterns. There may be an urge now, regardless of how you hoped (even as an observer, as I am) this election ended up, to burrow into basketball as escape, almost as a reflexive action. The distinct humanitarian fracturing at play not only in this election but on a global scale, this onus of “us vs.them”, or blame over solution (blame as solution), the narrowing of scope to only have your own interests at heart, is all a symptom of escapism. Just as it’s crucial as an engaged fan to not lose sight of an athlete’s personhood, the same goes, albeit on a decidedly more critical scale, in the wider world.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Must Read Over the years, the NBA has learned to embrace activism and social justice. Read more. (TIME)
Legacy Reflecting on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s impact — here’s how he changed the rules for Black athletes. (National Endowment for the Humanities)
Analysis How did Sterling Brown get the NBA to listen to its players? (The Daily Beast)
Analysis ESPN identifies Walker Kessler as a significant positive for the Utah Jazz this season. (Sports Illustrated)
Replay Utah Jazz secures victory over Bulls, with three critical takeaways from the matchup. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Replacements For Jeremy Sochan & Aaron Gordon
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (8) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Ball Arena.|Photo by Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
As we gear up for another action-packed Wednesday with 12 NBA games, it’s crucial to stay updated on player statuses and potential fantasy basketball moves. Injuries are shaking up lineups, and knowing who to add or drop can make all the difference in your fantasy league.
Key Injuries and Player Additions
Aaron Gordon’s calf strain is a significant blow, sidelining him for an estimated four weeks. This opens up opportunities for Peyton Watson, who is expected to see increased minutes, making him a valuable addition to your roster. Julian Strawther might also benefit, but Watson is the priority pick.
Jeremy Sochan’s thumb fracture is another long-term injury, likely keeping him out for six to eight weeks. In his absence, Julian Champagnie emerges as a strong candidate for increased playing time. While Keldon Johnson might be a points league preference, Champagnie is a solid choice across formats.
Nick Richards is dealing with fractured rib cartilage, sidelining him for at least two weeks. With Mark Williams also out, the Hornets will likely start Taj Gibson, but he’s not a recommended fantasy add. Instead, keep an eye on Grant Williams, who could be a viable option in deeper leagues.
Game Previews and Strategic Considerations
The Detroit Pistons face the Charlotte Hornets, with the Hornets slightly favoured. Jalen Duren’s recent performances have been promising, but his minutes might be capped, allowing Isaiah Stewart to continue his role as a backup centre. Stewart’s current role suits him well, and he’s performing admirably in it.
For the Charlotte Hornets, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller’s dynamics are worth monitoring. Ball’s interactions with Charles Lee and Miller’s reduced minutes and shooting are areas of concern. Miles Bridges’ performance has been underwhelming, but improvement is expected.
Utah Jazz Squad - Utah Jazz Travelling Party talks hoops, stories, backpacks and laughs
Join David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, as he hosts a lively discussion with a star-studded lineup, including Craig Bolerjack, Ron Boone, Joe Krueger, Lauren Green, and Jeremy Brunner. The episode kicks off with a humorous debate over Chicago’s best deep-dish pizza, setting the stage for a dynamic conversation. The group shares insights on the Utah Jazz’s recent performance, highlighting standout players like John Collins and Walker Kessler. With a mix of basketball analysis and behind-the-scenes stories, the episode offers a unique glimpse into the world of NBA broadcasting.
Jazz’s New Offense: The Secret Sauce Behind Their First Win
Utah Jazz fans, rejoice! David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, breaks down the thrilling victory over the Chicago Bulls, spotlighting standout performances from Keyonte George, John Collins, and Walker Kessler. Discover how the Jazz’s strategic shift to a four-out offense, driven by injuries to Taylor Hendricks and Lauri Markkanen, led to a dynamic game with 377 passes, the second-highest in the league this season. Locke explores the impact of increased handoffs and pick-and-roll plays, revealing how these changes revitalized the team’s offensive flow.
POSTCAST - Utah Jazz get first win in Chicago
Utah Jazz fans, rejoice! The Jazz clinched their first win of the season against the Chicago Bulls, 135-126, in a thrilling game that saw them lead almost the entire way. David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, and Ron Boone break down the game, highlighting the strategic shift to a faster pace and the effective use of pick and roll, despite injuries to key players like Lauri Markkanen and Taylor Hendricks. John Collins shone with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, stepping up in the absence of other top scorers. Walker Kessler’s defensive prowess was on full display, protecting the rim and securing 16 rebounds.
