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
Locked On Jazz
Cody Williams Finding his Groove
Cody Williams: Finding new roll in Jazz Offense
The Utah Jazz are undergoing a transformation under the guidance of head coach Will Hardy, and it’s creating a perfect environment for Cody Williams to shine. Williams, who initially struggled with his shooting, is now finding his rhythm thanks to strategic changes in the team’s offensive playbook. His recent performance against the Chicago Bulls showcased his potential, as he moved beyond the corner three-point shots that had been his Achilles’ heel.
Williams’ college shooting percentage of 41% had set high expectations for his NBA debut, but footwork and release speed issues have hindered his progress. Despite a current three-point shooting percentage of just 13%, there’s optimism that with time and practice, Williams will find his groove. The game against Chicago was a turning point, as he leveraged his strengths—length, athleticism, and intelligence—to make impactful plays.
Hardy’s adjustments have allowed Williams to utilize off-ball screens and handoffs more effectively. In one notable play, Williams received an off-ball screen from Collin Sexton, which allowed him to curl towards the basket and capitalize on his agility and balance. This kind of movement is crucial for Williams, who excels at covering ground with minimal dribbles and steps. Although he needs to build strength to better handle contact, his ability to navigate the court is already impressive.
Another highlight was Williams’ fast break, where he read the play perfectly, avoiding the “vortex of nothing” by releasing at the right moment for a slam dunk. His knack for being in the right place at the right time is a testament to his growing basketball IQ, something Hardy has praised.
Jazz’s Offensive Evolution
The Jazz’s offensive strategy has seen a significant shift, with an increased focus on off-ball screens and handoffs. This season, 19% of their plays end with these actions, up from 12% last year. This change is not just about numbers; it’s about giving players like Williams more options and opportunities to succeed. The Jazz have become the league’s top team in utilizing off-ball screens, a testament to Hardy’s innovative approach.
The game against the Bulls was a record-setting one for the Jazz, with 58 handoffs and 89 off-ball screens—the most by any team in a single game this season. This strategy not only benefits Williams but also other players like Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George, who thrive in such dynamic play settings.
The Jazz’s new approach is designed to exploit defensive weaknesses, and it’s paying off. By keeping players in motion and creating multiple scoring opportunities, the team is setting itself up for success. As Williams continues to develop, his role in this evolving offense will be crucial.
Late Game Watch (Newsletter Exclusive)
Milwaukee closed with Damian Lillard and AJ Green and Darius Garland had a field day in those match-ups. Garland was awesome. He hit a pull back 3, a runner and dropped off to Jaret Allen for the Cavaliers
Kevin Durant is playing like an MVP at 36. Phoenix is running everything late through Durant. They iso’d him at the elbow. They ran a high pick and roll with Nurkic and they ran a Spain pick and roll with Nurkic and Booker flaring to the win. Durant made two sick defensive plays out of hustle. Keep an eye on Phoenix late game defense as they were showing Nurkic on the pick and roll and not sure that is sustainable.
I am concerned about Dallas late game. With Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson they can’t defend the ball. Kyrie is the best of the group. They had to play Spencer Dinwiddie and Najai Marshall to try to slow the ball v, Indiana. Worth keeping an eye on.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Jazz Podcast:
-- Preview of the Jazz vs. Bucks matchup
- Keyonte George’s performance and potential
- Walker Kessler and John Collins’ contributions
- The impact of off-ball screens and handoffs on team dynamics
We’re about 10% of the way through the season, which means we’ve seen enough of the rookie class to make iron-clad judgments on them that will never change. First impression, last impression.
Kidding, of course; sample sizes are still small, and both we and the debutants themselves are learning a ton. Watching this class take their first baby-giraffe steps in the league has been a blast, so I’ve selected four rookies worth discussing.
1) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey’s performance has been predictably up-and-down. On the one hand, he’s started to figure out how to defend without fouling. After infamously fouling out in just 15 minutes in his NBA debut, Edey hasn’t accrued more than three infractions in any of his last six games (although he did pick up three in just 15 minutes last night). Opponents are shooting just 55.6% against him at the rim, a better number than Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert, and they take fewer attempts at the rim when he’s on the court. There’s a slight deterrence factor already at play.
Edey had a game where he went 11-for-12 from the field, but most of his damage has been done on putbacks and dump-offs. He has only generated 13 points on his 21 post-up possessions, a terrible mark, and his beloved hook shot has abandoned him.
Most peculiarly, a man I predicted might lead the league in screen assists has not been nearly as impactful a screener as I expected. Part of that is the Grizzlies leaning a bit away from the pick-and-roll-centric attack they’ve heavily featured in the past, and part is on some junior-high-school-level chemistry with Ja Morant (see here, where Edey whiffs on the screen and then can’t get to the lob quick enough). That said, he’s already mastered the rolling Gortat screen, a key tool for creating space for Morant. Now, he just needs more reps.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Personnel Owen Phillips of The F5 examines whether a coach can translate their styles between different teams. For example, what trends and principles has Kenny Atkinson instilled in the Cavaliers that we first saw in his Nets tenure?
Analysis ESPN’s Kevin Pelton looks at some early trends, such as the impact Jeremy Sochan’s injury might have on Victor Wembanyama’s offense, the Thunder defense, and more.
Must Read Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond of theScore have 10 observations on the young season, including a look at the Bulls’ blistering pace, KAT’s defensive issues, and much more.
Draft Cooper Flagg, the potential No. 1 pick (and potential future member of the Jazz), shined in his college debut. (SLCDunk)
Analysis Despite past success, Jazz players are adapting to losses, testing their resilience and dedication to improvement. (Deseret News)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Zaccharie Risacher’s Big Night Brings Fantasy Basketball Questions
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
In the world of fantasy basketball, player performances can fluctuate wildly, and Wednesday’s games were no exception. While Zach Edey had previously dazzled fans with a standout performance against the Nets, his recent outing was less than stellar. Facing tougher competition, Edey managed just eight points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes. This game served as a reminder that while Edey has potential, consistency is key, and fantasy managers should be cautious about overcommitting to him based on a single strong performance.
On the flip side, Zaccharie Risacher delivered a performance that turned heads and could have significant fantasy implications. Starting for the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher exploded for 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. His shooting was on point, and he contributed across multiple categories, making him a hot commodity in fantasy leagues. With De’Andre Hunter still sidelined, Risacher’s role in the starting lineup seems secure for now, and his ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.
Risacher’s breakout game highlights the importance of monitoring player roles and opportunities. While his previous performances were inconsistent, this game showcased his potential when given the chance. Fantasy managers should consider adding Risacher, especially if he continues to see significant minutes and usage.
As always, staying updated on player performances and team dynamics is crucial for fantasy success. Keep an eye on how these players develop in the coming games, and adjust your fantasy strategies accordingly. For more insights and analysis, be sure to follow the latest episodes of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast.
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.
