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.
The Utah Jazz have made a remarkable leap in their pick-and-roll defense, climbing from the bottom of the NBA rankings last season to the third-best this year. This transformation is not just a statistical anomaly but a testament to strategic changes and player development. Last season, the Jazz allowed 1.044 points per pick-and-roll, a figure that has now dropped to 0.905. This improvement translates to a significant reduction of about 10 points per game, a crucial factor in their defensive success.
Walker Kessler has been instrumental in this defensive turnaround. Among the top 60 pick-and-roll defenders, Kessler ranks sixth, facing about 16 picks per game. His ability to disrupt opponents’ plays has been a game-changer for the Jazz. The improvement isn’t limited to Kessler; John Collins has also made significant strides. Collins has reduced his points allowed per pick-and-roll from 1.07 last year to 0.91 this season, showcasing his enhanced defensive capabilities.
The Utah Jazz may have struck gold with their 32nd pick in the NBA draft, Kyle Filipowski. Standing at 6'11" and weighing 250 pounds, Filipowski brings a unique skill set that could make him a standout player. Initially, I wasn’t sold on him as a top pick, but seeing him in action has changed my perspective. His ability to see the game like a point guard and his instinctual passing make him a valuable asset on the court. Filipowski’s size allows him to pass effectively from the elbow, a strategy currently in vogue in the NBA. This approach is used by teams like the Denver Nuggets with Nikola Jokić and the Sacramento Kings with Domantas Sabonis.
Filipowski’s offensive versatility is impressive. He can score, as evidenced by his 16 points per game at Duke, and he’s not afraid to take it to the rack. His physical readiness is a significant advantage, allowing him to hold his ground and maintain space against opponents. However, his growth won’t be linear, and his defensive capabilities will be crucial as he faces more scouting reports.
The Importance of Passing and Offensive Strategy
One of the most overlooked skills in scouting is passing, and Filipowski excels in this area. His presence on the floor facilitates ball movement, making the Jazz’s offense more dynamic. His ability to pass from the elbow opens up larger passing windows, a crucial advantage over shorter players. This skill is particularly valuable in late-game situations.
Filipowski’s role in the Jazz’s offensive strategy is evolving. The team often runs elbow actions as a secondary option, but recently, they’ve started using Filipowski in the primary role. His ability to hit corner threes and his improved shooting form are promising signs for his development. The Jazz’s offensive variety, led by coach Will Hardy, showcases the team’s adaptability and Filipowski’s potential to become a key player.
LATE GAME WATCH (Exclusive)
Rockets: Go to play late is some combination of Green or Van Vleet pick and roll with Sengun. Problem is they really don’t have any shooters to space the floor and it is really crowded for the driver. They are using Van Vleet as a flair out of the Spain pick and roll.
Pistons: Jalen Ivey had an awful game to close v. the Rockets. Numerous turnovers, out of control drives and mistakes. Veterans are carrying the Pistons in Harris, Beasley and Hardaway. They love to give Cade Cunningham an open side pick and roll and let him over power his man to the basket on the cleared side.
Bucks: I have never seen a team hunt someone the way the Celtics hunted Damian Lillard. Lillard was guarding White who would bring it up and then the Celtics would bring whoever they wanted to have a one on one on Lillard up for a pick and go to work on Lillard. Bucks are going to have to double. Bucks offense has no idea how to use Giannis. One play off the elbow worked, but their is no flow and rhtyhm. Jrue Holliday is amazing. Got stops on both Giannis and Dame
Clippers: Everylate game play is Zubac at the top of the key with a handoff to Harden going to his left hand.
Minnesota: brings Mike Conley back with 2 minutes left but goes till the 2 minute mark without him. miami went zone and really screwed up Minnesota offense.
Miami: Amazing out of bounds play wins it for Miami. Nikola Jokic is really good. Portland might wish they made the move for him.
The second annual NBA In-Season Tournament/much catchier ‘NBA Cup’ begins tonight, kicking off roughly a month of tournament games that fall on Tuesdays and Fridays. Then, we get into the quarterfinals and conference semifinals, the rules of which I am still not 100% clear on and am not ashamed to admit.
The newness of the Cup is what makes people skeptical of it. It’s what made me skeptical of it last season. It’s difficult to introduce new things into competitive ecosystems that seem largely “set”, which is why it happens rarely. My skepticism of the tournament came from the need to gameify what is already a game, but then I thought about how often the “product” of the NBA (e.g. basketball) gets complained about and realized the league was trying something. Trying something different versus just complaining about what already exists for the sake of griping is also rare.
Part of the fun of the tournament in its current, very green iteration, is its messiness. Last season, athletes were clear about how they, too, were stumped on the rules. How did the point system work? What were the knockout rules? Why were the custom courts so garish? But for the most part, players leaned into it. Did the Lakers lean a little too hard into it by hanging the In-Season Tournament banner in the rafters? Absolutely. But these are Tuesday night games in November — nothing about them should be sacrosanct.
A genuine lift I noticed and liked about last season’s tournament, and my real point of defense, is how these games operated as additional runway for a handful of teams on the verge. The In-Season Tournament was where we started to see the Pacers flourish and use the breakneck speed that went on to become a critical component of their entirely unique offense. The Pelicans also treated the tournament as something different, approaching the games like an escape from the early season injury woes that derailed them (unfortunately in a very cruel deja vu, we’re seeing the same thing this season). There’s going to be more emerging teams and play styles showing themselves this time around.
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
Injury The NBA has a ‘missing stars’ problem with injuries piling up faster than normal. (Yahoo! Sports)
Rumor Did Giannis Antetokounmpo’s fake handshake prank launch a new NBA rivalry?
Preview The tiny town and legendary 1980s NBA team that built NBA Draft phenom Cooper Flagg (ESPN)
Personnel Veteran players on the Jazz are stepping up and taking leadership roles seriously, setting an example for the younger squad members. Leadership is key for the team’s development. (Deseret News) [Nov 11, 2024]
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Monday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Recap
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center.|Photo by Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action featured five games, each packed with performances and injury updates that could reshape your fantasy basketball strategy.
Injury Updates Affecting Lineups
Damian Lillard’s entry into concussion protocol means he’ll miss Tuesday’s game, with a slim chance of returning by Wednesday. This quick turnaround is unusual, so keep an eye on updates. Meanwhile, Gary Trent Jr. is still dealing with back spasms, and despite his fantasy position eligibility, he’s not a point guard, averaging only two assists per game. The Milwaukee Bucks are experimenting with their lineup, with Pat Connaughton and Ryan Rollins as potential backup point guards. Giannis Antetokounmpo can handle point guard duties, but he needs support, especially with Khris Middleton unavailable.
Zion Williamson’s injury update is a blow to fantasy managers. He’s expected to be out for four to six weeks, longer than initially anticipated. If you have an IR spot, hold onto him, but be prepared for a potentially extended absence. Malik Monk’s ankle injury will keep him out for at least two weeks, affecting the Sacramento Kings’ lineup. Kevin Huerter and Keon Ellis could see increased value in the short term.
Game Highlights and Player Performances
The San Antonio Spurs pulled off a surprising 116-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Victor Wembanyama was the standout performer, delivering a stellar 34 points and 14 rebounds, solidifying his status as a top fantasy player. De’Aaron Fox’s assist numbers are concerning, especially with DeMar DeRozan’s arrival affecting his role. DeRozan’s on-court fit with the Kings remains a question mark. Kevin Huerter’s inconsistency continues, and while he had a hot streak, his recent performance was lacklustre. Keegan Murray’s struggles are evident, and I don’t see him breaking into the top 75 players this season.
POSTCAST - Hot three point shooting overwhelmed by Giannis and turnovers
The Utah Jazz’s offensive execution shines with red-hot three-point shooting, yet turnovers against the Milwaukee Bucks lead to a 123-100 defeat. David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, and Ron Boone dissect the game, noting the Jazz’s impressive first-half performance with 28 three-point attempts, a franchise milestone. Keyonte George and Jordan Clarkson provided sparks off the bench, but Lauri Markkanen’s struggles were evident, possibly due to lingering back issues. The Bucks’ pressure defense and the Jazz’s ball movement were pivotal, yet the turnovers, especially from veterans John Collins and Jordan Clarkson, proved costly.
Cody Williams emerging for Utah Jazz. Offensive changes. Milwaukee Bucks preview
Will Hardy’s offensive changes are giving Cody Williams a chance to shine, transforming his role from a corner shooter to an active playmaker. David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, breaks down Williams’ recent performance against Chicago, highlighting his strengths in movement and athleticism. With insights into the Jazz’s strategic adjustments, Locke explores how these changes are impacting the team’s dynamics and Williams’ development. Can Williams overcome his shooting struggles and become a key player for the Jazz?
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.
