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.
Utah Jazz: Transition Defense Woes and Hidden Strengths
As a dedicated follower of the Utah Jazz, it’s clear that our transition defense is a significant hurdle. Despite noticeable improvements in other areas, this issue overshadows our progress. Our transition defense is alarmingly poor, with 26% of our defensive possessions occurring in transition, compared to the league average of 18%. This deficiency results in us allowing 36 points per game in transition, a stark contrast to the league’s average of 21 points.
The root of this problem isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Many attribute it to live ball turnovers, but the numbers tell a different story. While we do have a high turnover rate, it’s not the sole reason for our transition struggles. Teams like the Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers also experience high turnover rates but manage to keep their transition defense more controlled than ours.
Unveiling the Jazz’s Defensive Potential
Despite these challenges, the Jazz have made significant strides in half-court defense. Under the guidance of our coaching staff, including Will Hardy, Scott Morrison, and Sean Sheldon, we’ve become the 15th best in half-court defense, a notable improvement from last year’s 28th position. Our pick-and-roll defense ranks sixth, and we’re the top team in defending spot-up shots. These achievements highlight the potential of our defense if we can address the transition issue.
The key to unlocking this potential lies in reducing the frequency of transition plays. If we can lower our transition rate to the league average, it would significantly enhance our defensive standing. This adjustment could save us nearly two points per game, potentially moving us up to the 22nd rank in overall defense.
The narrative that our offensive rebounding contributes to our transition woes doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. The correlation between offensive rebounding and transition defense is minimal. The five teams with the highest offensive rebounding rates allow only slightly more transition possessions than those with the lowest rates.
A Path Forward
Addressing our transition defense is crucial for the Jazz’s development. By focusing on getting back on defense and improving our ability to change directions quickly, we can capitalize on our half-court defensive strengths. This shift would not only improve our current performance but also lay a solid foundation for future success.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Utah Jazz’s transition defense and other key topics, tune into the Locked On Jazz podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Jazz Podcast:
- Luka Dončić's surprising struggles and the impact on the Dallas Mavericks
Traditionally, press defenses are a weapon of last resort in the NBA, fit only for highly specific scenarios or times of desperation. Professional basketball players simply are too good at passing and dribbling to be susceptible to large doses of full-court press — or so the thinking went. But the thinking, it is a-changin’.
Synergy’s database goes back to the 2008-2009 season, and before last year, only one team had used press on even 5% of their defensive possessions: the 2020-21 Charlotte Hornets.
Last year, however, we saw a notable rise in the press defense, thanks to two teams. The Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers both beat Charlotte’s mark. Portland led the league by pressing 7.2% of the time, yielding only .94 points per possession (well below their typical defensive rating of 1.04, although that’s not by any means an apples-to-apples comparison), and I predicted that this year, the Blazers — featuring heavy doses of ambulatory fly paper Toumani Camara — would crack 10%.
I had the right idea but the wrong team. Instead, the Pacers are currently pressing 11.9% of the time, followed closely by Brooklyn’s 11.5% (the Blazers come in third, with a still historically high 8.4%). In retrospect, Indiana’s surging interest in the press shouldn’t be a huge surprise — they picked up full-court on nearly a quarter of their possessions in last year’s playoffs. That’s insane!
They haven’t been quite that extreme this year, but look at this graph of every team’s percentage of defensive possessions in press defense:
Six teams in total are pressing more than 5% of the time. 22 of the league’s 30 teams are pressing more this year than last (with the caveat that we’re talking about a couple dozen possessions or fewer for many of these teams), and this is by far the most press we’ve seen since the data became available. Given the weaknesses we mentioned in the opening paragraph, why is the press gaining popularity?
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
Analysis Sam Vecenie of the Athletic breaks down how this year’s rookies have started. I don’t agree with all of his picks, but he’s always thoughtful with his selections and insightful with his analysis. (Subscription required)
Personnel HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto goes behind the scenes with the Indiana Pacers’ coaching staff. Mostly, you get a better appreciation for how little coaches sleep!
Must Read Jared Dubin investigates the rise in dunks over time for his newsletter “Last Night, In Basketball.” It’s a fun, breezy read! (Subscription required)
Analysis The latest NBA Tank Rankings break down where teams like the Jazz, Raptors, and 76ers stand in the race for the top draft picks. (SLC Dunk)
Leadership Veteran players on the Utah Jazz are stepping up and taking their leadership responsibilities seriously, setting a strong example for the younger guys. (Deseret News)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Wednesday’s Notable Fantasy Basketball Performances
Nov 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images|Photo By Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
In the ever-evolving world of fantasy basketball, keeping an eye on emerging talents and consistent performers is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Let’s delve into the standout performances of three young guns, as well as the continued dominance of Giannis, and explore their potential impact on your fantasy lineup.
Donovan Clingan: A Rising Star?
Donovan Clingan’s recent performance has caught the attention of fantasy managers everywhere. With 31 minutes on the court, Clingan delivered an impressive stat line of 17 points, 12 rebounds, and a staggering eight blocks. His ability to dominate the paint and contribute defensively makes him a valuable asset, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Deandre Ayton’s injury status. While Clingan’s long-term role remains uncertain, his current form makes him a must-add in fantasy leagues, particularly for those in need of blocks and rebounds.
Jared McCain: Rookie on the Rise
Jared McCain has quickly become a hot topic in fantasy circles, thanks to his explosive performance in the absence of key players like Paul George and Joel Embiid. McCain’s 34-point game, complete with six three-pointers and 10 assists, showcases his potential as a high-usage player. While his current role is bolstered by injuries to teammates, McCain’s talent is undeniable. Fantasy managers should consider adding him to their rosters, but remain cautious about his long-term value once the team’s stars return.
Click the button below to see how Giannis continues to be a fantasy force, and why for Victor Wembanyama, the future is now.
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.
