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
Utah Jazz’s Offensive Leap: From 30th to 7th in Just Days
Nov 16, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) shoots against Sacramento Kings center Alex Len (25) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
| Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Utah Jazz’s Offensive Transformation: A Deep Dive
The Utah Jazz have undergone a remarkable transformation in their offensive strategy, and the results have been nothing short of astounding. On November 3rd, a pivotal change was made between games against Denver and Chicago, leading to a dramatic improvement in their performance. Before this shift, the Jazz were struggling with an offensive rating of 99.8, ranking last in the NBA. However, since the change, their offensive rating has soared to 117.0, catapulting them to seventh place.
The key to this turnaround lies in the strategic adjustments made by head coach Will Hardy. The Jazz transitioned from a five-out to a four-out spacing, which has significantly enhanced their efficiency. This change has not only improved their shooting percentage from 45.7% to 57.4% but also reduced turnovers, albeit slightly.
Keyonte George’s Rise in Pick and Roll Efficiency
One of the standout stories in this transformation is the improvement of Keyonte George in the pick and roll. Initially, George was among the least efficient players in this area, but he has since become one of the top performers in the league. His points per pick and roll have increased from 0.7 to 1.14, making him the fourth-best pick and roll player in the NBA since November 3rd. This improvement has been crucial in elevating the Jazz’s overall offensive performance.
Interestingly, the Jazz have not increased the number of pick and rolls they run. Instead, they have focused on optimizing their execution. John Collins has been integrated more into the pick and roll game, increasing his involvement from 11 to 16 picks per game. This adjustment has paid off, as Collins and George have developed a strong connection, significantly boosting their efficiency.
The Jazz have also made changes to their handoff game, increasing the number of handoffs from 34 to 39 per game. This shift has resulted in a jump from 0.8 to 1.0 points per handoff. Notably, Jordan Clarkson, despite being one of the least efficient players, has seen an increase in his involvement, going from five to 11 handoffs per game. This paradoxical increase in efficiency despite Clarkson’s struggles is a testament to the overall improvement in the team’s strategy.
The integration of guard-to-guard handoffs has been another successful strategy for the Jazz. By involving guards like George and Collin Sexton more in these plays, the team has seen a significant boost in efficiency. This innovative approach has contributed to the Jazz’s rise in offensive rankings and showcases the coaching staff’s ability to adapt and maximize their players’ strengths.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Utah Jazz’s offensive transformation, tune into the Locked On Jazz podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Jazz Podcast:
- Analysis of the NBA’s rule changes and their impact on league-wide offensive ratings.
- A look at the Jazz’s upcoming game against the San Antonio Spurs and key players to watch.
- Discussion on the role of John Collins in the Jazz’s new offensive strategy.
- Insights into the Jazz’s defensive adjustments and their effect on recent performances.
- A breakdown of the Jazz’s shooting improvements and key contributors.
A refrain I’ve increasingly heard from casuals, like the talking heads on the NBA’s biggest broadcast partners, is that the league is too homogenous these days, that every team just goes out there and chucks up threes. Every game is the same.
Leaving aside the shortsightedness of famous, influential media analysts dumping on their own product, it’s a common enough complaint that I felt an urge to investigate. My eyeballs tell me the league’s never been more diverse and fun, thanks largely to the absurd wealth of stars today with skill sets as bespoke as their draft night suits. Jokic’s Nuggets look nothing like Tatum’s Celtics look nothing like Brunson’s Knicks, and to suggest otherwise is willful ignorance.
As I wrote about for Basketball Poetry yesterday, the current top five offenses are Boston, Cleveland, New York, the Lakers, and Dallas. Those five teams rank first, 14th, 17th, 24th, and 21st, respectively, in share of shots that are triples. You certainly don’t need to launch a million threes relative to your peers to score the basketball successfully.
Of course, that’s a rather superficial analysis. Regardless of rank, what if the absolute numbers are all getting closer together? That would represent a growing sameness.
I looked at shot data from this season, a decade ago, and 20 years ago to see how much the share of three-pointers had changed.
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
Stat Owen Phillips of The F5 looks at how often centers defend guards, how often perimeter players are involuntarily guarded by centers (aka the Tony Allen effect), and much more in his analytical newsletter.
Analysis Jared Dubin of Last Night, In Basketball discusses something related: what kind of players are guarding point guards these days?
Must Read Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic talks about the NBA’s increasing difficulty for defensive-minded, older players, but the real story is that Draymond Green claims to have started lifting just four years ago.
Injury Dr. Travis Maak explains the intricacies of Taylor Hendricks’ injury and its recovery process. This detailed analysis sheds light on what fans can expect moving forward. (Deseret News)
Preview The Jazz will take on the Spurs in a battle at the Frost Bank Center. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
The Randomness Of Fantasy Basketball On A Wednesday In The NBA
Nov 20, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells (0) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images|Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Top Five Fantasy Takeaways from Wednesday’s Games
1. Paul George’s Knee Injury Concerns
Paul George’s knee hyperextension during the 76ers vs. Grizzlies game is a significant concern for fantasy managers. While initial reports suggest no structural damage, his availability in the coming games is uncertain. This situation could open up opportunities for other players on the 76ers to step up, making it crucial to monitor updates closely.
2. Unpredictable Pelicans vs. Cavaliers Game
The Pelicans vs. Cavaliers matchup was a bizarre affair, with unexpected lineups and performances. Elfrid Payton started for the Pelicans, and Jaylon Tyson shone for the Cavs, but these anomalies are unlikely to have long-term fantasy implications. Managers should view this game as an outlier and avoid making hasty roster changes based on these performances.
3. Pacers’ Struggles and Tyrese Haliburton’s Slump
The Pacers are facing challenges, particularly with Tyrese Haliburton’s shooting woes. His road performance has been notably poor, possibly due to lingering back issues. Despite this, Haliburton’s track record suggests a turnaround is likely, making him a prime buy-low candidate for managers willing to take a risk on his recovery.
Click the button below to see how Norman Powell’s injury could open up opportunities for the Clippers, and a top 50 player returns to action.
Lakers dominate. Keyonte George shows resilience with a standout third-quarter performance
David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, offers a candid analysis of the Utah Jazz’s recent challenges and triumphs. The episode explores the stark reality of being outmatched by NBA giants like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, highlighting the physical and strategic gaps the Jazz face. Locke provides a detailed breakdown of the team’s offensive struggles and improvements, emphasizing the importance of early game performance and the adjustments made by coach Will Hardy.
Utah Jazz little improvements. How JJ Reddick has transformed the Lakers and Le Bron James
Discover how the Utah Jazz are making strides in transition defense and what it means for their season. David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, breaks down the team’s recent improvements, focusing on their defensive strategies and the impact of coaching on player performance. With insights into Lauri Markkanen’s shooting challenges and the Jazz’s evolving shot distribution, this episode offers a detailed look at the team’s current dynamics
Will Hardy “You don’t just get to play”
Expectations are high for the Utah Jazz as players navigate the season’s demands. David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, discusses the importance of setting standards within the team, focusing on how players like Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson are stepping up. The episode also examines the contributions of young talents such as Keyonte George and Walker Kessler, highlighting their roles in shaping the team’s strategy. Will Hardy’s coaching decisions, including lineup changes and strategic adjustments, are scrutinized as the Jazz aim for growth and effort.
