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
Walker Kessler #1 pick and roll defender in NBA.
Nov 23, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) takes a layup over New York Knicks forward/guard OG Anunoby (8) during the second half at the Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
| Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Walker Kessler: The Defensive Powerhouse
Walker Kessler is making waves in the NBA, not just bouncing back but soaring to the top of defensive metrics. As the number one defensive big in the league, Kessler’s impact is undeniable. His prowess in pick-and-roll defense is particularly noteworthy. Before his injury, the Utah Jazz ranked fourth in the NBA for pick-and-roll defense, allowing just 0.9 points per play. However, during Kessler’s absence, the team’s ranking plummeted to 28th, conceding 1.2 points per pick-and-roll. This stark contrast highlights Kessler’s critical role in the Jazz’s defensive strategy.
Upon his return against the New York Knicks, the Jazz’s defense was revitalized. The Knicks, known for their formidable pick-and-roll offense, were held to 0.78 points per play, a significant improvement from their season average. Kessler’s ability to defend the rim is equally impressive. He ranks second in the NBA for defending shots within six feet, with opponents shooting 20.7% worse when he’s the closest defender. Only Victor Wembanyama surpasses him in this category.
Kessler’s influence extends beyond individual stats. His presence on the court reduces opponents’ shots at the rim by 4%, forcing them into less efficient mid-range attempts. This shift from high-percentage shots to lower ones underscores Kessler’s defensive value. However, the Jazz face challenges on the offensive end when Kessler is on the floor, an area that needs addressing to maximize his overall impact.
Lauri Markkanen: Rediscovering His Groove
Lauri Markkanen is back in form, showcasing the All-Star caliber play that Jazz fans have come to expect. After a slow start to the season, Markkanen has found his rhythm, averaging 26 points and seven rebounds over the last five games. His shooting efficiency is remarkable, hitting 59% from the field and 48% from beyond the arc.
Markkanen’s resurgence is partly due to strategic adjustments. The Jazz have increased his shot attempts, with Markkanen taking 16 to 17 shots per game and making frequent trips to the free-throw line. His ability to score in transition and in the paint has also improved, with recent games showing a significant uptick in fast-break points and points in the paint.
Coach Will Hardy has emphasized the importance of Markkanen’s off-ball movement, particularly in fast-break situations. This focus has paid off, as Markkanen has consistently scored in transition, a testament to his versatility and skill. Additionally, Markkanen is gradually improving in isolation and post-up plays, areas identified for development.
The Jazz’s offensive strategy is evolving, with Markkanen at the forefront. His ability to adapt and excel in various offensive roles is crucial for the team’s success. As the season progresses, maintaining this momentum will be key for both Markkanen and the Jazz.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen’s performances, tune into the Locked On Jazz podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Jazz Podcast:
- The impact of Walker Kessler’s return on the Jazz’s defensive rankings
- Lauri Markkanen’s shot distribution and its effect on his performance
- Analysis of the Jazz’s offensive challenges with Kessler on the floor
- - Trends Monday. A surprise at the two hottest teams in the NBA
Giannis Antetokounmpo improves on greatness, again
Giannis, Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez lead the way for the Bucks in 2024
Our modern relationship with the concept of greatness is a strange thing. Certainly in NBA basketball, but even more broadly, we like to hold greatness up to its lack. Less readily do we accept greatness at face value, or allow for greatness to simply stand on its own. It needs a backdrop of failure, and maybe because of that, it is failure we’ve become better at discussing. When greatness persists, or proves to have staying power, it feels almost dull. We want greatness to come with persistent conflict, and we want our greats to prove it, again and again.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a prime modern example.
Over the weekend, Antetokounmpo made history. He became the NBA athlete to record the most 30-point games in a decade, beating out the obvious candidates of Steph Curry and LeBron James. That’s over 262 games with 30-plus-points. So far this season, he’s been averaging 32.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, and shooting field goals at a 60.8% accurate clip. These numbers are staggering and yet, at a glance around discussion on the season, you’d think they were hum-drum.
Truth be told, conversation about the Bucks and Antetokounmpo seemed more engaged when both struggled early in the season. Those favourite, swirling questions of will-he-or-won’t-he be traded, or force a trade, rose with aplomb. A championship calibre team doing badly is always news, sure, but when its championship calibre superstar pushes through the struggles to virtually carry the team, we tend to turn our attention elsewhere.
Maybe it’s because the thing that’s given Antetokounmpo another gear this season — rediscovering the mid-range — is a part of the floor not as exciting as the three-point range teams like the Celtics are bombing from, but the bump has been drastic. Last season Antetokounmpo shot 35.1% from the mid-range and thus far this season he’s converting 47.8% of his mid-range attempts (of which he’s doubled, 2.4 to 4.3).
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
Preview Emirates NBA Cup play continues this week — here’s what lies ahead for all teams. (NBA)
Roster Before the 2025 NBA Draft, get familiar with 10 international prospects. (ESPN)
Analysis Lauri Markkanen’s resurgence was a highlight as he broke out of his slump, powering the Utah Jazz to a much-needed victory. This performance emphasizes his crucial role in the team’s dynamics. Markkanen breaks out with a stellar game. (SLC Dunk)
Preview First impressions of the NBA’s newest arena, the Intuit Dome, highlight its state-of-the-art features and fan experience enhancements. It sets a new standard for sports venues. Intuit Dome amazes with innovation. (Deseret News)
Preview The Spurs will take on the Jazz at the AT&T Center at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Monday’s Fantasy Basketball Recap - Hamstrings Strike In Orlando
Nov 23, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) shoots during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters/Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action brought a whirlwind of performances, injuries, and strategic moves that could significantly impact your fantasy basketball lineup. Here are the major takeaways from the day, focusing on what’s most relevant for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Player Returns
- Devin Vassell is expected back on Wednesday, which is great news for those who have been patient with his knee issues. Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson is out for Utah, creating opportunities for players like Colin Sexton and Isaiah Collier to step up. Keep an eye on Johnny Juzang as a potential deep-league add.
- Gary Harris suffered a hamstring injury, which could open up more minutes for Cole Anthony and Anthony Black. With Jalen Suggs also dealing with a hamstring issue, these players could see increased roles.
Waiver Wire Trends
- Moussa Diabate has become a hot commodity following Grant Williams’ injury. While Diabate’s scoring is limited, his defensive stats make him a valuable short-term add.
- Malcolm Brogdon is worth considering for streaming, though his long-term value remains uncertain. Similarly, Ty Jerome had a standout performance, but his shooting percentages are unlikely to be sustainable.
- Naji Marshall and T.J. McConnell are sensible additions given the current absences in their respective teams. McConnell, in particular, could provide solid assists and steals with several key players out.
POSTCAST -Walker Kessler’s defense transforms Utah Jazz’s game against the Knicks
Can the Utah Jazz maintain their defensive prowess against top NBA offenses? David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, and Ron Boone break down the Jazz’s impressive 121-106 victory over the New York Knicks. The return of Walker Kessler proved pivotal, as his presence transformed the Jazz’s defense, holding the Knicks to a mere 22 of 70 shooting when he was on the floor. The episode explores how the Jazz capitalized on missed shots to increase their pace and create scoring opportunities, with Lauri Markkanen shining by scoring 34 points on just 15 attempts.
AskLOJ Edition - Jazz Rookies Struggle to Keep Up.. Keyonte George’s Shot Selection Improvement
Are the Jazz rookies Isaiah Collier and Cody Williams struggling more than expected? David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, tackles this pressing question in the latest Ask LOJ edition of Locked On Jazz. With insights into the rapid adaptability of the NBA and the challenges faced by rookies, Locke provides a detailed analysis of their performance. He also explores the broader struggles of the rookie class, highlighting shooting percentages and the impact of physical strength on the court.
POSTCAST- Utah Jazz first half brilliance falls short in 2nd half and Spurs roar back for win
The Utah Jazz’s rollercoaster performance against the San Antonio Spurs takes center stage as they lose a 20-point lead, ending the road trip with a 126-118 defeat. David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, and his co-host dissect the game, highlighting the Jazz’s impressive first half, where they dominated with sharp three-point shooting and aggressive play. However, the second half saw a dramatic shift, with the Spurs outscoring the Jazz 75-51, raising questions about the Jazz’s ability to maintain momentum and close games effectively.
