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
Zion Williamson - Yay or Nay
Exploring Trade Possibilities and Team Dynamics
In today’s LOCKED ON JAZZ a listen sent in an interesting trade idea that makes you contumplate what are the next steps for the Utah Jazz. The idea was trading John Collins and Jordan Clarkson for Zion Williamson and Jordan Hawkins. Obviously, picks and other things would have to be involved, but the money concept of this trade works. So would you be willing to trade for a risk like Zion Williamson?
Williamson, when healthy, is undeniably one of the league’s most dominant players. His potential pairing with Lauri Markkanen could create a formidable frontcourt, with Markkanen’s outside shooting complementing Williamson’s inside presence. However, Williamson’s injury history raises concerns, making this trade a significant gamble. The question remains: how many draft picks would we be willing to part with to secure a player of Williamson’s caliber?
The Jazz’s current rebuild strategy is another critical consideration. With young talents like Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier, and Kyle making progress, the team is looking at a three to four-year timeline for development. Acquiring a top-tier talent like Williamson could accelerate this process, but it also involves risks. The decision hinges on whether the Jazz are prepared to take a chance on Williamson’s potential or continue with a more gradual rebuild.
Fun hypotehical concept that makes you consider what the correct route for the Utah Jazz might be.
Cody Williams’ G League Assignment
Cody Williams’ recent assignment to the G League has raised eyebrows among fans. Despite his undeniable talent, Williams has struggled to make a significant impact in his limited minutes on the court. The decision to send him to the G League is a strategic move to help him develop his skills and play with more intensity. Williams needs to learn to play with greater energy and assertiveness, which is crucial for his growth as a player.
The G League stint offers Williams the opportunity to immerse himself in the game, gain valuable experience, and return to the Jazz as a more confident and impactful player. This move reflects the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring that players reach their full potential.
For more insights and a deeper dive into these topics, tune into the Locked On Jazz podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Jazz Podcast:
- Will Hardy’s greatest strength as a coach
- The Jazz’s offensive improvements and key statistics
- Concerns about New Orleans and Philadelphia’s draft positions
- Minnesota Timberwolves’ late-game struggles and implications for the Jazz
- A look at the Jazz’s tradable contracts and potential moves
Nov 27, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts to a call against the Sacramento Kings in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | Brad Rempel/Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Anthony Edwards went off on Wednesday night, and it wasn’t in the game.
The Timberwolves star had a lot of frustration to share after Minnesota lost to the Kings, and tallied their fourth straight loss in a row.
“We thought defense was our identity, and it’s not looking like that,” Edwards said in the locker room. “Our identity right now, me and Mike [Conley] was talking about it, I think is we soft as hell as a team, internally. Not to the other team, but like internally we soft, like we can’t talk to each other. Just a bunch of little kids, just like we playing with a bunch of little kids. Like everybody, like the whole team, we just can’t talk to each other and we gotta figure it out, man, because we can’t go down this road.”
He spoke at length, not holding much back, but the most interesting flag came in Edwards comments about the team as a whole. He noted that everyone on the team had their “own agenda”, which made it particularly difficult for him, as the de facto leader, to get them on the same page. Wolves beat reporter for the Star Tribune, Chris Hine, said Edwards lamented the team was “growing apart”, partly because it felt so difficult to have honest conversations with teammates.
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
Biz Former Timberwolves GM and current president of Paris Basketball David Kahn predicts the NBA will be in Europe “within two years” (EuroHoops)
Analysis The latest NBA mock draft update dives into first-round projections. See who the Jazz are projected to select next year. (SB Nation)
Feel Good The Utah Jazz have plenty of reasons to be thankful, even after their latest loss, showcasing growth and potential for the future. (Deseret News)
LaMelo Ball Is Out On Friday - What Are The Fantasy Basketball Implications?
Nov 27, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
As we gear up for a packed NBA schedule, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the game with the latest injury updates and strategic streaming options. With ten games on the horizon, there’s plenty to consider for your fantasy basketball lineup.
Injury Updates and Streaming Strategies
The New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets face off in an early game, and the injury report has thrown a few curveballs. Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson are out for the Knicks, while the Hornets are missing key players like Mark Williams, Nick Richards, and Miles Bridges. The unexpected absence of LaMelo Ball due to a calf issue adds another layer of complexity. With Ball sidelined, Vasa Micic becomes a prime streaming target, offering value for both Friday and Saturday games. Keep an eye on Jalen Brunson, who seems to be finding his rhythm again, which is a positive sign for fantasy managers.
On the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks front, Darius Garland’s recent dip in usage and shooting is worth monitoring. Meanwhile, Trae Young’s impressive assist numbers continue to shine, despite some Achilles concerns. For streaming, Ty Jerome is a viable option if Dean Wade and Caris LeVert remain out, while DeAndre Hunter offers potential upside for the Hawks.
The Utah Jazz secure a decisive 105-94 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing an effective defensive strategy and capitalizing on the Nets’ offensive struggles. David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, and Ron Boone dissect the game’s key moments, including the Jazz’s double-teaming tactics against Cam Johnson and the team’s ability to win despite Lauri Markkanen’s off-night from three-point range.
Keyonte George’s Dunk Saves Utah Jazz in Thrilling Win
David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, examines the Sacramento Kings’ recent struggles and ponders if the Utah Jazz should make a move for De’Aaron Fox. He analyzes the complexities of rebuilding in the NBA, using the Cleveland Cavaliers’ journey to becoming the league’s top team as a case study. Locke explores the challenges of timing, player contracts, and market appeal in executing successful trades.
POSTCAST - Utah Jazz’s explosive first quarter dominates Detroit Pistons in thrilling NBA showdown
David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and NBA Insider, and Ron Boone break down the Jazz’s 126-119 victory over the Detroit Pistons. The game’s narrative unfolds like a book with multiple authors, starting with a blistering 48-point first quarter for Utah. The Jazz’s hot shooting and transition play set the tone, but Detroit’s physical defense in the second quarter disrupted their rhythm.
