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
Utah Jazz 1st 10 games v. 2nd 10 games
Utah Jazz: A Season of Growth and Development
As we hit the 20-game mark of the Utah Jazz season, it’s time to assess the progress of our young team. The Jazz have shown remarkable growth, particularly in their offensive strategies. In the first 10 games, our offense ranked 29th in the NBA with an offensive rating of 106.2. However, in the next 10 games, we’ve seen a significant improvement, jumping to 16th place with an offensive rating increase of 3.7 points per 100 possessions. This leap is a testament to the adjustments made by head coach Will Hardy and his staff, who shifted from a five-out to a four-out system, repositioning John Collins from center to power forward.
Our effective field goal percentage has also improved, moving from 27th to 14th in the league. While turnovers remain a challenge, decreasing from 18.5% to 17.7% of all possessions, it’s a step in the right direction for a team without a traditional point guard. Offensive rebounding, a staple of Hardy’s philosophy, has increased from 30% to 33%, aligning with the league’s trend of higher offensive rebounding rates.
Defensive Adjustments and Player Development
Defensively, the Jazz have made strides, albeit modest ones. Our defensive rating improved from 119.1 to 118.7, moving us from 27th to 24th in the league. While not a dramatic leap, it’s a positive trend considering we ranked 30th last year. Defensive rebounding has seen a significant boost, climbing from 23rd to 12th, a focus area for Hardy.
The development of our young players is crucial this season. Lauri Markkanen’s progress in isolation and post-up plays is noteworthy. In the first 10 games, Markkanen’s effective field goal percentage on isolation plays was a mere 15%, but it soared to 50% in the next 10 games. His post-up efficiency also improved dramatically, with his points per chance increasing from 0.75 to 1.22, placing him among the top post-up players in the league.
Keyonte George has also shown promise, improving his shooting from 32% to 43% from the field and from 29% to 38% from three-point range. This development is crucial for his role as an NBA player. Meanwhile, Brice Sensabaugh has increased his playing time and shooting efficiency, though both he and George need to enhance their defensive skills.
Walker Kessler stands out as a shining star among our young talents, solidifying his place as an NBA rotation player. His development is a significant step forward for the Jazz, as we continue to evaluate the potential of our seven young players.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Utah Jazz’s season, tune into the Locked On Jazz podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Jazz Podcast:
- Lauri Markkanen’s isolation and post-up improvements
- Keyonte George’s shooting progress
- Brice Sensabaugh’s increased playing time and efficiency
- Walker Kessler’s emergence as an NBA rotation player
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is helped up by center Jay Huff (30) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In mid-November, when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies at home in L.A., it was in large part to the efforts of Dalton Knecht. The rookie was upset that a week before that game the Grizzlies very tidily (to the tune of 131-114) put the Lakers away in Memphis, but more specifically, that Ja Morant challenged LeBron James. Knecht told ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin that Morant said “he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.”
This is about the Grizzlies, it is, but Knecht’s umbrage was directed at the crucial element that’s powered Memphis for so long, and what’s put them back on top after last year’s wash of a season: outsized confidence.
It’s been called disrespect, showboating, ego, but whatever the Grizzlies are being called is less important than the baseline quality of confidence the labels all spring from and the team embodies. I’ve also found these other monikers telling— like a league temperature check — depending on who is levelling them and as a result of what. In Knecht’s case, he felt it disrespectful that Morant would make such a claim but Morant’s been saying it for seasons now. What started as general agitation and prowess for his own team seasons ago, a means to get an underdog Grizzlies team fired up, worked. It also turned into something greater: Morant hasn’t replaced James yet but the weight of expectation is there, so is the pathway. The side-effect, this time, was giving a rookie like Knecht his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
The Grizzlies are sitting third in a densely competitive Western Conference, ranked fifth overall in offence and fourth in defence, and they’ve secured these spots despite largely being without Morant, their diamond-in-the-rough of Desmond Bane, and big man Zach Edey. Jaren Jackson Jr. sits comfortably on over a dozen league leaderboards, including points per 36 minutes, field goals per 100 possessions, block percentage and defensive win shares. Scottie Pippen Jr. Is an assist machine with the kind of court vision that usually takes seasons to sharpen; Jay Huff can sharp-shoot the three and the next possession take the ball up for a reverse dunk right in front of LeBron James.
And there’s no slouch in them. All down the roster, despite the injury gaps, Memphis counts seven players who average at least and typically more than 10 points a game. Of those seven, all split their minutes, with Jackson Jr. averaging the most at 29:20 a game. The result is an early depth that not many other teams can rival...
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 Breaking down the NBA Cup: Here’s a primer for the final night of group-stage games. (The Athletic)
Rumor Could the Utah Jazz be making moves before the trade deadline? Reports suggest that Collin Sexton and John Collins might be on the trading block as the team considers its future strategies. (SLCDunk)
Rumor The Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans reportedly broke off trade talks involving Brandon Ingram. It’s unclear if discussions will resume. (SLCDunk)
Analysis Examining whether the Utah Jazz are strategically tanking for a better position in the 2025 NBA Draft. A detailed look at team performance and future prospects. (Deseret News)
Preview The Jazz will take on the Thunder at the Paycom Center at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Ticket Booth
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NBA Cup: Jazz @ Thunder
Tuesday, Dec. 03 | 7:00 PM | Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, OK) | Get Tickets
Jazz @ Trail Blazers
Friday, Dec. 06 | 7:00 PM | Moda Center (Portland, OR) | Get Tickets
Jazz @ Kings
Sunday, Dec. 08 | 6:00 PM | Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, CA) | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Dejounte Murray’s Poor Shooting Return To Atlanta
Dec 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Injury Updates and Player Returns
As we navigate the NBA season, keeping an eye on player injuries and returns is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Jeremy Sochan is potentially making a comeback, and I recommend adding him in all league formats. Mark Williams is another player to watch, as he’s been upgraded to questionable. While his return isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth considering adding him to your roster. Meanwhile, Draymond Green is listed as questionable, but Steve Kerr has expressed doubts about his availability. This opens up opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Trace Jackson-Davis to step up in his absence.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire is buzzing with activity, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Vasa Micic is the most added player, filling in for the injured LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann. While this isn’t a long-term solution, Micic is a solid pickup until one of them returns. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is another player to consider, especially with the Magic’s favourable schedule. He’s a great streaming option, but don’t expect consistent season-long value. Marcus Smart is also gaining traction, and his recent performances make him a worthy addition.
On the flip side, Isaiah Stewart, Moussa Diabate, and Naji Marshall are among the most dropped players. Stewart’s value is inconsistent, making him an easy drop. Diabate’s minutes are dwindling, and Marshall’s role is uncertain. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome have also seen significant drops, with Jerome’s value plummeting due to Caris LeVert’s return.
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.
