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
Monster Stretch for Keyonte George
Keyonte George’s Development: A Critical Stretch Ahead
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, it’s time to focus on Keyonte George’s progress. The next 20-25 games are crucial for evaluating his development and potential as a key player for the Utah Jazz.
George’s rookie year was a mixed bag, with shooting struggles and a high usage rate that may have been too much to handle. I’ve always maintained that we should disregard the final stretch of last season when judging George’s performance, as he was playing without significant talent around him.
This season started rough for George, with one of the worst stretches for a regular NBA rotation player. However, there’s been a noticeable improvement in the last 13 games. He’s shooting 43% from the field and 39% from three-point range – numbers that suggest he could develop into a solid NBA starter.
The Importance of the Current Stretch
The upcoming period is critical because the team composition might change by February or March. George needs to capitalize on playing alongside veteran players who can create opportunities for him. This is his chance to show that he can be a viable fourth or fifth option on a competitive team.
What’s encouraging is George’s off-court maturity and on-court composure. He’s calmed down, stopped forcing plays, and is making fewer careless turnovers. His catch-and-shoot numbers have improved significantly, though his off-the-dribble shooting still needs work.
Defensive Concerns
Last night’s game raised some eyebrows about the Jazz’s defense, particularly with allowing an unusually high percentage of shots at the rim. However, this seems to be an anomaly rather than a trend. The Jazz have generally been good at denying rim attempts this season.
It’s worth noting that when we field lineups focused on player development, like pairing Isaiah Collier with Kyle Filipowski, our defensive metrics naturally suffer. This is part of the growth process and shouldn’t be overly concerning at this stage.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Jazz’s defensive strategies and player development, tune into the Locked On Jazz podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Jazz Podcast:
• Late game analysis of recent NBA matchups
• Phoenix Suns’ struggles and Kevin Durant’s usage
• Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets’ playoff potential
The Orlando Magic are giving a one-fingered salute to the universe
Dec 26, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) dunks during the second half against the Miami Heat at Kia Center. | Mike Watters/Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic will never stop.
Injuries have piled up like rush hour traffic near the Disney parks. Orlando’s three best offensive players — Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Mo Wagner — are all out, the first two with rare torn oblique injuries and the latter for the season with a torn ACL. They should be dead and buried, with the funeral service concluded long ago.
Instead, the Magic keep raging, sticking out their middle fingers to the basketball gods who seem determined to throw every obstacle imaginable in their path. They’re 3-3 in the six games since the elder Wagner’s injury (including the win in which he went down in the first quarter), pairing a defense that gets more ferocious after each blow with an offense that has cobbled together just enough points to keep things interesting.
Jalen Suggs has become the de facto number-one option, a role he is ill-suited for. Suggs is shooting 41% from the field and 31% from deep, but you’d never know fromthe 37% usage (a monstrous figure) he’s posted in the last six games. The Magic’s offense looks best when someone else can help him out. Rookie Tristan da Silva has been the unlikely second banana many nights — he’s had five games in his last eight of at least 15 points after only notching one such performance in his first 23. Consistency, unfortunately, is hard to find; da Silva also had two games in his last three where he scored exactly zero points.
But there are still plenty of reasons for concern.
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
Replay The Utah Jazz opened the New Year with a thrilling game against the New York Knicks, showcasing standout performances from Collin Sexton, Keyonte George, and Jordan Clarkson. Relive the action-filled moments from New Year’s Day. (SLCDunk)
Analysis Explore the 2025 NBA mock draft predictions, with pro comparisons and full two-round projections, including insights on future prospects who could impact the Utah Jazz. Delve into the detailed mock draft analysis. (Bleacher Report)
Fantasy Basketball Implications of Jaden Ivey’s Injury
Jan 1, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) grabs his leg as he falls to the court after being injured against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel/Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The start of 2025 in the NBA has been nothing short of chaotic, with injuries taking centre stage. Jaden Ivey’s injury is particularly concerning, as it appears to be quite serious. The Detroit Pistons guard was having a strong game with 22 points and five three-pointers before the unfortunate incident. The severity of the injury suggests that Ivey might be sidelined for the remainder of the season, which is a significant blow to the Pistons and fantasy managers alike.
Fantasy Implications of Ivey’s Injury
With Ivey potentially out for the season, the Pistons will need to adjust their lineup. Ausar Thompson is likely to see an increase in minutes and responsibilities. Thompson’s ability to contribute across various categories makes him a valuable pickup in fantasy leagues. While his shooting may be inconsistent, his defensive stats and hustle play could provide a much-needed boost to fantasy rosters.
Malik Beasley might also see an uptick in playing time, although his recent performances have been less than stellar. Beasley is primarily a points and threes contributor, and his role could expand in Ivey’s absence. For those in deeper leagues, Marcus Sasser could become a viable option, especially if Cade Cunningham faces any setbacks.
Click the button below to see who’s rising and falling on the Bulls and Wizards.
POSTCAST - Brice Sensabaugh shines in Utah Jazz’s thrilling game against the 76ers
David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and NBA Insider, and Ron Boone break down the Utah Jazz’s narrow 114-111 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. The podcast highlights the Jazz’s strong performance, including a 12-point lead early on and multiple lead changes in the second half. BrIce Sensibaugh’s standout game is dissected, with his efficient 20-point performance on just nine shots drawing praise.
POSTCAST - Scoot Henderson buzzer beater negates Lauri Markkanen’s game tying 3
David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, alongside Ron Boone and ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, dissect the Utah Jazz’s nail-biting 122-120 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The trio analyzes Scoot Henderson’s game-winning buzzer-beater, Walker Kessler’s impressive defensive performance, and the Jazz’s remarkable 21-of-42 three-point shooting. They explore the development of young players like Isaiah Collier and the impact of role players Drew Eubanks and Johnny Juzang.
POSTCAST - Utah Jazz Walker Kessler’s Rebounding Dominance Shakes Up Cleveland Cavaliers
Walker Kessler dominates the glass as the Utah Jazz battle fiercely against the Cleveland Cavaliers. David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, and Ron Boone break down the Jazz’s 124-113 loss, highlighting Kessler’s impressive 16-rebound performance, including 8 offensive boards. The duo analyzes Kessler’s growth, comparing him to Jarrett Allen and discussing his impact on both ends of the floor.
