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 -Top 100 NBA Player
Jan 9, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) dunks the ball against the Miami Heat during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
| Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
As the NBA season progresses, the Utah Jazz continue to make waves with their young talent. One player who’s been turning heads is Walker Kessler. The question on everyone’s mind: Is Kessler a top 100 player in the league?
While he may not be on par with Rudy Gobert or Jarrett Allen just yet, Kessler is undoubtedly making his mark. His impact on the court is undeniable, and he’s showing potential to be a force in the league for years to come.
Kessler’s defensive prowess is particularly noteworthy. He’s already proving to be more impactful than players like Jakob Poeltl and Dereck Lively, who are currently ranked in the top 100. As he continues to develop, Kessler could find himself in the company of players like Myles Turner and Nikola Vučević.
The Rookie Landscape
This year’s rookie class has been a mixed bag, with many players struggling to find their footing in the NBA. Kyle Filipowski has surprised with his physicality and body strength, adapting quickly to the professional level. On the other hand, Cody Williams has shown flashes of brilliance but is still working on consistency and physical development.
Isaiah Collier, another promising rookie, has been less reckless than anticipated, though his shooting percentages leave room for improvement. It’s important to remember that rookies rarely excel in their first year, and this class is no exception.
Trade Scenarios and Future Prospects
As the trade deadline approaches, the Jazz find themselves in an interesting position. With a surplus of draft picks and young talent, the team may need to make some tough decisions. The idea of trading for established stars like Zion Williamson or Trae Young is intriguing, but it would require parting with valuable assets.
The concept of “second draft” players – those who might flourish in a new environment after struggling with their initial team – is also worth exploring. Players like Johnny Davis and James Bouknight could be potential targets for the Jazz as they look to bolster their roster.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Utah Jazz’s 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:
• Will Hardy’s unique approach to player relationships • The diversity of playing styles in the NBA • Evaluating the Ochai Agbaji trade decision
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Intuit Dome. | Kiyoshi Mio/Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard left the Clippers behind in Denver on Wednesday, he travelled solo back to Los Angeles to meet his family as they evacuated their home in the Pacific Palisades. As of Thursday, the Palisades Fire — the biggest of the five separate fires burning in L.A. — has scorched through close to 20,000 acres of land, homes, buildings and infrastructure. Leonard’s family and their home are safe, and because natural disasters thankfully still trump the audience demand for athlete participation, Leonard’s also able to be away from the team and focus on what’s most important.
Not to draw too flimsy a point between disaster and basketball, but Leonard’s return to the Clippers had been top of mind for me prior to the fires, and his necessary absence now offers another lens to view his prolonged absence this season.
After he was pulled from Team USA’s Olympic play this summer, Leonard underwent a surgical procedure on his right knee. It’s same knee he had surgically repaired after an ACL tear in 2021 and a meniscus tear in April 2023, as well as the quad injury that eventually led to him parting ways with the Spurs over concerns of recovery mismanagement.
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
Must Read Steve Kerr and JJ Redick share the impact of the Los Angeles fires on their families’ lives. (ESPN)
Biz Aging NBA stars like Jimmy Butler may be in for a rude awakening. (Forbes)
Replay The Utah Jazz faced a challenging matchup against the Miami Heat, ultimately falling short in a closely contested game. Key performances and strategic insights highlight the game’s pivotal moments. (SLCDunk)
Ranking In the latest NBA Power Rankings, the Utah Jazz’s position is analyzed as teams gear up for the trade deadline. This evaluation provides insight into their current standing and future prospects. (Bleacher Report)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Friday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Slate: Injury Updates and Streaming Options
Jan 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) drives against Washington Wizards forward Richaun Holmes (22) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The NBA action continues with seven games on tap for Friday, and there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines to follow. Let’s dive into the key matchups and player situations that fantasy managers need to keep an eye on.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Pelicans-Sixers matchup is plagued by absences on both sides. For New Orleans, Herb Jones (shoulder), Brandon Ingram, and Trey Murphy (ankle) are all sidelined. However, Zion Williamson is set to return after sitting out the previous game. The Sixers will continue to be without Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, and KJ Martin.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
The Magic are on a back-to-back, while the Bucks are in a favorable schedule spot. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton are all listed as probable for Milwaukee. Orlando will be without Gary Harris, and Jalen Suggs is expected to remain sidelined. Paolo Banchero is reportedly set to return for this game.
Isaiah Collier’s career night and Will Hardy on the importance of wins
Isaiah Collier’s breakout performance and game-winning shot for the Utah Jazz take center stage in this episode. David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, analyzes Collier’s impressive 23-point, 7-rebound, 7-assist night against the Brooklyn Nets. The rookie’s development, particularly his improved shooting and growing confidence, is dissected alongside the broader context of the Jazz’s current roster composition and competitive landscape.
POSTCAST - Isaiah Collier game winner gives Utah Jazz win over Brooklyn Nets
Isaiah Collier shines as the Utah Jazz edge out the Brooklyn Nets 112-111 in overtime. David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, and Ron Boone break down the young guard’s game-winning play and overall performance. Collier’s speed, strength, and swagger are on full display as he overcomes late-game mistakes to secure the victory.
POSTCAST - Utah Jazz’s Offensive Rebound Dominance Shines Against Suns
