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 Rookie Report at Halfway Mark
Jan 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (13) attempts a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
| Rob Gray-Imagn Images
As we approach the midway point of the NBA season, it’s time to take a closer look at our rookie class. What did we expect from these young players, and how have they performed so far? Let’s break down the progress of Isaiah Collier, Kyle Filipowski, and Cody Williams.
Kyle Filipowski: A Pleasant Surprise
Starting with Kyle Filipowski, the 32nd pick of the draft, we anticipated an offensive-minded, versatile big man with good passing and floor-spacing abilities. What we’ve seen has largely met those expectations, with some pleasant surprises along the way.
Filipowski’s physical strength has been a standout attribute, allowing him to hold his ground against NBA competition right out of the gate. His passing and ball movement have been as special as anticipated, showcasing his versatility as an offensive player.
However, the transition hasn’t been without challenges. Filipowski’s go-to college move, a spin in the paint, hasn’t translated well to the NBA level. He’s been adapting by becoming more perimeter-based in recent games. Defensively, some of the weaknesses that likely contributed to his draft position are becoming more evident as the season progresses.
Isaiah Collier: Speed and Vision
Isaiah Collier, the 29th pick, has shown flashes of the explosive speed and power we expected. His ability to beat defenders off the dribble with a single step has translated well to the NBA level. What’s been particularly impressive is Collier’s court vision and ability to play with pace – aspects of his game that have exceeded expectations.
However, Collier’s shooting remains a concern. His misses can be extreme, though there are signs of improvement in his shot consistency. He’s also facing challenges finishing at the rim against NBA-level competition, an area where he’ll need to adapt and grow.
Cody Williams: Potential in the Raw
Cody Williams, our 10th pick, might seem like a disappointment on paper with his current shooting percentages. However, it’s important to remember that Williams is a raw talent with immense potential. His physical frame is still developing, which impacts his current performance.
Despite the challenges, the core skills that made Williams an exciting prospect are still evident. His one-foot jump, drive ability, and length show promise. The key for Williams will be physical development and learning to assert himself more on the court.
For more insights and a deeper dive into our rookie analysis, tune into the Locked On Jazz podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Jazz Podcast:
• Tankathon standings and implications for the Jazz • Late-game analysis of Grizzlies, Rockets, and Timberwolves • The impact of pick protection on team strategies
Jan 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles up court against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. | John E. Sokolowski/John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Something I realized last night at the Warriors-Raptors game, perhaps more pressingly than the last time the team was in town a season ago — this thing isn’t going to last forever.
You wouldn’t get that impression from Steph Curry, who takes his pre-game warmup last and happily engages with the fans who show up an hour before tip-off to watch him. Curry’s off-court presence, compared to his superstar contemporaries, has always been demure and private, but watching him revel and work within that outsized adoration is a privilege in itself. No fan in attendance watching him take feathery lob after feathery lob, or take a volleyball spike to the basketball so he could meet it mid-air for a dunk, was thinking about the finite nature of Curry — performer or competitor.
Even if the underlying desire of proximity to greatness stems from the understanding that one day that greatness will no longer exist, that reality doesn’t translate in the moment. In the moment, there’s just Curry, laughing with his coaches, signing the backs of jerseys, going through footwork, prepping for the night’s game.
Where the impression of a dynasty in its final stages becomes more pronounced is through the words of Warriors coach, Steve Kerr. Asked about how difficult it is to maintain a dynasty, and Kerr reverted to Curry.
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.
Analysis TheDetroit Pistons are emerging as a serious surprise story this season. (TSN)
Biz Explosive court documents show co-conspirators and other shocking details in Jontay Porter’s ongoing betting scandal. (The Athletic)
Analysis The 2025 NBA mock draft offers a deep dive into potential picks and player comparisons, providing strategic insights that could impact the Utah Jazz’s future roster decisions. (Bleacher Report)
Trade If the 2025 NBA trade deadline were today, the Utah Jazz might consider moves to bolster their playoff prospects, examining potential trades to strengthen their lineup. (Bleacher Report)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Injury Update: Key Players Sidelined and Return Timelines For Fantasy Basketball
Jan 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (13) attempts a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray/Rob Gray-Imagn Images
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, injuries continue to play a significant role in shaping team dynamics and fantasy basketball strategies. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful injuries across the league and their potential implications.
The Utah Jazz are once again at the forefront of injury-related drama. Lauri Markkanen’s back spasms and John Collins’ hip issue have raised eyebrows, with many speculating about potential load management strategies. Keyonte George’s heel soreness has kept him out for five consecutive games, while Jordan Clarkson’s plantar fascia injury could potentially end his season. The Jazz’s injury situation is one to monitor closely, as it could lead to increased opportunities for players like Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier
In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s knee injury has kept him out for four consecutive games. This absence highlights the risks associated with drafting Embiid in the first round of fantasy drafts. With a busy schedule ahead, including back-to-back sets, Embiid’s playing time could be limited even upon his return.
For more insights and a deeper dive into NBA injuries and their fantasy implications, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
• Portland Trail Blazers injury updates
• Phoenix Suns roster changes and injury concerns
• Orlando Magic’s lengthy injury report and fantasy implications
3peat (ICYMI)
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
