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
EMPTYING THE NOGGIN - Have the Jazz found Keyonte George’s happy space
• The Jazz got solid floor games from Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George. The Jazz started the two of them together with Collin Sexton out of the game. It was a fun combination to watch. They have not played much together this year. Collier has only played 130 minutes with Keyonte so far this year.
• Playing with Collier is allowing Keyonte to play off the ball. The eye test says it makes him much more comfortable and lessens his burden of running the offense and controlling the game. So far this year Keyonte has taken 58 shots when on the floor with Collier and his EFG% is 59.5%. He is outperforming is shot quality by 10% so some of this could be small sample size. Keyonte without Collier on the floor has an EFG of 47.9% right at his shot quality.
• What does this mean? Right now, Keyonte is shooting much better when he is playing off the ball. However, the shot quality he is getting is not that different, so this may be just a very small sample size, and over time, they will level out. However, for the time being, the shots Keyonte is getting when he is playing off the ball with Collier, he is making at a much higher rate than otherwise.
• It also allows Keyonte to play without the ball in his hand so the number of turnovers is way down. The Jazz were great at taking care of the ball last night only turning it over on 12% of their possessions. The Jazz last two games are their best two games of the season at taking care of the ball.
• I am curious if Will might leave Collier in at point guard just because the turnovers are down by so much. In the games Collier has started the Jazz have their best game at taking care of the ball, their 2nd best, 5th best, 7th best, 10th best so 5 of their 10 best games this year of taking care of the ball are with Collier at the point and he has only started in 8 games.
• Not sure how you would do that, but maybe you will bring Sexton off the bench and then have he and Brice play together some in the second unit.
• Drew Eubanks is athletic. In each of the last two games Eubanks has lured an offensive player into going for a dunk at the rim by playing rop a dop and hanging back and then when they come to the rim he rises and blocks the shot. He also had a one-handed alley opp dunk where he got UP, had an impressive low post spin to the baseline, and rose up for a dunk. He is a Bonafide backup big in the NBA
• Jazz defending the dribble drive in this game was poor.
• Everything I discussed above was about Keyonte on offense. His career will be largely determined by whether he ever defends.
• I have no idea what I think of LaMelo Ball after watching him in person. Everything is loud. The good and the bad, It is hard to even keel in evaluating Ball. He is unbelievably talented. Is his looseness responsible for their losing? He mentally checked out of the game for a while when he didn’t get a pass he wanted. Then in the 4th he made a ton of plays.
Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before a game at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
I only get to write this column once per week, so while we’re still technically a game or two short of the halfway marker for most teams, I’m here with some second-quarter awards anyway!
These are honors for the second quarter and second quarter only; they aren’t predictive. Word count limitations mean I have no margin for a longer introduction. You get it.
Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
When it comes to analyzing defense, it isn’t fair to lump wings and guards with bigs; it’s like comparing a sports car to a heavy-duty pickup truck when you can only buy one vehicle. Instead, I split Defensive Player of the Quarter into interior and perimeter editions.
My Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter won’t shock: it’s Victor Wembanyama. I could throw a bunch of advanced analytics at you to prove the case, but instead, I’d ask that you join me in prayer: Holy mother of basketballs, protect your children from the harm Wembanyama inflicts upon them.
Ok, fine, here’s one fun, if basic, number. In the season’s second quarter, Wemby had an outrageous 69 blocks. That’s 30 more than second-place Myles Turner, despite the fact that Turner played in three more games. Let’s not waste time here.
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.
Replay The young Utah Jazz team showed resilience but ultimately fell short in a 117-112 loss against the Hornets. Fans can relive the game’s critical moments and analyze the key plays that defined the match. (SLC Dunk)
Analysis Week 13 grades are in for the Utah Jazz rookies, highlighting their development and impact on the team. This detailed analysis provides insights into how each rookie is progressing. (SLC Dunk)
Trade As the 2025 trade deadline approaches, the Utah Jazz are evaluating their dream and realistic targets. Potential moves could significantly impact their roster and playoff prospects. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis In the 2021 NBA re-draft, Evan Mobley and Franz Wagner challenge Cade Cunningham for the top spot. Dive into this comprehensive review of draft performances and potential rankings. (Bleacher Report)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Nick Richards Traded to Phoenix Suns: Fantasy Basketball Impact and Analysis
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. While not a blockbuster deal, this move has significant implications for fantasy basketball managers.
In exchange for Richards, the Hornets received Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, while the Suns also got a second-round pick in return. At first glance, it might seem like the Suns got a steal, but let’s take a closer look at what this means for Richards’ fantasy value.
Richards has been averaging 21 minutes per game this season, putting up 9 points and 7.5 rebounds with 1.2 blocks. These numbers have him ranked 205th in category leagues, which is far from impressive. However, the change of scenery could potentially boost his value.
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
