Utah Jazz Season Preview
Re-signed: Johnny Juzang, Lauri Markkanen
Additions: Drew Eubanks (free agent), Patty Mills (free agent), Svi Mykhailiuk (free agent)
Draft Picks: Cody Williams (No. 10 overall), Isaiah Collier (No. 29), Kyle Filipowski (No. 31)
Departures: Kris Dunn (to Clippers), Omer Yurtseven (waived)
Unsigned Free Agents: Talen Horton-Tucker, Kira Lewis Jr., Luka Samanic
Last Season Recap
The Utah Jazz continued their post-Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert rebuild with a 31-win season, signaling that they’re still in transition. Lauri Markkanen was the team’s standout player, but he managed only 55 games due to injuries. He posted All-Star-caliber numbers when available, but Utah lacked a complementary star to help lift them further. Jordan Clarkson had a down year shooting from three (29.4%), and while Collin Sexton had a solid season (18.7 points, 4.9 assists per game), the rest of the roster was inconsistent. The Jazz fielded 16 different starting players, reflecting their lack of established talent.
Summer Summary
The Jazz used their abundant Draft capital to bring in high-potential players like Cody Williams and Isaiah Collier in the first round, focusing on building for the future. Williams is expected to develop into a versatile forward, while Collier brings a strong all-around game to the backcourt. Kyle Filipowski, considered one of the better big men in college basketball, was a surprise second-round selection and could prove to be a valuable addition down the road.
The Jazz also added veterans like Patty Mills and Drew Eubanks to give the team leadership and depth, but their focus remains on youth and development.
Player Spotlight: Walker Kessler
Walker Kessler had a solid defensive season, averaging 2.4 blocks per game, making him one of the league’s elite rim protectors. However, his minutes were limited due to an underdeveloped offensive game. If he can refine his mid-range shot and improve in the pick-and-roll this season, Kessler could see a significant boost in minutes and production. His growth will be essential for the Jazz to establish a defensive identity and maintain competitiveness during this rebuild.
Season Outlook
The Jazz are still deep in their rebuilding phase, with Lauri Markkanen serving as the central piece of their future. His recent five-year, $240 million extension signals the franchise’s commitment to him as their cornerstone. This season will likely be another year of development as the team integrates new faces like Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier, and Kyle Filipowski, while also determining whether veteran players like Jordan Clarkson, John Collins, and Collin Sexton fit into the long-term picture.
Expect the Jazz to test their younger players and potentially be sellers at the trade deadline, particularly with veterans like Clarkson and Sexton. While a playoff push is unlikely, Utah will be focused on continuing to build a strong foundation for the future. The growth of their rookies and younger players like Walker Kessler will be key storylines to watch as the team prepares for a brighter future.
