Will Hardy shines in first press conference as Utah Jazz head coach

The Utah Jazz and Quin Snyder made the decision to part ways after yet another unsuccessful playoff run in 2021/22, and after weeks of speculation, the Jazz announced that it was former Spurs and Celtics assistant Will Hardy that would be the next head coach of the famed franchise. Yesterday, the Jazz officially unveiled the young coach with an introductory press conference, and although nothing is won from a great press conference, first impressions mean a lot, and the reaction coming from Utah is that the first impression Hardy made was a good one, and that Jazz fans may really enjoy him over the next few years.

The Jazz have done a great job of selling the 34-year old on social media already, and after the press conference, fans will see a tough but likeable, and very hard working coach, something that is needed if Utah is going to finally take the next step in their goals of finally winning an NBA Championship. One of the biggest questions for Hardy has been about his age, and when asked about that, he had this to say:

"“Honestly, it’s not something I’ve really thought about, I’ve always just tried to make the most of every opportunity I’ve had… I really don’t think about it. I’m 34, and I’m ok with that”"

While the X’s and O’s are an important factor to Hardy, he stressed how important relationships were in building a winner here, and with established players like Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson on the team, it’s safe to say that good relationships can help this team going forward.

The main takeaway from the press conference however is just how Hardy will be approaching the job, and what he’ll be stressing most of all, and that’s ‘toughness, sacrifice and passion’, and if he brings that to the job, the Utah fans and players will hopefully buy in and support him as they look to build a winner going forward.

Only time will tell just how good Hardy can be as the head coach of the Utah Jazz, but if Danny Ainge and the front office put the right team on the floor for him, anything can happen. After the first press conference however, it’s hard to be anything but optimistic moving forward with the young Hardy as the man in charge of this team.