1. Lauri Markkanen
Of course, Lauri Markkanen is the top guy on this list. Who else would it be? He’s the team’s primary scorer, he’s one of the team’s better defenders, and the entire offense that Will Hardy is building will play through Markkanen. Of course, it was going to be him.
And just like Walker Kessler, Lauri Markkanen isn’t just here because of his talent, he’s here because of what would happen to the team if he struggles or gets hurt. Like with Kessler, the Jazz doesn’t have a second All-Star or Top 25 player on the roster. If Markkanen’s scoring is inconsistent or he gets hurt, the Jazz are doomed.
If Jordan Clarkson goes down, sure you lose some three-point play, but Collin Sexton can mostly do what Clarkson can. If John Collins goes down, Tayloer Hendricks can try and be a replacement. There isn’t a replacement for Markkanen, just like there isn’t a replacement for Kessler.
Protecting Markkanen and developing a nightly game plan where he can excel and carry the team has to be the priority going forward. The team won’t make the playoffs with either man out of action, but with Markkanen, not only will the offense suffer but the defense will too.
He’s a solid defender, and while he won’t make an All-Defensive team, he’s good enough to not worry about. Losing Markkanen would be devastating and that’s why he’s the top guy.