Keyonte George isn’t the guy the Utah Jazz should be focusing on right now.
For a rookie, Keyonte George hasn’t looked bad in his first three games. He’s played a net-neutral game so far, posting a +3.4 offensive box plus-minus and a -3.4 defensive box plus-minus, indicating that he isn’t really hurting the team by playing. He’s just not helping things any. And we know it’s early. That’s not an argument we’re going to dispute.
He could be the second-best player this season when it’s all said and done, or nearly unplayable; we simply don’t know. All we know is what we’re seeing right now. Simply put, he’s someone who can do well on offense, but he’s a defensive liability. And considering the biggest issue the team is currently facing is its perimeter defense, George just isn’t a player who makes sense to play.
Not over Ochai Agbaji. Agbaji has seen his minutes decline over the first three games from 19 to 12 to just six minutes of action against the Phoenix Suns. Likewise, George shouldn’t be playing 27 minutes. Not over Agbaji.
George shot 4-12 from the floor in his latest outing against the Suns, a truly terrible night of offense from the rookie. And if that wasn’t bad enough, his defense was nearly as problematic. He’s someone who is going to hurt the team as he plays. If he can’t score consistently to offset his poor defense, then what is he providing the team?
Especially when George is taking shots away from Kelly Olynyk, Simone Fontecciho, Collin Sexton, and Lauri Marrkkanen. Sexton isn’t a great player but he’s a far better scorer than George. He may be worse defensively but George hasn’t exactly proven to be a reliable defender.
So why put George in over Sexton when you know Sexton is the better scorer? More importantly, why put George in over Agbaji if you need better defense on the perimeter and better three-point shooting?
George has only proven one thing so far in his very short career; he’s inconsistent. If the goal is to see what the rookies and youngsters can do, tank for a better pick, and worry about competing down the line, okay, play George. But if we’re to believe the players and the coaches that the goal is the playoffs, George shouldn’t be getting minutes.
Not over Agbaji at least. If you want to sit Talen Horton-Tucker, go for it. Give George Horton-Tucker’s minutes. Give George minutes from guys who are either hurting the team or aren’t long for the team. Don’t give George minutes that should be given to guys who can help balance the defense out.
Agbaji likewise Kris Dunn, and Walker Kessler, need to be given good minutes to help this horrific defensive start. George isn’t a bad prospect, he’s just not ready to contribute in meaningful ways, and if you really intend to compete, then George can’t be the priority.