Facts about the Utah Jazz. 1. They are among the worst teams in the NBA. 2. Things are going according to plan for them. That's why they've received a high grade for their season has gone. They have 28 games left, and while the playoffs are out of the question, there are some exciting subplots to pay close attention to.
It may not count for a whole lot, but it counts for something. There are four questions that should be answered for the Jazz once their season resumes.
1. How for real is Isaiah Collier?
Collier has come alive for the last several weeks. He has been the Jazz's most impressive rookie since Donovan Mitchell. He's played so well that his starting role has been etched in stone for the foreseeable future. Now, all that remains is, just how good is the kid?
He's played well enough that the Jazz are likely going to see the full extent of what his potential is. Collier's play has been impressive enough that he could be the point guard of the future. However, does that mean he's a future statr? Nobody's saying yes to that, but nobody is saying no.
If he builds off of this, he might just be a franchise player in the making.
2. Who will miss the most games going forward?
One of the downsides of tanking is that suddenly, some of the team's best players are mysteriously out due to a new injury, and that is especially the case when the season begins to wind down and teams try their best to lose games to maintain their odds.
Don't be surprised if the likes of Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, John Collins, Jordan Clarkson, and Collin Sexton spend most of the what's left of the season watching from the sidelines. Granted, that will lead to their other youngsters like Collier getting more shine, but
It is a shame, but it comes with the territory of tanking for a high lottery pick. If the Jazz get their hands on Cooper Flagg, then it's worth it in the end. It might even be worth if even if they don't get Flagg.
3. Will any other young players step up?
Again, with their veterans likely taking a seat for many of their remaining games, younger talent will get to play more. The Jazz already know they've got something good in Collier, but this should be an opportunity for players like Keyonte George and Cody Williams to prove themselves. That could be just what all sides need since neither of those guys has had the season Utah wanted from them.
We must remember Collier needed a minute to find his footing in the NBA. While it is a shame that George and Williams haven't played as well as the Jazz would have liked, Collier's progression may signal that their time is coming, even if it won't be right away or as impressive as Collier's.
Guys like Kyle Filipowski and Brice Sensabaugh will also likely get more opportunities, but they've already proven some promise on their part.
4. How will KJ Martin factor into the Jazz's rotation?
Oh yeah, remember that the Jazz actually got someone they're going to play for the rest of the season? While KJ Martin is known best for how team-friendly his contract is, there is talent there. As unbelievable as it may sound, the Jazz might see him as a player more than an asset.
Martin is a high-flyer who started a couple of games for the Philadelphia 76ers before they traded him. He's not a future star, but he could be a solid complement in the Jazz's rotation going forward. He's young, athletic, and will likely have a chip on his shoulder after two teams traded him at the trade deadline.
It might be reach, but to dome degree, he could be a diamond in the rough for Utah.