The Utah Jazz played their final game before Christmas tonight, and while they definitely showed out, they ultimately fell short against the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers, 124-113 on the road. Now that they are on break for a few days, it has us wondering what is on the Jazz's wishlist this holiday season.
The Jazz couldn't be faulted for having big dreams, and even bigger presents they hope to get this Christmas. In a season that has challenged the franchise record for futility, the list could be long and detailed of what the Jazz want from Santa.
Danny Ainge is likely to be still doing his holiday shopping, as the NBA trade season officially opened on December 15th. And with injuries throughout the league in places like Miami, Orlando, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, the rumors are flying around like reindeer in the sky.
So what should the Jazz be asking for, under the tree this holiday season?
#4 - Defense! Tanking or not, it's really BAD.
The Jazz have struggled this year to defend, ranking 30th in the league in Net Defensive Rating (120.0) despite Walker Kessler's resurgence in the paint.
Keyonte George has been pushed and bullied a lot, and until he puts on more muscle and finds ways to dish the contact back on his opponents, that isn't going to change.
Collin Sexton is always game to play and defend. However, his small stature means he is on the wrong side of a lot of matchups and this costs the Jazz at times when he simply can't stop better guards.
Jordan Clarkson may score and slice through defenses when he's hot, but he gives up as much on the other side of the ball.
#3 - The rookies to get better enough, to play big minutes
The Jazz rookies have played more than last year's trio did at this point of the season, but that was skewed by Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh being in the G-League most of the first half in 2023-24.
Cody Williams started out with a significant role, but when it was apparent his confidence was crumbling, the Jazz sent him down to the Stars for a while.
Isaiah Collier has had moments, but also has been in the G-league longer than fans would like to see.
Kyle Filipowski has had the brightest moments of the three, but not enough time to really find his groove. Of the three, we should want to see him get a bigger role faster.
We want to see the rookies play, even if they don't start. Let them get 20-25 minutes a night. They won't grow on the bench. That leads us to our next wish!
#2 - Trades that help the rebuild make progress
John Collins has been great for the Jazz so far, and it's nice to see him getting interest on the trade market, without the rumors involving the Jazz giving up draft assets to move him.
The Jazz should do right by Collins and get him to a winning team. With Dallas, Houston, and Orlando all looking for frontcourt help, the Jazz might be on the advantage in dealing Collins and getting more of what they want in return - expiring veterans that won't interfere with the rebuild, or young prospects who will join it.
Jordan Clarkson's name has also been mentioned in trade rumors, particularly from teams that aspire to make the playoffs but haven't started how they would have liked. Don't be surprised if he's in more from here. As the pressure mounts on those teams to rise above slow starts, it's more likely that one of them will engage in a move sooner rather than later.
#1 - Cooper Flagg. No seriously, can we just have him now?
While we won't get the No. 1 pick under the Christmas tree, knowing that the Jazz are in the running for it should console the fans more than the past two seasons when we lost the big-ticket present in Victor Wembanyama in 2023 and fell to the No. 8 pick in 2024. This time around, we should be in the running for a real franchise talent, as the top four to five picks all look like future NBA stars.
Let's hope that Santa hears our pleas and we get a late Christmas present of Cooper Flagg in June, and some holiday cheer in the New Year to help with the long season ahead. Happy Holidays!