The Utah Jazz's record won't show it, but this season had already been infinitely more fun to watch than the product they put up last season. Without getting too much into it, a lot is going right for the team right now, which definitely wasn't the case last season.
They haven't exactly won more games, but there's a lot more reasons to be optimistic about the Jazz's long-term prospects. Even better, some of those reasons weren't ones fans exactly expected, though some are.
1. Lauri Markkanen doesn't just look back. He looks like he's reached a new level
Before the season even started, there was plenty of clamoring about the potential of Markkanen returning to his All-Star form this season following his EuroBasket performance. Well, not only has he done just that, but he's looked like he's ascended to a potential All-NBA season when it's all said and done, should he keep playing like this.
The guy has just straight-up been balling. Now that the Jazz aren't intentionally throwing the season away, the kid gloves are off, and Markkanen looks better than ever. The real question is whether the Jazz plan to keep that kind of production or capitalize on his trade value while it's at its highest.
What's more surprising? The fact that said question is actually more rhetorical than anyone would have thought a month ago or that because Markkanen has played the best he ever has, the case to keep him is stronger than ever?
2. Keyonte George took the leap the Jazz hoped he would
There wasn't much talk about George coming into the season. Between his lack of improvement last season and his body language toward his Jazz teammates allegedly being worse, there actually wasn't much excitement around him anymore. Almost one month into the season, the only Jazz player being talked about more than him is well, Markkanen.
While many believed George has the potential to be special, many thought what would make him was special was becoming efficient. Everyone who thought that was wrong because George has proven himself to be excellent at everything except efficiency. Simply put, George looks like a two-way star that Utah should keep around for the long haul.
If he adds a consistent jumper to his game, then the label of franchise player comes into play. We're not joking.
3. Ace Bailey's unquestionably on the rise
Bailey didn't leap onto the scene from the jump with the Jazz. Let's be fair, though; he was sick and dealt with knee issues. The process was slow to start, but even when Bailey was struggling out there, the moment didn't look overwhelming for him.
Ever since the team elevated him to starter, he has looked so much better out there. He's put up back-to-back 20-point nights while making the effort to fit with the team. Certain players can put up those kind of numbers while simultaenously hurting their team in the process. That hasn't been the case with Bailey.
The Jazz wanted to be patient with their golden lottery pick, and that patience is already paying off, even with the season so young. By the end of the season, it may be clear that the Jazz have three franchise pillars to build around.
4. The Jazz are actually competing instead of rolling over
At first glance, the Jazz having a scoring differential of minus-5.5 sounds pretty disheartening. However, compare that to last season, where their scoring differential was minus-9.3, and it becomes much eaiser to conclude that even if they haven't won too many games, they are making it a fight with their opponent more often than not.
Front office management stressed that fans would not see a repeat of what happened last season. Even if the playoffs (or play-in) don't seem likely, the Jazz's play have indicated that they weren't lying. It will be tougher for the team to compete with Walker Kessler gone, and while they have been outclassed, the team has signaled they will still fight without one of the league's best rim protectors and rebounders.
5. They can get more competitive
Utah hasn't had its full roster (and never will with Kessler out), and Georges Niang is coming back soon enough. Niang should be expected to usurp Svi Mykhailiuk pending any major surprises. Basically, the Jazz are getting back one of the league's best shooters.
The phrasing here is more competitive and not better. Utah may not add too many extra wins, but Niang will make them harder to beat. His floor spacing should make life easier for the likes of Markkanen, George, and Bailey. Utah may be better off losing games, but if they can do that while simultaneously making their opponents earn the win, that keeps fans invested and excited about what's to come.
The Jazz may very well finish with a similar record to the one they had last season, but with the season less than a month old, it's already very clear that fans have plenty more to be excited about going forward.