Because the Utah Jazz are in a rebuild, there'd be plenty of attention focused on their rookies coming into the season. The 2024 NBA Draft did not boast much talent coming in, so it's not a surprise that no one in particular has stood out, and that includes the Jazz's rookie class.
That's not to say it's been all bad. Kyle Filipowski looks like he can be a dependable stretch big for years to come, Isaiah Collier had a breakout game not too long ago, and Cody Williams showed a glimpse of what the Jazz see in him not too long back.
But it's fair to suggest that the rookie class hasn't exactly lit the world on fire. Because they as a whole haven't really made themselves stand out, Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes gave them a midseason grade of a D+.
Hughes cited Williams hardly making an impact in his playing time and Collier's shooting woes as reasons for his harsh assessment of the Jazz's rookie class. He didn't criticize Filipowski at all, but perhaps that's what happens when a second-round pick outperforms expectations but doesn't have high expectations coming in.
The assessment is fair, and it's not exactly a good look since the Jazz will continue to embrace their youth movement for the next few years. However, there's a silver lining to the Jazz's rookie class getting such a hard grade halfway through their first NBA season.
The Jazz will play the long game with their rookies
This assessment was brutally honest, but it also serves as a reminder that there is plenty of time left for the Jazz's rookie to find their footing in the NBA. Filipowski has been about as good as the Jazz could have asked him to be, so asking more from him this season is unfair.
In Williams' and Collier's case, their development will take time, but the potential is undeniable. The Jazz also did not throw them to the wolves because they have players who play their position. If and when those players leave, they'll see what those two youngsters can do. If and when they get the chance, they may not show vast improvement, but the Jazz can afford to be patient.
Something that Hughes mentioned is that Collier had one of the best games a rookie has had this season. While that would point to being more evidence of how weak this draft class is, it also shows that Collier deserves the benefit of the doubt.
By that same logic, so does Williams. There's no denying that the Jazz's rookie class overall has left plenty to be desired with half a season under their belt. However, Utah knew that was a possibility and has every reason to continue their youngsters' development regardless, even if their progress comes at a snail's pace.