Even if the Utah Jazz aren't expected to be title contenders, this is the first year in quite some time that there's some genuine excitement for what's to come from their end. While fans have every reason to be genuinely giddy for this season, that has also made these last several months quite agonizing.
Everyone knew that last season was the end of the tank. Besides the loaded draft class - which the Jazz benefited big time from - they also potentially owed Oklahoma City a golden asset - thankfully that never happened - so once that was taken care of, everyone knew Utah would start trying in the fall of 2026.
However, an unforeseen wrinkle happened before the tank even ended: the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade. There's been pretty much nothing to complain about from the JJJ trade, as he gives the Jazz so much versatility as a team by himself, it's not even funny.
However, getting him made the waiting game even harder because even if the tank was going to be over in two months, getting him signaled just how serious Utah was going to be from the jump this coming season. They went from the team that was simply going to start trying to the team that could actually do more damage than many initially anticipated.
The only downside? Fans were going to have to wait eight months to see their vision come to life!
The upside? It's almost over
The 2026-27 season is merely days away. Even if these past eight months have been tough to endure, there should be a massive reward for the wait. Now we're not only going to see a good Jazz team, but perhaps among the most unique Jazz teams in franchise history.
It likely won't culminate in a lengthy playoff run - never say never - but it may not matter because at the end of the day, fans just want to see them tally up some wins to their name for a change. Everything is set for quite the viewing experience. Here's to hoping nothing gets in their way.
Between incorporating JJJ and Darryn Peterson, giving Lauri Markkanen a good team for once, and Keyonte George itching to prove his breakout last season was no fluke, among other things, Utah has so much going for them this season.
There is bound to be some growing pains, and this is just the first step to what could be a glorious era of Jazz basketball. At times like those, even if the wait is agonizing to sit through, it is always worth it in the end.
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