It's not like the Utah Jazz entered the season expecting to push for the playoffs. In fact, despite keeping Lauri Markkanen seemingly for the long haul, they were largely expected to be among the NBA's worst of the worst.
For that reason, it's not the worst thing in the world if some of their guys have to miss some time. Well, as long as their injury is not along the lines of that just awful injury Taylor Hendricks suffered. Even outside of Hendricks' injury, the Jazz have been ravaged by them.
Isaiah Collier got hurt before the season even started, Lauri Markkanen had to miss some time due to back spasms, and now, Keyonte George is questionable for their next game against the Spurs.
Jazz Injury Report:
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) November 8, 2024
QUESTIONABLE - Keyonte George (left foot soreness)
OUT - Taylor Hendricks (right fibula fracture)
OUT - Micah Potter (G League)
OUT - Jason Preston (G League)
OUT - Oscar Tshiebwe (G League)
This happening is a little inconvenient for George since it hasn't been too long since his breakout game against the Bulls. They haven't deemed him out yet, but it would be a shame to see him not get to build on a promising performance knowing that he's expected to factor into the Jazz's future.
If he's out, of course, he should take the time he needs to recuperate. His absence will likely factor into how the Jazz do, and knowing their place in the NBA, another loss isn't bad. The Jazz losing more games is best for them, and they've done just that. There's just one thing that's been annoying about the injuries.
The injuries prevent them from seeing what they look like at full strength
Remember when the Jazz fought tooth and nail against the Grizzlies on opening night? Sure they lost that game, but that was fun. It showed that, despite the loss, the Jazz were not a completely hapless team.
Losing isn't fun to watch overall, but watching them compete is because they can have their cake and eat it. When guys miss time, even if they were going to lose anyway, it is a shame that the Jazz don't get to see who can mix and match.
Having George potentially go out just as Markkanen just returned is a little frustrating because they are seen as the Jazz's two potential cornerstone's of their future. Markkanen is a star while George has shown that there is legitimate star potential to his game To not see them get the chance to develop chemistry together is a travesty.
It's already bad enough that the Jazz won't see what Hendricks is made of for another year. Especially since their mindset was to throw him to the wolves by having him start at small forward. But to not see the team's best players develop continuity, even if it won't lead to many immediate wins, is just frustrating.
In a season where the Jazz were already not expected to be that good, the basketball Gods have somehow given the fanbase a reason to be frustrated early on. Here's to hoping that this will not be a recurring issue throughout the season.