Typically, preseason doesn't mean anything. Teams are allowed to do whatever they want and it ultimately doesn't lead to much. For the Utah Jazz, they have been aching to show the world what they are as a team. It's not like they're going all out, but they are giving glimpses of the powerhous they are sure to become, even if it likely won't be right away.
Case and point: Ace Bailey. The guy looks like a beast just itching to break out. In the first half of their games, they've made it clear that they will be dangerous with him. They also confirm in those halves who is going to play in their rotation. You know who's been absent? Josh Green.
Green's playing time has been sporadic, and when he plays, it's typically with guys in their second unit. It really gives off the vibe that the Jazz don't value him all that much, but maybe that could change in the coming months. As of now, it doesn't that look good.
Green was a late-offseason addition, as he was acquired in exchange for Cody Williams and John Konchar. He is not a bad player, and he has experience playing for good teams. The problem in Utah is that he's surrounded by quality wings, like Bailey, Lauri Markkanen (likely to be starting at the three), Brice Sensabaugh, and Svi Mykhailiuk.
Those four not only project to be better for this team with what they bring to the table, but they also have continuity, which is why they have the edge over Green in the rotation. For the record, he doesn't deserve this. He is simply a victim of circumstance.
So... what do they do with him?
Green's biggest value to the Jazz right now is his expiring contract. It will give them flexibility. Theyc an either waige him so that he gets his chance at another contract down the line or they can use it to try to fix other areas of the roster.
The Jazz are currently dealing with a predicament with Walker Kessler no longer on the team and Jusuf Nurkic out with injury. If their frontcourt proves to be a problem - more specifically, their rebounding - this is where Green becomes useful. It's hard not to feel sorry for him though because he has bounced around quite a bit for the past year.
It's also very possible that we're reading too much into things. It is preseason after all. However, what makes it even harder in Green's case is that it's likely Josh Okogie will also be ahead of him in the depth chart. He willingly chose the Jazz this offseason.
It's weird to say, but it's possible that Green will wind up being a luxury for the Jazz when their wing depth takes a hit. He should be more than that, and hopefully, he will be. It just won't be in Utah.
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