The Utah Jazz caught a bad break early when it was announced that Jusuf Nurkic was set to miss four weeks after a toe injury. Honestly, it's not that bad, and in a way, we should be grateful this happened before the season started instead of during the season itself. All that remains is getting to see who among their players could replace Nurkic for the time being.
The problem is that following the trade of Walker Kessler, Nurkic was the Jazz's most proven option at the five, even if they could turn to Jaren Jackson Jr. to fill the void until Nurk returns. After that though, it's slim pickings.
Look Kyle Filipowski, Jaxson Hayes, and Mo Bamba isn't the worst frontcourt rotation in the NBA (I think?) but it could be a struggle for the Jazz to accomodate without Nurkic. That's why tonight is going to be important to see who could fit best in the team's rotations while we wait for Nurkic's return.
Hayes is a solid center, but he's limited. Bamba is lesser so, but the Jazz brought him back for a readon. Utah shouldn't be looking at who's the best player between those three, but also who fits best with their guys.
They don't bring the same skills Nurkic does, but chemistry is important to winning basketball too
Filipowski won't play tonight
The Jazz announced that Filipowski also won't appear tonight, as he is nursing a lower back injury. This gives Hayes and especially Bamba the opportunities they deserve to show out for Utah. Again, they are fundamentally different from Nurkic and Filipowski, but that doesn't mean they can't be helpful for when this team is undermanned.
They won't get the same offensive savvy they would get from Nurkic or Filipowski, but Hayes and Bamba give them athleticism and shot-blocking. The question will be if that fits what Utah wants them to do.
It's funny because again, JJJ could simply fill in at the five. It may not be what the Jazz want, but even if he's better off at the power forward spot, there are much worse positions to be in than having Jackson, a Defensive Player of the Year winner at center.
Again, its preseason, so really what goes on from here is simply seeing what works and what doesn't. If Hayes and/or Bamba proves to be more useful than we all thought, then this Nurkic injury was a blessing in disguise (somewhat)!
Add us as a preferred source on Google