It's hard to think of another Utah Jazz player whose image did a complete 180 the same way Keyonte George did. After a disheartening sophomore campaign, the results from George since Year 3 have been nothing but positive. It's somehow gotten better ever since the season ended over a month ago.
George not only represented the Jazz at the draft lottery - sidenote: what a good luck charm! - but after Utah was awarded the No. 2 pick, apparently, George traveled to Chicago to watch the combine. KSL Sports' Ben Anderson revealed through NBA Draft insider Krysten Peek that he did that because he wanted to see his future teammates.
Speaking to @krystenpeek today, she said after the @utahjazz won the No. 2 pick in the lottery, Keyonte George stayed in Chicago longer so he could watch one of his future teammates at the combine.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) June 5, 2026
It's further evidence of George showing how much he loves being a Jazzman and wants to be here long-term. Anyone could do that, but what makes George's efforts stand out is because he has the makings of a future franchise cornerstone who has embraced the team even if there have been some bumps and bruises along the way.
Utah has had players with George's level of talent, but this level of loyalty? Nah, this doesn't happen that often. George's leap was enough evidence that he's a keeper in Utah, but him going out of his way to scout who he will play with next season?
As if Utah didn't enough evidence to keep him past next season already...
George is up for an extension (get it done guys)
The Jazz a few things to take care of this summer. First, they have to decide who they want with the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Then, they have to discuss what Walker Kessler's price tag will be. However, George's extension should also come up this summer.
Utah ultimately decided to put off extending Kessler last summer, which may persuade some to believe they could do the same with George. Nah, it's not the same situation. They didn't extend Kessler out of any lack of belief but because doing so would have taken out their cap room, so it was in their best interest to put it off until this summer.
George is a different story. The Jazz won't have the cap room next summer, so they don't have any reason to mess around with him. There's no telling what price they would re-sign him for, but he's proven enough that Utah should not lowball him.
The Jazz have this short window where they can pay their main guys good money while their young guys develop over the next few years. They may not be able to keep everyone, but George has signaled from his talent, youth, and loyalty that he's absolutely someone they don't want to lose.
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