The Utah Jazz getting Keyonte George extended on what could be a very team-friendly deal is a big deal for all sides involved. However, they must not ignore the elephant in the room: a plus-defender, he is not. He proved a lot last season, but left a lot to be desired on that end.
During Jazz Media Day, George was asked about what his approach will be defensively this season.
“Being one of those guys that you don’t really want to hunt towards the end of the game. That’s what I’ve been focusing on.”
George added that he wanted to improve as an on-ball and help defender.
Honestly, George is saying all the right things, which continues a pattern from last year where he wanted to take more of a leadership role. There are questions about the Jazz defensively this season, and much of that pertains to George, who is not only expected to be one of their best players, but will be tasked with holding his own on that end if Utah is serious about winning this season.
It's not like he's going to turn into Jrue Holiday or Alex Caruso on that end, nor does he have to. He just have to prove he can't be exploited. It sounds like he is aware of this and wants to take ont he challenge head on.
If George is *neutral* that's huge for Utah
Last season, it was already a fantastic development that George figured out how to be consistent. It showed that he truly wants to be both the right amount of effort and have the right approach to get better as a player. If that can translate on defend, the Jazz catch another break from it.
The bar for George is simple: just don't be a weakness on that end of the floor. Utah wants to make a statement this season, and if they succeed, their opponents will want exploit any mismatch they have at their disposal. For how talented Key is, he's small, so opponents will go at him to beat Utah until either he can rise above it or the Jazz know how to cover for him.
Offensively, there should be absolutely no questions about George this season. He's basically the whole package who could make his very first All-Star team if all breaks right for both him and the Jazz. However, a title contender needs as few leaks as possible. George's defense overall could factor into what separates the Jazz from a frisky team to an undeniable threat in the West.
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