People are unfairly misreading the latest Jazz news on Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Utah Jazz are tanking and are pulling out all the stops to ensure they get a high lottery pick. Jaren Jackson Jr. has a tumor in his knee that the Jazz clearly want to ensure never becomes a problem. Both of these things can be true, and even if his likely season-ending surgery helps Utah accomplish their goals, that doesn't make it any less of a concern that needs to be taken care of ASAP.

NBA Insider Chris Haynes was the first to report that Jackson has a PVNS growth in his left knee that will require surgery, which could very well end his season.

Because of how egeregiously the Jazz have been tanking all season long, and after winning their second consecutive game against one of the few teams worse than them, many have been quick to come to the conclusion that this is all strategy to help their tank.

JJJ's absence certainly helps Utah with their tanking this season, as he took no time at all to prove he was exactly who the Jazz have needed all along. But it sounds like what he's been dealing with is serious or has the potential to be, regardless of where the Jazz are as a team.

Now, if he had a sprain or something along the same vein, that would arouse justifiable suspicion (especially now), but a tumor? That's different. Look into the full details of this, and it's clear that this would have been a problem whether the Jazz were tanking or not.

There's a time & place to call Utah out for tanking. This isn't it

Utah has been getting flamed a lot lately for how they've been executing their tanking strategy. It's all valid, and the Jazz can't do anything about it, just like the NBA can't do anything about what they're doing. Unlike last year, they can't fine them for benching their guys because they are technically playing.

Here's the funny thing: all indications are that it will get worse over the next few months. Per Tankathon, Utah has the eighth-easiest schedule, so don't be surprised if they start benching their starters at halftime not too long after the season resumes post All-Star break.

But, this doesn't take away from how legitimate Jackson's condition is. Utah wants to prevent this from being an issue for reasons beyond their current predicament. Jackson is due a pretty hefty raise next season and they hope he'll be part of their glorious future, so they have good reason to take care of this before it got worse.

Confirmation bias is a powerful phenomenon. The Jazz's actions this season have given critics plenty of reasons to criticize them. This is not one of those times.