4 burning questions for the Utah Jazz entering training camp

With NBA training camps upon us, fans have questions about the Utah Jazz and how the 2024-25 season will go. The offseason, with fewer moves than expected, didn't provide a whole lot of answers.

There are a lot of things we still need to know about this team. From how the rookies will perform, to what roles the new veterans will play, what this roster will look like in a few months, what trades the Jazz might make, and if the Jazz can keep up in an ever-improving Western Conference. But I'll pick 4 questions and work on those for now.

Let's start with the best player on the team:

4. Can Lauri Markkanen be 'that guy' for the Utah Jazz?

After two seasons with the Utah Jazz, Lauri Markkanen's profile as a player has risen significantly from his early NBA years, where he was considered a borderline bust by some, and an underachiever by others.

Two years can change that kind of narrative. Markkanen has proven capable of being a #1 option in Utah and expanded his game beyond catch-and-shoot 3-pointers. His rebounding, passing, and leadership have improved significantly from his days in Chicago and Cleveland.

Now, with a freshly signed extension in hand, Jazz fans want to know if Lauri has another gear. Namely, can he step his play to that next level, become a perennial All-Star, and lead the Utah Jazz to a winning record and playoff contention? Can he be 'that guy' that ends up a Jazz legend, with his number in the rafters someday?

He will need to stay on the court a bit more. Markkanen hasn't reached the 70-games played mark in any of his 7 seasons. He missed 16 games in his first season with the Utah Jazz, and 27 last year. Avoiding the injury bug will be a huge part of him hitting his stride and removing doubts about his ability to lead this team to success.

Fighting through multiple defensive looks and improving his ability to read what the defense is throwing at him is another improvement that will take Lauri's game from good to great.

And finally, improving his toughness in the paint and drawing more foul calls. Lauri shot .899 from the line a year ago, but on 5 attempts per game, down 1 attempt a night from the season before. Imagine if he got to the line 7-8 times a night, and disrupted opposing bigs a bit more? Getting a few more fouls on defenders limits the minutes they can guard a guy like Lauri, and helps the Jazz overall.