4 burning questions for the Utah Jazz entering training camp
By Dan Lower
2. Is Collin Sexton part of the long-term plan in Utah?
The Jazz have a long term plan. They really do, right?
Knowing who is part of that plan is like reading the tea leaves, or telling a fortune. You never know when it's accurate or just hot air.
Collin Sexton surely is part of that plan, isn't he?
After a season in which he was readily available (78 games played, the most he's played since his 2018-19 rookie season), his most efficient numbers across the board for several years (18.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and .487/.394/.859 shooting splits), Collin seems set as the starter at the 2-guard for the foreseeable future.
Entering his age 26 season, Collin can align with Lauri Markkanen (27), and Walker Kessler (23), while providing solid leadership for the 2nd year guys (George, Hendricks, and Sensabaugh, all turning 21 this season).
A year removed from being 'injury prone', he's arguably the 2nd best player on the Jazz, behind Markkanen, and just entering his prime years. He's also playing on a very affordable contract, with $18.5 million owed this year and $19.1 million in 2025-26.
Likely, Collin is a building block, not a trade piece. Of the three draft picks they have made since his arrival, Cody Williams is the only one who might play some at the 2, but he's expected to play more at the 3. That, plus the Jazz not bringing in significant pieces in free agency at the spot or engaging in trade discussions for Collin, likely means he's sticking around.
Having to share minutes with Jordan Clarkson might be the only impediment to Collin's continued growth. And that could end up resolved during this season, especially if the team is out of playoff contention - Clarkson doesn't make a lot of sense on a rebuilding team. But Collin Sexton certainly does.