Jazz insider explains why no development plan in Utah is foolproof
By Matt John
The Utah Jazz have made some curious moves over the past few days. Signing veterans like Svi Mykhailiuk and Patty Mills had a few people scratching their heads since the Jazz are going young for the most part.
However, The Salt Lake Tribune's Andy Larsen explained on his X account why the Jazz brought in Mills.
On the Patty Mills signing:
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) August 14, 2024
I certainly think it's possible he plays, even above Isaiah Collier. One of the Jazz's organizational philosophies has been "No Free Minutes" — that youth develops best by earning PT only when coaches believe they're the best options in their roles. pic.twitter.com/oihwnKTgHy
This led to some questions from one particular Jazz fan on X, saying that players don't develop if they don't play. Larsen then called this notion into question.
This is something I’d like to see actual analytical evidence on: does too much or too little playing time actually impact development? Or are we all just guessing based on anecdotes in both directions? https://t.co/f1rSNUJWCt
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) August 14, 2024
Previous Jazz development projects produced different results
Larsen then gave multiple examples of players whose careers turned out differently in Utah no matter how much playing time they got with the Jazz.
Not handed playing time, became a star: Deron Williams
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) August 15, 2024
Handed playing time, became a star: Donovan Mitchell
Not handed playing time, didn't become a star: Dante Exum
Handed playing time, didn't become a star: Trey Burke https://t.co/6nWOTHJzjI
This clearly illustrates that every player is different when they come into the NBA. Some of them are ready right away, while others need a minute or two to get their feet under them. Sometimes, the leap needs some time; other times, there was never a leap to begin with.
The Jazz are being questioned as much as they have because they have been too good to be considered one of the NBA's worst teams but too bad to be in the play-in. It's no-man's land, and if the Jazz want to take another step forward, they can't afford another season like that, no matter what direction they choose.
However, throwing away the season helps their odds of getting a potential franchise superstar, but it doesn't guarantee it. Just like giving a young pup minutes right away doesn't mean that's the best route to take. Nor does making them have to earn their minutes.
This season is projected to be a lot different from the previous two seasons. Some of the veterans will likely get put in the back seat in favor of their younger teammates who will get a longer look. Expect the Jazz to mix and match to see who will fit long-term and who will not.
The Jazz will do this because time is on their side for the time being. It'd be awesome if they have a player whose skill level compares to the likes of Deron Williams or Donovan Mitchell. That might come right away or it might not, or never at all.
The only way to know for sure is see how the Jazz utilize their young talent from here on out.