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Jazz mid-season report cards: Grading Utah's starters

The All-Star break is upon us. How do we grade the Jazz's starting 5?

By Calvin Barrett

Lauri Markkanen shoots a fallaway jumper against the Oklahoma City Thunder
Lauri Markkanen shoots a fallaway jumper against the Oklahoma City Thunder / Alex Goodlett/GettyImages
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Point Guard | Kris Dunn - B+

Kris Dunn
Kris Dunn organizes the Jazz offense against Charlotte / Jacob Kupferman/GettyImages

Kris Dunn has come a long way in his career. After he unexpectedly splashed onto the scene last year, Dunn has found his place in Utah. Dunn specializes in terrorizing ball handlers with his on-ball defense and capitalizing on opposing offenses' mistakes. While he isn't a focal point for the offense, he has shot 40% from 3 and has limited turnovers. While he isn't Utah's point guard of the future, Dunn has proved he can be a reliable veteran, energetic teammate, and tone-setter for a Jazz team that is trying to learn their identity as a team.

Shooting Guard | Collin Sexton - A-

Collin Sexton drives past Damian Lillard in a game against Milwaukee
Collin Sexton drives past Damian Lillard in a game against Milwaukee / Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

I love everything Sexton brings to this Jazz team. He plays with the intensity of a sandstorm--he has infinite hustle and unwavering passion. When opposing defenses make eye contact with Sexton, it's like looking at Vigo from Ghostbusters II--all they see behind his eyes is a never-ending hallway of lava and despair. He's boasting a career-high PER this season and shooting 48% from the field and 39% from 3. Add that to his 17 points per game and 4.5 assists, and Collin Sexton has been having a season good enough to squash any trade talks. Sexton is in Utah's plans for the long haul.

Small Forward | Lauri Markkanen - A

Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen / Alex Goodlett/GettyImages

The 2023 Most Improved Player is still improving, and the NBA should be terrified. Lauri Markkanen is the best in the league at scoring assisted baskets and continues to be one of basketball's most efficient players. He was snubbed from this year's Western Conference All-Star team, despite averaging 23 points and 8 rebounds on 50/40/88 splits. Utah didn't have many options during the trade deadline to find a star to pair with Lauri, but Markkanen is the perfect star to have on a team trying to find their way in the league. He is a no-waste star and has proved that he is worth building around.

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