The Utah Jazz are in a position that has caused many to misinterpret their trajectory. Utah has decreased its win total in four consecutive seasons, with 2024-25 marking a franchise-worst record of 17-65—and a failed attempt to draft Cooper Flagg.
Despite missing out on the No. 1 pick, the Jazz have cracked the code on how to rebuild in a sustainable manner with a deep rotation of promising young players.
Utah's Las Vegas Summer League debut was a shining example of how compelling the talent in place is. The Jazz fell 111-105 to the Charlotte Hornets, but the key players all stepped up with tremendous showings that highlighted their untapped potential.
That may seem like an exaggeration, but four players who are likely to play big minutes in 2025-26 played against Charlotte—and all four stepped up.
Walter Clayton Jr., Isaiah Collier, Kyle Filipowski, and Cody Williams all played at least 27 minutes against the Hornets. During that time, they each showcased elements of what make them intriguing up-and-comers with the potential to far exceed their current expectations.
That materialized in each of those four core members of the Jazz's rebuilding efforts showing out on the offensive end of the floor.
Utah Jazz have already built a promising young core
Filipowski was the star of the show, posting 32 points, six rebounds, five assists, and a block on 12-of-17 shooting. He scored in every way, including a left-handed drive that resulted in a beautiful turnaround jump shot during which he created ample space to knock down a midrange jumper.
Filipowski was also active as an off-ball screener, turning those plays into pick-and-pop and pick-and-roll conversions. He even excelled in post-up, catch-and-shoot, and transition situations.
Not to be outshined, Collier posted 16 points, nine assists, and six rebounds in a performance that effectively picked up where his regular season left off. He created constant penetration, ran brilliant two-man action that allowed him to cut to the basket or find the open man, and even buried a pair of threes.
Clayton proved to be an excellent backcourt partner for Collier, posting 21 points, burying four three-point field goals, and making several crafty plays under the basket.
Perhaps the most intriguing development was the emergence of Williams as the productive scorer fans are hoping to see him become. He scored 21 points, as well, creating space with his strength and dribble to convert from midrange and get to the basket, and showing a willingness to attempt open threes.
Williams wasn't efficient from beyond the arc, but his willingness to shoot when given the chance is a promising sign nevertheless.
It was a promising display from a quartet that will be playing alongside three other promising up-and-comers during the regular season: Ace Bailey, Keyonte George, and Walker Kessler. The Lauri Markkanen factor continues to be the source of debates and conflicts, but the seven-man core Utah is building around has otherworldly potential to explore.
While many teams are still figuring out how to compete beyond the 2025-26 season, the Jazz have cracked the code by assembling a young roster with endless potential.