The Utah Jazz's slow start may be hard to watch for fans, but the perfect scenario for the Jazz is beginning to play out. If things continue to play out the way they are, the Jazz's rebuild may finally be coming to a close.
The race for Cooper Flagg is on
The Jazz's 0-6 record is currently the worst in the NBA, and their next five games don't get much easier. While the season is still very young, the Jazz have failed to start hot as they have over the last two seasons, which could keep them in the top-five lottery odds to land a highly touted prospect like Flagg.
The Jazz's upcoming schedule doesn't get easier, with trips to Chicago, Milwaukee, and San Antonio up next, as well as Phoenix and Dallas coming to town, more losses are likely on the horizon. But a reminder to Jazz fans, this season isn't about winning, it's about seeing players get better, and that includes the veterans.
Veterans are playing well... enough to get traded
John Collins has had an amazing start to the season, averaging 14.7 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game, one block, and one steal per game, all in only 22 minutes per game off the bench. If Collins can continue this pace, or even close to it, he could receive some trade interest and be a quality depth piece on a contending team.
Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson are playing under 25 minutes a game but are putting up solid numbers. In their playing time, both are above 13 points per game, and Clarkson is averaging over three rebounds and three assists per game. While neither are leading the team in statistical categories, they are stepping up when Lauri Markkanen is unable to play. Clarkson had a 21-point game against Sacramento, and Sexton led all scorers against both Golden State and San Antonio.
Young talent is showing improvement
Welcome back Walker Kessler, who has had a big resurgence after his sophomore slump last season. Kessler is leading the team in rebounds with 11.2 per game and averaging three blocks per game. If he can become the rim protector the Jazz drafted him to be, he can be a solid piece in the rebuild.
Keyonte George has also impressed in some facets, and even though his shooting efficiency needs some work he has shown some real improvement as a point guard. George is averaging 6.5 assists per game and is distributing the ball well. It can be hard to rack up assists when the team is shooting 39.1% from the floor, but he is setting guys up well throughout the game.
Before suffering his devastating leg injury, Taylor Hendricks also flashed some of his potential, averaging five rebounds per game, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. The Jazz won't see what he's made of until next season, but there is promise.
It's still early, but this season is a great opportunity to see the team's youth develop, take their lumps, and build their core.