THE Utah Jazz The Red Sox are entering the third year of a rebuild that began with the trade of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. Despite starting from scratch just two years ago, the Red Sox have made some progress since restarting in the summer of 2022.
Signing All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen gives them a top-20 player to build on. Additionally, selecting starting point guard Keyonte George with the 16th overall pick gives Utah a prospect who shows he’s much better than his draft position.
So, is there light at the end of the tunnel for a fan base that wants the Jazz back in the playoff conversation sooner rather than later? The topic came up when ESPN NBA reporter Jorge Sedano joined The Sean O’Connell Show on ESPN 700.
“No, I don’t think they’re close, and I think it’s extremely difficult because the Western Conference is very tough and teams are up and down,” Sedano said. “It’s going to take some time.”
Jorge Sedano Talks Utah Jazz Rebuild, Lauri’s Contract Extension, College Football’s New Landscape and More https://t.co/LjEHoYyGqn
—ESPN 700 | 92.1 (@ESPN700) August 15, 2024
With the current Western Conference standings, only two teams are not ready for the playoffs. Along with the Jazz, the Portland Trail Blazers“The season will focus on player development and draft position. For Utah to take the next step, it will need to find a player equal to or better than Markkanen. That’s much easier said than done for the small-market Jazz.
It’s not out of the question that the player is already on the roster. Can George, Cody Williams or Taylor Hendricks far outperform their current projections? Then there’s the possibility of getting an upgrade via trade. Jazz CEO Danny Ainge has plenty of first-round picks that could be used to trade for an All-Star talent.
The most likely way to get on the fast track, though, is through the 2025 draft. This is a class full of franchise-changing players, like Duke University’s Cooper Flagg. If there’s ever a season to take your foot off the gas, it’s this one.
Regardless, the Jazz are in good hands thanks to Ainge’s track record. Sedano reminded Jazz fans that this isn’t Ainge’s first rodeo when it comes to building a champion from the ground up.
“The core of this team [Boston Celtics] “It was built by Danny Ainge doing real deals,” Sedano said. “Early on, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett eventually got him Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum. Again, I think there’s a history there, and that build took seven years or more to become a championship.”
Sedano may not be telling the truth, but Ainge had two third-overall picks in the draft to select Tatum and Brown. Since Ainge arrived, the highest pick the Jazz have received is the ninth overall pick that was used to select Taylor Hendricks.
If Utah wants to repeat Boston’s rebuild, the best way is to work its way to a top-five pick via the tank. It will be interesting to see how Utah allocates minutes to start the 2024-25 season. There is enough veteran talent to pick up a few wins, but it is in Utah’s best interest to focus on player development and embracing the tank for the upcoming season.
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