This series evaluates the market value of each Utah Jazz player. Players are ranked based on their recent and cumulative performance, contract value and potential. Values are assigned using standard letter grades and changes are noted in each update. Players with a market value below C are considered negative. Feel free to comment your thoughts on player values in the comments section!
Welcome to the Utah Jazz Player Value Report. In this ongoing series, I will attempt to provide a “market valuation” of each Jazz player, based on factors such as their recent and cumulative play, contract value, and potential. Granted, this series comes at a tricky time in the season, as player values mean less now than they would during the offseason or before the trade deadline. That said, now is a great time to test this concept and receive feedback from the community. Please share any changes you would like to see in the comments.
For this first stock market valuation, we will adopt a more cumulative perspective on each season of Jazz players. In other words, if the offseason were today, what would be the trade value of each Jazz player based on their performance this season? These will be considered each player’s “opening price”, so “previous values” will be excluded this week. Instead, I’m going to assign a general trend line for the players’ season. The ranking, here:
1. Lauri Markkanen <—>
Current value: A
Previous value: NA
Lauri Markkanen is Utah’s most valuable trade asset. Although he has regressed slightly in his performance this season (and more particularly in his defensive impact), Markkanen remains one of the 30 best players in the NBA. His limitations as an isolation scorer keep him from reaching the upper echelons of NBA player values, but his efficiency and versatility remain extremely valuable. If the Jazz find a reason to trade Markkanen, expect a big return.
2. Keyonte George ↑
Current value: B+
Previous value: NA
Since becoming a full-time starter at Utah’s point guard, Keyonte George has shown immense progression. Probably the only “untouchable” player outside of Markkanen, George holds the potential to become Utah’s long-term solution at the starting position. For now, trading it requires a spectacular return.
3. Collin Sexton ↑
Current value: B
Previous value: NA
Coming off the bench at the start of the season, Collin Sexton has impressed since entering the starting lineup. He’s averaging up to 18.2 points per game with shooting splits of 48.3/40.4/86.1 percent and is Utah’s second-leading scorer. Although his size and low defensive impact prevent Sexton from becoming a truly valuable asset, his offensive production remains impressive.
4. Walker Kessler ↓
Current value: B
Previous value: NA
Walker Kessler’s struggles have been well documented this season. After an impressive rookie campaign, Kessler failed to replicate his two-way impact this season. While he’s still young and has plenty of time to develop, it’s fair to wonder if his role on future competitive Jazz teams is as important as it originally appeared.
5. Taylor Hendricks <—>
Current value: B
Previous value: NA
As an extremely young and extremely raw rookie, Taylor Hendricks’ value has less to do with his production and more to do with his potential. While the 9th overall pick has struggled to find rotation minutes this season, he recently had the opportunity to get some real NBA experience. As things stand, Hendricks remains a significant question mark for Utah’s future.
6. Jordan Clarkson ↓
Current value: B-
Previous value: NA
This season, Jordan Clarkson has neither scored effectively in basketball nor made a defensive impact. In fact, considering his usage and minutes, he ranks among the worst players in the NBA in both departments. While he likely regressed as a player, much of that is likely attributed to the apathy that came with playing on another losing team at his age. Once his cheaper contract kicks in next season, expect buyers to come knocking on Utah’s door.
7. Kris Dunn ↑
Current value: B-
Previous value: NA
Kris Dunn resurrected his career with the Utah Jazz. A stalwart defender with surprisingly good length and athleticism, Dunn profiles as Utah’s best stopper on the perimeter. However, given his age and limitations on offense, his role will likely never be bigger than a situational bench piece. Still, Dunn could help a number of competitive teams across the league on the sidelines.
8. Brice Sensabaugh <—>
Current value: C+
Previous value: NA
If there’s one player on Utah’s roster to be optimistic about for the remainder of this season, it’s Brice Sensabaugh. The late first-round pick was largely relegated to the G-League, but recently got the opportunity to start at the NBA level. He has set two consecutive career highs and clearly has the ability to make tough shots. Nonetheless, developing ancillary skills remains a major concern for Sensabaugh. This, combined with his limited minutes thus far, keeps his value from rising above a C+.
9. John Collins <—>
Current value: C
Previous value: NA
Unfortunately for John Collins, his value has less to do with his performance and more to do with his contract. With an average salary of around $25 million, Collins simply hasn’t provided enough production to justify his salary. For this reason, the Jazz would likely have a hard time finding a trade partner for him. However, contract aside, Collins has found a larger role on the roster since the turn of the calendar and stands as the best rebounder on Utah’s roster.
10. Talen Horton-Tucker ↓
Current value: D+
Previous value: NA
Talen Horton-Tucker has had a roller coaster season. After starting the season as Utah’s starting point guard, Horton-Tucker fell to the back of the rotation. Despite being a player with tantalizing physical attributes, Horton-Tucker simply makes too many uncontrollable and ill-advised plays with the basketball. Currently, most of Horton-Tucker’s value comes from his contract expiring.
Not enough data
Players: Omer Yurtseven, Luka Samanic, Johnny Juzang, Kira Lewis Jr., Micah Potter
Either these players simply haven’t played enough to merit a full evaluation, or they don’t have enough positive/negative value to warrant a ranking. Of the group, Omer Yurtseven and Luka Samanic are the most deserving of a ranking, but are just starting to play consistent minutes. As it stands, Yurtseven has provided solid minutes as a third-string center and Samanic has struggled to keep up with the pace of the NBA.
