The new Utah Jazz mean business

After years of rebuilding, the Utah Jazz finally appear to have a clear direction. For the first time since trading Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell in 2022, the franchise enters the offseason with a defined vision and a legitimate foundation for the future.

The tanking strategy during the 2025-26 season, which ended with a 22-60 record – the worst in the Western Conference, tied with the Kings – earned Utah the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which the franchise used to select Darryn Peterson. However, the biggest move of the rebuild actually came at February’s trade deadline, when Utah acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies.

On paper, the Jazz have a young, deep roster with the potential to compete for at least a Play-In Tournament spot. Before taking that next step, however, two questions remain: the health of their core players and whether the coaching staff can establish balanced offensive roles.

The Jazz frontcourt could become one of the NBA’s best

If everyone stays healthy, few teams can match the trio of Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Walker Kessler.

Markkanen remains the team’s primary offensive weapon. He averaged 26.7 points and 6.9 rebounds during the 2025-26 season while shooting 47.7% from the field and showcasing a much more complete offensive game. After becoming almost exclusively a spot-up shooter the previous year, the Finnish forward returned to attacking the rim and creating off the dribble. His biggest obstacle was a hip injury that sidelined him for much of the second half of the season. At 29 years old, he remains one of the league’s toughest big men to defend thanks to his combination of size and shooting, though managing his health will be critical.

The arrival of Jaren Jackson Jr. has the potential to transform Utah’s defense. The former Defensive Player of the Year is one of the NBA’s elite shot blockers, bringing rim protection, mobility, and three-point shooting – an uncommon combination for a big man. Between Memphis and Utah, he averaged 19.4 points and 5.7 rebounds, while posting 22.3 points per game in his three appearances with the Jazz before his season ended following left knee surgery. His well-known weaknesses remain: inconsistent rebounding for a player of his talent and a tendency to commit fouls.

Completing the frontcourt is Walker Kessler, already regarded as one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors. Before undergoing shoulder surgery, he averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks while shooting an outstanding 70% from the field. Entering restricted free agency this summer, Kessler is considered untouchable by the front office, which views the Jackson-Kessler pairing as a perfect complement. Jackson can stretch the floor as a power forward, while Kessler anchors the paint. His offensive limitations away from the basket and struggles defending in space, however, remain evident.

The biggest concern is availability. Between hip, knee, and shoulder injuries, Markkanen, Jackson, and Kessler logged very few games together last season. Their health will be the single most important factor in determining Utah’s future.

Keyonte George leads a talented backcourt

On the perimeter, Utah boasts an extremely young but highly promising group.

Keyonte George has firmly established himself as the team’s offensive leader after averaging a career-best 23.6 points per game. Beyond the scoring jump, his shot selection improved dramatically, featuring fewer forced three-pointers, more drives to the basket, and significantly more trips to the free-throw line. That offensive growth has made him one of the leading candidates for Most Improved Player.

Alongside him will be the franchise’s biggest Draft investment, Darryn Peterson. The No. 2 overall pick arrives after averaging 20.2 points per game at Kansas, validating the expectations that consistently placed him among the top two prospects in the class. The 1.98 meters guard combines impressive athleticism with elite offensive talent, though questions remain about his durability. Frequent cramping issues during his college career raised concerns among NBA scouts. His talent, however, is unquestioned.

Running the offense is Isaiah Collier, a true point guard who averaged 11.7 points and 7.2 assists during the 2025-26 season, establishing himself as the team’s top playmaker. He consistently prioritizes the best play for the team, excelling in transition and reading defenses. His lone major weakness remains his inconsistent three-point shot, which limits his role late in games.

The Jazz bench is loaded with young talent

Utah’s second unit offers several intriguing prospects.

Brice Sensabaugh led the team in scoring average with 14.9 points per game, taking advantage of the many injuries suffered by the starters. A natural scorer, he can change the momentum of a game in just a few possessions, though he still needs to improve defensively.

There’s also plenty of excitement surrounding Ace Bailey, the No. 5 pick in the 2025 Draft. He finished his rookie season averaging 13.8 points and 4.2 rebounds, showing noticeable improvement after the All-Star break. His physical tools and skill set are undeniable, but his efficiency and shot selection remain works in progress.

Among the reserve big men, Kyle Filipowski appears to be the most NBA-ready. He averaged 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, proving himself to be an intelligent stretch big capable of spacing the floor and facilitating the offense with his passing. His biggest struggles come against more athletic interior players.

Still developing is Cody Williams, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 Draft. His defensive upside and length remain highly intriguing, but he must continue improving – particularly as a shooter – to carve out a significant role.

Postseason expectations, but…

The feeling around the organization is that Utah has finally built a credible foundation to emerge from its rebuilding phase. An All-Star in Markkanen, a former Defensive Player of the Year in Jackson, one of the NBA’s best rim protectors in Kessler, and a young backcourt led by George and Peterson provide an exciting core.

Still, major questions remain.

The first is health. The frontcourt trio is coming off a season derailed by injuries, and without continuity it will be difficult to compete in the Western Conference.

The second concerns offensive hierarchy. Markkanen, Jackson, George, Peterson, Sensabaugh, and Bailey are all players who thrive with the ball in their hands. It will be up to the coaching staff to establish the right balance between creators and floor spacing, especially considering the outside shooting limitations of Collier and Kessler.

If those two issues are resolved, the Jazz have everything they need to compete for at least a Play-In berth and begin a new chapter in franchise history. If injuries continue to plague the roster, however, the rebuild may require another year. And with the offseason still underway, Utah’s front office may not be finished making moves.