Utah Jazz
The 2024-25 Utah Jazz can be defined by having the worst record in the NBA and only having the No. 5 pick to show for it.
What did we learn?
It was the fewest wins in Utah Jazz franchise history.
17-65.
Danny Ainge slept like an absolute baby all season long, constantly smiling like the Grinch. (Except for that nightmarish Saturday night in January when the Jazz beat the Nets in OT.)
The Jazz could not win a game on the road.
Literally.
The last win for Utah on the road was on *checks notes* January 5th. They didn’t win a road game over the last three months of the season.
But at home, the Jazz could still show up and surprise you, playing their asses off and keeping the people on their feet at the No Name Saloon.
In February, the five wins for the Jazz in the month were all against playoff teams in the Magic, Warriors, Lakers, Rockets and T-Wolves. The Jazz had a different leading scorer in each of those five wins, evidence that this was still a cohesive unit despite their lowly record.
Lauri Markkanen’s numbers have declined since he was the Most Improved Player and All-Star two years ago. But that’s fine. The Jazz didn’t want him to be their savior. Committing to Markkanen with a $240 million extension before the season meant they would keep him -- and they were still able to pull the tank out with Markkanen playing just 47 games.
Keyonte George had some monster games again, still very capable of catching fire from 3. Keyonte had 10 games of making 5+ 3-pointers, upping the ante from eight such games his rookie season.
Walker Kessler remained a force inside with blocks aplenty and some huge rebound games. He led the league in offensive rebounds per game and was No. 2 in blocks per game behind only Wemby.
Isaiah Collier turned into a rookie assist machine. He actually broke John Stockon’s Jazz rookie record for most assists.
Jordan Clarkson, still the last remaining vestige of the contending Jazz teams of years past, only played 37 games, but he was the veteran leader showing the youngin’s the way. Clarkson also led the team in points or assists in 14 of those games.
The Jazz are going to have to lean more into their own guys, because they didn’t land a top pick to grab one of the big fish they wanted.
Sometimes, tanking straight up just doesn’t work.
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Additional Notes
Colin Sexton quietly shot a career high 40.6 percent from 3. Second-year man Brice Sensabaugh even more quietly shot better, 42.2 percent from 3 on 5.2 attempts per game after shooting below 30 percent in his rookie season.
After the All-Star break, Kyle Filipowski was let loose with free reign and the rookie actually showed out with the opportunity.
Let’s not forget that the Jazz have the youngest roster in the league.
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Did our preseason Over/Under prediction hit?
Danny is dreaming of Coop as you read this. Under 28.5 wins.
Jazz 2024-25 record: (17-65)
YES. A no-sweat cash.
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What’s Next?
The No. 5 overall pick in the draft. Doesn’t Duke’s own Kon Knueppel seemed destined for Utah. (Yes, yes he does.)
Jordan Clarkson, John Collins and Collin Sexton are all entering the final year of their current contracts. Expect the Jazz to be wheeling and dealing some expirings.
Per ESPN’s cap guru Bobby Marks, Utah could have over $70 million in cap space in 2026. That’s a lotta dough to make big moves next summer.
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Favorite Jazz Highlight of the 2024-25 Season:
The Jazz and Warriors combined for 85 points in the 4th quarter. Eighty. Five.
In case you didn’t believe us about Big Flip.
