Over/Under: Utah Jazz 2023-24

UTAH JAZZ: 35.5 WINS – UNDER Key Additions John Collins (trade) Omer Yurseven (free agency) Taylor Hendricks (draft) Keyonte…

UTAH JAZZ: 35.5 WINS – UNDER

Key Additions

John Collins (trade)Omer Yurseven (free agency)Taylor Hendricks (draft)Keyonte George (draft)Brice Sensabaugh (draft)

Key Subtractions

Rudy Gay….I guess?

Rotation

GuardsCollin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Kris Dunn, Keyonte GeorgeWingsOchai Agbaji, Talen Horton-Tucker, Brice Sensabaugh, Simone FontecchioForwardsLauri Markkanen, John Collins, Taylor HendricksBigsWalker Kessler, Kelly Olynyk, Omer Yurtseven

Random thoughts, opinions, comments, declarations, queries, editorials, etc.

As stated previously when covering the Wolves, Trader Dan certainly got the best of Tim Connelly. Turned Rudy Gobert into five 1st round picks and Walker Kessler. Then nearly duplicated it by taking disgruntled Donovan Mitchell and turning him into a very gruntled Lauri Markkanen, along with Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, 3 future unprotected first round picks from the Cavs, with a couple pick swaps thrown in for good measure. That said, the best move Ainge made was snagging Will Hardy from the Celtics. One of the youngest coaches in the league, Hardy also happens to be one of the most innovative, turning Markkanen into an all-star (and Most Improved Player) and dusting off a resurgent Kris Dunn.

However, a full year without Mike Conley only hurts them, and Ainge has no intention of making the playoffs this year, as he’s in full tank mode. Despite John “Trade Block” Collins’s strong play while looking for redemption in Utah, expect a step back from the Jazz this season, partly due to the loss of Conley, but mostly due to the West’s overall improvement across the board. Additionally, Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson are all essentially the same player. But Keyonte is cheaper. Wouldn’t be shocked if Ainge trades Sexton & Clarkson at the deadline for even more draft picks.

Last Year – Interesting Stats

Finished 5th in 3 point attempts per game, but 20th in percentage.Lauri flirted with a 50/40/90 season Kris Dunn averaged 13 ppg. He played 18 total games in the previous 2 seasons combinedWent 8-14 post Mike Conley trade

Keys to Success

Lauri & Collins figure a way to compliment each other, Ochai & “Walker Texas Ranger Kessler Edwards” take a step

Potential Obstacles

Lauri & Collins detract from each other, Hardy is forced to play Dunn big minutes, Sexton & Clarkson try to out-Lou Williams each other, Ainge reminds everyone they’re supposed to be tanking and trades away their best players

Hot takes

Kris Dunn starts more games than Collin SextonKeyonte George outplays Taylor HendricksLauri Markkanen tries to grow a beard

STANDINGS PREDICTION: 14TH IN THE WEST