The Jazz are currently carrying 18 players on guaranteed contracts, with non-guaranteed camp invitee Cody Zeller also vying for a spot on the regular season roster, so Stanley Johnson – acquired from the Lakers in August’s Patrick Beverley trade – isn’t a lock to make the 15-man squad. However, head coach Will Hardy liked what Johnson provided to the team during its second preseason game on Tuesday, writes Sarah Todd of The Deseret News.
“Stanley really brought a lot of energy and toughness in particular on the defensive end tonight,” Hardy said after the game. “That’s his identity as a player, that’s how he can help our team, is by being somebody who has a massive impact on the defensive end… He’s really handled himself well, all throughout camp, not only with how he’s played, but how he’s interacted with his teammates, and I was really happy for him tonight.”
Assuming they don’t make any more trades before opening night, the Jazz will have to cut four players currently on standard contracts. Besides Johnson and Zeller, Saben Lee, Udoka Azubuike, and Leandro Bolmaro are among the other players whose roster spots may not be assured.
Here are a few more notes from around the Northwest:
- Given that even the NBA’s worst team only has a 14% shot at the No. 1 overall pick, Tony Jones of The Athletic argues that the Jazz shouldn’t deliberately tank for Victor Wembanyama and suggests that establishing “winning habits” will be a priority in Utah. Given the lack of elite talent on the roster, the Jazz should still finish in the lottery and will be in position to draft a solid prospect even if they don’t land Wembanyama.
- Speaking to Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report (video link), Nuggets guard Jamal Murray said he and the team had hoped he could return from his torn ACL in time for last season’s playoff series vs. Golden State, but he realized as he was ramping up to return that he still wasn’t mentally ready to play. “Six months later, I’m in a completely different space than I was before,” said Murray, who added that he’s glad he didn’t attempt to return last season.
- Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic takes a closer look at Mike Schmitz‘s decision to leave his job as an ESPN draft analyst for an assistant GM role with the Trail Blazers. According to Vorkunov, Schmitz’s responsibilities in Portland cover more than just the draft, as he’s also getting involved in work related to the salary cap, analytics, and more.
- The Trail Blazers and Thunder both finished in the lottery last season, and John Hollinger of The Athletic expects that to happen again in 2022/23, despite the moves Portland made to upgrade its roster. Hollinger projects the Blazers to finish at 36-46 and 11th in the Western Conference, while picking the Thunder to be the West’s worst team at 20-62.
My best idea,
Jazz will have to get rid of Conley, Clarkson and Sexton quickly ( for General Westbrook?)
then they are ready to go deep.
They won’t get rid of Sexton at this point, unless there’s a trade for a better player or superior compensation than just Westbrook and a pick. Conley and Clarkson fit what the Jazz are trying to do, which is being better than people thought. Been saying that since all the trades were finalized. But it’s more certain after this second preseason game.
Still, I wouldn’t be surprised by anything at this point. Coach Hardy has a clear identity that he wants in his players. Perhaps some of the vets don’t fit this?
The only 3 that I see as locks are Stanley Johnson, Lauri, and Vando. I like Sexton, Kessler, and of course the vets. However, if they’re needed in a trade to consolidate then they at least better be higher quality players or some very good draft compensation.
I think Coach Hardy likes what Stanley and NAW do together, so they’ll probably keep them together as part of either the second unit or a future starting unit. Kessler fits this group as well.
Beasley is interchangeable on either group, but Clarkson actually works better in the starting group this year. Conley that ultimate stabilizer for this younger team. Olynyk and Zeller both have noticably more skill than a lot of these guys. Either would fit this roster quite well.
Fontecchio and Agbaji are still fresh and learning the NBA. I doubt the Jazz would ship them out unless there’s a bigger prize they want. Although, Fontecchio’s fresh contract might have a later trade-ability deadline. I do like them both. They’ll just need to prove their better than who’s ahead of them.
The guys I wouldn’t be sad to see go are Butler, Rudy Gay, Doke, and Saben Lee. However, Saben Lee and the other young guys could be waived and then signed to the SLC Stars. Rudy Gay just needs to be traded for a second round pick and the Jazz included cash and maybe a second round pick. If it’s to a playoff team then they might not need to.
If there are no trades, then this is what I see the lineups being:
Conley
Clarkson
Markkanen
Vando
Olynyk
Second Unit:
THT
Sexton
Beasley
Johnson
Kessler
Bench:
NAW
Agbaji
Fonntecchio
Bomero
Zeller
Waive/Trade/G-League
Gay
Butler
Doke
Lee
2-way
Juzang
Potter
What do Thunder do ??????
If they get the #1 pick next yr……..
nice knowing you Chet …..
Trade him to NY.
I believe if that scenario were to unfold, OKC would keep Chet, draft Wembanyama and play them together as twin towers. Wembanyama moves well enough to roam all over the floor.
If that were to happen they’d compliment each other. They both can protect the rim, both can shoot and both can handle the ball. If Evan Mobley and Jarret Allen make it work these two definitely can.
The Knicks should focus their attention on Gilgeous-Alexander. They love Kentucky guys.
Stanley should be traded from the Jazz the boys plays hard and plays to win not rebuild and lose games.
Three team trade:
Phoenix: Rudy Gay and Stanley Johnson
Utah: Danny Green and a second round pick
Memphis: Jae Crowder
Phoenix add depth and players that’ll compete and work hard. Utah will waive Danny Green who is on a non guaranteed deal and adds a second round pick. It clears 2 guys off the roster for them and adds a pick. Crowder returns back to Memphis, Ja Morant has already public said he wants him to return and with Jaren currently injured and a bunch of young guys for depth Jae would be a solid addition and you don’t have to give up much at all
You’re smoking something pretty strong. You say Stanley Johnson plays hard as wins yet the Jazz can’t trade him for more than that?
I love Stanley Johnson. He’s here to stay. Despite everyone’s “expert” opinion, the Jazz are NOT going to tank. They said they’re “restarting”, not rebuilding. We’re starting to see what that actually means.
Check out their preseason game vs the Blazers. That is the blueprint for how they’re going to play. Check my above post to see who I think they should cut/trade/etc.
Hahahahaha really fun
Haha, just remember. Say no to drugs. =)