It’s been four long seasons. 1,511 days of Groundhog Day since the Donovan Mitchell trade. Why did we do that? Should the Jazz try to win? Should they tank? Is tanking a violation of the Jazz Way? Are we tanking hard enough? Oh no, why did we start 11-3? This is terrible for our future!
All irrelevant now. While the tank wasn’t perfect, it’s over. In the words of Coach Dale in Hoosiers, “My team is on the floor.” And, unlike in fall 2022, ‘23, ‘24, and ‘25 seasons, that’s a hopeful statement, not
one of resignation. Come to think of it, maybe the Jazz should have tanked by only playing four players as Coach Dale did, but I digress.
Lineups and Matchups
The Jazz are expected to trot out Keyonte George and rookie Darryn Peterson on the guardline with Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr, and Jaxon Hayes in the frontcourt. The Grizzlies, who also look to emerge from a rebuild, are rolling with Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Cam Boozer, and Zach Edey.
It’s a homecoming for JJJ, who was traded to Utah for Walter Clayton Jr, Kyle Anderson, Georges Niang, and three first-rounders. None of those former Jazzmen remain with the Grizzlies, but former Jazz first-rounder Taylor Hendricks is slated to come of the bench. We can expect the Jazz backcourt to have the edge against the Grizzlies’ guards and a dogfight in the frontcourt.
Anyone casually watching this game will be primarily looking at the two star rookies, Peterson and Boozer. Darryn finished preseason with averages around 13/4/4, while Boozer put up about 14/5/3.
The only significant injury for the Grizzlies is big man Isaiah Stewart, who is doubtful. The Jazz have a longer list: Tony Bradley, Trey Alexander, Blake Hinson, and projected starting center Jusuf Nurkic are all out.
There is no more debate regarding whether the Jazz should play their best lineups, rest their best players, schedule surgeries, or otherwise lose on purpose. Now it counts.
