Writing this preview, I am in quite the dilemma. I intend to drum up anticipation for the Jazz to play the Spurs this Wednesday at 7:30 PM MDT. However, I do not intend to mislead the reader by making it seem that this game matters more than it does. I’m rooting for each of these players, but smart money says that none will ever play a significant role for the Utah Jazz during their professional basketball career, given that our more established players (Ace Bailey, Darryn Peterson, Cody Williams)
have each presumably called it quits (I think there’s a chance Cody plays one more game).
The Spurs have had a relatively successful Las Vegas Summer League so far, with 2 wins and 1 loss. As for players to watch, Carter Bryant would be the big name if ends up playing. I wasn’t as wowed as others by his performance during the Spurs finals run – his defense didn’t slow down Shai as much as some singular defensive possessions would make you think, and the offense was legitimately very debilitating. He has tons of room for improvement, but it will be worrying for the Spurs brass if he has an inefficient game against a unexciting Jazz Summer League squad. Tarris Reed is the other player on this Spurs team that I believe has a chance to play meaningful minutes during this upcoming regular season. Luke Kornet was uninspiring for long stretches during their playoff run, and rebounding was a constant issue. Tarris Reed has the potential to compete for the backup center position from day one. He was drafted 26th overall after an impressive collegiate career at Michigan and UConn. In his senior season, he was one of the best big men in the country and led the Huskies to the National Championship game. Jonas Aidoo has been a strong player on both ends throughout Summer League, and will have his work cut out for him against a mature, NBA-ready big man.
Nevertheless, even if none of the Jazz players have the same pedigree as Bryant or Reed, I believe they each have (varying degrees of) potential to win their uphill battle and eventually carve out a role in the NBA. Blake Hinson showed some serious play-finishing chops to end the 2025-2026 season, with his size combined with his dynamic shooting. He’s disappointed me throughout Summer League so far, but it is to be expected that his playstyle is not the most consistent – it’s a make-or-miss league, and Hinson really relies on making his shots and doesn’t provide much when he isn’t. However, the Jazz are in need of a big forward in the reserves (especially if the regular season version of Cody Williams plays anything like he has in Summer League), and Hinson has time in the system – he has a realistic path to filling a real niche. If the Spurs play Carter Bryant (a big, athletic, disruptive forward defender), he will likely be slotted to guard Hinson – if Blake can get any momentum against Bryant, it would do a lot to confirm that he’s a legitimate NBA player and not just a shooter who got hot at the right time.
One player we won’t be seeing any of is Utah’s newest two-way signing, Trey Alexander. He had a scary fall at the end of the Jazz’s win against the Bulls, which led to him being stretchered off the court in a neck brace. Thankfully, it has been reported that he has been diagnosed with a rib contusion – painful, to be sure, but probably the best case scenario for the circumstances. We will likely have to wait till October to see Trey suit up for a Utah-based team, be it the Jazz or the Stars.
When analyzing Summer League games, it’s important to know what to look for – outside of the aforementioned Hinson and Alexander, here is one question to answer for each of Jazz’s players who have seen any significant amount of playing time in the Las Vegas Summer League. I’m not sure which will play against the Spurs, but this should cover all our bases.
Max Abmas: Does he have the capability to get to the rim against athletic defenders? It’s a tough outlook for this non-defending, sub 6 foot guard, but he can give himself a punchers chance with consistent paint pressure.
Jonas Aidoo: How will he hang against Tarris Reed, who has about 25 pounds of weight over him?
Tamar Bates: How comfortable is he with the ball in his hands? He’s known for his outside shot and has shown good energy, but can he combine those to attack closeouts or burst out of the pick and roll?
Matthew Cleveland: Can the rangy defender show confidence on his outside shot? In a one-game sample, whether he makes them is less important than how comfortable he appears when taking them.
Eric Dixon: Does the surprisingly agile forward use his weight to create efficient offense? So far, he’s been too quick to settle for tough jump shots.
Anderrson Garcia: How does his defense look in an isolation setting? I’m consistently impressed with his off-ball help and activity on the rebounds, but is he the type of player we can put on a hot opposing scorer?
Hayden Gray: Does he have the capability to get his own shot from the pick-and-roll? I like his decision making on both ends, but he may lack the physical tools to put the necessary pressure on the defense.
Justin Harmon: Nearly the inverse of Gray – can Harmon make plays for others in the pick-and-roll? He’s shown flashes as a shooter, driver, and defender, but he is point guard sized, and will need to playmake if he wants a real role.
Kylor Kelley: Can he be impactful on the glass? In college, he was a dominant shot blocker, but his rebounding always left something to be desired – both are necessary if he wants a role as a rim-runner at the NBA level.
Jaxon Kohler: How is his positioning on defense? He’s strong, and energetic, and has good touch, but I would like some more tape on whether his positive traits actually translate to positive defense.
Bez Mbeng: Is he comfortable dribbling the ball more than 2-3 times? This is a similar story to Harmon – he’s guard sized, and has yet to show consistent guard skills.
Orlando Robinson: How comfortable is he with his outside shot? That was one of the most tantalizing pieces of his profile while back at Fresno State – if he projects as purely a rim-runner, he doesn’t have the necessary athleticism to be too intriguing. However, if the shot is a genuine part of his game, there may be a spot for him.
Cody Williams (a man can dream): Can he be more than “potential” on defense? The length is there, and the strength has obviously progressed, but he rarely accomplishes anything beyond looking like a good defender. If he can be a legitimate difference maker as a big wing on defense, there’s a clear role for him on the regular season team.
What are you looking out for from this best-of-the-rest Jazz Summer League squad in their game against the Spurs? Sound off below!
How to Watch
Who: Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs
When: Tuesday, July 15, 2026 | 7:30 MT
Where: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV
How: Prime Video
