Will Hardy Comments on 'Great' Jazz Debut From Darius Bazley

The Utah Jazz saw some solid production from their recent midseason addition

Apr 5, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) is defended / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Utah Jazz failed to take care of business on Friday night as they fell short against the Los Angeles Clippers, 102-131. It marks the team's 11th straight loss in a row, effectively tying the franchise's third-longest winless streak of all time.

Still, with the outlook of this team looking bleak, there's several positive takeaways to gather from this roster. One of the bright spots from Friday stems from a player who suited up in a Utah jersey for the first time this season, that being forward Darius Bazley.

After the Jazz's loss vs. the Clippers, Hardy spoke at the podium about what he saw from Bazley, where he voiced some strong words of encouragement after his debut for Utah.

" I thought [Bazley] was great," Hardy said. "His energy, his athleticism, moving his feet defensively, his length really stood out. I thought the switching was really good with him on defense. Offensively, he showed the ability to put the ball on the floor, and play versus a closeout, get the ball to the second side. He was sort of a secondary playmaker for us."

Bazley finished the game posting 33 minutes on the night with 12 points and six rebounds. He also got things done on the defensive side of the ball with three steals and a block.

The 2019 first-round pick had a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets earlier this season for three games before being let go, and has since proven to be ready for his new opportunity with Utah. The other Jazz midseason addition Kenneth Lofton Jr. also made his debut for the team in this one, putting up seven points and a rebound for himself.

Currently on non-guaranteed deals for the coming two seasons, the goal for Bazley and Lofton for these final games of the year will be based on building some staying power within this roster. It's clear there's talent that's evident and a potential future to be had in Salt Lake City, but it may rely upon consistent production down the upcoming stretch.

Bazley and Lofton will get another chance to show out for this squad when the Jazz face off against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.

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