Insiders Predict if Jazz Keep Keyonte George as a Starter
The Utah Jazz starting unit appears to be on the same page since head coach Will Hardy reshuffled the rotation last week. Rookie Keyonte George has helped with the turnovers. At the same time, Ochai Agbaji spaces the floor, which has contributed to a better version of Jordan Clarson and Lauri Markkanen.
However, what does Hardy do when Kessler comes back from his injury? ESPN NBA insider Zach Lowe and The Athletic’s Mo Dakhil discussed George possibly being a permanent fixture of the starting lineup, even when Kessler returns on The Lowe Post Podcast.
“I don’t think they should because the passing has been good,” Dakhil told Lowe. “He’s [George] a willing pull-up shooter, teams are daring him to shoot. He only shot so-so in college, but I like the form. He’s got just good craft — change of pace, has a good first step, a good lob passer. He’s found John Collins on some nice lobs. Kessler is a good lob catcher when he’s healthy. Look, the shooting we’ll see. I am very impressed with the passing. This team needs an organizer who’s not just throwing the ball all over the gym.”
A big decision awaits Hardy when Kessler is available, but where it stands today, George may be here to stay in the starting five. One could argue that Clarkson’s recent hot streak has much to do with being paired with George. The Clarkson-Talen Horton-Tucker tandem that started the season never looked good.
Having two ball-dominant guards to begin the game was a disaster from day one. Pair that with Kessler not helping with the spacing of the court, and you have a starting unit that didn't complement each other.
Inserting George as a starter was probably inevitable, considering the circumstances. Lowe also supported this notion.
“I don’t know if they can take him out of the starting lineup at this point,” Lowe said. “He’s bringing flow to their offense.”
Where it stands today, Kessler may be the odd one out when making that decision. The Kessler and John Collins combination hasn’t worked thus far, and Hardy may need to align their minutes so that the pair is not on the floor simultaneously.
Also, Agbaji owns a skill set that Utah is lacking. A player with the length that can guard the opponent's best wing and be effective in Utah’s halfcourt sets while not being ball-dominant.
Kessler is projected to miss two more games before his injured elbow will be re-evaluated. Jazz fans will get clarity on which player will be the odd man out then.
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