Jazz Biggest Winners & Losers at the All-Star Break
It’s been an up-and-down 2023-24 season for the Utah Jazz thus far. Utah is pacing to win 38 games this season, which is four games higher than what the oddsmakers were projecting to start the year. With the exceeded expectations, some players may have played their way into Utah’s future plans moving forward, while others have disappointed.
Let's examine the winners and losers of this season thus far as we approach the All-Star break.
Kris Dunn - Winner
Dunn started the year as the odd man out in Utah’s crowded backcourt. However, just like last season, he’s shown he's a valuable piece on the court and in the locker room.
Dunn offers a skillset that Utah’s backcourt is lacking. He's a defensive-minded guard and can also positively impact the game offensively without being ball-dominant. So, has Dunn earned a long-term contract with the Jazz?
Utah re-signing Dunn could go either way. He’s certainly proved he’s fit in Hardy’s system, but would Utah choose to go in another direction, considering he’s 29 years old? Either way, Dunn is a winner and will be in somebody's rotation next season and beyond.
Talen Horton-Tucker - Loser
Horton-Tucker’s days are numbered in Salt Lake City. The opportunity to be the point guard of the future was there for the taking, but his inefficiency and turnover issues sent him right back to the bench.
‘THT’ will be a free agent this summer, and there may not be much of a market for a player who hasn't been trending in the right direction for some time now. He’ll certainly latch on with another team at some point, but getting anything more than a one-year deal would be surprising.
Keyonte George - Winner
The Jazz front office has to be pleased with what they’ve seen from George thus far. It hasn't always been easy, but he’s strong-armed his way into the starting lineup for the rest of the season.
George had his best game of the year prior to the All-Star break when he knocked down nine three-pointers in one game while scoring a career-high 33 points against the Golden State Warriors. Overall, he could improve in his efficiency numbers, but averaging 11.7 points and 4.3 assists per game is exceptional for a 20-year-old. It appears Utah may have found its point guard of the future.
Jazz Front Office - Loser
It may be up for debate, but from this point of view, Utah’s front office was a big loser at the trade deadline. So, this isn't for trading Kelly Olynyk or Simone Fontecchio because that was expected. The issue was sacrificing a chance for postseason play for a return that doesn't move the needle much down the road.
In return for Olynyk, Fontecchio, and Ochai Agbaji, the Jazz only netted a late first-round pick and an early second-rounder. That's not enough when you’re in striking distance for a playoff berth. We’ll see how it plays out, but writing off the season for two G-League projects could come back to bite Utah if Lauri Markannen doesn't re-sign this summer.
Collin Sexton-Winner
Sexton's resurgence has been fun to watch. He started the year as a spark plug off the bench and has since emerged as Utah’s second-best player. Over the last two months, he’s been a consistent 20 points-per-game player while shooting over 50% from the field.
It will be interesting if Utah’s front office views Sexton as the starting shooting guard of the future. He’s under contract for two more years after this season and could be the answer at the two. But despite the stellar play on the court, the Jazz will be looking for an upgrade via trade, and Sexton certainly isn't untouchable.
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