Jazz HC Will Hardy Tweaks Starting Lineup in Preseason Home Opener

It appears Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy may have settled into a starting lineup. In Saturday night's 138-133 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, the five players chosen to begin the game were Walker Kessler, John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, and Talen Horton-Tucker.

This comes off the heels of Hardy’s remarks after Utah’s last game with the Los Angeles Clippers regarding the rotation.

“As a staff, these next three days at home are going to be important to really kind of put our flag in the sand and say, 'Hey, this is how we're going to go at the beginning of the year," Hardy said.

If results matter, this could be the lineup chosen to start the season. In Utah’s first two games. the backcourt of Horton-Tucker and Collin Sexton got off to some slow starts. The Jazz looked out of sync in their offensive half-court sets, and it felt like a change was just around the corner.

Fast forward to Saturday, and Clarkson, the former Sixth Man of the Year, was inserted in the starting five over Sexton. The Jazz were able to jump out to a six-point lead after the first quarter, with Sexton subbing in for Horton-Tucker at the 6:41 mark and Kris Dunn replacing Clarkson with 2:36 to go.

It’s a small sample size, but Hardy seemed pleased with how it shook out when he spoke in his post-game press conference.

“I think tonight, in general, we played a style of basketball we want to play. Everyone contributed,” Hardy said. “There are plenty of things to improve upon, but we are making strides in terms of understanding who fits well with who.”

If this does end up being Utah's starting five to begin the season, then the next question is how long Hardy can keep rookie Keyonte George from taking over as the primary point guard.

George may only be just 19 years old, but he is arguably Utah’s best facilitator on the roster. In three games, George is averaging 4.6 assists while logging 23 minutes per game.

It’s unlikely George will be the opening-night starter, but he’s already making a case that he could be Utah’s long-term answer at the point guard position. Hardy will have two more preseason games to help make his final decisions.

Next up is another home contest on Monday against the New Zealand Breakers.

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