Ex-NBA Coach: Jazz Will 'Take it Slow' in Offseason Rebuild

There’s been quite a buzz about the Utah Jazz being positioned to make some aggressive moves this offseason, but don’t tell that to ESPN NBA commentator Jeff Van Gundy. The former head coach of the New York Knicks dished his thoughts on Utah’s championship timeline on ESPN 700's The Drive with Spence Checketts.

“I think Danny Ainge and their group will still take it slow,” Van Gundy told Checketts. “I don’t think they’re going to go for the quick fix or the home run. I think they're going to keep building slowly. So I think there may be improvement this year from a record standpoint but there may be a step back too. You just never know how it works out.”

Van Gundy’s comments are consistent with some remarks that Jazz GM Justin Zanik made in his postseason press conference”

“We’re not going to be pushed by a timeline," Zanik said. “Like we have to be 'X' by this year or the next year.”

Van Gundy is correct in some aspects, but barring unforeseen injuries, the Jazz should be able to trump the 37 wins that were posted in the 2022-23 season. With three first-round picks and $32 million in cap space, upgrades are coming.

One variable that will be off the table is tanking for better draft position. In 2024, the Oklahoma City Thunder are in possession of Utah’s first-round draft pick. The Jazz won’t have anything to gain by landing in the lottery, at least for next year.

This doesn’t mean Utah is shoving all its chips in the middle of the table heading into the 2023-24 season. However, having core players sitting out games every time an injury pops up will be a thing of the past, as will a fire sale at the trade deadline.

Jazz fans can expect more of this type of conservative language used by the front office in the weeks ahead. Drawing a big-name free agent or trading for All-Star-caliber players may or may not present itself this summer. Harsh reality is always better than false hope.

That being said, at some point, an opportunity will crop up via trade or free agency. With Walker Kessler in the infant stages of his rookie deal and Lauri Markkanen's max contract not due until 2025, Utah has the flexibility to take action.

Whether that happens this summer, during the season, or next year remains to be seen, but expect Jazz CEO Danny Ainge to be ready for the taking when opportunity knocks.

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