The Utah Jazz are continuing their rebuilding process, but with some key pieces starting to come together, they’re looking to make a push toward the playoffs in the 2024-25 season. After finishing 12th in the Western Conference with a 31-51 record last season, the Jazz have retained their young core and made some significant moves, including signing Lauri Markkanen to a long-term deal. With a mix of young talent and solid veterans, head coach Will Hardy will be tasked with guiding this team into playoff contention.
Here’s a breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Keyonte George
Reserves: Jordan Clarkson, Isaiah Collier, Jason Preston
Keyonte George is coming off an impressive rookie season where he averaged 13.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting 39.1% from the field and 33.4% from three-point range. George has shown the potential to develop into a quality starting point guard, and this season will be crucial for his continued growth. His playmaking and scoring ability will be key as he takes the reins of the offense.
Jordan Clarkson, primarily a shooting guard, will also see time at point guard and remains a valuable scoring asset off the bench. Clarkson averaged 20.8 points last season, and while his future with the team is uncertain, his experience is an asset for this young squad. Isaiah Collier, the 29th pick from the 2024 NBA Draft, will provide additional depth, and Jason Preston rounds out the point guard rotation.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Collin Sexton
Reserves: Brice Sensabaugh, Patty Mills
Collin Sexton had a strong season, averaging 18.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting an efficient 48.7% from the field and 39.4% from three-point range. Sexton is one of the primary offensive options for the Jazz, and his ability to score and facilitate will be vital for the team's success. With Keyonte George running the point, Sexton can focus on his scoring while also contributing playmaking duties.
Brice Sensabaugh, the Jazz’s first-round pick in 2023, will continue to develop as a scoring option off the bench, and veteran Patty Mills provides leadership and shooting depth.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Lauri Markkanen
Reserves: Cody Williams, Svi Mykhailiuk, Johnny Juzang
Lauri Markkanen is the face of the franchise after signing a five-year contract worth up to $238 million. Markkanen averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists last season while shooting 48.0% from the field and 39.9% from three-point range. As one of the best shooting big men in the league, Markkanen is expected to be the primary offensive weapon for the Jazz. His versatility and ability to stretch the floor make him an ideal centerpiece for the team's rebuild.
Cody Williams, the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, will be looking to make an impact in his rookie season. Svi Mykhailiuk and Johnny Juzang add depth at the wing positions, with Mykhailiuk providing reliable shooting off the bench.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: John Collins
Reserves: Taylor Hendricks, Justin Lewis, Micah Potter
John Collins, who was acquired last season in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, had a solid campaign for the Jazz, averaging 15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 53.2% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range. Collins' athleticism and ability to score both inside and out make him a great complement to Lauri Markkanen in the frontcourt. Collins is expected to play a significant role in the team's offensive and defensive schemes.
Taylor Hendricks, a promising prospect, will compete for minutes at the power forward spot. Hendricks has shown flashes of potential and will look to develop as a versatile forward. Justin Lewis and Micah Potter provide additional frontcourt depth.
Center (C)
Starter: Walker Kessler
Reserves: Drew Eubanks, Kyle Filipowski, Oscar Tshiebwe
Walker Kessler had an outstanding rookie season as a shot-blocking force, averaging 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 65.4% from the field. Kessler's ability to protect the rim and anchor the defense is critical for the Jazz. As he enters his second season, he will continue to develop his offensive game while maintaining his elite shot-blocking and rebounding presence.
Drew Eubanks will back up Kessler, bringing toughness and energy off the bench, while rookies Kyle Filipowski and Oscar Tshiebwe will provide additional size and depth.
The Utah Jazz are continuing their rebuild, but there are clear signs of progress as they aim to compete for a playoff spot. Lauri Markkanen is the established star of the team, while young players like Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, and Walker Kessler form a solid core that can grow together. The addition of John Collins and promising rookies like Cody Williams and Taylor Hendricks gives the Jazz a good mix of youth and experience.
One of the biggest challenges for head coach Will Hardy will be developing chemistry among this young squad and maximizing the talents of the key players, especially Markkanen and Kessler. The Jazz will need strong leadership from veterans like Jordan Clarkson and Patty Mills to guide the young players and help them navigate through the growing pains of a rebuilding team.
The Jazz will likely find it difficult to immediately contend with the top teams in the West, but they have the talent to push for a play-in spot if everything comes together. If Will Hardy can figure out the right rotations and schemes, the Jazz could make a surprising push toward playoff contention. The future is bright in Utah, and this season will be about laying the groundwork for a return to playoff relevance.
Here are all the projected lineups we've done so far:
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2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Dallas Mavericks Projected Starting Lineup
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2024-25 Golden State Warriors Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Houston Rockets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Indiana Pacers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Los Angeles Clippers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Memphis Grizzlies Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Milwaukee Bucks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Minnesota Timberwolves Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 New Orleans Pelicans Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 New York Knicks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Orlando Magic Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Philadelphia 76ers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Phoenix Suns Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Portland Trail Blazers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Sacramento Kings Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 San Antonio Spurs Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Toronto Raptors Projected Starting Lineup
Related: Lauri Markkanen Needs Help: 5 Trades For An All-Star The Jazz Should Explore
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