Jazz management excited about youth movement

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 Sports) – Back in April, Jazz CEO of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge had his sights on acquiring a big-name player.

“Our objective is to find a player or two, and we’re we’re ready to roll,” Ainge said five months ago. “We’re ready to go big game hunting.”

That didn’t happen, as the Jazz did not bring in any “big game,” but that doesn’t mean they didn’t try.

“I think you know with this organization that we are extremely aggressive with pursuing any and all means necessary to make this a championship caliber roster,” Jazz general manager Justin Zanik said Friday. “When those opportunities come up, we’re ready for them. There weren’t any. So we decided our plan was to completely throw our focus into our young guys.”

As the Jazz get ready to open training camp next week, of those young guys, Keyonte George proved he is NBA ready. But the Jazz are expecting Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh to take big steps forward this season.

“We are so excited about this season with our young guys,” Zanik said. “They’ve been here all summer. You guys will see marked changes in their bodies and their games. The expectation is we want them to get better day by day.”

The one big move the Jazz did make this summer was re-signing All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen to a 5-year, $238-million extension.

“Lauri is a pro’s pro,” Ainge said Friday. “He approaches the game in the right way. But as much as anything he’s a he’s a fantastic player and he loves it here. He wants to be here.”

The Jazz did draft three more young players to develop in Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski. But veterans like Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton and John Collins will still see a lot of minutes this season.

“Those guys are good players,” Ainge said. “We make it sound like they’re just going to be coaching our young guys. But no, they’re going to go out and play and show everybody how to play.”

Jazz owner Ryan Smith admitted he didn’t think he’d be embroiled in a youth movement almost four years into his tenure. But he’s happy with the direction the team is headed.

“I’m totally bought in,” Smith said. “And if we want to win a championship, we’re going to have to do it our way, and I think we will. I’m 100% confident of that.”

This will all come under the guidance of third-year head coach Will Hardy, who’s fifth year team option was picked up today.

“We love Will,” Ainge said. “We love the direction he has with us. He’s really excited for this year with the chance to develop these young players.”

The Jazz players will meet the media on Monday, with training camp set to open Tuesday. The Jazz will tip off the season October 23rd at home against Memphis.

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