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Jazz Notes: Roster, Trade Market, Hendricks, Juzang

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Jazz Notes: Roster, Trade Market, Hendricks, Juzang


The Jazz are one of the only teams in the league with 15 players signed to standard contracts and three players signed to two-way contracts, reaching the regular season roster limit. Regardless, don’t count Utah out from making additional moves before the season begins, writes The Salt Lake Tribune’s Andy Larsen. Larsen argues that while the roster is full, the balance of the team isn’t even.

According to Larsen, Utah’s most solid position groups are at the forward and center positions. With Lauri Markkanen in place at either forward position and Walker Kessler anchoring down the paint, there are few questions about Utah’s frontcourt.

However, the guard spots are more in question, in Larsen’s view. Kris Dunn, Collin Sexton, Talen Horton-Tucker and Ochai Agbaji all had bright moments last season, but would need to make major leaps to be full-time starters, while Jordan Clarkson is a proven commodity at this point, Larsen writes. Beyond that, the Jazz would be relying on rookie Keyonte George to step in right away and make an impact, which is a tall ask for an organization angling for a playoff spot.

That’s why Larsen believes the Jazz are going to be active in the trade market in the coming weeks and months. Miami guard Tyler Herro could be an option if the Heat trade for Damian Lillard and the Jazz help facilitate such a deal. Larsen also points to Zach LaVine, OG Anunoby and Isaiah Joe as potentially available options (of varying viability) to help lock down the shooting guard position. Larsen adds that available point guards are scarce, citing D’Angelo Russell (ineligible to be dealt until Dec. 15) and Kevin Porter Jr. as possible trade candidates.

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Even though Larsen expects Utah to be active on the phones going forward, the best option may be for the Jazz to develop their young pieces and stay patient for a potential future available All-Star level player. According to Larsen, “the dream” for Utah is that Dallas star Luka Doncic eventually becomes available.

There’s more from the Jazz:

  • While George soaked up the spotlight on the Jazz’s summer league team, Utah’s No. 9 overall pick, Taylor Hendricks, sat out of summer league with a hamstring injury. Though Markkanen, John Collins and Kelly Olynyk project to take minutes at power forward, Hendricks is expected to see some time at the position and make an impact as a rookie. In the first of what will be a series of Q&A interviews with The Salt Lake Tribune’s Eric Walden (subscriber link), Hendricks discussed his injury, teammates and transition to the league. While Hendricks is making progress in his transition from college to the NBA, he says there are still some adjustments he’s getting used to. “I would say how the defenses are structured,” Hendricks said. “Because in college, there’s no defensive three-second rule, and then also, the spacing’s not as wide as [it is in] the NBA. So I would just say, it’s just different things you have to do on defense. But just watching [the games], I feel like I could thrive in that environment.”
  • Johnny Juzang re-signed with the Jazz on July 19, giving him a second year on a two-way contract in the organization. Sarah Todd of the Deseret News writes that the young wing is readying himself to prove doubters wrong this upcoming season. “I’ve got a lot to show everybody,” Juzang said. “Look, I mean, I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. I’ve always felt like I’m a great player and I’ve always worked super hard. But a lot of my career, I feel like I’ve been overlooked and even coming into the NBA and going undrafted, trust me, I don’t forget that.” Juzang averaged 4.8 points in 18 games last season for the Jazz and went on to average 17.8 points on better than 50% shooting from beyond the arc during this year’s Las Vegas Summer League.
  • In case you missed it, Markkanen is a player to watch as a strong candidate to receive a contract renegotiation and extension in 2024, as we explained earlier this week. Markkanen broke out for the Jazz last season, averaging 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds and earning his first All-Star nod.



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Utah

Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz Official Injury Report

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Denver Nuggets vs Utah Jazz Official Injury Report


The Denver Nuggets are heading on the road to take on the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night in a game that Denver really needs to win. Both teams played the New York Knicks in their last games, but the Nuggets unfortunately got blown out at home while the Jazz were able to beat the Knicks at home.

Denver has six players listed on their injury report: Aaron Gordon, Vlatko Cancar, DaRon Holmes II, Spencer Jones, Jalen Pickett, and Peyton Watson.

Aaron Gordon remains out with a right calf strain, Vlatko Cancar is out with a left knee sprain, DaRon Holmes II is out due to repair to his right Achilles tendon, Spencer Jones is out on his two-way G League contract, Jalen Pickett is out on G League assignment, and Peyton Watson is probable with a right adductor strain.

Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets

Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) under the basket in the the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Jazz have announced that Jordan Clarkson is out with left plantar fasciitis, John Collins is questionable with a left knee contusion, Kyle Filipowski is out with left lower leg inflammation, Taylor Hendricks is out with a right fibula fracture, Lauri Markkanen is out due to personal reasons, and both Cody Williams and David Jones Garcia are out on G League assignments.

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The Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz will face off at 9:00 p.m. EST in Utah on Wednesday night.

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Gun believed to be used in Utah road rage homicide found, police say

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Gun believed to be used in Utah road rage homicide found, police say


HIDEOUT, Utah (ABC4) — Deputies with the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office say they have recovered the gun believed to be used to kill a 61-year-old man in a road rage incident near the Jordanelle Reservoir about two months ago.

Patrick L. Hayes was found dead on the morning of Sept. 26 under what authorities called “suspicious circumstances.” Hayes was reportedly found near the Ross Creek Trailhead outside of his car on the shoulder of the freeway.

Based on the ongoing investigation, the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said Hayes appeared to have been involved in a road rage incident. Detectives believe Hayes may have left his car, approached another vehicle with a metal baton and pocket knife in hand and “aggressively called out the other driver.”

“Ultimately, the driver of the second vehicle appears to have shot and killed Mr. Hayes,” the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said in an update to the investigation. “At this time, we are analyzing evidence as to whether Mr. Hayes was attempting to enter the vehicle.”

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While authorities have recovered the gun believed to be used, investigators did not disclose where the gun was found.

Investigators with the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said they have submitted further evidence to the State Crime Lab for analysis. Investigators are reportedly investigating all possible crimes and considering all defenses related to Hayes’ death, including homicide and the possibility of self-defense.

“Importantly, our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mr. Hayes. They have been cooperative, kind, and helpful throughout the investigation,” the Wasatch County Sherrif’s Office said.

The Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office did not provide any further information, saying they would provide another update once the results of the evidence analysis is available.

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Bruins Steamroll Southern Utah, 88-43, to Extend Win Streak

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Bruins Steamroll Southern Utah, 88-43, to Extend Win Streak


UCLA remained perfect at home as it dominated Southern Utah, 88-43, at Pauley Pavilion on Tuesday night.

The Bruins excelled defensively, forcing 30 turnovers, a mark it hadn’t reached since 2002. They racked up 15 steals, including three apiece from junior guard Skyy Clark and freshman guard Trent Perry.

Offensively, UCLA was led by senior guard Lazar Stefanovic, who finished with a game-high 19 points. He grabbed five of the Bruins’ 41 rebounds as well.

Other Bruins to finish the game in double figures in the scoring column included sophomore guard Eric Dailey Jr. (15 points) and junior guard Dylan Andrews.

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UCLA jumped out to a 7-0 run to start the game, and after the Thunderbirds trimmed the margin to just 4, produced a 14-3 run to put themselves up 24-9 with just over 8-and-a-half minutes to go in the first half.

The Bruins kept their foot on the gas, stretching their lead to 23 going into halftime. They held the visitors to just 20 points through the first 20 minutes.

And UCLA still didn’t let up. It opened the second half with a 15-2 run that included 9 points from Andrews, 7 of which came consecutively.

With less than 7 minutes to go in the contest, a converted and-1 from Perry would give the Bruins their largest lead of the game — 50 points — while capping off an 11-0 run.

Perry finished with 9 points, five rebounds and five steals to add to his trifecta of steals.

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Other notable outings from UCLA included those of sophomore guard Sebastian Mack, who totaled 8 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, and sophomore center Aday Mara, who tallied a game-high eight rebounds while adding 6 points, three assists, three blocks and a steal.

The Bruins made six baskets from downtown, half of which were from Stefanovic, who was perfect on all his attempts from beyond the arc. Overall, they shot 38-of-80 from the field.

Things will amp up for UCLA going forward as the team will begin Big Ten play next week, starting with a showdown with its old Pac-12 foe, Washington. The two teams will face off at Pauley Pavilion for the Bruins’ final contest of their six-game homestand.

That game is set for next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. PST, 10:30 p.m. EST.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI and @tcav30 and never miss another breaking news story again.

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