What Do The Utah Jazz Need Headed Into The 2023 Offseason

The 2022-23 season for the Utah Jazz was interesting, but maybe in a good way. Just about all NBA betting lines had the Jazz as one of the worst teams in the league after having an offseason in which they traded away two All-Stars.

However, Utah headlined NBA news by spending most of the season in the playoff bracket or at least in the play-in tournament until late. The Jazz won so much that they had to deal with players at the trade deadline to get back into the draft lottery. Eventually, the team would start losing, finishing with the fourth-worst record in the Western Conference, 37-45.

Much of the success could be attributed to first-time head coach Will Hardy, keeping the team ready and organized, especially on offense. If the team keeps trending upward, he could be a decent addition to future NBA picks to win the 2023-24 Coach of the Year.

On top of that, Lauri Markkanen would win Most Improved Player while becoming a first-time All-Star. Having him and some other key players gives the Jazz a solid core to start building around for NBA predictions.

2022-23 Season Record: 37-45

Status of Coach: Will Hardy. Very safe after a fantastic first season.

Positions Of Need For the Jazz

• Playmaking Guard
• Another All-Star
• Wing Depth
• Another Stretch Big

Possible Free Agency Plan

First of all, the Jazz cap situation is super weird. In the preseason, they were considered a “tanking” team, and even at the trade deadline, they still acted according to that. Utah ended up trading with contending teams to acquire more draft picks and then buy out many of the players they got in return.

Players with decent impacts on the cap space, Jordan Clarkson, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Rudy Gay, all have player options that may be declined. That could open up some money for the Jazz to spend while leaving at least two key spots to fill.

Now we get to the Jazz’s plan in the offseason. Do they want to keep rebuilding, having another losing season, or see a decent core already here and build around that? This makes Utah’s NBA playoffs odds a little more complicated for next season.

Despite having Collin Sexton on the roster, the Jazz still needs a guard to space the floor and be a solid playmaker, his two weaknesses. If Utah were going to make a push, Fred VanVleet would be a perfect fit. He is an elite shot-maker and creator with a decent defensive motor to pair up with Sexton in the backcourt. In theory, Kyle Kuzma would also be a great fit, offering a wing that can impact both ends of the court. Furthermore, if the Jazz clear up enough cap space, they could sign both. That could make them an immediate borderline playoff team.

On the other hand, the Jazz could end up hoarding picks and let another season of rebuilding pass them.

First-Round Lottery Odds

• Odds For First Overall Pick – 4.5%
• Odds For A Top Four Pick – 20.3%
• The Jazz also have the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers’ First Round Picks.

Possible Draft Plan

Initially, in the last offseason, just about everyone had the Jazz draft plan mapped out. After trading away one French star, Utah would win the draft lottery having the worst record in the NBA, getting the opportunity for the new French sensation, Victor Wembanyama.

That did not happen, leaving NBA betting odds a little more conflicted about the Jazz’s draft plan. Wembanyama is still the perfect fit on the team, but he is with most teams. Imagine him with Markkanen and Walker Kessler, potentially the best shot-blocking frontcourt ever, with each player being 7 feet or taller. But with only a 4.5% chance of that happening, it does not seem likely.

This draft for the Jazz might be dependent on their plans for the future. They could go with the best player available, other than center, with a need for young talent at the guard and wing positions. That could be anyone from the Amen or Ausar Thompson (twins in the draft), the backcourt duo from Arkansas, Anthony Black, and Nick Smith Jr., or even Gradey Dick.

Also, remember that the Jazz have other draft picks due to trades with playoff teams, which may give them some freedom to move up and grab a player they really want. However, the Jazz could draft knowing they have the Minnesota Timberwolves pick that is right outside the lottery, and get two potentially elite rookies.

If players with guard wing versatility like Jett Howard, Keyonte George, or Jalen Hood-Schifino start to fall in the draft, the Jazz could fill two key positions with rookies. This would then change the free agency plan, having the ability to rely on youth and upside for next season.