The Utah Jazz haven't given us fans much to be hopeful for so far this season. A 4-7 start to a season that was advertised as the year the team would make it back to the playoffs should tell you all you need to know about the current status of this organization. With that being said, last year wasn't advertised as a playoff season, and the result of that semi-underwhelming season was three rookies coming to Utah via the first round of the NBA draft. At first us Jazz fans were extremely concerned with how the front office was treating these rookies, but now we're three weeks into the season and all three of these youngsters have been incredibly impressive in their own ways. Knock on wood, but I can confidentally say that all three of these guys are on the come up, and I am very hopeful for what's in store for their future.
Keyonte George - Mike Conley's Perfect Replacement
Keyonte George was the sixteenth pick in this year's draft following only one season at Baylor. He was drafted to fill the void at point guard, a void left by consistent veteran Mike Conley after last year's trade deadline saw him sent to Minnesota. George was the lone Jazz rookie that saw action during Summer League, where he averaged 21.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6 assists while maintaining impressive shooting splits across five outings. This impressive stretch of performances seemingly cemented his spot in the main Jazz rotation. At first it looked like George would be the third string point guard in the rotation, but as the season has moved along his play has earned him more and more minutes. Now, as a starter, I can accurately analyze his game and give you the full rundown.
The funny thing about George is that, when he came into the league, everyone labeled him a scoring prospect. So far he has definitely shown his scoring acumen, especially in Summer League, as a three-level scorer and elite difficult shot maker. However, what has really stood out in George's game has been his playmaking. In his three games as a starter he has put up 11, 9, and 7 assists respectively while combining for only five turnovers across the three outings. Not only did he put up these assists, the majority of them were to Lauri Markkanen (the team's undisputed best player) and Ochai Agbaji (a player who the Jazz have desperately tried to get involved this season). George still has a lot to work on, his defense has always been a weak spot for him and his outside shooting has been iffy to say the least. I really do think the Jazz found a gem in Keyonte, and he'll be a part of this Jazz core for a long time.
Taylor Hendricks - Polished Defense/Polishing Offense
Taylor Hendricks was the only lottery pick out of the three Jazz rooks, yet he hasn't quite receieved his flowers. He only spent one season at UCF, where he showcased his unique ability to do every single thing on a basketball court. Not only was he a top defensive prospect coming into the draft, but he was also a top offensive prospect with incredible size and athleticism. This is what vaulted him into the lottery, and why the Jazz took him ninth overall. Sadly he was forced to sit out for Summer League with a hamstring injury, and I believe this removed him from primary rotation consideration. He was sent to the G-League to start the season, only playing two minutes of actual NBA action so far. Now, with three G-League outings under his belt, I can confidentally say I think the Jazz made the right pick.
In his three G-League appearances thus far Hendricks has averaged 11.7 points, 1.7 steals, and 1.7 blocks. He's been shooting well from the field and from three, and using his athleticism to his advantage to finish around the rim at an exciting rate. What's been truly impressive has been his defense. Even if he had been awful on offense, his impact would have been felt solely because of his elite defense. He defends at a high level around the perimeter and at the rim, something that very few NBA defenders can claim. His transition offense after a block or steal has been great as well, another trait that will surely translate on an NBA court. I don't foresee him remaining in the G-League too much longer, as his defense and floor spacing abilities are just too valuable to not translate.
Brice Sensabaugh - A Hooper's Hooper
Brice Sensabaugh was the 28th pick in this year's draft and was the final pick for the Jazz. Sensabaugh, like both George and Hendricks, only spent one year playing at the NCAA level, playing for Ohio State. Everyone knew what Sensabaugh was coming into the draft, a pure scorer. For a while he found himself just outside of the lottery on most analysts' boards, but he eventually fell toward the back of the first round. This is where the Jazz scooped him up, guaranteeing fantastic value no matter how Sensabaugh turned out. Sensabaugh, like Hendricks, sat out of Summer League while dealing with an injury, which also led to him not making the primary rotation come the start of the season. However, after three G-League outings Sensabaugh has been the best player on the team, and it's looking like he will be called up sooner rather than later.
Sensabaugh has averaged 19.7 points, 4.7 assists, and 7.3 rebounds through his first three games. He hast shot 46.5% from the field, 43.5% from three, and 100% from the line. He has proven the draft analysts correct, as he is indeed a pure scorer. What has been a surprise are his assist and rebound numbers, as well as his overall playmaking. He already looks like an NBA player on the offensive side of the ball, and I don't think playing legitimate NBA minutes would change this. He is also averaging 1.3 steals, and even though he's not viewed as a defensive piece, he has a strong enough build to compete on that end of the floor. A few more weeks of polishing his game and increasing his sample size and I foresee some rotational minutes for the Jazz in his near future.
The Jazz are a team that struggles to run a legitimate rebuild. The playoffs are so important for their culture, and they have a serious problem with missing the playoffs for multiple seasons in a row. For this reason you have to assume that they're willing to go all in on these three rookies as soon as possible. They are going to look to build around the core of Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, Ochai Agbaji, and perhaps now John Collins, and these three rookies fit that timeline perfectly. If these guys weren't already on your radar then they should be now, so don't be surprised to see them thrive at the next level.
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