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<title type="text">SLC Dunk</title>
<subtitle type="text">Your best source for quality Utah Jazz news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.</subtitle>
<updated>2025-09-18T03:56:03+00:00</updated>
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<entry>
<author>
<name>James Hansen</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[What the Utah Jazz can learn from the Jonathan Kuminga situation]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/jazz-analysis/64419/what-the-utah-jazz-can-learn-from-the-jonathan-kuminga-situation" />
<id>https://www.slcdunk.com/?p=64419</id>
<updated>2025-09-17T23:56:03-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-09-17T23:56:03-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="Jazz Analysis" /><category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="Utah Jazz Player Analysis" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[The Jonathan Kuminga situation in Golden State has gotten pretty toxic, and it’s not clear how it’s going to end. But it is pretty clear how it started. In fact, it reminds me of a situation the Jazz had not too long ago that did not end well either. Kuminga joined the Warriors, who were […]]]></summary>
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<img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gettyimages-2223114931.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,49.634108303942" />
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The Jonathan Kuminga situation in Golden State has gotten pretty toxic, and it’s not clear how it’s going to end. But it is pretty clear how it started. In fact, it reminds me of a situation the Jazz had not too long ago that did not end well either.
Kuminga joined the Warriors, who were already an established core with superstars returning from injury. The problem for Kuminga is that he was a prospect with a huge ceiling, but he was going to be a project. The problem with a project like Kuminga on an established team like the Warriors was that it made it difficult for him to find time to play when the Warriors were fighting for playoff positioning. What happened? Kuminga would be criticized hard for making any mistake and would get benched for it quickly. Making things worse is the front office and ownership, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46210422/inside-warriors-stalemate-jonathan-kuminga">who picked Kuminga, would push for him to play</a>.
From ESPN’s<a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46210422/inside-warriors-stalemate-jonathan-kuminga"> latest article talking about Kuminga</a>:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
LACOB HAS BEEN a central figure in Kuminga’s NBA career since the beginning. Bob Myers was team president and Dunleavy assistant general manager when they drafted Kuminga in 2021. They gave the collective green light, but Lacob was a driving force in the selection when others, including a few on the coaching staff, voiced a Franz Wagner preference, sources said.
</blockquote>
This whole situation reminds me of the Dante Exum situation all over again. It’s the same pieces just change the names to Dante Exum, Quin Snyder, and Dennis Lindsey. Now that Kuminga is on the verge of the a potential qualifying offer, the Warriors are looking to end up with close to nothin for the former #7 overall pick. For Utah, they ended up with a trade that netted them Jordan Clarkson and nothing else. It’s certainly something the Warriors are dreading, but that looks like where this is going.
So how can Utah avoid this situation again? It’s a tightrope that Will Hardy and the front office are going to need to walk. But it does appear that they’re in a better spot now than in the Quin Snyder era. For one, the Jazz appear to have more cohesion between the coach and the front office. Having separate goals with different players on different timelines can create a lot of issues. Over time, that relationship will corrode like it did with Snyder and Lindsey.
The other conflict comes with coaches coaching to win games and keep their jobs, and GMs pushing for certain players to justify their draft picks. The way to keep things cohesive is to allow the coach to play who he wants and coach in a way to win the game. Utah appears to understand this, as evidenced by their most recent comments about not manipulating lineups to lose games. It’s also a good sign that we saw Austin Ainge finally make the trades the Jazz needed to make for years, moving Collin Sexton, John Collins, and Jordan Clarkson. The Jazz are still left with some veterans that may get some time, including Kyle Anderson and Georges Niang. The good news for Jazz fans is that Niang and Anderson aren’t on the level as players like Steph Curry and Draymond Green. If Utah’s youth can’t beat them out by the end of the season, then they don’t likely have what it takes long term.
The one player that does make this interesting is Lauri Markkanen. Can they meet their goal of keeping their top-8 pick next year while also playing Markkanen? That’s going to be the biggest question of the season. One thing is clear, it creates at least some of the conflict that has caused issues the last two seasons for Utah, the situation with Kuminga in Golden State, and the problems Utah had with Dante Exum. Utah would be wise to make sure they aren’t overcomplicating its goals soon, or things could pan out badly again.

]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Calvin Barrett</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[The Downbeat: the Utah Jazz did not stutter during the 2025 NBA Draft]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/jazz-analysis/64405/the-downbeat-the-utah-jazz-did-not-stutter-during-the-2025-nba-draft" />
<id>https://www.slcdunk.com/?p=64405</id>
<updated>2025-09-16T23:11:23-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-09-17T06:00:00-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="Jazz Analysis" /><category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="The Downbeat" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[THE UTAH JAZZ WILL NOT WIN very many games this season. This has been proposed, voted on, and unanimously accepted by the board, and we must never question the board. In the modern age of NBA basketball, organizations typically pursue one of three strategies: win as many games as possible and try to win a […]]]></summary>
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THE UTAH JAZZ WILL NOT WIN very many games this season. This has been proposed, voted on, and unanimously accepted by the board, and we must never question the board. In the modern age of NBA basketball, organizations typically pursue one of three strategies: win as many games as possible and try to win a championship (a bit vanilla, but if that’s your thing, I guess), abandon tradition and lose in the short-term to gradually build a competitive team over time, or be the Chicago Bulls.
Utah, as I’ve already established, is neck-deep in the waters of Loser River, which wraps around the cliffs of Draft Pick Peak, and breathes life into the valley of crushed dreams. Not exactly a popular tourist destination, but teams like Washington, Charlotte, and the like have been living there for years.
Since the Jazz took up residency in this forsaken land, their harvests have been less-than fruitful, digging out inefficient scorers, miserable defenders, and insufferable mediocracy to far outweigh the yield of capable NBA contributors. It’s been bleak: there’s no way around it. But for some reason, this year’s crops seem to have the village buzzing with anticipation.
The Jazz selected two prospects in the first round of this most recent NBA Draft (shoutout to John Tonje, by the way). Both of them seem to be capable contributors for an NBA team. Both of them bring distinct strengths. Both of them seem to send a deliberate and unmistakable message to anyone paying attention. That message?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">The Utah Jazz are drafting with purpose</h2>
Two players who are capable of putting the ball in the basket. Two players with real, translateable NBA talent. Two players who are less than 50% hypothetical. Two players who will bring meaningful basketball to the Salt Lake Valley. 
These are two players who show immediate promise. No fancy-pants analytics that suggest that, given all the right circumstances, a player may or may not possibly become a sort of decent player at the NBA level. Nope: this pair of hoopers passes the eye test. They pass on the box score. Yes, professor, they pass with flying colors. Do you want to know why?
Utah didn’t mess around this time: they only drafted great basketball players.
<img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/stutt.gif?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
Allow me to reintroduce the first steps to competitive basketball in Utah: Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Ace Bailey: Finally, some real upside</h2>
He’s the typical home-run swing from this era of the Utah Jazz, only this time, they have the benefit of vision. They didn’t blindly swing at this guy (and no examples will be named). No, <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2025/7/22/24471913/ace-bailey-beacon-of-hope-in-utah-jazz-basketball-dystopia-nba-rookie">this is a player with obvious upside</a>. A player whose best traits will show up on the court from day one, and who possesses actual, tangible tools. Tools that fit in your hands. Make an imprint. Take a natural human motion and multiply its effectiveness. With Ace, there’s no “if it all works out” or “in theory, he could” justifications — he’ll gladly show you his workshop if you have your doubts. He was a star in high school, he was a star in college, and if his trajectory is to be believed, he’ll excel in the NBA, too.
His weaknesses are present, of course, and I don’t mean to suggest he doesn’t hold the proverbial “untapped potential” that most lottery teams have to dig for outside the top three (or the entire 2024 class, for that matter). Ace has been known to take regular shots that any non-Kobe or Jordan players likely don’t have any business attempting, though he scores at a curiosity-inducing rate. Shot selection can easily be corrected with proper coaching and experience, though, so there’s no need to side-eye the panic button.
<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote>Utah drafted him to be a scoring wing, though, and I don’t subscribe to the narrative that all great players have to be all-world passers.</blockquote></figure>
His vision can be shoddy, be it an unwillingness to pass or a blind confidence that any shot he takes is, in fact, the best-case scenario for his squad. But this year will be the first time Ace isn’t the star player for his team (co-star, in Dylan Harper’s case), and his shot attempts will almost certainly take a dip as he adapts to a higher level of hoops. Utah drafted him to be a scoring wing, though, and I don’t subscribe to the narrative that all great players have to be all-world passers.
Sure, standing at six feet and ten inches (depending on who you ask) has its drawbacks. His dribble hasn’t been particularly tight. It’s like watching a hundred-year-old oak tree try to snatch your ankles — the ball just has to travel so far from his hand to the floor. He won’t burn many defenders in a clean-cut, no-resistance dribble move, nor did he really need to. He’s a tough player, though. Happy to assert his dominance physically and meet at the rim in a happy-birthday-I’m-going-to-shove-this-entire-cake-down-your-throat type of way before assaulting the cylinder.
As seen in Summer League, Ace’s 6’10” frame was well-utilized for inhaling rebounds. Paired with exceptional athleticism, many of those boards were hand-delivered right back to the rim (if you could just sign here, sir). Tremendous lateral quickness, length, elasticity, and burst are not only critical qualities of a rubber band; these adjectives could just as easily describe why Bailey projects so well as a defender. His instincts are strong, and it shows on the stat sheet — 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks at Rutgers. As his frame matures and adds muscle, he could become an excellent switching defender capable of covering the perimeter while also deterring errant shot attempts.
It’s not all perfect, and there are reasons he slipped from the projected second pick at the beginning of the season down to Utah’s awaiting arms in the fifth slot on draft night. Keep in mind, there is no such thing as a “sure-thing, can’t-miss” prospect in the NBA, but Ace is the best player Utah has selected since Donovan Mitchell, and I don’t think I’ll get much push-back from that statement.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Walter Clayton Jr: all killer, no filler</h2>
By the end of the season, you’ll see his name crawling up the order in re-drafts, because he’s ready to play right out of the box. The Final Four Most Outstanding Player for the national champion Florida Gators, Clayton went from an undersized point guard with Iona to the best player on the best team in the country.
He was an absolute necromancer in March Madness, breathing life into his team and resurfacing his brothers from the dead with inconceivable shotmaking in the clutch. I mean, the last four minutes of this video alone should convince you that this guy was probably the best shooter in all of college hoops, and I don’t say that lightly.
The guy is a flat-out killer.
<div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Every Walter Clayton Jr. 3-pointer, but they get increasingly more clutch" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ONimSysWcAw?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div>
The NBA is finally beginning to heal from the idiotic “raw 19-year-old is more valuable than a proven winner” phase of drafting. The Jazz traded up to grab Clayton because they saw the tape and drew a reasonable conclusion that <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2025/7/16/24467266/nba-summer-league-weaving-web-walter-clayton-jr-player-comps-utah-jazz-draft">Walt has a distinct and individual talent that should translate effortlessly to the NBA</a>. 3-point shooting is a valuable skill, especially for a point guard, and you can’t deny that this kid from Florida has a rich taste for three-balls.
Walt looked just as capable in Summer League, outshining last season’s starting point guard, Isaiah Collier, in the offseason. He hit shots. He handled the rock. He found his spots and scored like a veteran. He even flashed improved playmaking ability, a skill he popped as a senior, averaging his most dimes per game by a full assist per game. With the Gators, he dropped 18 points per game while knocking through over 38% of his three-pointers. Yes, even shooting bonkers shots like those you saw in the clip, he’s not a heat-check guy — he’s just pure heat.
<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote>…he’s not a heat-check guy — he’s just pure heat.</blockquote></figure>
Look at a player. Observe obvious talent. Draft player. It can be as simple as that, yet that hasn’t been Utah’s <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/2025/7/2/24460100/utah-jazz-are-undergoing-major-foundational-change-austin-ainge-draft-free-agency">drafting philosophy before Austin Ainge took over</a>. 
Keyonte George was taken with the hope that his inefficient scoring would be optimized and his playmaking would flourish. Cody Williams was snagged almost entirely based on hypotheticals and has yet to verify the Jazz’s pre-draft faith in him. Isaiah Collier was picked with the hope that he could turn a stiff and broken jump shot into something reliable and hovering around league average.
It’s still early, but all of these players’ pre-draft concerns remain concerns now post-draft. 
For the record, Kyle Filipowski has been awesome.
But Utah was deliberate in selecting this year’s batch of hoopers. They knew who they wanted, and they got their guys. Ace sliding to fifth was a micro-miracle and best-case scenario. Walter Clayton was rumored to be Miami-bound before Utah swooped in. The Jazz have a strategy, and it’s being enacted. Still miles from anything resembling contention, of course, but this year’s class gives Jazz fans plenty of reason to rekindle their faith.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
<a href="https://calvinbarrettwriting.wordpress.com/portfolio/">Calvin Barrett</a> is a writer, editor, and prolific Mario Kart racer located in Tokyo, Japan. He has covered the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> and <a href="https://lawlessrepublic.com/">BYU</a> athletics since 2024.
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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>James Hansen</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Important dates for the 2025-26 NBA season]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/nba-week-1/64409/important-dates-for-the-2025-26-nba-season" />
<id>https://www.slcdunk.com/?p=64409</id>
<updated>2025-09-16T23:04:55-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-09-16T23:04:24-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="NBA Week 1" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[The 2025-26 NBA season is almost here. Here are some of the key dates as the season gets closer. 2025 Sept. 23 – Media days for teams traveling outside of North America for 2025 Preseason (Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns. Sept. 23 – First allowable date for players participating […]]]></summary>
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The 2025-26 NBA season is almost here. Here are some of the key dates as the season gets closer.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2025</h2>
Sept. 23 – Media days for teams traveling outside of North America for 2025 Preseason (Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns.
Sept. 23 – First allowable date for players participating in preseason games in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Australia, and China to report to their teams.
Sept. 24 – Training camps open for all teams participating in preseason games outside North America (Nets, Knicks, 76ers, Pelicans, Suns).
Sept. 29 – First allowable date for all other veteran players to report to their teams.
Sept. 29 – NBA Training Camps open and media days for the remaining 25 teams.
Oct. 2 & 4 – NBA Preseason Begins – NBA Abu Dhabi Games | Knicks vs 76ers
Oct. 3 & 5 – NBA Preseason Melbourne Series | Pelicans vs NBL Teams
Oct. 6 – 2025 NBA Canada Series | Nuggets vs Raptors
Oct. 10 & 12 – 2025 NBA China Games | Nets vs Suns
Oct. 17 – NBA Preseason Ends
Oct. 20 – Rosters set for NBA Opening Day
Oct. 21 – NBA Regular Season begins! Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder – Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers | all on NBC and Peacock
Oct. 31 – Emirates NBA Cup 2025 | Group Play tips off on Prime
Nov. 1 – NBA Mexico City Game 2025 | Detroit Pistons vs Dallas Mavericks
Nov. 28 – Emirates NBA Cup 2025 – Group Play concludes
Dec. 9-10 – Emirates NBA Cup 2025 – Knockout Rounds on Prime
Dec. 13 – Emirates NBA Cup 2025 – Semifinals on Prime
Dec. 16 – Emirates NBA Cup 2025 – Championship 
Dec. 25 – Christmas Day Games – All on ABC and ESPN
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026</h2>
Jan. 5 – 10-day contracts may now be signed
Jan. 10 – All NBA contracts are guaranteed for the remainder of the season
Jan. 15 – NBA Berling Games 2026 | Orlando Magic vs Memphis Grizzlies
Jan. 18 – NBA London Games 2026 | Orlando Magic vs Memphis Grizzlies
Jan. 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day | All games on NBC and Peacock
Feb. 5 – NBA Trade Deadline | 3:00 PM ET
Feb. 13-15 – 2026 NBA All-Star in Los Angeles, CA
Feb. 13 – 2026 NBA HBCU Classic | Hampton University vs North Carolina A&T at Kia Forum, Inglewood
March 1 – Playoff eligibility waiver deadline
April 12 – Regular season ends
April 13 – Rosters set for NBA Playoffs 2026
]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>James Hansen</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[NBA Trade Rumors: New intel on Kevin Love]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/utah-jazz-news/64397/nba-trade-rumors-new-intel-on-kevin-love" />
<id>https://www.slcdunk.com/?p=64397</id>
<updated>2025-09-15T21:10:10-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-09-15T21:10:10-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="Jazz News" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[In the latest Stein Line, Marc Stein had new information about Kevin Love and the Utah Jazz. From Stein: The Jazz and Kevin Love, I’m told, have not yet moved into serious buyout discussions despite reports to the contrary. It is widely known in league circles that Love is determined to play for a playoff […]]]></summary>
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<img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gettyimages-2203302278.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,81.097932586377" />
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In the latest Stein Line, Marc Stein had new information about Kevin Love and the Utah Jazz.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Monday Best around-the-NBA notes column just went live featuring numerous free agency and personnel updates as well as the latest Intel on NBA Europe and domestic expansion: <a href="https://t.co/dR7VbGsT20">https://t.co/dR7VbGsT20</a> <a href="https://t.co/IRGlbQotK2">pic.twitter.com/IRGlbQotK2</a>— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine/status/1967633784368664602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
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From Stein:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
The Jazz and Kevin Love, I’m told, have not yet moved into serious buyout discussions despite reports to the contrary.
It is widely known in league circles that Love is determined to play for a playoff contender at this point in his career, but it is also customary for a buyout process to progress to an advanced stage once a post-buyout landing spot is assured. 
The search for that spot continues for the 37-year-old former All-Star forward, who was dealt to the Jazz in July as part of the three-team traded that landed Norman Powell with Miami and John Collins with the Clippers.
</blockquote>
What this tells me is it’s not likely we’ll see Kevin Love suiting up for the Utah Jazz. The question is whether he even reports to the Jazz. Training camp is in two weeks, and it doesn’t seem likely that we’ll see Kevin Love in a Jazz jersey.
But that’s not a bad thing. Kevin Love is in the twilight of his career and Utah isn’t in any need to give him any minutes, nor do they want to. It’s a season of development for the Jazz and any minutes that go needlessly to old veterans are a waste.
The most interesting thing about this trade is that the Jazz haven’t moved towards a buyout. What that tells me is Utah is likely looking to use his contract in some sort of trade. Kevin Love is on an expiring deal worth about $4.15M, which makes it a usable contract in a variety of ways. And with Utah under the apron, they’re able to do a lot with their contracts.
I also just want to say I appreciate that the Jazz aren’t just going to buy out a player just because they want it. The Jazz have done things with a lot more confidence and purpose than they have in the past. It’s refreshing. I can promise you, five years ago Ace Bailey wouldn’t be in a Jazz uniform, and Kevin Love would be bought out and on his way back to Miami. Not now, this Jazz team doesn’t let outside forces dictate what they do, and it’s great, the Jazz finally grew up.


]]>
</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>James Hansen</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Finland loses to Greece in Eurobasket bronze medal game]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/utah-jazz-game-coverage/64387/finland-loses-to-greece-in-eurobasket-bronze-medal-game" />
<id>https://www.slcdunk.com/?p=64387</id>
<updated>2025-09-14T18:33:07-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-09-14T18:33:07-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="Utah Jazz Game Coverage" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[Lauri Markkanen and Finland lost today to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece 92-89. It’s a very disappointing outcome for the Finnish basketball team that got farther than they ever have before. Despite losing, Finland achieved a great deal and has much to be proud of. Finland basketball is now much more prominent and deserves a ton […]]]></summary>
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Lauri Markkanen and Finland lost today to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece 92-89. It’s a very disappointing outcome for the Finnish basketball team that got farther than they ever have before. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">They fought like wolves. So much respect for this Finland team! 🇫🇮<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeYourMark?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeYourMark</a> <a href="https://t.co/D8NVqdJB2D">pic.twitter.com/D8NVqdJB2D</a>— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1967261389581361464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Despite losing, Finland achieved a great deal and has much to be proud of. Finland basketball is now much more prominent and deserves a ton of respect, and they earned a lot of that today in a close loss to Greece.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Two legends balling out for their countries 🤝<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUROBASKET?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUROBASKET</a> <a href="https://t.co/NM4tVwWrEW">pic.twitter.com/NM4tVwWrEW</a>— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1967264466078228773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Some things that can be taken from this for Finland was how good Lauri Markkanen was, he stepped up in a big way and showed that, when healthy, he can be an offensive force.
On top of that, they have a young, budding star in Miikka Muurinen. You can see the makings of something special with his combination of size, athleticism, and competitiveness. He also looks like a potential defensive star with his fantastic physical tools.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Nah man this dude Miikka Muurinen does something crazy EVERY game THE FINNISH FREAK 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/q1ZSMaVKWZ">pic.twitter.com/q1ZSMaVKWZ</a>— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaterReport_/status/1967237260174327889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
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With Eurobasket over, the Finnish basketball team will definitely be back next EuroBasket and has a real shot to go all the way. It’ll be fun to see how that pans out next time. 
Now, it’s onto the Jazz for Lauri Markkanen and we’ll see how he plays with his new Jazz teammates.
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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>James Hansen</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Utah Jazz players as XMen – Part 2]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/utah-jazz-player-analysis/64375/utah-jazz-players-as-xmen-part-2" />
<id>https://www.slcdunk.com/?p=64375</id>
<updated>2025-09-14T00:03:39-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-09-14T00:03:39-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="Jazz Analysis" /><category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="Utah Jazz Player Analysis" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[It’s time to continue the most important series I have ever written. If you missed part 1, you can read it here. Now, let’s get to the next three Jazz players and who they would be if they were XMen. Isaiah Collier – Cannonball Cannonball’s power included the ability to fly at jet speeds while […]]]></summary>
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<img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gettyimages-2208357172.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" />
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It’s time to continue the most important series I have ever written. If you missed <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/utah-jazz-player-analysis/64356/utah-jazz-players-as-xmen-part-1">part 1</a>, you can read it <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/utah-jazz-player-analysis/64356/utah-jazz-players-as-xmen-part-1">here</a>. Now, let’s get to the next three Jazz players and who they would be if they were XMen.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Isaiah Collier – Cannonball</h2>
<img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gettyimages-2224535147.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0.0061751265900938,100,99.98764974682" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Isaiah Collier #8 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 14, 2025 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)" data-portal-copyright="" /><img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/cannonball.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0.37220843672456,100,99.255583126551" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
Cannonball’s power included the ability to fly at jet speeds while encased in an impenetrable force field. He’s able to manipulate his forcefield in a lot of ways, but he’s best known for flying at high speeds and crashing into the enemy. Does anything describe Isaiah Collier’s game better than that? Collier plays at incredible speed and flies to the basket with reckless abandon. It’s had mixed results for Collier; we’ll see if he can manipulate his powers like Cannonball did, so he can be a more well-rounded player in the future.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Walker Kessler – Colossus </h2>
<img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gettyimages-2206732983.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.0071002556092026,0,99.985799488782,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 23: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Delta Center on March 23, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)" data-portal-copyright="" /><img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/colossus.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=3.3203125,0,93.359375,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
Both are defensive monsters that support their team in any fight. Colossus uses his impenetrable steel skin, along with his huge size and super strength, to make himself an indestructible defensive stalwart for the XMen. Just like Colossus, Walker Kessler is the final line of defense for the Jazz as he protects the rim. He’s not known for flashy offense, but rather for being a defensive monster that people in the league have learned to respect.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brice Sensabaugh – Gambit</h2>
<img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gettyimages-2201559189.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,9.8613813229572,100,80.277237354086" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 26: Brice Sensabaugh #28 of the Utah Jazz shoots a three point basket during the game against the Sacramento Kings on February 26, 2025 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)" data-portal-copyright="" /><img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gambit_6abe2d.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,9.609375,100,80.78125" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
Brice Sensabaugh <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/64325/the-downbeat-brice-sensabaugh-actually-played-great-last-season-amazing-even">was much better</a> than he got credit for last season. What was most impressive was his ability to shoot the ball. At times, he was absolutely lethal. The biggest question was consistency. Perhaps not the most lethal of mutants, Gambit finds a way to inflict huge damage with his charged cards with controlled efficiency. And he does it with style. Sensabaugh is much the same way. Out of nowhere, you’ll see Sensabaugh come with a barrage of threes that can change a game. The question for Sensabaugh is whether he can find some versatility with this game and control the ball. If he can, he becomes a massive weapon for the Jazz like Gambit for the XMen.

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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>James Hansen</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Lauri Markkanen and Finland lose to Germany]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/utah-jazz-game-coverage/64367/lauri-markkanen-and-finland-lose-to-germany" />
<id>https://www.slcdunk.com/?p=64367</id>
<updated>2025-09-12T22:38:01-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-09-12T22:38:01-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="Utah Jazz Game Coverage" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[In a disappointing finish for Lauri Markkanen and Finland, they lost to Germany 98-86. Lauri Markkanen did not have the big performance he needed to lead Finland to victory. In this one, he was 6/17 from the field and just 2/9 from three. Finland needed Markkanen to come out with a dominant performance, and it […]]]></summary>
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<img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gettyimages-2234685639.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" />
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In a disappointing finish for Lauri Markkanen and Finland, they lost to Germany 98-86. Lauri Markkanen did not have the big performance he needed to lead Finland to victory. In this one, he was 6/17 from the field and just 2/9 from three. Finland needed Markkanen to come out with a dominant performance, and it just wasn’t there. Markkanen wasn’t the only one who struggled, but this Finnish team was only going to go as far as Markkanen took them.
If there was a bright spot for Finland, Miikka Muurinen was 4/6 from the field and was 3/4 from three. It’s a great sign for the young prospect as he has a big season coming up.
For Germany, they got some huge performances from Dennis Schroder 26 points/12 assists) and Franz Wagner (22 points). The percentages weren’t perfect, but they dominated the game from the free-throw line.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">Dennis Schroder in the Semifinals vs Finland: — 26 PTS — 12 AST — 5 REB — 6-15 FG — 4-9 3PT Germany moves onto the Finals where they will meet either Greece or Turkey on Sunday. <a href="https://t.co/jZouzSk6bp">pic.twitter.com/jZouzSk6bp</a>— KingsMuse (@kings_muse) <a href="https://twitter.com/kings_muse/status/1966542834556613085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
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This isn’t the end of the road for Finland; they will face Greece and Giannis Antetokounmpo on Sunday, which should be really interesting. It’s a huge game for Finland, giving them the chance for their first medal in team history in EuroBasket.
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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>James Hansen</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Utah Jazz players as XMen – Part 1]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/utah-jazz-player-analysis/64356/utah-jazz-players-as-xmen-part-1" />
<id>https://www.slcdunk.com/?p=64356</id>
<updated>2025-09-11T23:41:32-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-09-11T23:41:32-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="Jazz Analysis" /><category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="Utah Jazz Player Analysis" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[It’s an important part of the offseason where we have to compare the Utah Jazz to X-Men. Here’s who the Jazz players would be if they were invited to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Taylor Hendricks – Beast Much like Beast, Taylor Hendricks is an athletic and physical marvel with his ability to defend on […]]]></summary>
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<img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gettyimages-2181107045.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,83.5012889618" />
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It’s an important part of the offseason where we have to compare the Utah Jazz to X-Men. Here’s who the Jazz players would be if they were invited to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Taylor Hendricks – Beast</h2>
<img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gettyimages-2181107130.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 25: Taylor Hendricks #0 of the Utah Jazz in action during the first half of a game against the Golden State Warriors at Delta Center on October 25, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)" data-portal-copyright="" /><img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/Beast-Marvel-Comics-McCoy-Avengers-Defenders-X-Men.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=2.64,0,94.72,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
Much like Beast, Taylor Hendricks is an athletic and physical marvel with his ability to defend on both the perimiter and at the rim. Last season, Hendricks had a terrible injury and during his rehab he has transformed his body to become a much more physically dominant player. It is very similar to Beast when he took the enhancement syrum that transformed him into the blue Beast we all know and love.
There’s also just something loveable about both Beast and Hendricks that makes you root for them.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Keyonte George – Nightcrawler</h2>
<img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gettyimages-2208826189.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 09: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a play in overtime during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Delta Center on April 09, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)" data-portal-copyright="" /><img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/nightcrawler_b6f019.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=3.4615384615385,0,93.076923076923,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
Nightcrawler is one of the most electric offensive mutants, bringing a variety of ways to score. Nightcrawler, with his unique Hopesword, can inflict damage from different angles and in unique ways with his brimstone-inducing teleportation. Keyonte George is much the same way. His job is to teleport into the lineup off the bench and score in bunches. He can score from anywhere on the floor in a variety of ways and is surprisingly versatile with his ability to pass and set up his teammates. The only issue with Nightcrawler and Keyonte George is that there’s a serious lack of defense. If he’s facing Juggernaught on his own, he can run into problems.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lauri Markkanen – Havoc</h2>
<img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gettyimages-2234685639.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="RIGA, LATVIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Lauri Markkanen of Finland soars toward the basket for a dunk during the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 quarterfinal between Finland and Georgia at Arena Riga on September 10, 2025 in Riga, Latvia. (Photo by Massimo Ceretti/FIBA via Getty Images)" data-portal-copyright="" /><img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/havoc.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
Lauri Markkanen isn’t known for being the leader of an elite team in the NFL, which is similar to Havoc. The younger brother of Cyclops has had his issues and jealousies of other X-Men and hasn’t been the heralded leader of an elite team. However, he has still contributed to major successes, like his contributions to X-Factor. Eventually, Havoc even became the leader of the Starjammers, but is much more successful playing alongside other elite mutants. Havoc’s struggle to control his power blasts is much like Markkanen’s difficulty in finding consistency with his shooting. But when Havoc has been able to control his power, he’s been a significant force to be reckoned with. When Markkanen finds consistency with his play and shooting, he’s been just like Havoc and has played at an all-star level.
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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>James Hansen</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[Finland faces touphest opponent yet after beating Georgia to advance to EuroBasket final four]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/utah-jazz-game-coverage/64339/finland-faces-touphest-opponent-yet-after-beating-georgia-to-advance-to-eurobasket-final-four" />
<id>https://www.slcdunk.com/?p=64339</id>
<updated>2025-09-10T23:43:51-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-09-10T23:43:51-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="Utah Jazz Game Coverage" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[Lauri Markkanen and Finland beat Georgia today, 93-79, to advance to the EuroBasket Final Four. Lauri Markkanen was great once again, scoring 17 points on 7/12 shooting from the field and 5/7 from three. He also grabbed 6 rebounds, but probably his most electric play was this assist to Miikka Muurinen, aka Slim Jesus. It […]]]></summary>
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<img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gettyimages-2234694677.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" />
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Lauri Markkanen and Finland beat Georgia today, 93-79, to advance to the EuroBasket Final Four. Lauri Markkanen was great once again, scoring 17 points on 7/12 shooting from the field and 5/7 from three. He also grabbed 6 rebounds, but probably his most electric play was this assist to Miikka Muurinen, aka Slim Jesus.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">SLIM JESUS <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eurobasket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eurobasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/f3duDoEL8y">pic.twitter.com/f3duDoEL8y</a>— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eurohoopsnet/status/1965789245223956665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
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It wasn’t just Markkanen and Muurinen in this one; Georgia started coming back in the third, and some big-time shot-making from Elias Valtonen helped put them away.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true">CLUTCH VALTONEN DOES IT AGAIN 🇫🇮😱 Elias Valtonen has made six shots from 3P range in this EuroBasket, with four of those being scored in the 4th quarter 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EuroBasket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EuroBasket</a> <a href="https://t.co/AlXQDFU7kH">pic.twitter.com/AlXQDFU7kH</a>— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroBasket/status/1965804361277427848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
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All in all, it’s a great win for Finland, which is now in the final four of Eurobasket and has a chance to medal for the first time in team history. It would be an incredible achievement for Markkanen and Finland, and one they will surely remember forever if it happens. Regardless of whether they do, Markkanen and the entire Finnish team should be proud of what they’ve already accomplished.
Finland will face its toughest opponent, Germany, on Friday at 8AM.
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</content>
</entry>
<entry>
<author>
<name>Calvin Barrett</name>
</author>
<title type="html"><![CDATA[The Downbeat: Brice Sensabaugh actually played great last season. Amazing, even.]]></title>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/the-downbeat-latest-jazz-news/64325/the-downbeat-brice-sensabaugh-actually-played-great-last-season-amazing-even" />
<id>https://www.slcdunk.com/?p=64325</id>
<updated>2025-09-09T18:27:28-04:00</updated>
<published>2025-09-10T07:00:00-04:00</published>
<category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="Jazz Analysis" /><category scheme="https://www.slcdunk.com" term="The Downbeat" />
<summary type="html"><![CDATA[WE NEED TO HAVE A LITTLE CHAT, you and I. You see, the entire discourse surrounding the Jazz is that its tempo is too unpredictable. Its style too brazen. It’s soul too distorted— oh, I’m horribly sorry, these are my notes about the jazz music of the club I’ve been regularly attending. I’m so embarrassed. […]]]></summary>
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<img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/gettyimages-2208834000.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" />
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WE NEED TO HAVE A LITTLE CHAT, you and I. 
You see, the entire discourse surrounding the Jazz is that its tempo is too unpredictable. Its style too brazen. It’s soul too distorted— oh, I’m horribly sorry, these are my notes about the jazz music of the club I’ve been regularly attending. I’m so embarrassed. One second, please…
[Shuffles papers]
Okay, here we go. The entire discourse surrounding the Utah Jazz has been about youth development. With an eye on the incubators, Utah is focused on the future — a glorious future which could only be achieved through the draft process. Pick promising players. Painstakingly and deliberately develop said players into serious NBA-caliber hoopers. Repay the investors by lifting a banner in the Delta Center that simply reads: Utah Jazz, World Champions. 
It’s a lofty goal, and one that hinges on the bloom of the budding talent in Will Hardy’s garden. Player development — it’s all Jazz fans have at the moment to get excited about while watching a game. 
So it blows my mind how egregiously the discourse has whiffed on Brice Sensabaugh. Why will no one talk about how well Brice Sensabaugh performed through 2024-25? The third and final first-round selection of Utah’s first rebuilding draft, Ice Brice was claimed in the late first round along with Taylor Hendricks and Keyonte George. He’s entering his third season with the team. He’s got plenty to prove about his efficacy as a long-term contributor on this Utah Jazz team.
But after a second year in the pros and a questionable jersey number change (surely we can do better than 28, or am I the only one weirded out by this?), Sensabaugh was better — and dare I say excellent — in the core aspect of his game as a sophomore. That’s putting the basketball through the cylinder. He averaged double-digits in the point column, and on salivating efficiency.
<img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-10-at-6.58.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
Year-over-year, Brice pounded 3.4 more points a night in 1.9 more minutes of floor time. His secret? Hitting that 3-ball at a ridiculous clip. 42.2% from distance. It’s like watching a man toss and stick a pop dart atop another from the other side of the house. It’s like Bryson DeChambeau hitting a hole-in-one over his home (which I swear is like 99% constituted of glass). It’s pure accuracy, bordering on lunacy.
42% of the three-pointers that leave his hands reach their target. That’s the fifth-best rate of all NBA players who attempt five or more ranged attacks per night. That’s a highly valuable skill in the modern age, right?
So it makes me feel like I’m taking crazy pills when I see the discourse surrounding Utah’s future (not that my medication is any of your business). Sensabaugh is getting lost in the shuffle due to the mass quantity of young talent entering Salt Lake City on a yearly basis. Keyonte George, Cody Williams, Kyle Filipowski, Walter Clayton, and Ace Bailey are getting most of the attention, while Brice is drowning on the deep end of the bench.
<img src="https://platform.slcdunk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/145/2025/09/drowning.jpeg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,2.5796661608498,100,94.8406676783" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
How quickly we’ve forgotten his back-to-back 25-point nights on a Sunshine State road trip, complete with a 34-point explosion in Miami. Is he the flashiest name on Utah’s roster? No. Does he bring much to the table beyond scoring? Again, the answer is mostly negative. 
But I am appalled at the gall of Utah’s ignorance of Brice’s improvement as a second-year pro. Utah’s got a clearly talented hooper in Brice Sensabaugh; that’s something I can’t say confidently in every draft pick over the last three seasons. If it’s player development you want, don’t miss what Sensabaugh is cooking up.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
<a href="https://calvinbarrettwriting.wordpress.com/portfolio/">Calvin Barrett</a> is a writer, editor, and prolific Mario Kart racer located in Tokyo, Japan. He has covered the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> and <a href="https://lawlessrepublic.com/">BYU</a> athletics since 2024.
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