The Utah Jazz made a significant move by trading three future picks and two young players to the Memphis Grizzlies for Jaren Jackson Jr. This trade adds a star to the Jazz’s lineup, which is now one of the tallest in the NBA.
The 6-foot-10 Jackson will team up with 7-foot-1 Lauri Markkanen and 6-foot-11 Jusuf Nurkic. Additionally, 7-foot-2 Walker Kessler is expected to return from injury next season. Rookie Ace Bailey, who stands at 6-foot-9, will shift to shooting guard as a result of the trade, making this a significant adjustment for the team.
Jaren Jackson Jr. benefits from playing with a center
Jackson is known for his shot-blocking and defensive skills but sometimes gets into foul trouble when covering opposing centers. He has performed well alongside big players like Steven Adams and 7-foot-4 Zach Edey, enabling him to focus on his shot-blocking tasks while minimizing his rebounding challenges.
His addition is expected to greatly enhance the Jazz’s defense, which currently ranks as the least effective in the league due to a shortage of shot-blocking. However, this may require Markkanen to guard faster small forwards more frequently, changing his role from primarily playing at the four position while benefiting from Jackson’s presence at the rim.
Nurkic, a free agent this summer, has had a successful tenure in Utah, averaging 11.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Kessler, who led the league in offensive rebounds with an average of 2.4 blocks per game last season, is a restricted free agent, and it seems likely that the Jazz will retain him long-term following this trade.
Utah Jazz are focusing on individual matchups
The Jazz’s quest for star power and size has come at the expense of team passing. Neither Keyonte George nor Isaiah Collier plays the traditional role of a distributing point guard, even though they are both 6-foot-4. Newly signed combo guard Vince William, Jr. is also tall for his position. Bailey, Jackson, and Markkanen have low assist averages for their positions, closely reflecting the team’s focus on scoring over sharing the ball.
Despite this, the Jazz may have physical advantages against their opponents, making individual performance more crucial than precise passing. In the competitive Western Conference, having size could be vital.
The Oklahoma City Thunder feature Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, while the San Antonio Spurs boast Victor Wembanyama. The Minnesota Timberwolves have Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid, and the Denver Nuggets include Nikola Jokic in their ranks. Size will play an essential role in advancing through the Western Conference.
The Houston Rockets provide a prime example, frequently utilizing large lineups. They often position Alperen Sengun alongside a center, with 6-foot-11 Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. playing as small forwards and shooting guards. 6-foot-7 Amen Thompson leads as point guard, often teaming with 6-foot-8 Tari Eason at shooting guard.
The Rockets have demonstrated that dominating teams with size can be an effective strategy, especially when one of their large wings can score like Durant or Markkanen.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, teams must decide whether to go big or not. The Jazz are betting on their size to make a playoff return.