Jazz beginning to recognize team’s potential with new power forward Jaren Jackson
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz have acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. with the intention of expediting the franchise’s rebuilding efforts.
By trading for the two-time All-Star from Memphis on Feb. 3, the Jazz signaled their commitment to advancing toward playoff contention in the upcoming season. The organization envisions Jackson establishing a long-term frontcourt partnership with leading scorer Lauri Markkanen, which is expected to create size and length advantages against various opponents.
Jackson, who was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, is enthusiastic about playing a crucial role in assisting Utah in its transition from a lottery team to a prospective playoff contender.
“My goal is to come here and win a championship here,” Jackson stated prior to his home debut for Utah against Sacramento on Wednesday. “I don’t really think my mind is geared toward anything else. That’s just kind of the mentality that I have. Then when you look at who we have, I really like what I see.”
In his initial two games with the Jazz, Jackson is averaging 22 points, 4.5 rebounds, and three assists while logging 25 minutes per game. His versatility appears to align well with Utah’s vision for roster construction beyond this season.
Jazz coach Will Hardy expressed his eagerness to discover how the combination of Jackson and Markkanen on the court will compel opposing teams to adapt to their length, size, and individual playmaking skills.
“The thing I’ve been most interested in — and it’s going to be one we have to continue to explore — is when he and Lauri play together, what are the matchups like?” Hardy remarked. “Who’s guarding who? What types of players are teams going to put on each of those guys?”
Jackson mentioned that he is already feeling at ease with the Jazz, even though he is still becoming familiar with the playbook.
“This system is a different offense than anything I’ve played in before,” Jackson noted. “It’s a system with a lot of movement, especially offensively, and I think I can bring a lot to the table. I’m learning a lot about it. Every day I learn a little bit more.”
His addition has already led to notable defensive enhancements for the Jazz.
In the two games featuring Jackson, Utah is conceding 115.5 points per game while restricting opponents to 41.8% shooting from the field. Jackson has stepped up as a vocal leader on the court, aiding younger teammates in grasping defensive concepts more swiftly.
“The thing I’ve been most impressed with in our short time together is his communication,” Hardy said. “He’s an elite defensive communicator.”
Utilizing Jackson has necessitated a careful balance for Utah between making strides for the future and preserving a top-eight protected first-round pick in the 2026 NBA draft. The Jazz have faced criticism on social media and elsewhere recently after Hardy chose not to play Jackson and Markkanen in the fourth quarter during the team’s recent road games against Orlando and Miami.
Jackson approaches his playing time with composure and stated that his primary focus is on maximizing the impact of whatever minutes he receives on the court.
“You just have to make an impact when you’re in the game,” Jackson said, also emphasizing that he is mentally equipped to handle any challenges presented to him in his eighth season in the league. “That’s what you have to focus on. If you focus on when you’re not out there, you’re gonna struggle as a player.”
