BREAKTHROUGH = Keyonte George’s UNLOCKS Next-Level Playmaking and Efficiency | Utah Jazz Podcast
Keyonte George has unlocked another level—David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, breaks down the transformation that’s making George a true centerpiece for Utah. After working with assistant coach Chris Jones and overhauling his strength and conditioning, George is attacking the rim, dramatically boosting his assist rate, and drawing fouls at an elite clip—a crucial shift that’s driving his efficiency despite his three-point shot still finding its rhythm. Locke highlights George’s smart, unselfish play, his ability to take over when Lauri Markkanen stalls, and why getting to the free throw line is making him remarkably effective. Is this the season where George cements himself as a future franchise point guard?
Elijah Harkless’s unlikely rise takes center stage as his defensive energy and relentless drive earn him major rotation minutes and tip the scales in critical moments. Locke details Harkless’s journey from overlooked prospect to impactful NBA contributor thanks to the Jazz scouting staff and player development. The episode spotlights Will Hardy’s emphasis on defensive effort, the ripple effect that transformed Utah’s on-ball coverage, and how that handed the Celtics a rare defeat. Kyle Filipowski’s resurgence and Derrick White’s struggle in a shifting offensive role underscore how context can make or break an NBA player’s reputation. What can the Jazz learn from White’s story as they evaluate their own roster and build for the future?
00:00 Jazz Shine in Boston Victory
06:04 Keyonte George Improved Athlete’s Rim Efficiency
07:34 Keyonte’s Transformation and Leadership
10:28 “Keyonte’s Key Play Breakdown”
16:05 Jazz Struggles on Small Switches
19:41 Elijah Harkless’ Basketball Journey
22:23 “Player’s Impactful Rotation Minutes”
27:00 Kyle Filipowski’s Versatile Offensive Performance
31:33 Player Roles and Team Context
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8 Comments
Another shout out to keyonte deciding to play on the other end this year. Keep it up.
Can we get some brice commentary this week?
Key has definitely been the biggest bright spot this year. 7 games in, but he's looking every bit to be one of the hits we needed with our picks. Ace is going to take time
Spot on. The coach(es) who worked with Key on bringing the ball up under pressure and improving his handle should get a big raise. His current success with this skill is confidence building that translates to other areas..
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this big Jazz win caused Celtics fans to glitch. Now 80% of the Boston fanbase wants the Franchise to lose on purpose for a draft pick.
I struggle with Harkless. I love his energy and pressure on defense but don’t think he brings enough skillset to be on the floor, not a great shooter, ball handler or finisher. From what I’ve seen at least. I’d rather give Ace those minutes or one of Cody or Hendricks
Very interesting take on White