DEFENSIVE DOLDRUMS: Why the Utah Jazz STRUGGLE with stops & what’s next for Walker Kessler

DEFENSIVE DOLDRUMS: Why the Utah Jazz STRUGGLE with stops & what’s next for Walker Kessler

Utah Jazz’s defensive woes raise pressing questions—can Will Hardy solve the puzzle, or is it all about roster limitations? David Locke breaks down why the Jazz rank near the bottom of NBA defensive ratings, analyzing the impact of Walker Kessler’s injury and the challenges posed by centers like Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love. Are schematic adjustments enough when open threes and uncontested shots plague the team?

Key insights include Utah forcing the right shot locations but failing to contest effectively, plus the lack of elite wing defenders to complement Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George’s offensive production. Locke explores potential fixes, the coaching staff’s responsibility, and whether personnel upgrades are needed to see meaningful improvement. Listeners also get updates on restricted free agent Walker Kessler, trade rumors involving Trey Young, and reflections on Jazz prospects. Can the team climb out of the defensive cellar, or will tweaks fall short?

0:00 – Jazz Defensive Struggles
10:24 – Defensive Schemes & Open Shots
22:00 – Mailbag: Walker, KeYonte, Trades

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