OPPORTUNITY – Three Jazz Players With MAJOR Preseason Opportunities and What to Watch vs Rockets
David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, spotlights a pivotal preseason opener, calling it a “big night” for three emerging Utah Jazz players: Keyonte George, Walter Clayton Jr., and Cody Williams. With Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, Kyle Filipowski, and Isaiah Collier all sidelined, Locke identifies a wide-open opportunity for younger talent to assert themselves. He singles out Keyonte George’s leadership development, Clayton’s chance to prove his shooting and playmaking under pressure, and Williams’ growth in strength and wing versatility—questioning which of these rising players will seize the moment against the Houston Rockets’ fierce defense.
Locke also previews the systems and strategies fans should watch for, including potential changes in offensive and defensive schemes under Will Hardy. He examines Utah’s need to improve on turnovers forced and teases the possible return of more aggressive zone coverage, supported by league data revealing how top defenses deploy it effectively. As he evaluates Houston’s retooled roster and Kevin Pelton’s win projections, Locke prompts listeners to consider whether preseason performances can alter the outlook for Utah’s young core and their place in a rapidly shifting Western Conference landscape.
00:00 Unexpected Starting Lineup Changes
05:39 Clayton’s Opportunity to Shine
08:00 Preseason Opportunities for Young Players
12:32 “Taylor Hendricks Returns to Court”
14:20 Improving Team Defense Strategy
19:18 Exploring Zone Defense in NBA
20:21 “Improving Turnover Control”
23:54 “Elite Defense, Struggling Offense”
27:36 Rockets’ Challenges and Phoenix’s Efficiency
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7 Comments
David what you talking about man, rockets arent contenders? Naw just second in the west i guess and added KD. Losing vanfleet hurts them BUT GIVE ME A BREAK MAN!
And you say thr "numbers project green as a defensive player" your eyes tell you different and kd is a very under rated defender. 27:05 they have sheppard whos gonna get a big role in shooting with kd
The Rockets were one of Locke’s highest points gained teams last year. And they finished with 52 wins. So how did they do all of that if they were that bad offensively? That’s an oddity, fer sher.
Is Jalen Green an "elite on ball defender"? Never heard that bfore. Hot take or what?
Audio is coming through great. Stick with these settings. :~)
Boy you sound crazy , you talking. About the same Dillion brooks who let buddy held cook in game 7, the same Dillion brooks who bites on pump fakes and over commit… man stop , the rockets got better defensively , and SENGUN is a Top 6 center
These videos would be a lot more bearable without the bum bum bum bum