Utah Jazz 2023-24 start of the season superlatives
This article was first published as the Jazz Insiders newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Friday.
The 2023-24 NBA season is officially underway!
Though superlatives are usually given out at the end of the year, I thought it would be a good way for you to get to know some of the players a little better as we prepare for the 82-game grind, if I handed out some Utah Jazz superlatives.
Most sarcastic — Lauri Markkanen
The Utah Jazz’s No. 1 option is also the one with the driest sense of humor and a penchant for sarcasm. If you’re looking for someone to roll their eyes or point out a flaw in a sarcastic (and always friendly) way, look no further than Lauri Markkanen.
Most extroverted — Kris Dunn
Ask anyone on the Jazz team and they will tell you that Kris Dunn is the loudest and the funniest player on the team. But don’t let that jovial side make you think he isn’t serious. His extrovert personality also makes him a natural leader and a mentor, and he is one of the most important voices in the Jazz locker room.
Most approachable — John Collins
I’ve only spent a few weeks around John Collins, but he’s got a personality that just makes him easy to talk to. He’s inviting and friendly and is easy to banter with. Those are all traits that I selfishly like to see in an NBA player because it makes my job a lot easier. But I also have to imagine that his ability to make those around him feel comfortable is an incredible trait to have as a teammate.
Related
Most organized — Ömer Yurtseven
I’m basing this on just one observation, but it really blew me away when I saw it. NBA locker rooms are a little chaotic and there are stinky dirty clothes and towels all over the place and every guy has deodorant and lotion and cologne and clothes and shoes and post-shower slides and all other stuff you would imagine they would have in their lockers. The Jazz lockers have doors on them, but they’re never closed, and every player has a chair in front of their locker. Not everyone is tidy, to put it mildly. But after the opening game of the season, Ömer Yurtseven organized his locker perfectly, closed his locker doors, delicately leaned his slides against the bottom of his locker and then pulled his chair up so that it was out of the way and sitting directly in front of his locker doors.
I have literally never seen something like that, in 11 years of covering the NBA. I bet his house looks great.
Most likely to do karaoke, be really bad at it, but have the best time — Walker Kessler
I have no real evidence to base this on, it’s just a feeling. I’d be willing to wager quite a bit that I’m right. Walker Kessler is the king of self-deprecating humor and he’s also just the furthest thing from shy. He also loves a laugh and he’s fine if he’s the butt of a joke.
I just call ’em like I see ’em.
New with the Jazz
Related
Quote of the week
“The playoffs/play-in tournament is 10 teams or whatever now, so if we can’t make it there, then we got some work to do.” — Kelly Olynyk on why the Jazz should make the playoffs
From the archives
Related
Though the Jazz are still evaluating the roster, they’re aiming for the playoffs
Frustrated, out-of-state Jazz fans can get refunded for League Pass cost
Stat of the week
Utah Jazz rookie Keyonte George made good on both of his first two NBA shot attempts in his NBA debut on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings. The first was a layup that was swatted away on its way down, so the official issued a goaltending violation and George was awarded the basket. He was also fouled on the way to the hoop and made the ensuing free throw to complete the and-1 play. Then later he pulled up from deep and made his first ever 3-point attempt. He finished the game with eight points.
Extra points
When all is said and done, how will the 2023-24 Utah Jazz be judged? (Deseret News)
After win over Jazz, Kings coach Mike Brown despairs over Maine shooting (Deseret News)
Will Hardy isn’t feeling comfortable in Year 2 — that’s good news (KSL.com)
Around the league
De’Aaron Fox signs shoe deal with Stephen Curry’s Under Armour line.
Team did not allow James Harden to join Sixers on road trip to Milwaukee.
The Bulls held a team meeting after season-opening blowout loss to the Thunder.
Up next: 2023-24 regular season
Oct. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers | KJZZ
Oct. 28 | 8 p.m. | Utah Jazz @ Phoenix Suns | NBA TV
Oct. 30 | 7 p.m. | Utah Jazz @ Denver Nuggets | KJZZ
Nov. 1 | 7 p.m. | Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies | KJZZ
Nov. 2 | 7 p.m. | Utah Jazz vs. Orlando Magic | KJZZ
All times MT
