Utah's offensive talent awaits its defence

Utah have fresh reasons to look up: Darryn Peterson joins Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen, while Jaren Jackson Jr. should be able to settle into the project. After 22 wins in 2025–2026, though, any step up will depend first on a defence that gives opponents fewer easy shots.

The Jazz finished the 2025–2026 regular season at 22–60, bottom of the West. Will Hardy must now build a more coherent team out of the talent at his disposal. Scoring more on a good night will not be enough if opponents keep easy access to the rim and to open shots. The progress has to show up in ordinary possessions, not just in the spectacular spells.

The problem also lies in how the efforts link together. A first rotation done well can be wasted if the next one arrives late; a contested shot does not end the defensive possession without the rebound. Utah must therefore share responsibility better between the ball-handler's defender, the helper and the last man back. That continuity is what will allow their offensive potential to make a real difference to results.

Darryn Peterson, second pick in the 2026 Draft, brings a new creative profile to the backcourt. Josh Green, Josh Okogie and Jaxson Hayes also join the group. Tony Bradley was picked up from the waived list on 17 October; his place is still one to be secured at the end of camp. Walker Kessler, meanwhile, has joined the Lakers.

Jackson is not a summer arrival: he came in during the previous season and played only three games for Utah before his knee surgery. Seeing him string games together would nonetheless change Hardy's options. He can provide an anchor for certain pairings, while the new perimeter players must also help contain the first line of attack. A defence cannot depend solely on the man stationed behind it.

Our possible starting five brings together George, Peterson, Bailey, Markkanen and Jackson. It is a conditional editorial projection, not an official line-up. It favours mobility and several scoring threats. Hardy could also opt for a bigger pairing or use Bailey in a connecting role: the options in size and creation will not be identical depending on the opponent.

Isaiah Collier, Green, Okogie, Brice Sensabaugh and Hayes can offer solutions off the bench. At the 18 October cut-off point, Jusuf Nurkić is listed as unavailable; Kyle Filipowski, Trey Alexander and Blake Hinson remain to be monitored. Their situations limit the conclusions that can be drawn about immediately usable depth. Bradley must also earn his place, rather than be presented as an already secure option.

Jackson can alter shots near the basket, but he cannot be at the rim and in front of every shooter at once. Green and Okogie must help cut the number of situations where a first drive sets off a chain of rotations. When the ball swings back out, the final closeout on the shooter must stay controlled so as not to concede another drive straight away.

The offence offers more variety: ball-handlers, a mobile big man and shooting options. The risk is to confuse variety with a lack of priorities. After a defensive stop, the Jazz can look to run; in the half court, they must identify the right mismatch and limit turnovers from late decisions. Better shot selection will also help the transition defence by reducing the opposition's numbers-up breaks.

Utah will begin their regular season in Memphis on Thursday 22 October at 1:00 Brazzaville time. The opener will offer a look at how the first line of defence holds up and at the first pairings around George, Peterson and Jackson. The match sheet and upcoming fixtures are available in the modules below.