As the NBA offseason enters its quieter phase, fans still have questions on their minds. To address these, I’ve opened a mailbag to respond to inquiries from Utah Jazz supporters.
Starting Lineup Predictions
Lately, the most common question has been about my expectations for the starting lineup on opening night of the 2025-26 season. Training camp is going to be crucial in determining who makes the starting team. Currently, I believe Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler are likely starters, with Kyle Filipowski also a strong contender to start at power forward. For the backcourt, I’d predict Isaiah Collier and Brice Sensabaugh starting.
Potential Changes Before Opening Night
There are many variables that could alter the lineup before opening night. I’m especially curious to see how Walter Clayton Jr. performs, particularly at the point guard position, which remains a bit uncertain. I’m also open to the idea of Ace Bailey being tested in a point guard role.
Keyonte George’s Role
I’m eager to see how Keyonte George is utilized—whether he’ll be a starter or if the coaching staff will prefer him in a solid sixth-man role. Another player of interest is Taylor Hendricks, who should be gradually integrated back into the lineup as he competes for minutes against Filipowski, who has shown impressive progress this offseason.
Walker’s Contract Situation
Another frequent topic is the future of Walker Kessler, who is eligible for an extension this summer. My expectation is that the Jazz will hold off on signing him to a long-term deal before the season, as they want to evaluate his performance further. Since he’ll be a restricted free agent, this approach carries minimal risk for the team.
Decisions on Rookie Contracts
Regarding the options for rookie scale contracts, such as those for Brice Sensabaugh and Cody Williams, the Jazz will need to decide by Halloween if they want to guarantee their salaries for the 2026-27 season. I believe the Jazz will likely pick up both options, albeit with some hesitation regarding Williams, who has had a tougher start.
Future Strategies with Trade Exceptions
The Jazz created a substantial trade exception by trading John Collins, amounting to over $26 million. This timing provides a unique opportunity for the Jazz to either pursue players beyond their usual price range or allow the exception to expire as they refine their roster without rushing significant changes.
