ESPN's Bobby Marks and Tim MacMahon discuss Damian Lillard trade rumors, potential Buddy Hield trades, the new-look Indiana Pacers, and preview the Mavericks and Jazz. They also reflect on underestimating the Utah Jazz, the surprising performance of Markkanen, and the importance of defense in the competitive Western Conference.
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Quick takeaways
The Utah Jazz are searching for a reliable ball handler and exploring trade opportunities to strengthen their roster.
The Jazz face uncertainty in replicating their success from the previous season and meeting expectations set by Vegas odds.
The Jazz have the flexibility to make moves and actively participate in the trade market to build a stronger team for long-term success.
Deep dives
The Utah Jazz's Uncertain Ball Handling Future
The Utah Jazz face uncertainty in their ball handling position and have multiple candidates to fill the role. Chianti George, a highly touted rookie, is expected to develop into a lead guard. The team also has Taylor Horton-Tucker and Chris Dunn in the mix, with Dunn providing strong defensive capabilities. While the starting lineup is still uncertain, Jordan Clarkson is expected to play a significant role and could potentially start at point guard. Overall, the Jazz aim to find a reliable ball handler and are open to making moves to strengthen their roster.
The Utah Jazz's Strong 2020-2021 Season
The Utah Jazz exceeded expectations in the 2020-2021 season, winning 37 games despite ranking ninth in offense and 23rd in defense. However, they faced challenges towards the end of the season, intentionally tanking to secure a better draft position. With changes in the Western Conference and a stronger competition among teams, it is uncertain whether the Jazz can replicate their success and meet the expectations set by Vegas odds. As they navigate their ball handling situation and explore trade opportunities, the Jazz remain a team to watch in the upcoming season.
The Utah Jazz's Potential Roster Changes
The Utah Jazz's roster may undergo significant changes throughout the season, as the team looks to improve and pursue long-term success. With a surplus of draft picks, the Jazz have assets to potentially acquire a star player and build a stronger team in the future. The team's approach is focused on finding the right pieces to maximize success and maintain competitiveness. While the current lineup and rotation are uncertain, the Jazz have the flexibility to make moves and actively participate in the trade market to bolster their roster.
Optimizing the Backup Five Position
The podcast episode discusses the importance of the backup five position for the team. Kelly Olynyk, who is on an expiring contract, could potentially be a trade chip due to his value in the new cap environment. The team also has intriguing wild cards like Jurt Sivan and Romeo Langford on the roster. The speaker emphasizes the need for a reliable backup center and highlights the potential trade possibilities and interesting players available for the team to consider.
Building a Successful Season around Luka Doncic
The podcast delves into the Dallas Mavericks' quest for a successful season. It underlines the significance of Luka Doncic's performance and his impact on the team's direction. The speaker mentions that a great offensive performance is expected from the team due to the pairing of Doncic and Kyrie Irving. However, the focus is on the team's defense, as Doncic's defensive participation and consistent effort are key factors for improvement. The speaker also discusses the importance of finding suitable solutions for defending opposing point guards and highlights the team's development of young players like Derek Lively. The overall goal is to establish a better defense and minimize drama in order to feel optimistic about the team's future.
Zach talks to ESPN's Bobby Marks about Damian Lillard buzz, Buddy Hield trade possibilities, and the new-look Indiana Pacers. Then ESPN's Tim MacMahon joins to preview the Mavs and Jazz.