Can Utah Jazz Fix NBA's Worst Defense?
The Utah Jazz finally possess enough capable defenders to escape the bottom of the NBA. Whether those players can share the floor without creating different problems will determine how much further they climb. Utah allowed a league-worst 126 points per game last season while finishing 29th with a 122.3 defensive rating. And then it traded its best rebounder and rim protector, Walker Kessler, who joined the Los Angeles Lakers in a sign-and-trade after averaging 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks during his last full season with the Jazz.
What happened?
The Jazz have addressed their perimeter defense by signing Josh Okogie, an eight-year veteran who ranked in the 95th percentile in defensive DPM last season, according to KSL Sports. His strength and 7-foot wingspan allow him to defend guards and wings. But how often can Will Hardy keep him on the floor? Okogie shot a career-best 38.5% from behind the arc with Houston, although his career percentage remains considerably lower. If that improvement holds, Utah found a dependable 3-and-D wing. If it doesn't, opponents may leave him open and force Hardy to choose between defense and spacing.
Why it matters for Utah Jazz
The Jazz also addressed their frontcourt defense by signing Jusuf Nurkic, who averaged 10.4 rebounds across 41 appearances last season and remains Utah's strongest option against larger centers. Jaxson Hayes brings mobility and vertical athleticism, while Mo Bamba provides another shot-blocker off the bench. None replaces Kessler individually, but they give Will Hardy different options without forcing Jaren Jackson Jr. into the same role every night. Jackson is an elite help defender, but he has never averaged seven rebounds and has encountered foul trouble throughout his career.
What comes next?
The Jazz have several young defenders who could contribute to their defense, including Darryn Peterson, who recorded 34 steals and 15 blocks during his lone season at Kansas, demonstrating the physical ability to become a disruptive defender. Ace Bailey averaged 1.1 blocks as a rookie, while Cody Williams possesses the length to defend several positions. Potential isn't production, though. Peterson must adjust to NBA ballhandlers. Bailey and Williams must become more consistent, while Keyonte George must prove he can hold up beside another offense-first guard.
Can Utah Jazz Fix NBA's Worst Defense?
So ... do the Jazz possess enough defenders to improve? Yes. Jackson is an elite help defender. Okogie can handle difficult perimeter assignments. Nurkic can rebound, and Hayes and Bamba provide additional size around the basket. Becoming an average defense will be considerably harder. Several of Utah's best defenders carry offensive limitations that could reduce their minutes. Hardy must find lineups capable of scoring without surrendering the resistance those specialists provide. Last result: Los Angeles Lakers 131-107 Utah Jazz (2026-04-13). Recent form (last 5): 2W-0D-3L (LLWWL, most recent first); lost the last 2. The question is how many Hardy can use at the same time.
