The Utah Jazz are already looking like one of the most exciting teams in the NBA for the 2026-27 season after years of tanking. The Jazz can field a starting five of Keyontae George, No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson, former All-Stars Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., and defensive ace Walker Kessler.
What happened?
The Jazz have looked competitive in the past when they’re not trying to actively tank for draft positioning. Their last result was a 110-125 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on 2025-01-28.
Why it matters for Utah Jazz
The prospect of the team making a run for competitiveness next season makes them one of the most exciting teams in the NBA. Jazz might have the best defensive frontcourt in the West with Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler.
What comes next?
The Jazz will unleash Lauri Markkanen for a whole season. Markkanen has been an NBA All-Star over his years with the Jazz, but he’s never had the tools to actually compete.
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 2025-01-28 | Utah Jazz 110-125 Milwaukee Bucks |
The Jazz won’t bench George after his breakout last season, and Peterson is a highly-touted prospect who should be a day-one starter. This allows Ace Bailey to be the clear Sixth Man, getting to attack second-units as a potential 20-point bench scorer.
Recent form: 0W-0D-2L (LL, most recent first); lost the last 2. Darryn Peterson was in the running to be the No. 1 pick for a reason. He averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals on 43.8 percent shooting from the field and 38.2 percent from three in a season plagued by injuries for the Kansas Jayhawks.
The Jazz will be League Pass favorites for NBA fans next season with their exciting young core and veteran leaders. And with their recent form, they are looking to turn things around. But for now, they are still looking for their first win in their last two games.