The Jazz are winless through three preseason games. That’s not much of a surprise. But the person with the best grade in tonight’s game sure is.
(Note on Grading Scale)
All performances are relative. We won’t expect the same from Jusuf Nurkic as we do Lauri Markkanan. That said, if someone plays well, they get a good grade. If they play poorly, they get a bad grade. Don’t take it too seriously, it’s just for fun!
Ace Bailey – NA
Bailey left tonight’s game midway through the second quarter with bilateral knee soreness. Currently, it doesn’t seem like anything major, but we are all keeping our finger’s crossed for good news soon.
Lauri Markkanen – B
In his first appearance this preseason, Markkanen took some time to get adjusted. He was a bit slow on both ends of the floor and missed all three of his attempts from three. That said, it’s clear that Markkanen looks more comfortable along side a playmaking big like Nurkic. That’s something to look for.
Taylor Hendricks – B
Hendricks continues his promising play this preseason. He finished tonight with 14 points, five rebounds, and a steal. His however-it-comes scoring has been promising, but I still think he can hit another rung on defense. The Jazz need him to stand out there.
Keyonte George – C-
George’s series of great assist-to-turnover ratio games came to a screeching halt today. He finished the night with four turnovers and only two assists. For the first time this preseason, he looked sped up and out of rhythm.
Brice Sensabaugh – B
Sensabaugh led the Jazz in scoring again tonight with 16 points. It seems like any attempt of his from behind the arch is a good shot. Still, I noted four possessions tonight where Sensabaugh didn’t even get into a defensive stance. This problem isn’t unique to him, but that doesn’t absolve him of blame either.
Kyle Filipowski – C-
The Las Vegas Summer League MVP’s preseason debut was a little disappointing. He missed five of his six shots, turned the ball over, and got bullied underneath the basket. Granted, I think the combination of him playing the four instead of the five and playing quarter-ends hurt his rhythm.
Cody Williams – B
Based on his actual production, I’m not sure Williams deserves a B. He scored 13 points, but only shot 5-14 from the field and forced a number of shots in the first half. That said, I’d rather see Williams play overaggressively than be completely invisible. Bonus points for that.
Walter Clayton Jr. – B-
Clayton Jr. might already be Utah’s best perimeter defender at the guard position. He ended the night with three steals and was active in digs, passing lanes, and rebounds. He chipped in six assists, but turned the ball over three times and shot 1-7 from the field. He still seems a bit rushed on the offensive end.
Jusuf Nurkic – A-
Nurkic had one foot out of the NBA last year. Now, he may legitimately be one of Utah’s most important offensive players this season. As a screener, ball-handler, facilitator, and floor-stretcher, Nurkic allows Utah’s assist-needy wings to find scoring opportunities without dribbling. He finished the night with 13 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, and two stocks.
Svi Mykhailuk – C-
Mykhailuk only played 13 minutes tonight. That deserves a C- in itself.
Kevin Love – C
Love’s perfect offensive start to the preseason came to an end tonight. Despite that, he gets bonus points for somehow falling three times in one offensive possession, but getting back up.