The Utah Jazz have been eliminated from the playoffs for the third year in a row. The Jazz very rarely are eliminated from playoff contention before Pi Day even happens. Depending on how the lottery goes, the Jazz will likely be picking in the top 5 of the NBA draft, something they haven’t done since selecting Dante Exum at #5 in 2014.
As much fun as I have watching this Jazz team inch closer to a top pick in a good draft, I have way more fun watching the Jazz in the playoffs. I miss being able to talk with all my coworkers about how the Jazz are doing. I miss walking into a store and seeing a little kid wearing a Donovan Mitchell or Rudy Gobert jersey. I really miss seeing this team play meaningful playoff games.
So, when can Jazz fans realistically expect to see this team in the playoffs again?
### **2026**
Yeah… probably not. Making the playoffs in the Western Conference is like running a marathon in ski boots – doable, but everyone else is way better equipped. Some free-agent additions and a top 5 pick are probably not enough to get into the playoffs. I mean, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are currently outside of the playoffs. If I was a betting man, I’d bet the Jazz will be actively tanking again next season.
### **2027**
Now we’re starting to cook with gas. Let’s just act like the Jazz drafted Cooper Flagg in 2025, tanked the next season, and now go into the 2026-2027 season with Cooper Flagg and Cameron Boozer. That, plus the young players currently on the Jazz and some veterans sprinkled in, is the start of something beautiful. Depending on development and health, this team has a play-in squad written all over it. The play-in is outstanding when it comes to young up and coming teams (think Minnesota a couple of years ago).
### **2028**
This is when I think the Jazz realistically could be making the playoffs. This is the best-case scenario for when the Jazz should start being competitive again. This is banking on our younger players’ development. It’s assuming Will Hardy never takes the San Antonio job, and it’s hoping every other team in the West isn’t as good. It’s very possible this is way too early to be expecting wins. Our young players will still be very young, and most veterans on the team will have moved on. However, this is when I’ll start to be disappointed if we keep missing the playoffs.
### **Conclusion**
The Utah Jazz have a really long way to go. It will be years before playoff games feel attainable and even longer before the word contender can be used. Thankfully, this Jazz team has gotten serious about the tank. They have a serious shot at getting an all-star-level talent this draft. While this all looks like a pretty bleak picture, the taste of victory will be significantly sweeter because of the hard times. I look forward to celebrating the small victories in the meantime.