Trading Walker Kessler forces a defensive overhaul built on Jaren Jackson Jr.’s shot-blocking, veteran depth, and raw youth to escape the NBA’s statistical basement this season.
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 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.
So ... how exactly is the defense supposed to improve without him?
It begins with Jaren Jackson Jr.
The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year has twice led the NBA in blocks and averaged 3.0 per game during his award-winning season.
But he isn't a perfect solution.
Jackson has never averaged seven rebounds and has encountered foul trouble throughout his career. Utah can't ask him to replace all of Kessler’s rebounding while handling every difficult frontcourt assignment.
Which explains the alternatives behind him.
Jusuf Nurkic 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 Jackson into the same role every night.
Utah also addressed its perimeter defense by signing Josh Okogie.
The eight-year veteran 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 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.
The same uncertainty extends across the younger portion of the roster.
Darryn Peterson 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.
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 season, Utah rarely had an answer when opponents attacked.
This season, the Jazz should have several.
The question is how many Hardy can use at the same time.
