It’s one of the most anticipated seasons in Jazz history since they went for a repeat run to the Finals against Michael Jordan. Utah has been preparing for this new chapter for literal years, and they have the personnel to become something really special. Let’s take a look at five of the most interesting storylines of this upcoming season.
Will Hardy is going to be asked to do something he hasn’t been asked to do since he joined the Jazz, win games for an entire season. But how many games will the Jazz win? That’s the biggest question for every Jazz fan. This is also a question about Will Hardy. We know that Will Hardy is a good coach, but how good? Utah has accumulated the talent to be a good team, maybe very good. But can Will Hardy take them to even farther heights? In a way, the Jazz have been a little bit of a mystery these past four years. This season, the mystery is revealed.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JULY 7: Jaren Jackson Jr. #20 and Head Coach Will Hardy of the Utah Jazz look on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League on July 7, 2026 at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Keyonte George was very much deserving of Most Improved Player consideration last season. His numbers were fantastic, and he showed that he could be the solution at guard for a long time. Now, Keyonte George is ready for an extension after this season. Utah appears to want to make sure that last season was real. If Keyonte George can take another leap in his development, he could be an All-Star next season, and maybe more. George will have to navigate playing alongside Darryn Peterson in the backcourt and the insane amount of talent between him, Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, and Jaren Jackson Jr. It’s hard to not see George not taking a leap in efficiency and earning that contract. He’s proven he can be more of a point guard if needed, and that might be the role he has to take. If he embraces that role, he’ll be a vital piece of the new contending Utah Jazz.
Ace Bailey is looking stronger this offseason, literally.
Bailey had a solid rookie season, showing much more promise than expected. Coming into the league, the narrative on Bailey was that he’d be a selfish, inefficient chucker. Bailey was everything but that. He was an unselfish (sometimes to a fault) passer who took the right shots in the offense. He also proved to be a player with great upside defensively. He also moved on the court in a way that makes you think he has a chance to be a really special player for Utah if he can realize his potential. And that’s the thing with Bailey this season. Can he be more efficient shooting the ball, especially in catch-and-shoot situations? Can he be a consistent, high-level defender, or better? Can he also improve his handle and get to the line more? If he can do those things, Bailey has a chance to be very special for the Jazz for years and years to come.
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It’s been four seasons with Lauri Markkanen being shut down for tanking reasons. In some of those seasons, he was strategically rested or flat-out shut down for the back end. This season, there’s no leash on Markkanen. There are some questions for Markkanen, though. His shooting from three was below league average the last two seasons. Was that a result of the talent around him? The inconsistent minutes? Or is that who he is as a shooter? It seems likely that his shooting should improve with the defensive focus spread out with all the talent around him. Markkanen could be on the verge of his best season yet.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 07: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Kia Center on February 07, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Get ready for an incredible ride, Jazz fans. Darryn Peterson is going to be really good, the question is, just how good? His ceiling is incredible, and we all get to see just how high it actually is. Will he be the caliber of player that can lead a team to championships? Or is he an underwhelming talent with unreached potential? Utah has built a team around him that should allow him to shine. All Peterson has to do is get on the floor and get to work. Something tells me this is about to be one of the most fun seasons we’ve ever had. Everything is frosting this season, we just get to enjoy seeing just how good Peterson, and the Jazz, are. The difference with Peterson is that the entire NBA will be watching as well. Did the Wizards make a mistake? Was Peterson the right pick? It all starts next month, and the new season can’t get here soon enough.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 22: Darryn Peterson talks with media during the 2026 NBA draft prospect availability at Lotte New York Palace on June 22, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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