SAN FRANCISCO – Is Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George the NBA’s best kept offensive secret?
Outside of Utah and the Jazz’s fanbase, Jazz head coach Will Hardy agreed about George who appears to be a budding NBA star.
“I don’t know what the NBA is or isn’t saying,” hardy said prior to 134-117 loss at Golden State on Nov. 24. “But I would think that if people were paying attention at all, he should be in that conversation because of the jump he has taken this year. And he is doing it in a variety of ways.It’s not like he’s red hot from 3 and hitting eight of them a game.
“He’s doing it in so many ways: His poise.His conditioning. His strength. getting to the free-throw line. Making mid-range shots. Finishing better at the rim. So, hopefully people are paying attention to that. I know for us internally, our fan base, we see it and feel it every day.”
Said George to Andscape: “Obviously, I’m going to think that. This is a small market. I just have so much fun going out there and playing now.”
On and off the court, the Jazz are having a lot more fun wiht a much more mentally free George, too.
George entered Sunday averaging career highs in points (23.8), assists (7.2), rebounds (4.1) rebounds and free throw attempts (7.1) per game. The 22-year-old also is shooting a career-best 44.9% from the field.
“It’s been cool. obviously, this is what I expected with the work I put in this summer,” George said. “But now my mind is kind of set to, ‘How do you deal with success?’ I’m not trying to get too high when things aren’t going my way or being too hard on myself. So, I’m to the point were I’m trying to navigate success on a night-to-night basis and understanding my obligation on the team.”
[Image of keyonte George (right) poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (left) after being drafted 16th overall pick by the Utah Jazz during the first round of the 2023 NBA draft at Barclays Centre on June 22, 2023, in Brooklyn, New York. Photo Credit: Sarah Stier/Getty images]
for George, there has been an evolution as a person and a player as arriving to the Jazz as the 16th overall pick from Baylor in the 2023 NBA draft.
While known for his scoring, George was put in a new and uncomfortable position by Hardy of playing point guard as a rookie. Hardy coached George hard with accountability and pushed him to be more vocal. george started in 44 of 75 games and averaged 13 points and 4.4 assists per game as a rookie.
In his second season, George averaged 15.6 points, 5.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game while starting in 35 of 67 games.The biggest headlines in George’s second season came from being benched a couple times by Hardy for mental and defensive lapses while losing his starting position to Isaiah Collier and Collin Sexton. The young George had also built a reputation of being stubborn and immature at times, sources said.
After what Hardy described as a “powerful” and “at times emotional” meeting with George in the hea
Utah jazz’s Young Core is Showing Signs of Life, But Patience is Key
SAN FRANCISCO – The Utah Jazz are not a team built for immediate gratification. After trading away longtime stalwarts Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz embarked on a full-scale rebuild, accumulating draft picks and young talent. While the wins haven’t necessarily followed at the pace some might have hoped, there are encouraging signs that the future in Salt Lake City is beginning to take shape.
Currently sitting with a record hovering around .500, the Jazz are exceeding many preseason expectations. This isn’t about contending for a championship this year; it’s about advancement, establishing a culture, and seeing which pieces fit alongside each other long-term. And in that regard, the Jazz are making progress.
Leading the charge are rookies Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh. George, the 16th overall pick, is showing flashes of the dynamic scoring and playmaking ability that made him a lottery selection. He’s learning to navigate the NBA game, balancing aggressive scoring with responsible decision-making. Sensabaugh, selected 28th has demonstrated a knack for scoring, particularly from beyond the arc, and is quickly becoming a reliable offensive weapon.
“Those two are going to be really good players,” Jazz head coach Will Hardy said recently. “They’re both willing to learn, they’re coachable, and they have a genuine desire to improve. That’s half the battle.”
Beyond the rookies, second-year forward Taylor Hendricks is beginning to find his footing after a somewhat slow start. His defensive versatility and developing offensive game are valuable assets. Veteran players like Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen continue to provide consistent scoring and leadership, serving as mentors for the younger players. Markkanen, in particular, is proving to be a legitimate All-Star caliber player, averaging over 20 points and 8 rebounds per game.
However, the Jazz are still a work in progress. Inconsistency plagues them, particularly on the defensive end. They struggle at times against more experienced and physical teams. Turnovers and lapses in focus can derail promising performances. These are all typical growing pains for a young team.
The Jazz’s front office understands this. They aren’t rushing the process. They’re focused on creating a lasting winning culture, one built on player development, smart drafting, and a strong team identity.
“We’re not trying to skip steps,” said Jazz general manager justin Zanik. “We want to build something that lasts.That means being patient, making calculated risks, and empowering our young players to grow.”
The road ahead will undoubtedly have its bumps. There will be losses, setbacks, and moments of frustration. But for Jazz fans, there’s reason for optimism. The young core is showing potential, the coaching staff is solid, and the front office has a clear vision.
The Utah Jazz aren’t there yet, but they’re heading in the right direction. and that, for now, is enough.
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Keyonte George’s Growth Fueled by Mindfulness and Mental Fortitude
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George is experiencing a breakout season, averaging 18.3 points and 5.1 assists through 16 games. While his improved shooting and playmaking are evident, the foundation of his growth lies in a commitment to mindfulness and mental well-being.
George has been working with mental performance coach Dr. Kate Hays, focusing on techniques to manage pressure, enhance focus, and cultivate a more resilient mindset. this work extends beyond the court, aiming to improve his overall quality of life.
“It’s been huge for me, honestly,” George told Andscape. “Just being able to have someone to talk to,someone who understands the pressures of this life,and just being able to work on my mental health,it’s been a game-changer.”
Jazz head coach Will Hardy has observed a noticeable difference in George’s demeanor and performance. “He’s more even-keeled,” Hardy said. “He’s able to take a deep breath and not let things snowball on him. He’s more present in the moment, which is what we want from all our players, but especially from a young point guard who’s going to have a lot on his plate.”
