Utah Jazz - Week 2

The Utah Jazz are in trouble.

Following a promising, close, and hard-fought game against the LA Lakers to close out Week 1 - including a 47 point first quarter - the bubble appears to have burst. The issues that plagued the team's first three games continued well into the second week. Despite promising performances from Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, and Darryn Peterson, Utah's inability to compete late in the game has become the Achilles heel that often accompanies young teams.

Despite a brutal four game losing streak, there appears to be some light on the horizon.

AGI Leader

Unsurprisingly, the three players who pass the eye test also lead the team in total AGI.

With a truly impressive sophomore season, Ace Bailey led the team in total AGI, buoyed by an impressive +13.4 defensive effort. He ranked 18th in defense and 35th in rebounding in the league over the week.

Darryn Peterson has also found some consistency over the last week, averaging 16 points, 5.3 rebound, and 3.7 assists over that span, while also nabbing a steal during each of the last 3 games.

Mounting Trouble

With Utah opting not to pick up Isaiah Collier's team option for next year, there is increased pressure on an already underperforming and inexperienced backcourt. With Lauri Markkanen battling a wrist injury, Jaren Jackson Jr. out for the foreseeable future, and Jusuf Nurkic nearing a return with a toe injury, the team's starting frontcourt is also unusually thin.

And things aren't going to get any easier. The Jazz kick off a four game road trip on Monday night, starting with a San Antonio team that narrowly beat the during the previous week. They will also play a Mavericks team led by an All-NBA level Cooper Flagg. They will finish their road trip visiting the Timberwolves, who are missing Anthony Edwards. Minnesota still should be able to field a team that looks to be playoff bound against an ailing and streaking Jazz.

Inconsistency Looms

Will Hardy, often praised for his willingness adapt mid-game, is now facing increased criticism over his odd 11-man rotations, bench units, and late game decisions. Much of this criticism is, no doubt, being fueled by a Jazz fanbase that has had very little to root for over the last four years. With a promise of winning on the mind, fans have rallied around the easiest target: the head coach.

Hardy is not the only person that has been at risk of ire from Jazz fans, as players like Isaiah Collier and Svi Mykhailiuk have failed to perform in the early stretch of the season.

Collier seems to be in the harshest line of fire with news breaking that his team option will not be picked up for next season. This could light a fire under the guard, but discouragement may take over as Peterson continues to field more PG duties with the second unit.

Next Up

Monday, 11/2 @ San Antonio

Wednesday, 11/4 @ New Orleans

Friday, 11/6 @ Dallas

Sunday, 11/8 @ Minnesota