The Utah Jazz may be sitting at 9-15, but don’t let the record fool you - there’s something brewing in Salt Lake City. While some voices around the league are calling for a full reset and a focus on the 2026 NBA Draft, others - including Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic - aren’t buying into the tanking talk. And frankly, it’s easy to see why.
In a recent post on social media, an analyst questioned whether Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen are truly cornerstones for the franchise’s future, suggesting instead that Utah should prioritize draft prospects like Cam Boozer and Darryn Peterson. That kind of commentary didn’t sit well with Nurkic, who fired back with a bit of sarcasm, reposting the analyst’s comments along with a photo and the caption: “We should build around you.”
It was a sharp, if humorous, reminder that the players in that locker room aren’t here to lose games - and they certainly aren’t mailing in the season for ping pong balls.
George and Markkanen Are Giving the Jazz a Real Foundation
Let’s talk about the guys at the heart of this debate. Keyonte George is in the midst of a breakout campaign that’s turning heads around the league.
The second-year guard is averaging 22.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game - and he’s doing it with poise, confidence, and a skill set that’s growing by the week. He’s not just putting up numbers; he’s impacting games.
His 39-point outburst against Memphis wasn’t just a career night - it was a statement.
Lauri Markkanen, meanwhile, continues to play like an All-Star. The 7-footer is averaging 27.6 points and 6.7 rebounds, and he’s doing it with the kind of efficiency and versatility that makes him one of the most valuable bigs in the game.
Yes, his name has surfaced in trade rumors over the past year, but Utah has made it clear: if he’s going anywhere, it’s going to take a serious offer. He’s on a new deal, and the Jazz have placed a premium on his value - and rightfully so.
Together, George and Markkanen give Utah a legitimate one-two punch. They’re young, they’re productive, and they’re still improving. That’s not something you toss aside just because a loaded draft class is on the horizon.
The Draft Is Deep - But So Is the Jazz’s Potential
Now, let’s be clear - the 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a strong one. AJ Dybansta, Cam Boozer, and Darryn Peterson headline a group that’s expected to offer multiple franchise-level talents.
Even outside the top three, there’s depth. So yes, if Utah finds itself with a high pick, they’ll have options.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to tank to build a contender. The Jazz are already developing talent, and they’re doing it while remaining competitive.
That matters. Culture matters.
Winning habits matter. And if George and Markkanen are showing they can lead the way, why not build around that?
George Making a Case for Most Improved
With just under a third of the season in the books, George is firmly in the conversation for Most Improved Player. He’s elevated every aspect of his game - scoring, playmaking, efficiency - and he’s doing it in real minutes, in real games, with real stakes.
He’s not padding stats on a team going nowhere. He’s helping Utah stay afloat in a competitive Western Conference.
Sarah Todd of the Deseret News highlighted George’s growth after his 39-point performance against the Grizzlies, noting that he’s giving the Jazz coaching staff and front office every reason to believe in his trajectory. And she’s right - George isn’t just flashing potential, he’s delivering.
He’ll have competition for the award, of course. Deni Avdija, Jalen Duren, Austin Reaves, Jalen Johnson, Josh Giddey, and Ryan Rollins are all making strides of their own. But George’s leap - especially in such a critical role - puts him right in the thick of the race.
Bottom Line
There’s no denying that the Jazz are still a work in progress. But when you’ve got a rising star in George, an All-Star-caliber forward in Markkanen, and a veteran like Nurkic backing the core publicly, that’s not a team that needs to hit the reset button. That’s a team that’s building something - and doing it the right way.