The Utah Jazz find themselves in an enviable position - not because of any guaranteed draft outcome, but because of how their roster is shaping up and what could be on the horizon. With Jaren Jackson Jr. and Walker Kessler expected to return at full strength next season, and Lauri Markkanen continuing to anchor the offense, Utah already has the makings of a playoff-caliber squad.
But if the ping pong balls bounce their way in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery? That’s when things could get really interesting.
Let’s start with the foundation. Markkanen has blossomed into a legitimate All-Star-level forward, Jackson Jr. brings elite defensive chops and floor spacing, and Kessler is a rim-protecting force who fits perfectly in today’s game. Add in the promising development of Keyonte George and the arrival of high-upside prospect Ace Bailey, and you’ve got a team that’s not just building - it’s positioning itself to explode.
Now imagine dropping the No. 1 overall pick into that mix.
That’s the kind of scenario that turns a solid playoff team into a potential powerhouse. It’s rare for a franchise to be able to build for both the present and the future simultaneously, but if Utah lands the top pick, that’s exactly the lane they’ll be cruising in. They’d have a core of experienced, battle-tested veterans and a young nucleus that could carry the torch for years to come.
Michael Pina recently floated this very idea, ranking Utah as one of the teams that would benefit most from winning the lottery. He slotted them fourth overall, and it’s not hard to see why. Picture this: Markkanen, JJJ, George, and a No. 1 pick with star potential - that’s a scary lineup, and one that could cause real problems in the Western Conference for years.
Of course, there’s a catch. The Jazz haven’t exactly had the best luck when it comes to the lottery.
Just last year, they finished with the worst record in the league and still slid all the way down to the No. 5 pick. That kind of outcome stings - especially when expectations are high and the rebuild feels like it’s hinging on a top-tier talent.
Yes, they’ve had their moments. In 2011, they moved up to No. 3 thanks to the Nets’ pick.
But more often than not, the lottery has been a cold, unforgiving place for Utah. That’s part of why there’s some cautious optimism - not full-blown excitement - around the idea of winning it all this year.
Still, even if they don’t land the top spot, just keeping their pick would be a win in itself. Thanks to a complicated draft pick situation involving the Thunder, Utah’s selection isn’t guaranteed to stay in their hands. But if it does, and especially if it turns into the No. 1 overall pick, the Jazz suddenly find themselves in a golden spot.
Too much talent? Maybe.
But that’s the kind of problem any GM in the league would love to have. With a mix of veterans and young guns, Utah would have the flexibility to shape their future however they choose - whether that’s pushing for contention now or continuing to build a sustainable winner for the next decade.
Bottom line: the Jazz are already trending in the right direction. But if lottery luck finally swings their way, don’t be surprised if they go from playoff hopeful to full-on contender - faster than anyone expected.