From SI · · 2m
Jazz Coach Hardy Prepares for Season with High Expectations
Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy says the team's hard work and new players will meet expectations this season.
In brief
Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy says the team's hard work and new players will meet expectations this season. Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy believes the team's hard work and new players will meet expectations this season. Originally reported by SI.
Jazz Coach Hardy
Will Hardy, Utah Jazz coach, says the team has worked hard this summer with improvement from young players.
“It's been a long summer, the guys have been working really hard.”
Jazz Enter Season with Expectations
After back-to-back 20-ish win seasons, Utah Jazz have high expectations for this year.
“After several years of futility, including back-to-back 20-ish win seasons, the jazz enter this year with expectations.”
All-Star Front Line
Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. form an All-Star-ish front line for the Jazz.
“With an all-star-ish front line (lauri markkanen, jaren jackson jr.)”
Uber-Talented Wings
Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, and Darryn Peterson are uber-talented wings for the Jazz.
“A collection of uber -talented wings (keyonte george, ace bailey, darryn peterson)”
Play-In Spot Target
Utah Jazz are a trendy pick to earn a play-in spot or compete for one this season.
“Utah is a trendy pick to earn a play-in spot. Or at the very least compete for one.”
Hardy on Summer Work
Hardy says the team prioritized work and improvement over the summer.
“The guys really just put their heads down and did the work.”
Hardy on Coaching Focus
Hardy prioritizes helping the team and players achieve their goals through work ethic.
“I think prioritizing is probably my biggest responsibility.”
Rebuild Challenges
Hardy acknowledges doubts during rebuild but remains confident in the team's progress.
“There are certainly moments where doubt creeps in.”
Hardy on Team Belief
Hardy believes the team's belief and work ethic will overcome challenges.
“My belief has never wavered in terms of our group here in utah and our willingness from the top down to go through a lot of hard work.”
Keyonte and Peterson Dynamic
Keyonte George and Darryn Peterson will share ball-handling duties without competition.
“It doesn't matter. Both of you, neither of you.”
Markkanen's Role
Lauri Markkanen provides flexibility as a 7-foot player who moves well without the ball.
“He is a great mover without the ball. He's an elite shooter.”
Ace Bailey's Development
Ace Bailey has improved his defense and is a key player for the Jazz this season.
“He's turning himself into a good perimeter defender.”
Summer Focus on Conditioning
Hardy emphasized conditioning and physical strength for Ace Bailey during the summer.
“We said, 'Hey, while you're still trying to bridge the gap from a strength standpoint, we should be trying to make conditioning a superpower.'”
Team Expectations
Hardy expects the Jazz to compete every day and meet high standards throughout the season.
“I do expect and demand a really high standard of our players each and every day.”
Jazz Season Outlook
The Jazz aim to compete for a playoff spot with high expectations this season.
“I believe we should be competing every day.”
Hardy's Final Message
Hardy says the team will keep working hard to meet expectations despite challenges.
“We are still very much becoming. And that's been my message to our team all training camp that we are becoming and every day we have to be willing to do the hard work to get the result that ultimately we want.”
The short version
Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy believes the team's hard work and new players will meet expectations this season.
