Entering the second half of the season, the Utah Jazz have the third-worst record in the Western Conference at 18–38. With their deteriorating situation, the Jazz must be eager to get back on track and show signs of improvement.
or are they?
With their chances of winning a title penciling in on dietary restrictions, many believe the Jazz are ready to tank and get a better shot at going No. 1 overall in next year's draft.
For sports commentator Colin Cowherd, it seems like the guys in Salt Lake are totally fine with sucking up this season.
"I think the Utah fans, who almost have a collegiate experience because it's a smaller NBA market, I think they're into it. I think they know it. I think they go to the games and enjoy it with their friends, but if you ask them if you can get the number two pick or the number 14 pick, they'll take number two," Cowherd said on his podcast.
"Utah has been bad for several years. What does another 12 games or 26 games mean at the end of the year?"
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L0FSfbAyHM[/embed]
The NBA recently fined the Jazz $500,000 for "compromising the integrity" of the league by keeping their healthy players on the bench. Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. did not play in the fourth quarter of their games against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat last week. Utah lost both games.
Jackson is now out for the season as he plans to have surgery on his left knee.
Last year, the Jazz took the No. 5 overall pick, using it on Ace Bailey. In 2024, he went 10th overall, surpassing Cody Williams. They were taken No. 9 overall in 2023, passing up Taylor Hendricks, who is now with the Memphis Grizzlies.
