Jazz Insider Sheds Light on Leadership Vacuum in SLC

The Utah Jazz are missing what Mike Conley brought to the table in more ways than one.

With the season's first quarter in the rearview mirror for the Utah Jazz, there’s been a lot of chatter on what needs to improve on with so many new faces in Salt Lake City. In hindsight, leadership and which players were ready to step up was a question that may have been somewhat overlooked before this season started.

Veteran Mike Conley filled that void in years past, but where does that guidance come from moving forward. The Jazz will need someone to take on that role if they’re going to get back in the conversation as a playoff team. 

This very topic came up when Jazz beat writer Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune joined The Bill Riley Show on ESPN 700.

“The most vocal guys are John Collins and Kris Dunn, and kind of the problem is there [is] that Kris Dunn doesn’t play a lot and actually hasn’t been with the team this last week because of personal issues,” Larsen told Riley. “John Collins doesn’t know what to do yet and is kind of in the wrong place on both the offensive and defensive end, and while he’s extremely kind of outgoing, and vocal, he’s not able to tell his teammates because he doesn't know himself what to do.”

Andy Larsen on the Utah Jazz's recent play, on-court leadership concerns, upcoming games + more https://t.co/SgdUU46umm

— ESPN 700 | 92.1 (@ESPN700) December 4, 2023

Larsen's point is certainly valid, considering what has transpired through the first 20 games. In many situations, a franchise's best player takes on that responsibility, but that hasn’t been the case with Utah. 

Larsen brought up the possibility of Lauri Markkanen being that ‘guy’ later in his conversation with Riley.

‘I think Lauri [Markkanen] is trying to be more of that vocal guy but is more introverted by nature,” Larsen said. “So yeah, truth is, at that point, it becomes the coaching staff.”

This has never been an issue with Jazz teams of the past. Whether it’s Karl Malone, John Stockton, Deron Williams or Conley being the one to hold others accountable. 

Could Keyonte George be that guy, or will Utah have to bring someone in via trade to lead the way?

This all remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Utah misses what Conley was able to provide behind the scenes as a leader on and off the floor.

---

Follow Inside The Jazz on Facebook and X.

Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Jazz news videos and live-stream!