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Projecting Jazz's 2023-24 Starting Lineup

What will the Utah Jazz's starting five look like come the fall?

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Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz

As the NBA Finals kick off, Utah Jazz fans should be optimistic about the team's potential starting lineup for next season. The 2022-23 campaign presented much uncertainty, which included massive personnel movement along with the team being led by first-year head coach Will Hardy.

The Jazz season as a whole was a success. Making the postseason would have been awesome for fans because the Jazz actually had the roster to compete with several of this years playoff teams. But it wasn't in the cards. 

With a less chaotic offseason this time around, and an abundance of familiarity, Jazz Nation should be poised for the playoffs next year. Let's start looking ahead by projecting Utah's starting lineup in 2023-24. 

Point Guard: Talen Horton-Tucker

Utah Jazz guard Talen Horton-Tucker (0) drives the ball against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) in the last minute of the game at Vivint Arena.

'THT' was one of many surprises on the Jazz roster last season. His minutes fluctuated drastically until he was made a starter toward the end of the campaign. 

Horton-Tucker possesses one of the most unique body builds in the NBA and became a focal point of opposing teams' scouting reports the more minutes he earned.

Playing point guard for the first time in his career, THT managed a career-high 41 points against the San Antonio Spurs on March 29, shooting a blistering 15-of-25 from the field and connecting on 6-of-11 three-point shots. It was efficiency at its finest.

With the bonding routine as part of the past, THT should be the early favorite to capture Utah's starting point guard role, provided he doesn't opt-out of his contract and end up elsewhere. 

Shooting Guard: Ochai Agbaji

Utah Jazz forward Ochai Agbaji (30) speaks with head coach Will Hardy during a break in second quarter action against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Arena.

Another intriguing addition to the Jazz roster, Agbaji made his way to the 801 via trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Instantly on display was his maturity (likely due to his four-year stint with the Kansas Jayhawks), and his off-the-charts athleticism. 

Mix these qualities with his catch-and-shoot abilities and the Jazz are set at the shooting guard position with Agbaji. An extra bonus is that he plays his natural position without infringing on his teammates' responsibilities, which is a plus in most team-oriented systems.

The Jazz operate as a team.

Small Forward: Lauri Markkanen

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) shoots a free throw against the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter at Vivint Arena.

The NBA's Most Improved Player award is an accolade that was undeniably Markkanen's about 10 games into the season. Fresh off his best year as a professional, Markkanen averaged 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. 

'The Finnisher' shot 49.9% from the field, 39.1% from the three-point line, and 87.5% from the free-throw line, which will place him in elite status to begin the 2023-24 campaign.

All Jazz Nation needs to do is wait for Markkanen to be introduced, as he will be getting into his custom-deluxe package on a regular basis.

Power Forward: Kelly Olynyk

Utah Jazz forward Kelly Olynyk (41) goes to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) in the third quarter at Vivint Arena.

Olynyk provides veteran leadership and versatility and is a willing passer. He also plays his natural position and assisted the Jazz in jellying early last season, amid all the roster upheaval.

Plagued by some injuries, Olynyk flirted with triple-doubles on multiple occasions and will be instrumental this season as the Jazz take the next steps toward competing for a championship. Hopefully, he can return to training camp with full health and be ready to roll.

Center: Walker Kessler

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) blocks the shot of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first quarter at Vivint Arena.

If this young man can remain healthy, Walker Kessler could be around for the next decade or longer. He's a day-one starter due to his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. 

Kessler can anchor a defense, and if opponents aren't careful, they may have their shots glued to the backboard. He will enter next season as a starter after being selected to the first-team NBA All-Rookie squad and finishing in third place for Rookie of the Year. 

It's safe to say that the Minnesota Timberwolves let a diamond slip away. 

The 2023-24 season may seem far away, but the tip-off will arrive before you know it. As the Jazz roster is currently constructed, this is the starting lineup, pending any offseason transactions. 

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