Jazz Predicted to Make the Playoffs by NBA Insider

Utah Jazz fans can put any thoughts of tanking to bed.

The expectations for the Utah Jazz 2023-24 season continue to trend upward. Ex-Jazz assistant coach Gordie Chiesa predicts the Jazz to win 44 games for the upcoming year and make the playoffs as the No. 6 seed. 

Chiesa provided his logic when he joined ESPN 700's The Bill Riley Show.

“They won 37 last year, and I think they’re better with John Collins,” Chiesa said. “I know people are gonna say they had a great beginning last year, and then they struggled. Well, that’s when they got injured, and that’s when they sat guys out. I talked about it in late March — April. The last, let’s say fifteen games— they sat out Lauri Markkanen and those guys.”

The Bill Riley Show Part 1 7-20-23 #BillRiley #UniversityofUtah #UtahJazz #Basketball #Football #Interview #NBA https://t.co/bgdFIsNrsR

— ESPN 700 | 92.1 (@ESPN700) July 20, 2023

Indeed, the Jazz are positioned to be in the conversation for a playoff spot in 2023-24. With Utah's moves this offseason, it appears there’s no intention of taking the foot off the gas for draft positioning. 

Trading for John Collins and attempting to sign Paul Reed are clear indications that tanking games is a thing of the past. Trumping last year’s 37 wins should be in the cards for Jazz head coach Will Hardy, with a front office that won’t be throwing up roadblocks every step of the way. 

Chiesa is also spot on about Utah being snakebitten last year. Not only did Markkanen miss 16 games last year, but Collin Sexton (34 games), Jordan Clarkson (21 games, and Kelly Olynyk (14 games) missed significant time as well. Injuries are always going to occur, but expect a healthier squad this season.

Also, Utah’s 2024 draft pick is currently in the possession of the Oklahoma City Thunder, but it is top-10 protected. Even if Utah is within striking distance to keep the pick, there should still be motivation to pay off that debt considering the 2024 draft class is projected to be less than stellar. 

Finally, don’t be shocked if Utah makes an in-season upgrade to the roster. Jazz CEO Danny Ainge has enough assets stockpiled where an all-in move is in the cards if an opportunity presents itself. 

It all adds up to playing for keeps in 2023-24.

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