Jazz Success in 2023-24 Hinge on Frontcourt Chemistry Concerns

The Utah Jazz starting frontcourt has some questions to answer this year.

Most of the preseason chatter recently has to do with concerns about the Utah Jazz backcourt, but what about the starting frontcourt? Utah’s success in 2023-24 could hinge on how well newly acquired power forward John Collins meshes with his new teammates. 

Collins is accustomed to playing in an offense that may have the most ball-dominant guard in the league in Trae Young. Does a change of scenery get Collins back on the path of being a fringe All-Star in 2023-24?

NBA insider Tony Jones of The Athletic spoke on the matter when he joined Spencer Checketts on ESPN 700’s The Drive.

“What happens going forward for him [John Collins] is a little bit more on him because he’s going to be in an offense that’s a lot more diplomatic, that requires a lot more movement, the ball is going to move, the ball is theoretically going to pop a lot more than he’s been used to in Atlanta,” Jones said. “So it’s up to him to take advantage of some of the freedom he’s going to get.”

Tony Jones(@TJonesOnTheNBA) on Jazz preseason/expectations + more a week from tip-off https://t.co/y6YUaxVpRf

— ESPN 700 | 92.1 (@ESPN700) October 19, 2023

Collins stepping up to be the player he was when he once averaged 21.6 ppg for the Atlanta Hawks would be a massive bonus for the Jazz. Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen, but his performance in his last preseason game was definitely a good sign.

Collins scored 15 points in just 24 minutes of action on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting from the field. It’s a small sample size, but it was enough to excite Jazz fans about what could come. 

However, there are still some valid concerns about the chemistry with Utah’s frontcourt as we get deeper into the regular season.

One of Collins's strengths is his ability to roll to the basket and use his elite athleticism to finish at the rim. Would Utah be limited in using his strengths starting alongside starting center Walker Kessler? This is precisely why Kessler is encouraged to take the corner three shot. 

Also, how does Collins fit with Markkanen moving forward? Ex-NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy brought up those concerns in July when Checketts interviewed him.

“I think it was a very interesting move [John Collins trade],” Van Gundy said. “I’m interested to see where they play him. How they utilize him, and does it enhance Markkanen— does it detract from him because I would expect they are going to play both of them together at the three and four. I think he's a capable three-point shooter, terrific roller to the rim —lob threat.”

Last season, Markkanen mostly played alongside Jarred Vanderbilt and Kelly Olynyk. The pair brought a different skill set, which Markkanen meshed well with. 

Olynyk spaced the floor and is an elite facilitator for his size. Markkanen had more room to operate in one-on-one matchups and benefitted by playing with a power forward, averaging 3.7 assists a game. 

In Vanderbilt’s case, Markkanen got a spike in volume going through him playing with a player that impacts the game without requiring the ball.  

It will be interesting to see if Hardy can find a way for his starters to complement each other in their half-court sets. Utah’s success this year will depend on how it all shakes out.

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