Jazz’s coach enters the COVID-19 Protocols! Ingles, Gobert, Donovan, House Jr., and Jensen (assistant coach) are all out. Now add Utah Jazz’s head coach, Quin Snyder, to that list. While he isn’t injured, he has been added to the Health and Safety Protocols.
Two coaches and four players out for the time being; what are the odds that one of the best teams in the league can soon be turned into one of the most declining teams due to injuries/COVID? Sadly, for Utah, they are one of them.
While they rank fourth in the Western Conference, Utah has lost eleven out of their last thirteen games. Injuries have forced them to choke games and suffer brutally at the hands of their merciless opponents.
Currently the Jazz have the record of 30-21, not bad but they need to start winning again. That is a must as they need to desperately break the losing streak they have currently, losing five straight is crushing. They have been 2-8 in their past ten games. Wednesday is the next scheduled game they have against the Nuggets at home.
According to Marc Stein, despite the rumors of a potential buyout, Kevin Love is set to participate in training camp. Camp is slated to begin next week.
A potential buyout isn’t expected to happen until a legitimate playoff contender shows interest in the veteran forward.
Since the 37-year-old is below the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, any team can sign him following his future buyout. He makes $4.15 million exactly for the upcoming season.
Last season, fans saw Love only appear in 23 games for the Miami Heat. Following the 2021-22 season, his production and game appearances dramatically dipped off.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, confirmed by the Utah Jazz, head coach Will Hardy will remain with the organization for the foreseeable future after signing a new contract.
Hardy’s extension will last for six years, which is a positive sign for the direction of the team. In his first three years as the Jazz’s coach, he has made a positive impact on the team, including putting them in a position to fight for the postseason in his first two seasons.
However, Utah has decided to go down the rebuilding route, and force the team to tank for better draft positioning. With Utah doing that, there is no blame put on Hardy for their lackluster seasons.
“I’m humbled and honored,” Hardy said. “This is an incredible franchise. To be able to be committed to the next phase of our process is hard to explain. Moments like this are very surreal. I’m so excited.”
The NBA is five days from the trade deadline, and fans saw the first official trade of the countdown period Saturday morning.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Clippers have traded PJ Tucker, Mo Bamba, a future second-round pick, and cash to the Utah Jazz.
The Jazz will give L.A. Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills. Tucker hasn’t played a single minute this season due to both sides’ agreement to look for a new team.
By accepting this deal, Los Angeles brings themselves below the luxury tax. To be exact, about $4 million below the tax. Even better, it allows them to enter the buyout market for another trade.