Former Coach Reveals True Reason for Jazz's Epic Turnaround

The Utah Jazz have won six straight games, and there may be enough of a sample size to say that this hot streak could have some staying power. So, what’s the No. 1 reason for Utah’s turnaround? 

The subject came up when ex-Jazz assistant coach Gordie Chiesa joined The Bill Riley Show on ESPN 700.

“Oh, Coliin Sexton, absolutely. Sexton reminds me of half of Lou Williams and half of Jamal Crawford. That guy has played sensational. He’s a fearless shot taker and also shot maker. By him starting—the Jazz are 15-3 since Collin Sexton has been in the starting lineup. He's scored 19 points in six straight games, but it’s when he gets them. He’s a 6-foot-1 guard—he’s not a point guard, he’s not a shooting guard—he’s a guard. It’s very hard to stay in front of him and he has a lot of stuff to his game.”

An argument can be made that Sexton’s emergence has spearheaded Utah’s turnaround. However, Jazz fans shouldn’t be overly surprised that Sexton is putting up huge numbers.

The former lottery pick has averaged over 20 points twice over the course of a season and has always been an efficient scorer. He’s a career 46.6 % shooter from the field and 37.9% from long distance. 

Injuries have held him back since coming to Utah, but so far, so good this season. Sexton is one of only two Jazz players who have logged minutes in all 42 games this season.

The domino effect of plugging Sexton in as the starter is being able to move Jordan Clarkson to Utah’s sixth man. It’s a role he’s very familiar with and has thrived thus far. Utah is 9-2 when using Clarkson as a reserve.

So, how does Sexton’s play on the court change Utah’s outlook moving forward? Without question, it narrows Utah’s needs down regarding trading for an All-Star talent to pair up with Lauri Markkanen.  

To start the season, it looked like Utah’s biggest needs were in its backcourt. With Sexton and possibly Keyonte George now being pegged as future starters, the Jazz can switch gears and focus on upgrading the small forward position. 

With Markkanen being penciled in as a power forward, the Jazz could certainly use an upgrade from current starter Simone Fontecchio. Ochai Agbaji is the only other candidate who could step in to start, but his development this year isn’t raising any eyebrows at Jazz HQ.

Expect Jazz CEO Danny Ainge to be patient if they decide to upgrade. With how Utah is playing, it’s not out of the question that they’ll be buyers with the trade deadline quickly approaching, but making a trade this summer is more likely if an all-in move is in the cards.

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