Jazz Insider Predicts Starting Five to Open the Season
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The predictions on which Utah Jazz players will be starting to begin the season continue to trickle in with less than one week before training camp. The latest comes from former Jazz assistant coach Gordon Chiesa, who thinks Collin Sexton will be the starting point guard to begin the season.
Chiesa shared his thoughts on ESPN's 700 The Bill Riley Show.
“It will be Sexton as far as getting the start and then Kris Dunn playing off the bench,” Chiesa told Riley. “You know, Sexton played well last year. However, Sexton missed 34 games. So, it’s almost like out of sight and out of mind, but Billy — he shot from the floor last year 50.6% and averaged 14.3 ppg.”
From this point of view, Sexton doesn’t make much sense starting at the point guard position. Although it’s not a foregone conclusion, Jordan Clarkson has the inside track of being Utah’s starting shooting guard. Beginning the game with both players on the court feels counterintuitive.
Aligning Clarkson and Sexton’s minutes with the other team's best offensive players could be a disaster for Utah on the defensive side of the ball. Both players excel at creating their offense in half-court sets but offer little resistance on defense.
Last year, opposing guards feasted on Sexton, Clarkson, and Mike Conley before the All-Star break. Deja vu could be around the corner if Jazz head coach Will Hardy decides to take that path.
Also, pairing two ball-dominant players with similar skill sets might not be the most efficient way to run a half-court offense. 2022 lottery pick Ochai Agbaji might make more sense to play with Clarkson or Sexton due to his ability to contribute away from the ball and the length he offers on defense.
Chiesa didn’t stop at his projected starting backcourt. Later in the conversation, he pivoted to what he believes should be the starting five when the Jazz start the season versus the Sacramento Kings on October 19.
“The Jazz starting lineup should be Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and Walker Kessler,” Chiesa said.
Jazz fans will find out soon, with training camp starting on October 3.
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