Predicting Jazz's Second Leading Scorer in 2023-24

The dog days of the NBA summer are upon us, and unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of fresh Utah Jazz news to talk about. There are still some league-wide issues, namely the Damian Lillard trade saga, that the Jazz could realistically still be involved in before the 2023-24 NBA season starts up again in early October. 

On top of that, Lauri Markkanen (Finland), Walker Kessler (USA), Jordan Clarkson (Philippines), Kelly Olynyk (Canada), and Simone Fontecchio (Italy) will represent their respective countries at the 2023 FIBA World Cup from August 25 to September 10.

Looking forward to the coming season, the Jazz are looking to make a jump back into the playoff picture. To do so, one question needs to be answered: Who will establish themselves as the Jazz second best player? 

Markkanen is entrenched as the Jazz's clear-cut No. 1 as he looks to build on the All-Star success he had last year. The answer to who No. 2 is, as well as the level to which that guy plays, will go a long way in determining how good the Jazz look next season.

Let's examine the players in the running to be Utah's bonafide No. 2.

Candidates: Kessler, Clarkson, Collin Sexton, and John Collins

Looking at last year's numbers, Kessler has as good an argument as anyone. The shot-blocking fiend is able to excel in his role and should come into the season with plenty of confidence. 

Despite just turning 22 years old, Kessler is already one of the best rim deterrents in the world. He finished No. 4 in blocks per game last season despite only playing 23 minutes per night. 

To go along with the raw numbers, Kessler was an advanced stat darling during his rookie year. Similar to former Jazzman Rudy Gobert, the Jazz are better with Kessler’s defensive presence and highly efficient low-usage scoring on the court.

Clarkson and Sexton will both be in the running to be the second leading scorer on the team. Sexton, especially, could make a run if his playmaking skills continue to progress. Both of these players would have to make an unforeseen leap defensively to eclipse the other candidates.

Now to Collins — Utah's big offseason acquisition. In 165 games from 2018-2021, Collins averaged 19.3 points, nine rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1 block per game on 56.5% shooting from the floor and 38.4% from deep. Those numbers have declined, culminating in a rough 2022-23 season, but the arrow is pointing toward a bounce-back campaign for the soon-to-be 26-year-old.

The Atlanta Hawks relegating Collins to the corner to watch Trae Young pound the rock into the floor was certainly not the path for maximizing his skill set. Contrary to that, Jazz coach Will Hardy revealed multiple examples of his ability to maximize his players last year. 

If Hardy is able to do the same with Collins, we could not only see him seizing the mantle of Utah’s second-best player but also forming one of the most formidable frontcourts in the league alongside Markkanen and Kessler. Given his previous success mixed with a fresh new start, I'm extremely bullish on Collins.

No. 2 Prediction: Collins

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