Episode description

David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, alongside Ron Boone and ESPN's Kevin Pelton, dissect the Utah Jazz's nail-biting 122-120 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The trio analyzes Scoot Henderson's game-winning buzzer-beater, Walker Kessler's impressive defensive performance, and the Jazz's remarkable 21-of-42 three-point shooting. They explore the development of young players like Isaiah Collier and the impact of role players Drew Eubanks and Johnny Juzang.

The discussion shifts to evaluating Walker Kessler's defensive prowess, debating his potential as a top-15 defender in the NBA. The panel introduces the concept of "reliability pluses," highlighting consistent performers like Kessler, Lauri Markkanen, and Johnny Juzang. David Locke emphasizes the importance of player development and team camaraderie, noting the Jazz's resilience throughout their recent road trip. The episode concludes with insights on the abundance of talent in the league, even among minimum-contract players.