{"id":593344,"date":"2026-02-09T22:11:27","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T22:11:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/593344\/"},"modified":"2026-02-09T22:11:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T22:11:27","slug":"rival-exec-comes-to-jazzs-defense-for-jaren-jackson-jr-lauri-markkanen-tanking-maneuver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/593344\/","title":{"rendered":"Rival exec comes to Jazz\u2019s defense for Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen tanking maneuver"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rival exec comes to Jazz\u2019s defense for Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen tanking maneuver<\/a> appeared first on ClutchPoints<\/a>. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Utah Jazz\u2019s trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. surprised many<\/a> fans for a team with a fringe All-Star in Lauri Markkanen<\/a>, and the third-worst record in the Western Conference. Still, the Jazz reportedly hope to land one of the better odds for the number one pick in this year\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n

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However, as one NBA executive pointed out, the Jazz still played all of their players<\/a> in Saturday\u2019s 120-117 loss to the Orlando Magic, per insider Marc Stein\u2019s The Stein Line.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey played all those players against Orlando. They didn\u2019t just sit everybody,\u201d the NBA executive said. \u201cYou can\u2019t tell a team how to use their guys during a game.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Jazz have secured their frontcourt for the future in their dynamic duo of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen. With both players signed through at least 2028-29, the two-time All-Star and All-Defensive forward gives Markkanen, a 2023 All-Star and 20+ point scoring seven-footer, one of the league\u2019s better defensive forward in the NBA.<\/p>\n

Jackson Jr., a two-time league-leader in blocks, had averaged 19.2 points on 47.5% shooting, 5.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks this season for the Memphis Grizzlies. He finished with 22 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals in his Jazz debut. Markkanen led with 27 points, seven rebounds, and one block.<\/p>\n

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The Jazz have the sixth-best odds to land the number one pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n

Jaren Jackson Jr.\u2019s message to Jazz fans\"Mike<\/p>\n

Mike Watters-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Former Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. addressed Jazz fans after his trade<\/a> ahead of last week\u2019s deadline was official. Jackson Jr. expressed his excitement in a video<\/a> he posted on social media.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat up, Jazz fans,\u201d said Jackson. \u201cI\u2019m here. Take note. I\u2019m excited to be here. Feels great. About to get some stuff done, but I\u2019ll be clocking in real soon. Appreciate ya\u2019ll.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Jazz will continue their four-game road trip against the Heat on Monday.<\/p>\n

Related: 3 best Lonzo Ball destinations after Cavs dump him to Jazz to be waived<\/a><\/p>\n

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Related: Jazz star Keyonte George exits Magic game with ankle injury<\/a><\/p>\n