The Utah Jazz were down a starter after 2023 No. 9 pick Taylor Hendricks broke his leg during their loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Cody Williams, who the Jazz selected 10th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, was figured to be his most apt replacement. What was not expected was for Utah to promote Jordan Clarkson to the starting lineup, benching Collin Sexton in the process.
That type of tanking maneuver needs to be adopted by United States military.
Jazz Bench Star Collin Sexton In Bizarre Coaching Decision
Sexton has been the Jazz’s most steady guard since last season. This season, he has averaged 17.0 points in 24.3 minutes per game, while only taking 10.7 field goal attempts per game. He’s shot 55.6 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three-point range.
Among the Jazz players, his scoring average ranks second, his field goal percentage ranks third, and his three-point percentage rank third. Yet, he averages the sixth-most minutes and takes the fifth-most shot attempts. It’s not even as if he’s an unknown commodity, as he averaged 21.1 points and 5.6 assists per game as a starter last season (51 games).
To say that Jazz head coach Will Hardy’s decision-making in regard to Sexton defies logic would be putting it kindly. In fact, the fact that he has more faith in Clarkson and Keyonte George than Sexton is concerning.
George, the 16th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is still wet behind the ears.
Yet, he plays with a level of confidence that doesn’t match his output. As a result, he’s averaged 13.0 points per game on 38.5 percent shooting from the field and 33.0 percent shooting from three in his short career. This season, he’s converted just 27.1 percent of his shot attempts. When factoring in George’s inconsistent defensive effort, it’s a wonder why Hardy rolled out the carpet for him.
Clarkson, a career sixth man, hasn’t been much better. Over the past two seasons, he’s averaged 16.9 points per game on 41.1 percent shooting from the field and 29.0 percent shooting from three. Like George and even Sexton, he plays the game with a brash confidence. However, his inefficiency —largely a byproduct of his streakiness —is why he needs to reel it in more.
Should Collin Sexton Request A Trade?
Frankly, it’s a wonder why Sexton hasn’t requested a trade yet. He’s the type of player who puts his head down and just goes to work. Still, it seems like the Jazz are yanking him around. Instead of rewarding him for his play, they’re limiting his opportunities instead of increasing them. In the process, they’re affecting his trade and free market value.
Maybe it’s by coincidence. Still, it seems like a way to make sure Sexton is forced to stay with the franchise on a bargain. With the restructuring of the CBA, maybe teams are willing to go to those lengths.
Hopefully, it’s less nefarious than that, and the Jazz just aren’t trying their best to win. To that point, Duke freshman Cooper Flagg —projected 2025 No. 1 pick —seems like everything Hardy wants in a player. With that being said, trading Sexton would help them lose enough to win the Flagg sweepstakes.
